The first thing to realise about Sister Act the musical, is that all that you know from the two films is wrong – well, as far as the music is concerned anyway. Due to copyright issues, the musical has its own soundtrack, and what an amazing soundtrack it is. Composed by Alan Menken & Glenn Slatter, the geniuses behind some of Disney’s modern greats like The Little Mermaid, Enchanted, and the sequel to Phantom of the Opera, Love never dies. The music and sound of Sister Act will move you like no other musical can. Packed with the sound of Philadelphia, Motown, funk, soul and disco it’s a blast from start to finish.
If you’ve never seen the film, here’s brief synopsis from their website;
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun she makes the wrong impression on the convent’s strict Mother Superior. But when she transforms the convent’s choir into the most glorious new musical act in town, Deloris forms a lasting bond with her new-found friends and the gang that’s chasing her finds itself up against an unstoppable team of soulful sisters!
Featuring a cast of well known names from musical theatre, and soap stars Michael Starke (Sinbad from Brookie), and Denise Black (Denise Osbourne in Corrie), and in the lead role Cynthia Erivo, who’s voice is, to put it in context, heavenly. She reminds me of Lauren Hill, who of course appeared in the second Sister Act movie, plus was a huge worldwide star with the Fugees. Her voice is stunning. Other notable performances go to Julie Atherton as Sister Mary Robert. If you know the film, you’ll know her character is quite quiet, but builds. And her voice carried brilliantly around the auditorium of the Wales Millennium Centre.
Whatever religion you believe in (or don’t). Spending two and a half hours with these heavenly voices will leave you praying for more. It’s a sin if you don’t come and see it, just don’t worry if you’ve got any dirty habits .
Sister Act The Musical plays at the Wales Millenium Centre until 4th August, then continues its UK tour, more details here