Quote of the Day: At the heart of this show is love, sisterhood, transformation, and acceptance. Siddeeqah Shabazz, Director of Sister Act on stage at Lyric Arts in Anoka, MN through May 11, 2025. Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, Additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard.

Cast of Sister Act at Lyric Arts, thru 5/11/25. Photo: Molly Jay

I have one word to describe Sister Act at Lyric Arts – Joyful! The actors explode onto the stage with high energy and enthusiasm and carry that all the way to the final bow where they lead the audience in an upbeat group-sing of “Joyful, Joyful, We adore thee!” Yes, we do! 

Cassie Edlund leads this tremendous cast as Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer mixed up with a thug, Curtis (Darius A. Gillard). When she witnesses him committing a crime, she fleas. With the help of her long time friend Eddie (Quintin Michael), she seeks protection in a convent. While she’s not your typical nun, she is quick to find her place at the table and bring a little more gospel to the choir. 

Cast of Sister Act at Lyric Arts, thru 5/11/25. Photo: Molly Jay

Fjaere Harder plays the skeptical and strict Mother Superior. While she knows “Sister Mary Clarence’s” true identity, she doesn’t reveal it to the other nuns, or the criminals looking for her. She tries to help Deloris get her life on track, which ain’t easy for someone who has led a less than pious life! This is, of course, what makes this story so much fun. We see this huge contrast between characters, then grow along with them as they find common ground, and eventually a sisterly love that passes all understanding. Love, love the title song “Sister Act,” which brought tears to my eyes. I felt the love of sisterhood in all its forms.

Darius A. Gillard as Curtis and thugs in Sister Act at Lyric Arts, thru 5/11/25. Photo: Molly Jay

Sister Act is filled with many colorful characters from thugs to saints. This large cast of tremendous actors and singers fills the theater with a joyful noise. Some of the standouts include Kaoru Shoji as Sister Mary Robert who transforms from shy and quiet to bold and loud under the influence of her new friend “Sister Mary Clarence.” Reagan Bailee Moss is exuberant as Sister Mary Patrick, who loves everything about being a nun, even the rules, and is willing to take risks for her new friend, as well. Sher U-F is hilarious as Sister Mary Lazarus. The nun chorus is divine! Her rap during choir practice raised the rafters! 

The thugs: Nicholas Ohren, Jonathan P. Haller, and Justin Cervantes in Sister Act at Lyric Arts, thru 5/11/25. Photo: Molly Jay

Darius A. Gillard is powerful as Curtis. And, although he’s playing the bad guy, he is a delight to watch and hear. What a gorgeous singing voice. His thugs are aptly funny and slightly inept. They include my friend Justin Cervantes as Pablo, Jonathan P. Haller as Joey, and Nicholas Ohren as TJ. Their trio was so fun to watch – and hear! And, Quintin Michael as “Sweaty Eddie” is absolutely adorable. His quick change during his big number was great.

Quintin Michael as Sweaty Eddie and Cassie Edlund as Deloris in Sister Act at Lyric Arts, thru 5/11/25. Photo: Molly Jay

With such a large and talented cast, I could go on and on about their performances. Flashy, fun, and nun appropriate costumes by Khamphian Vang. Wonderful scenic design by Bradley Whitcomb. Lighting design by Ellie Simonett. Sound design by Paul Estby. Fabulous choreography by Michale Terrell Brown, and Music Direction by Laura Long. Everything comes together so beautifully in this production of Sister Act! 

You can see Sister Act at Lyric Arts in Anoka, MN through May 11, 2025. Get your tickets soon as many performances are already selling out! The house was packed last Sunday and many people came early. Plan accordingly. They have free parking in a small lot next to the theater and on surrounding streets, but if you come late, you’ll have to walk a few blocks to get to the theater. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: How do you find joy in your life? When is the last time you had a good belly laugh?