On Wednesday night, Perth’s Crown Theatre said its prayers and renounced its hedonist ways for the opening night of Sister Act the Musical. While Whoopi Goldberg made the singing nun iconic in the 1992 film, the stage version features all-new original music and a fresh take on the story. This is the show’s first visit to Australia, with Perth as its final stop. And it’s sure to go out with a bang.
The incredible Casey Donovan stars as Deloris van Cartier, a singer from Philadelphia who accidentally witnesses her gangster boyfriend commit murder. To protect herself she hides in a convent, pretending to be a nun, and turns Catholicism upside-down on the way. This might seem a very dark way to start a musical comedy, but even the murder scene is treated with humour and the whole show is funny and heartwarming.
Morgan Large’s sets are breathtaking. The cityscape appears in stylised photos of high-rise buildings merged with graffiti, conveying the glitz and glam of Deloris’ life in the city. In contrast, the convent is dark and lit from off-stage, with incredibly detailed stonework in the pillars that look real.
A tromp l’oeil gives the impression of great depth and height, and every set piece is a delight to behold. Deloris’s presence in the convent slowly brings more light into the space, both metaphorically and literally. There are gorgeous stained-glass windows circling the proscenium arch that add to the holy atmosphere. They occasionally light up too with a bit of disco flair.
Casey Donovan, much like her character, commands the stage every time she steps onto it. Her wit, charisma, and fancy footwork as Deloris shine almost as much as her purple sequinned dress. And that’s without even mentioning her jaw-dropping vocal abilities. I could listen to her sing for days.
Speaking of the purple sequins, every costume is unique and quirky, and really leans into the weirdness of the 70s. The gangster outfits are loud and ridiculous, as they should be, and the singers’ dresses are stunning. There are quite a few visual gags built into the clothing. There is one incredibly well-timed costume change that had us cheering.
The nuns of the Convent of Perpetual Sorrow are silly, funny, and adorable, with great dance moves. Genevieve Lemon as the Mother Superior has excellent rapport with Casey’s Deloris. A wolf whistle from the audience on opening night was handled with wit and style.
Sophie Montague stands out as Sister Mary Robert, the postulant who has not yet committed to her life as a nun. Sophie’s stunning voice, comedic skill, and talent for tugging on our heartstrings are a joy to experience. This truly is a cast packed with talent.
Raphael Wong nails the balance of comedy and emotion as the police officer Eddie Souther. His musical number ‘I Could Be That Guy’ is simultaneously adorable, heartbreaking, awe-inspiring, and hilarious. Raphael’s Eddie is a sweetheart with big dreams and he has the entire audience in his corner.
The three gangsters who are tasked with tracking down Deloris are a surprising highlight of the show. They include James Bell as the unhinged TJ, Jordan Angelides as the intense Pablo, and Tom Struik as the creep Joey. Together the trio had us in stitches in their song ‘Lady In The Long Black Dress.’ When showing off their seduction techniques they hold nothing back. Their over-the-top weirdness is ridiculous to the point of absurdity, and all the more fun for it.
Get thee to a nunnery to laugh, cry, and dance your heart out at the divine performances in Sister Act, a heartwarming musical comedy that’s truly heaven-sent.
Sister Act The Musical runs for four weeks until 28 May at Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood WA 6100.
Tickets: https://sisteractthemusical.com.au/tickets/perth/
Website: https://sisteractthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sisteractmusicalau/
Photo credits: Daniel Boud
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