The Mac-Haydn is back with their second production of the summer — the musical adaptation of Sister Act — and let me tell you, this show has it all. There’s disco! There’s gospel! There’s a couple of “bachelors” who deal in antiques looking to invest in real estate! Is there anything more “Hudson in the summertime” than that? I don’t think so!
Based on the hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this screwball comedy with a heart of gold centers around Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva who’s aspirations of fame take an unexpected turn after witnessing a murder. She’s placed under police protection disguised as a nun at a local Philadelphia convent, and what happens next is a wacky clash of cultures (from the club to the convent) and an uplifting exploration of connection, community, and finding a higher purpose.
From the moment the lights go up on the stage, Laiya Parker takes us to church as an irresistible Deloris Van Cartier. She’s equal parts silly, charming and sincere which makes her easy to cheer for as the action unfolds. Combined with her rich, soulful vocals, Parker carries the starring role effortlessly. Monica M. Wemitt as pious Mother Superior is the perfect comedic foil; quick witted with droll humor, she commands the stage as a seasoned professional. The ensemble of nuns are a hoot. Their character choices make them fun to watch even when they’re on the sidelines; including an effervescent Samantha Rhea Parrish as Sister Mary Patrick, a heartfelt Cydney Gleckner as Sister Mary Robert and Judith Wyatt as Sister Mary Lazarus who nails the comedic timing.
Curtis — played by last season’s Jersey Boy’s favorite, Taye Martin — and his gang of swaggering goons raise the stakes as the villains of the show, while looking GOOD in their bell bottom suits (shout out to Daniel Hewson for the fabulous 1970s costume design), and Josh Walker steals the show as policeman Eddie Souther. Josh’s performance of “I Could Be That Guy’ was a favorite musical number, in part because their character acting is so uninhibited — in moments goofy, tender, awkward, seductive — all the while making the audience feel like they’re in on a private joke.
There were dozens of moments throughout Sister Act that had the audience hollering, belly laughing and clapping along to the music, which is the pure expression of joy that I want in a summertime musical. It was palpable that everyone in the room was having fun — the actors, the audience, I imagine the live orchestra scoring the show. If you’re in a funk and want to lift your mood, get tickets. If you like soulful vocals and a groovy beat, get tickets. If you like big laughs and a little romance, get tickets.
The Mac-Haydn always puts on a good show, in my opinion, and this one is thoroughly entertaining. Like all of the productions in their summer season, Sister Act is going to go fast, so don’t sleep on tickets. It only has a three week run (through July 14th) including weekend matinees.
Adreanna Limbach
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