Well, hallelujah (sorry), "Sister Act" is a raise-the-roof, heart-warming, fast, funny and rousing production with a cast musical fans dream of.
The stage production is based on the popular Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name.
The two share the basic tale, with this version starting low-key and building to the "grand."
The basics, aspiring club singer Deloris witnesses her mob boyfriend commit murder and goes on the lam. Eddie Souther, former classmate, now policeman, tucks her away in a convent at a failing parish. There, Deloris butts heads with the strict and overprotective Mother Superior.
Deloris is put in charge of the abysmal sisters' choir. Eventually they teach Deloris friendship, and she teaches them soul.
What it doesn't have is the neighborhood jaunts and the movie's score. The stage version, with book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, features original tunes, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater.
The music is largely toe-tapping funk, reflecting the new 1970s setting, with lots of hip-swaying opportunity.
Director and choreographer Joe Meallo and assistant director Ashley Kelley nail this show. It's a perfect blend of muscle and heart with a strong dose of spectacle, all beautifully balanced. The characters' personas are heavenly, and the directors judiciously lean into that for their humor.
Movement is what it should be in each scene, warm and intimate, wild and silly. Meallo's choreography is colorful, eye-pleasing and interesting.
Lencia Kebede as Deloris doesn't play it as Whoopi, but instead makes her own mark on the character. This Delores is less brash, volatile and broad. But she's bold and sassy, and constructs a funny and authentic character. And then there is Kebede's stellar voice, reason enough to buy a ticket.
Jennifer Henry is every bit Mother Superior in a fully gratifying performance that may top all others by this fine actress. The delivery of her musical numbers, starting with "Here Within These Walls," are spot-on, and at times quite moving.
The nuns collectively fill the theater with powerhouse energy. As individuals, none try to steal a scene, but scene-steal they do, and often.
Jennifer Sue Mallard as the giddy, endearing Sister Mary Patrick once again proves herself one of the region's top comedic actresses. She nails this role; the performance hilarious, the vocals impeccable. You just want to take this Sister home!
Erica Skoglund steps out from behind the pink bear (her usual stage companion) and creates a most memorable Sister Mary Lazarus. Skoglund's Lazurus is spicy, fiesty, acerbic and simply hilarious. And then there's that singing voice, borrowed from some little furry critter in a Disney film – it's a show highlight.
Chelsea Herman moves effortlessly and naturally through novice Sister Mary Robert's arc – adorable to scrappy – with conviction and charm.
Michael Towle gives an outstanding performance as Curtis the gangster, the accent, vocal delivery and body language are a delight as is his singing voice.
And the riches continue with this perfectly cast crew. There's Paul Strand as Monsignor O'Hara and Eddie Souther as the geeky, helpful, kind-hearted policeman (with a lovely voice) – on the mark.
Both Joshua Lapierre as gangster Pablo, and Jessica Miller as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, the (extra) screwball characters, are delicious.
And so it goes, every nun, back-up singer, gangster and altar boy – to a person – give it all. With strong collective voices and great foot work, they pump up the joy.
The supporting arts are perfection; set design by Patrick Dorow and Rachel Neubauer; costuming by John Saunders and lighting by Nate Sullivan and Meallo are equally impressive and bring a lot to the spectacular show.
The show's single drawback opening weekend was the music overpowering Delores' first few songs. It was adjusted by mid-act.
"Sister Act" is throughly enjoyable – a party in a play. It delivers a good time, big heart and broad smile. It also features a particularly talented cast that wields the raucous tunes with ease. Think of it as the great escape, and a show well worth your discretionary time.
Go & Do
What: "Sister Act" by Patrick Dorow Productions
Where: STAR Theatre, Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine
When: Through Feb. 4; 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m., Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m., Saturdays; noon and 5 p.m., Sundays
Tickets: $29.50 reserved seating; $25, seniors; $20, students
More info: Visit the box office at 170 West Road. Suite 15, Portsmouth; call (603) 294-9103 or visit www.patrickdorowproductions.com.