Quote of the Day: I’ll tell you, when people bring up religion, you gotta just smile and tune’em out. Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act, A Divine Musical Comedy. (that line got a good chuckle)
I had the pleasure of attending media night for Sister Act, A Divine Musical Comedy at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. The Chan was at its best, doing musical dinner theatre, and with the cast and crew for this show, it was high quality entertainment. Regina Marie Williams as Delores is a supreme delight. In fact, when she comes out on stage, towards the end of the show, it was like watching Diana Ross take the stage. She’s royal.
Regina Marie Williams as Delores, and the Nun ensemble of Sister Act at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp
What I love about this story is the sisterhood, how women take care of each other. They protect and love each other and build each other up. My new favorite song is Bless Our Show when the nuns have come into Delores’ room to wake her up and talk about their fears of performing for the Pope, and also the underlying fear of something bad happening to Delores. She starts out singing about their performance for the Pope, the show we’re watching, the shows we’ve all been in and the life we live, and their sisterhood. The choreography (by Tamara Kangas Erickson) is fun, and funny, and filled with emotion. It highlights the connection each performer, and the story of how we “bless us all” with our presence and support. This pulls together in the title song “Sister Act” when Delores sings about being strong with her sisters by her side. It made me want to gather my own sisters and all my girlfriend sista’s and see this show with them.
Cast of Sister Act at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp
The stage musical is different from the movie starring Whoopie Goldberg. The story line is the same, but they wrote different songs for the musical. And, they’re great. They tell the story and highlight the musical talents of the singers and musicians. The setting is the 1970’s which makes the costuming fun (costumes by Rich Hamson). The henchmen who work for the nasty mob boss Curtis (played big and bold by Andre Shoals) are hilarious. Kasano Mwanza, Fernando Collado, and Matthias Anderson play the roles of TJ, Pablo, and Joey with great comedic timing and pizazz. Their trio of attracting the ladies in “Lady in the Long Black Dress” had us all giggling (and melting, just a little).
Mathias Anderson (Joey) Andre Shoals (Curtis) Kasano Mwanza (TJ) and Fernando Collado (Pablo) in Sister Act at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp
The entire cast is wonderful. Reginald D. Haney plays a sweet Lt. Eddie Souther, Norah Long nails it as Mother Superior. Therese Walth is a hoot as Sister Mary Patrick, and Britta Ollmann rocks it to the rafters as Sister Mary Robert.
Norah Long as Mother Superior and Regina Marie Williams as Delores in Sister Act at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp
It’s fun to watch the musicians up on stage, behind the actors, expertly lead by Richard Long. The entire show flows nicely along, and we’re swept away by this gorgeous production. The entire production staff has created a gorgeous show.
Sister Act, A Divine Musical Comedy is on stage at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Chanhassen, MN through February 24, 2018.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Who are the people who would rally around you in the time of need?
Well that’s cool they created new songs. Made it fresh again.