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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Blessed be the music makers
Sister Act
The Arcadians
The Crescent Theatre
**** THE Arcadians
are an incredibly talented, multi-aged musical theatre company based in
Birmingham and in their production of
Sister Act,
they welcomed us into their sisterhood in a world of glitter and soul.
Directed and choreographed by Mary Johns, she and
the entire company gave us a night of roaring laughter and a great party
atmosphere. Sister Act can be described as one of the most
feel good musicals of its time. The hilarious Catholic comedy's stage
production is based on the 1992 smash hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg. When the show-stopping diva Delores van Cartier
witnesses her boyfriend shoot someone, she must hide away to avoid his
wrath. In the most inconspicuous of places, Delores finds herself hidden
away in a convent and must act like the nun she is not until all is safe
again. Most audiences watching the stage production will
already know and love the film, especially Goldberg’s classic portrayal
of comedic flamboyance and sassy wit. In the Arcadians’ production, the role was taken on by the superb Nicole Appleby. She was certainly unafraid to fill the shoes of her cinematic predecessor and, like Goldberg, was indeed the star of the show and deserved her standing ovation. Her personal take on the character and individual
characteristics were incredibly funny and at times heart-touching.
Moments within her role were reflected wonderfully through Appleby’s
outstanding on stage skill. There were many shining
moments, but one in particular bought tears to some audienc The Holy Order of Arcadians taking a break in rehearsals Maggie Smith played a fine part as Mother
Superior in the original film, however it was Sarah Evans who took the
part in this production. Evans had a lovely on stage presence,
especially when entertaining the audience with solo musical numbers. She
handled the strong character with brilliant precision. What makes Sister Act so iconic is the feel-good
addition of song and music. In the stage production, Alan Menken’s score
and music is in a class of its own. On stage, we see original songs that
fit well with the story. He creates original tunes for the stage in
order to create a totally new style. The chorus of nuns, equally
engaging took the score in their stride in unique Arcadian fashion to
produce a story of varied characters and beautiful choral sounds. Lisa
Blissitt as Sister Mary Lazarus gave everyone a chuckle in a moment of
holy gangster rapping. This production was incredibly high in calibre
and the professionalism of the company on stage was second to none. The
set was an impressively large structure which served as the convent,
various bars and all other places of mischief and fun. There were
unfortunately difficulties within the technical department. Slow
transitions marred the high standards that actors strived to achieve on
stage and for reasons unknown, the interval was unexpectedly longer due
to technical faults. The audience however did not seem to mind on the
technical errors. They were having a good time being involved with the
on stage antics. As for the villains, a
farcical gang was made up of the wonderfully entertaining Mark Heath as
Joey, Daniel Jackson as Pablo and the particularly funny Lee Saczac
playing the part of goofy, but loveable TJ. All were brilliant at
depicting the bullies in the most amusing of ways. They were led by
Jonathan Blake as ringleader Curtis and although he could have afforded
to be more menacing within the role, he had a great musicality. He was
particularly entertaining within his solo of
When I Find My Baby.
Other actors were also impressive in their roles
such as the fantastically jolly Frank Foley as Priest Monsignor O’Hara.
Mairead Mallon played Sister Mary Robert in a beautifully meek way with
the voice of an angel and Laura Peters was incredibly funny within the
role of Sister Mary Patrick. The Arcadians should be proud of what they have
created. With the inspiring efforts from all within the company, a
homage was definitely paid to the successful musical. The company
invited the audience to their party of a loving community and infectious
fun. Despite of the technical issues, the company’s dedication and
passion shone through and a good night was had by all. To 09-05-15 Elizabeth Halpin
05-05-15 |
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e
member’s eyes as she sang