Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Little Theatre of Fall River’s first musical of their season is “Sister Act”, the international smash hit musical based on the mega-hit, 1992 film that starred Whoppi Goldberg. This group spares no expense in bringing the highest quality costumes to this show. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place that cops think she can’t be found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique talents to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church, but in doing so, blows her cover. Soon it is nun-on-the-run time but she finds salvation in the heavenly power of her newly found sisterhood. This musical hit contains a vast array of musical styles from Motown, soul and funk to great big disco anthems and Barry White inspired musical comedy. Director Jeff Belanger always does a topnotch job with his musicals and “Sister Act” is no exception to that rule. He obtains high energy and topnotch quality from his whole cast with his keen insight into these comic characters. The terrific musical direction is by Bobby Perry who taught the infectious and melodic score to this talented cast. Dan Snizek conducts a eight piece orchestra, while the high energy choreography is by Erin Cote and Mary Wrobleski. The sets are by Jeff and scenic designer Shawn Elliott while the multitude of gorgeous costumes are by Trisha Berner with the nun costumes by Johnny Cagno. All their combined efforts plus hard working stage managers, John Nunes-Sylvia and Rick Couitt, create a topnotch musical treat that had the opening night audience on their feet cheering the talent of all these individuals.
