|
|
Songs a little short of praise The Songs of Sister Act
Lichfield Garrick
** SISTER Act has been a hugely successful
film and stage musical, the former driven by the charisma and
personality of Whoopi Goldberg. The gospel soul tinged music is evergreen, and so
it is not surprising that an ensemble, in this case “The Singers of
Soul” choir, have chosen to take the music on tour from London’s West
End. It is to the Garrick’s credit that it offers productions like this
a platform to find an audience. The show’s aficionados hung on every song, led by
an MC, who rabble roused the mid- week congregation. A four piece live
band provided the music, a six piece choir, two men and four women
provided the vocals. “I Will Follow” opened the show with promise, a
slow ethereal opening giving way to an up-beat ending. It is always a
delight to hear “What’s Going On”, even if the absence of Marvin Gaye
himself becomes more keenly felt in his absence. The likes of “Heatwave” and “Aint no Mountain
High Enough” had hands clapping and feet stomping too. The production however failed to measure up to
the powerful song selection. Costume was perfunctory, choreography weak,
musical arrangements somewhat haphazard, and the running order
disjointed, which was a shame, bearing in mind the demonstrable singing
talent contained within the choir. The Songs of Sister Act continues on
a nationwide tour.
|
|
Contents page Lichfield Garrick Reviews A-Z Reviews by Theatre Tweet |
|
|