“The clashing of two worlds is so appealing in this musical,” said director/choreographer Chris Beiser. “Deloris has heart and a great voice but is put into a church setting, which is such a funny premise. Add the fact that she’s an African-American and the premise is even funnier.
But once Deloris gets into the church and takes the choir by storm it makes a huge statement — especially in today’s climate, considering some churches are becoming somewhat of an entertainment venue. The Mother Superior constantly wants to keep things the way they’ve always been, she wants a traditional Catholic service, but Deloris brings the outside world into the church (for the church’s benefit).”
MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: Katy Perry to kick off U.S. tour in Columbus
“The appeal is also nostalgia for the Whoopi Goldberg film,” added Mark Reuter, who portrays Monsignor O’Hara and memorably portrayed Jean Shepherd in La Comedia’s regional premiere of “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” “The nuns really make the show. When they come together to sing the many high energy numbers in Alan Menken’s score, it’s truly a treat.”
The disco/gospel/R&B/pop-driven score, paying homage to iconic groups of the era such as the O'Jays, Chi-Lites and the Bee Gees while also retaining Menken's signature Disney-infused sound, includes "Take Me To Heaven," "Fabulous, Baby!," "Here Within These Walls," "Raise Your Voice," "Sunday Morning Fever," "Bless Our Show," "The Life I Never Led" and the tender title song.
READ THIS NOW: 5 years of lessons in Dayton literature
“The music in this show is great,” Beiser said. “I love how Deloris takes what she knows, particularly ‘Take Me to Heaven,’ and teaches it to the nuns and the lyrics work exactly the same way in the church as it does in the outside world. It is wonderful writing. Overall, I think ‘Sister Act’ is one of the better examples of a movie-turned-musical. It’s so entertaining.”
"This show has the lesson of most musical comedies," echoed ensemble member David Thomas, seen earlier this season as Lancelot in the Dayton Playhouse's production of "Camelot."
“Following your dreams, working with what you have, and spreading love wherever you go. Every moment in the show feels like the cast is giving something for the audience to love. Whether it’s a well-timed comedic bit or romantic tension, the audiences are engaged throughout. As storytellers, I think that’s what we are meant to do and we’ve done it with this show.”
Want to go?
WHAT: "Sister Act"
WHERE: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Rt. 73, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
WHEN: Through June 18; Evening performances (arrival time 5:30-6 p.m.) and matinees (arrival time 10:30-11 a.m.)
COST: Adult tickets are $61-$75; Prices based on section/tiered seating.
TICKETS/MORE INFO: Call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505 or visit www.lacomedia.com
About the Author