Sister Act the Musical

November 25th, 2006
Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena
Musical

(photos by Craig Schwartz)

Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa in the Cosby spinoff, A Different World, and also the upcoming Dreamgirls movie) plays Delores (Whoopie's role)
Elizabeth Ward Land as Mother Superior.
Amy K. Murray as Sister Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy's role)
and Beth Malone as Sister Mary Robert

Strong voices over-all, colorful fun costumes, humor and decent music. It was musically exactly what I thought we'd find from composer Alan Menken (Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin); and the lyrics by lyricist Glenn Slater were fun and clever, even if we expected all the religious and catholic puns. The set is typically representational if not minimal (common on Broadway in the last decade) so it didn't bother me.

"Lady in the Long Black Dress" was a hilarious number, and we also loved "How I Got the Calling," "Raise Your Voice," and the Reverend Mother's 11th hour solo, "I Haven't Got a Prayer." Elizabeth Ward Land's voice is both matronly when it needs to be and soaringly clear and strong throughout. I was ready to doubt, because how can anyone replace Maggie Smith? Amy K. Murray recreated Kathy Najimy's role of Sister Mary Patrick, and added her own bubbly charm. Beth Malone, very strong, reminded me a bit of Sutton Foster, very nice, and Dawnn Lewis surprised both of us with a strong performance that reminded me a bit of Sheryl Lee Ralph. I've heard other reviews early on that reviewed the rough spots. But this is why B & I usually do not go to a production in the early weeks. I'd rather see them in their comfort zone.

We thought they should have moved Sweaty Eddie's song to the hotel scene, and had him sing it to Delores. It came way too early, before you got a chance to care about any sort of future for the both of them. And frankly, the song could have used some sparks between the two of them to liven it up.

The production is very faithful to the movie, so if you loved the movie, you'll likely love this. It's not meant to be Sondheim. It's clearly meant to be a faithful representation of the movie. I'd compare it to "Hairspray."

Simply put, we had fun, laughed, and enjoyed the music. For me, the voices, the melodies and lush harmony and strength in ensembles is what I look forward to in an evening of good theatre. It could use some tightening, and when I talked to an usherette, she said they'd already cut things to shorten it. I expect that anyway when I go to see a production that is "trying out" before headed to Broadway. It's headed to Atlanta next before The Big Apple. See it if you want an evening of fun! We were entertained and the voices were decent.