Sister Act review: heavenly musical opens at Crown Theatre Perth with Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier

Perth audiences don’t need a conclave to elect Sister Act as the most joyous, heaven-sent musical in town. While a college of cardinals currently choose their next leader of the Roman Catholic Church, a sisterhood of pure musical theatre talent is sending out its own smokin’ hot black and white signals as the Australian production officially opened its Crown Theatre Perth season on April 30. Based on the iconic 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg — a producer on the original 2009 West End show — Sister Act is an emotionally uplifting theatrical experience as it follows the journey of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier in 1970s Philadelphia. After witnessing a murder, the singer is placed under protective custody and hidden in a convent where she not only helps her struggling sisters turn into a disco queen of angels choir, but happens to rediscover her own voice along the way. More than 20 years after her Australian Idol win, Casey Donovan’s foray into musical theatre in 2010 sees the powerhouse vocalist more than prepared for the biggest role of her career yet leading the cast as Van Cartier. Just like the sassy and confident character she portrays, Donovan is “meant to be where the spotlight shines” and her star quality dazzles as she commands the stage with heart and humour. Stage stalwarts Genevieve Lemon as Mother Superior and Rhonda Burchmore as choir leader Sister Mary Lazarus are also a true blessing in their casting, along with the rest of this divine ensemble, each with their own memorable moments. Replacing the film’s iconic songs is original music by Tony and Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Aladdin) and lyricist Glenn Slater who have taken inspiration from 70s disco, soul and Motown. Despite its potential to jar unsuspecting audience members waiting for the likes of songs I Will Follow Him and Hail Holy Queen, these newer numbers give the live performance more depth, adhering to the crucial musical theatre form of communication by acting through song, singing what you would not speak. Songs range from the gloriously up tempo Take Me To Heaven and empowering Fabulous, Baby! to the inspiring Raise Your Voice and exuberant finale, Spread The Love Around. Donovan’s performance of title song Sister Act is particularly poignant, while Burchmore delights as she breaks out her boogie rap. Morgan Large’s costume designs burst with the fashion of the era from platforms and flares to wide lapels and sequins galore, as the show progresses through a relatively simple set design of conservative cloisters, stained-glass church windows and an abundance of disco balls. Whether you are in the habit of heading to live musical theatre or not, Sister Act is a superb congregational calling worth answering while wearing your Sunday best. 4 stars Sister Act is at Crown Theatre Perth until May 25.

Sister Act review: heavenly musical opens at Crown Theatre Perth with Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier

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