Fabulous, Baby!

Sister Act

Dreaming of fame, fortune and phenomenal stardom is the attractive and audacious Deloris Van Cartier. The charismatic protagonist of this musical is a flamboyant Philadelphia nightclub singer. Deloris is hoping, as she auditions her hit, “Take Me to Heaven,” that her smarmy gangster boyfriend and discotheque director, Curtis Jackson, will make that happen. But when Deloris accidentally witnesses Curtis and his posse of thugs offing a guy who squealed on him, suddenly her life is in danger. Led by Deloris’ old high school buddy, the sweet-natured “Sweaty Eddie,” the Philly Police decide that the best place for Lady Fabulous to safely hide is in a convent. And thus this moving story of friendship, sisterhood and becoming “Fabulous, Baby!” begins.

SISTER ACT brings to mind images of Whoopi Goldberg and Dame Maggie Smith, the stars of the popular 1992 film on which this musical is based. That movie remains one of the funniest and most financially successful films of the 20th century, even inspiring a “Sister Act 2.” These days theatergoers have become familiar with so many screen-to-stage transferals. Contemporary audiences may be either skeptical of yet another theatrical musical based on a movie, or they’ll be panting with anticipation at seeing their favorite comedy, embellished with new music and live on stage. And while this joyful new presentation doesn’t sparkle quite as much as the original Broadway production, and doesn’t offer the star power of Whoopi Goldberg, the production is still quite heavenly. 

Deloris Van Cartier, the talented, likable 70’s nightclub singer who hides out, disguised as a new nun named Sister Mary Clarence, is in the very capable hands of a gloriously gifted young actress/vocalist. With a vast resume as a testament to her prowess, Rae Davenport delightfully dazzles and lights up the stage with her smile and voice. Ms. Davenport’s credits include the Off-Broadway production of TITANIQUE, the National Tour of PRETTY WOMAN and appearances in regional productions of THE WIZ and THE LITTLE MERMAID. With plenty of pizz-zazz, Rae Davenport sparkles as she leads the company in captivating, toe-tapping, hand-clapping tunes that soar to the rafters, such as “Raise Your Voice,” “Sunday Morning Fever” and the show-stopping finale, “Spread the Love Around.” 

As the costar of this production, Michelle Duffy makes a magnificent Mother Superior. Returning to Drury Lane 30 years after she had leading roles in shows like GREASE, WEST SIDE STORY and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Ms. Duffy recently appeared in COME FROM AWAY at Paramount Theatre. As the spiritual leader of Philadelphia’s Catholic Convent, Michelle Duffy portrays a Mother Superior who’s a far more down-to-earth nun. She’s a woman desperate to protect both her church and her sisters, while frustrated at having to house a bodacious nightclub singer. She sings of her beliefs in “Here Within These Walls,” a lovely duet with Deloris. After conversing, both with God and Monsignor O’Hara (hilariously played by Lorenzo Rush, Jr.), Ms. Duffy expresses her disgruntlement in a magnificent musical soliloquy, “Haven’t Got a Prayer.” Eventually she realizes how Sister Mary Clarence has truly become a caring member of the convent, and the two women come to understand and appreciate each other.

The message of this musical is the faith to believe in ourselves. It urges theatergoers to follow their dreams, while the show also reminds us that a person’s family can also be one’s chosen group of people. Director E. Faye Butler says of her holiday production, now playing at Drury Lane Theatre, that “It’s a party! And we could use a good party right now.” And party it is, with almost every song made even more special by the vocal backup provided by an ensemble of truly talented nuns, thanks to Music Director David Fiorello. The rousing score is a tribute to the creativity of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Here, every number becomes even more delectable through Kenny Ingram’s near-perfect 70’s choreography.

The winsome Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith include the wonderful Meg Thalken, Rachel Carreras, Christina Mayland Perkins and the always fantastic Kelly Anne Clark. The sisters’ ensemble is filled out by Aurora Boe and Kayla Shipman. Amanda Walker’s sweetly angelic young Sister Mary Robert begins the musical as a shy, insecure postulant; but eventually the naive young woman finds her own voice, thanks to Deloris. In the second Act Ms. Walker makes the votives vibrate with her soul-searching solo, “The Life I Never Led.”

Newcomer to Chicago Theatre and Drury Lane is Lawrence Flowers as “Sweaty Eddie” Souther. He’s Deloris’ handsome, shy and big-hearted policeman protector and former high school crush, a sweet, genuine and earnest young man. Mr. Lawrence enumerates a lengthy resume of impressive roles, including the Tinman in THE WIZ, Jimmy Early in DREAMGIRLS and Harpo in THE COLOR PURPLE. His humorous and heartfelt “I Could Be That Guy,” is at first sung with tenderness, supported by a talented backup group. Then the number evolves into a delightfully jaw-dropping, sexy, reverse striptease that draws cheers from the audience, with special kudos going to Costume Designer, Leon Dobkowski for his magical quick change garments. The multitalented Kelvin Roston, Jr. is appropriately pushy and villainous as mob boss and Deloris’ boyfriend, Curtis. He’s hilariously supported by his talented, but dim-witted thugs: Jonah D. Winston, Trey DeLuna and Richaun Stewart.

Supported by a simple ecclesiastical scenic design of multiple movable Gothic arches (by Sim Carpenter), Lighting that’s alternately flashy disco and shadowy candlelight (by Sherrice Mojgani) and an array of creative and colorful 1970’s Costumes (Leon Dubkowski) and Wigs (Kevin Foster), the show turns into a resplendent communion of radiant talent. The pit orchestra, Conducted by keyboardist Christ Sargent (who also has a cameo as the Pope), features 7 gifted musicians, all of whom fill Drury Lane with Alan Menken’s beautiful, bouncy score.

SISTER ACT is an old-fashioned musical that doesn’t break any new ground. But Drury Lane’s production is warm, humorous and big-hearted. The show is also a celebration of seeing the world through the eyes and experiences of others. The musical’s a solid tribute to the deep sisterhood and girl power inherent in true friendship. E. Faye Butler’s production sparkles with laughs, offers great music, plenty of heart and a whole lot of soul. An affable cast led by Rae Davenport, Michelle Duffy and Lawrence Flowers join together to “Spread the Love Around” in a musical comedy that’s fantastically “Fabulous, Baby!”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 12-January 11 by Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.