The Broadway hit “Sister Act” opened at the Benedum Center tonight in Pittsburgh – I’d never seen the movie so I wasn’t sure what to expect with the story line. Right from the start the singing caught my attention as the “wanna-be” star, Deloris Van Cartier (Ta’Rea Campbell) belted out her catchy “Take Me to Heaven” (I think I’ll be singing that one in my sleep tonite, can’t get it out of my head). Campbell reminded me so much of Jennifer Hudson, it was eerie. Her voice fit her personality and I enjoyed listening to her very much. To be honest, there were quite a lot of great voices in the show, more than average in my opinion. I had chills listening to Sweaty Eddie (E. Clayton Cornelious) in “I Could Be That Guy” …. what a voice and such clever choreography! I found myself lost in the show and didn’t realize how quickly the first hour passed, before we know it, it was intermission! The second half was equally as mesmerizing …. They had us belly laughing on many occasions, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that some parts almost felt “sacrilegious” to be laughing at, perhaps that is just a reflection of my own catholic background and personal guilt?
One of my favorite cast members would have to be Sister Mary Robert (Lael Van Keuren), she just had me in hysterics with her mannerisms and perky self – how does one have so much energy?? She actually comes directly from the original cast of Sister Act on Broadway – she was great! I think part of the reason I was so mesmerized with this performance was that so many of the characters were so believable, so real, that I felt the scenes were truly unfolding right before my eyes. For example, I would bet that Monsignor O’hara (Richard Prilitt) was the real deal …. So realistic in his portrayel, incredible! Last but not least, Mother Superior (Hollis Resnich) deserves a standing ovation for her role – truly, this cast was selected wisely and it shows!
So, this one was HIT in my book – if you can get past your own Catholic guilt on this one, it’s definitely worth it to hear the singing and to recive the message …. find your own voice!
