If you grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, chances are you know the story of Deloris Van Cartier turned Sister Mary Clarence and Saint Kathrine’s Parish in San Francisco. Well, the convent may have a different name, and the city is Philadelphia rather than San Francisco, but the characters have the same quirks, the same oomph and the same beautiful relationships in the stage adaptation of which opened in Sydney last week. Incredibly brought to the stage by Casey Donovan, disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder.
Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent, and the Parish of Perpetual Sorrow no less – much to the horror of Mother Superior played by Genevieve Lemon. While Mother Superior struggles with the plan, Deloris is warmly welcomed by the other nuns in the struggling parish. There are standout performances by Rhonda Burchmore who plays Sister Mary Lazarus and definitely brings the laughs, Bianca Bruce for bringing Sister Mary Patrick to life – she evoked such nostalgia that it very easily could have been Kathy Najimy on the stage – and Sophie Montague who beautifully played Sister Mary Robert.
Encouraged to help the struggling choir, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. There’s no or but the original music is just as catchy and it’s a laugh a minute throughout the production. The man behind the original music is EGOT Award-winner Alan Menken who composed the scores for and among other blockbuster hits.
When her role was announced, Donovan said she just hoped to do the original Deloris, Whoopi Goldberg, proud. “Although I never thought I would see the day when I put on a habit, I’m so incredibly excited to be joining and to be playing the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier, played by the iconic Whoopi Goldberg in the much-loved films,” she said. “Growing up, was one of the movies that I watched on repeat.
I love the film and am truly honoured to be part of such an uplifting, joyful, fun and feel-good production.” comes to Australian shores after successful runs on Broadway and the West End..
