Theater Review: Tuacahn’s ‘Sister Act’ is divinely inspired fun

Even those who weren’t big fans of the successful 1992 film “Sister Act” will find something to enjoy with the stage adaptation, and the Tuacahn Center for the Arts has found a heavenly cast that makes for a rousing night out. This musical version, based on the film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg, continues a good trend (see “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Ghost”) of talented songwriters adapting popular films from the ‘80s and ‘90s by creating all new songs and delivering stage productions that in some cases eclipse the original films. Credit Whoopi, who helped produce this musical and convinced Disney songwriting legend Alan Menken (“Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and many others) and talented lyricist Glenn Slater (“Tangled”) to compose a lively ‘70s-era score that struts and jives with soulful exuberance.

Brit West performs the role of Deloris Van Cartier, the Philadelphia nightclub singer who’s forced to temporarily put her dreams on hold and go into witness protection after seeing a murder perpetrated by gangster boyfriend Curtis Shank (Dwelvan David). Police officer and high-school admirer Eddie, aka “Sweaty Eddie” (Derek Adams), arranges to put Deloris in a convent—the perfect cover—but its strict rules cramp Deloris’ style. Of course, Deloris will learn to bond with her fellow sisters, sharing some of her sumptuous musical talents to help the nuns’ choir while learning some life lessons of her own.

West is “dreamgirl” great, belting with confidence and true star power, but by no means must she carry this show alone. Credit consistently upbeat and often very humorous songs and an ensemble with the chops to sell the Motown-channeling music with conviction. Standouts include the aforementioned David and Adams, so perfect as the bad villain and good cop, while Mother Superior Sue Goodman brings the proper sentiment to the more contemplative numbers, like “I Haven’t Got a Prayer.” Curtis’ trio of goofy sidekicks is hilariously stereotypical, especially in “Lady in the Long Black Dress.” Even if all of these elements were in place, “Sister Act” would still depend upon the ensemble of nuns, and both individually and collectively, they are what make Tuacahn’s version something special. Their choral singing is top-notch and their comic timing impeccable, and this group—riffing like “Nunsense” on steroids—is a real, well, revelation.

Stuffed with good songs, the script hurriedly accelerates Deloris’ evolution and ties everything up in a too-convenient and predictable bow. But that won’t matter much to the audiences, who will cheer this glitzy and fun production that again proves that a good Tuacahn show doesn’t always require the word “Disney” in the title.

Grade: B+