Audiences are being transported to Philadelphia and the Queen of Angels as the company perform their latest production – Sister Act The Musical.
Based on the hit 1990s film starring Whoopi Goldberg, the musical tells the story of singer Doris Van Cartier – played by Kirsty Docherty – who is forced into hiding after witnessing her boyfriend kill a man. For her own safety, the police hide her in a convent as a nun. However, Doris isn’t quite your usual nun material and the Mother Superior – Susan McFarlane – is let’s just say, not a fan.
The story takes us on a humorous journey as Deloris makes unusual friendships and unexpectedly helps to save the future of the church.
Kirsty Docherty plays Deloris’ larger than life character beautifully. On opening night, despite a technical issue with her mic during the opening number she carried on like a pro.
After a brief pause to fix the hitch, she returned to the stage to show the audience just what they hadn’t been able to hear – fantastic voice, terrific energy and a wonderful stage presence.
Susan McFarlane’s Mother Superior brought much laughter with her droll portrayal and perfect comic timing. Her performances of Here Within These Walls and I Haven’t Got a Prayer were heartfelt and showed off her vocals beautifully.
Andrew Tasker nailed the role of police officer Eddie and put in an emotional performance of I Could Be That Guy with a few surprises.
Gangster Curtis (Chris Cortopassi) commanded the stage and had a strong performance of When I Find My Baby, while his trio of goons – TJ (Steven Smith), Joey (Chris Hogg) and Pablo (Graham Breeze) – provided laughs throughout. The audience saw a different side to them when they performed Lady in the Long Black Dress.
The nuns were all exceptional with strong performances from Sister Mary Lazarus (Carol Sutherland), Sister Mary Patrick (Catriona Turk), Sister Mary Theresa (Elizabeth Donald) and the ever funny Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (Louise Stephenson).
Special mention for Sister Mary Robert, played delightfully by Gemma Anderson. She captured the young nun’s naivety brilliantly and her performance of The Life I Never Led was outstanding.
With Alan Menken’s terrific soundtrack to this musical, the company numbers were incredibly uplifting, full of joy and energy. The live band added another dimension to the show, and Liam McGrath’s choreography saw the nuns moving around the stage gloriously. With so much fun happening on stage during the likes of Raise Your Voice, Sunday Morning Fever and Spread the Love Around, it’s hard not to find your feet tapping and hands clapping.
This was a wonderfully upbeat and funny musical with some infectious tunes – a fantastic production. Kudos to director James Cassidy and musical director Jonny Graham. We challenge anyone watching this to leave without a smile on their face and a spring in their step.
Sister Act The Musical runs at the Dobbie Hall until Saturday, September 5.
Cast: Deloris Van Cartier – Kirsty Docherty; Mother Superior – Susan McFarlane; Sister Mary Robert – Gemma Anderson; Sister Mary Patrick – Catriona Turk; Sister Mary Lazarus – Carol Sutherland; Eddie – Andrew Tasker; Curtis – Chris Cortopassi; Monsignor O’Hara – Rob McDermott; Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours – Louise Stephenson; Sister Mary Theresa – Elizabeth Donald; TJ – Steven Smith; Joey – Chris Hogg; Pablo – Graham Breeze; Ernie – Robert Wardrop; Michelle – Lesley Kettles; Tina – Alanna White; Cop – Dylan Allison; Taxi Driver – Amy Sutherland; Waitress – Lisa Wright; Newscaster – Claire Wright; Dancers – Elaine Dawson, Jennifer Hughes, Emine Sirinoglu, Ingrid Hunter; Ensemble – Niamh Brooks, Sandra Byrne, Pauline Darnbrough, Kinga Madej, Catriona McPhail, Chloe Robertson, Pauline Robertson, Jennifer Petrie, Nicolas Waugh.
2. Sister Act
Kirsty Docherty took on the role of Deloris Van Cartier. Photo: Michael Gillen
3. Sister Act
A performance of 'Take Me To Heaven' that was full of energy. Photo: Michael Gillen
