More Cappies Reviews of Sister Act
November 18, 2016
What do you get when you cross body-rolling mobsters and enthusiastic nuns? A cheesy comedy from the 1990’s? Well yes, but it’s Notre Dame Preparatory School’s production of Bill and Cherie Steinkellner’s Sister Act, and it takes you to Heaven!
This hilarious musical captivates viewers and strings them along for one wild ride! The plot centers around the one and only Deloris Van Cartier (Mumbi Wainaina), a brash and vivacious performer, who is forced to take on a new identity as Sister Mary Clarence in order to escape the clutches of the nefarious Curtis Shank (Brad Sweigart). Though originally she sticks out like a sore thumb, Deloris finds new family in her company of sisters and not only changes the heart of the church, but changes the heart of them.
The undeniable effort that went into NDP’s Sister Act was evident in Rachel Wolniak, Katherine Battaglia, and Clare Boland’s aptly designed set, the lead actors and actresses’ charisma in performing, as well as a lively ensemble who performed with zest and pep. Each member of the cast contributed in creating a magical show with characters that were entertaining, enthralling and enamoring.
Playing as the spunky performer Deloris, Wainaina combined sassy playfulness with soul-laden vocals and executed a stunning performance of “Sister Act” that was not only expressively sung, but chilling to watch as well. Wainaina took command of the stage, and dazzled the audience (literally) with her fruity voice, along with her sequin pink top. As “Sweaty Eddie”, the nervous policeman with a heart of gold, Mark Sucoloski developed a charming character who captivated the audience with every entrance. In his enthralling performance of “I Could Be That Guy”, Sucolowski nailed his outrageous tenor notes while his character fantasizes about the life he desperately yearns to lead.
Leading the supporting cast was Maddie Saldana, playing the austere and pious Mother Superior, delivering superior performances anchored by a magnificent vocal range. Noelani Won as Mother Lazarus, as well as Alec Boorman as TJ, displayed hysterical physical comedy, delivering an abundance of laugh out loud moments. Many songs, such as “Raise Your Voice “, as well as “Take Me to Heaven (reprise)” were dominated by a sprightly ensemble effort that radiated energy and appeared to infect all other actors onstage.
Wolniak, Battaglia, and Boland created a wonderful and clever set that allotted for swift and smooth transitions, but also wonderfully set the tone of the scene, starring elements such as the effective and beautiful periacktoi. Kate Walsh’s lighting consistently accentuated the actors and provided ample aesthetic appeal to all scenes. NDP Costume Team did not disappoint and the delightful costumes were a crucial element in the plot of the musical and in establishing setting and mood.
In being a nun of the Queen of Angels Cathedral, Deloris did not simply revamp the soul of the nuns, but they also enlightened her with the values of a benevolent sisterhood, creating a performance that resonates joviality and pizzazz.
by Bella Martin of Dulaney
————————————————–
Put your hands together in praise for Notre Dame Preparatory School’s “Sister Act.” Be prepared to be swept away, as their performance will figuratively “Take You to Heaven.”
After witnessing a murder from her boyfriend, Delores Van Cartier is sent off to a convent for witness protection. Nun life doesn’t seem to suit her, though, so she brings her own style to the choir.
“Sister Act” sung by Mumbi Wainaina (Delores Van Cartier) brought chills to the audience as they saw her realize the bond she had created with the Sisters would never die, even if she did. Mark Sucoloski (Sweaty Eddie) saved the day with his timely appearance, overcoming his fear of guns to rescue Wainaina and the Queen Angel nuns from Brad Sweigart (Curtis). Wainaina and Sucoloski’s romance earned an “aww” as they kissed in celebration of their escape. The music was soulful and heartfelt and had the audience swaying and clapping along to the beat more than once.
The ensemble brought joy and life to the stage, led by Wainaina and Maddie Saldana (Mother Superior). The audience was left in hysterics after (the mobster trio)’s song “Lady in the Long Black Dress.” Character development really shined in “Raise Your Voice” as Wainaina brought the Queen Angel’s chorus to its feet.
Stage crew made scene changes fast, efficient, and subtle. No sound was heard from behind the scenes as they moved large set pieces behind closed curtains, or as they closed the traveler. The stained glass windows were lit nicely by lights, enhancing the church choir atmosphere.
Noelani Won (Sister Mary Lazarus) remained a favorite throughout the show, as the old nun surprised audience members by rapping a Latin hymn, not once, but twice, accompanied by its own hip-hop dance. Saldana played her part well, remaining stern, yet lovable and funny, with a strong voice to match. Wainaina stole audience’s hearts from the beginning to the end, from Take Me to Heaven to Sister Act (reprise).
Sister Act is a wild ride from start to finish, but it is well worth seeing. If you’re lost and need to be found, or perhaps just looking for a second family, Sister Act by Notre Dame Prep is the musical to see.
by Natasha Acuna of South Carroll
————————————————–
“There are no words,” Mother Superior says to Deloris, describing the mediocrity of the nuns’ choir before Delores can transform the group into a funky ensemble riddled with soul and power. The statement also rings true (except positively, now) in that putting into words the dedication and talent put into Notre Dame’s production of “Sister Act” would be nothing but an understatement.
“Sister Act,” based on the 1992 film of the same name, follows the tale of wannabe pop star Doloris Van Cartier, as she witnesses her boyfriend Curtis commit a murder, and therefore, have to be whisked into witness protection, ending up in custody of the Queen of Angels convent. Dolores’ outgoing personality immediately butts heads with the traditionalist head nun Mother Superior, but she quickly finds her niche in leading the nuns’ choir.
Notre Dame’s production is executed successfully, with tremendous vocal ability spread evenly among the leading and supporting characters. The premise’s reality truly sinks in through the character development of Deloris and the nuns, as the nuns are able to humble Deloris and show her she doesn’t need fame and attention to be worth something, and Deloris convinces the nuns to loosen up and diverge away from the stringent rules of the convent.
Mumbi Wainaina gives a commanding and confident portrayal of Deloris, perfectly conveying her glitz, glamour, and sassy sense of humor. After quiet vocals on the opening number, Wainaina is able to bounce back belting “Fabulous, Baby!” accompanied by her eye-rolling back-up dancers. Her voice proves to be the driving force of the show, developing the sounds of the nuns’ choir, and leading numbers like “Raise Your Voice,” nailing impressive high notes the whole time. Mark Sucoloski co-stars as Sweaty Eddie, the cop hired to protect Deloris. His enormously powerful vocals were showcased beautifully in “I Could Be That Guy,” where he finally builds the courage to act on his feelings for Deloris. In addition to this, his matter-of-fact dry humor keeps him from being seen as a weak character as he faces the taunts of many characters for his hyper-perspiration.
Many of the supporting nuns met by Deloris prove to be the stand-outs of the show. Maddie Saldana’s Mother Superior was truly versatile character, as she transitioned between the curt defiance in leading her sisters and the sarcasm in her monologues of prayers to God to ask for strength to deal with Deloris. All the while, Saldana delivers some of the show’s strongest vocal performances, on songs like “Here Within These Walls.” Olivia Aubele notably portrays a substantial amount of character development in her performance of Sister Mary Robert, as she evolves from whispers and restraint to revealing her major vocal ability and yearn for a life beyond the convent, all catalyzed by her belief in Deloris. In addition, there was not a moment when the audience wasn’t laughing at Noelani Won’s performance of Sister Mary Lazarus, as her raspy rapping and over-the-top dance moves never fell flat.
The technical aspects only added to the show, as sets like the stained glass windows of the church and the liquor shelves of the dive bars were meticulously crafted. The lighting was minimal, yet effective, only centering on characters when they were ready to belt another anthem.
“Sister Act” proves to be an energetic production, with an in-sync cast of cohesive vocal and dance numbers, complimented with light humor, sprinkling in laughs in between moments of awe at the immense vocal talent.
by Jason Fontelieu of Dulaney