Australian vocal great Casey Donovan hopes to do Whoopi Goldberg proud when she steps into one of the US actor's most iconic roles for her debut lead performance on stage. Inspired by the 1992 film of the same name, the Sister Act musical has made its way south after a successful run on Broadway and in the UK. Donovan leads the comedy's star-studded cast as protagonist Deloris Van Cartier, brought to life on the screen by Goldberg.
The Indigenous performer admits she is riddled with anxiety ahead of opening night and is channelling that emotion into the show. "Anxiety and excitement are the same feeling, so it's a joyful thing," she told AAP on Friday. "If we don't have those butterflies on stage, we may as well not step on stage .
.. they're there to drive you.
" Donovan is no stranger to the stage, having appeared in major productions including The Sapphires, Chicago and Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 The Musical. She is also the youngest person to have won television talent search Australian Idol, kickstarting her performing career in 2004 at the age of 16. But Sister Act will be Donovan's first time in the lead role of a stage production, which sets the show apart in her already extensive resume.
"The difference is I get to step into my light, leading this show, and step into that power (Deloris) has," she said, smiling. "(Goldberg) had so many great gems in that movie ..
. I hope I'm doing her proud." Donovan will be joined by industry heavyweights including Rhonda Burchmore and Genevieve Lemon in a stage production that includes original music produced by Tony and Oscar award-winning composer Alan Menken.
The American songsmith is best known for producing scores for animated films such as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Audiences can expect to hear songs inspired by the Motown soul sound of the 1960s. Sister Act premieres at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney on Sunday before seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
.
