Anybody that was alive in the 90’s remembers Sister Act as a classic movie, and probably has all the songs memorized, able to sing them with their voice tied behind their back. Those people cringed when Sister Mary Patrick belted out a high note and cheered when Sister Mary Roberts finally sang above a whisper. Perhaps they even rolled their eyes when the Mother Superior gave Sister Mary Clarence a stern tongue-lashing with her pursed lips that looked so much like a cat’s butt-hole. The original Sister Act movie is one of those that you can watch again and again without getting bored, so my concern about seeing the play live involved whether or not it would live up to its counterpart film.
Sister Act on Broadway is an unexpected but welcome departure from the movies. Seeing the characters you loved as a child brought to life in a new way is refreshing and there were more than a few moments where I laughed out loud. Just so you are up to speed, the storyline involves a down-on-her-luck showgirl who witnesses a murder and is swept away under witness protection to hide out in a convent. Once there, she uses her musical talents to transform the choir into something else entirely.
Patina Miller, who plays Sister Mary Clarence/Deloris Van Cartier (Like the Diamonds) shines in the lead role and brings it a soft edge that Whoopi Goldberg never did. Played against the disapproving Mother Superior (Victoria Clark) the duo create a snarky back and forth that is both entertaining to watch and at times, heartwarming.
The biggest treat with Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy comes with the supporting characters. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but just suffice it to say that the three sisters that stand behind Mary Clarence and the three goons that try to track her down are some of the most memorable characters with the most hilarious lines. If I were capable of blushing, there were several moments when I would have. Unfortunately I have seen too many things. Things that would keep you awake at night.
I was impressed at how many ways they were able to transform a simple nun’s habit into an spectacular outfit that a drag queen would be proud to trot around in on a 4ftx4ft stage. There is something about seeing nuns decked out in sequins dancing around under stained glass lights and disco-balls that at times seems wrong, but feels incredibly right.
The bottom line is that I went in expecting to see some of the classic songs that I know and love, but was pleasantly surprised that Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy took the story to another level and added comedic nuances that created an entirely different and worthwhile experience.
Seeing Sister Act on Broadway made me want to witness a murder so I could hide out in a convent and wear sequined black robes. Creating that desire in a sinner like me is quite an accomplishment.
