Everything You Need to Know About Sister Act the Musical
Sister Act the Musical is a lively and divine musical comedy that has charmed audiences worldwide. With original music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, it’s packed with songs inspired by soul, disco, and musical comedy.
The story follows Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who hides out in a convent after witnessing a crime, turning a lacklustre choir into a musical sensation. Whether you’re a fan of the classic film or a newcomer, this guide has everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Deloris Van Cartier’s Journey: Learn how Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer, hides in a convent and turns a struggling choir into a joyful hit.
- Catchy Songs: Discover the songs like “Take Me to Heaven,” “Raise Your Voice,” and “Spread the Love Around” that make Sister Act the Musical unforgettable.
- Sister Act’s Global Journey: Find out how Sister Act went from its Pasadena debut to Broadway, the West End, and tours across the globe.
What Is Sister Act the Musical About?
Sister Act the Musical follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer dreaming of stardom. After witnessing her gangster boyfriend Curtis Jackson commit a crime, she seeks protection from the police, who hide her in a convent under the name Sister Mary Clarence.
Adjusting to the convent’s strict lifestyle is a challenge for Deloris, especially with the stern Mother Superior keeping a close eye on her. But Deloris finds a new calling when she takes over the convent’s struggling choir, turning their bland singing into a vibrant and soulful act.
The choir’s transformation attracts new worshippers and gives the church a fresh lease of life. However, it also brings Deloris into the spotlight, risking her safety as Curtis and his gang close in. The story blends humour, music, and heart, celebrating friendship, faith, and the power of finding your voice.
Sister Act The Musical Timeline
Sister Act the Musical has had a rich history, with productions spanning from Pasadena to international tours. Here’s a look at the musical’s timeline.
Event | Details |
---|---|
Original Productions in Pasadena and Atlanta | Premiered at the Pasadena Playhouse in California on 24th October 2006, and broke records, grossing $1,085,929. It moved to the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, running from 17th January to 25th February 2007. |
Original London Production | Opened at the London Palladium on 2nd June 2009. Directed by Peter Schneider, with Patina Miller as Deloris. Closed on 30th October 2010. Whoopi Goldberg joined as Mother Superior for a limited time. |
Original Broadway Production | Opened on 20th April 2011 at the Broadway Theatre, with Patina Miller reprising her role as Deloris. Directed by Jerry Zaks. Closed on 26th August 2012 after 561 performances. |
First UK Tour (2011-2012) | Launched on 4th October 2011, with Cynthia Erivo as Deloris. Concluded on 20th October 2012. |
Non-Replica UK Tour (2016-2017) | Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, starring Alexandra Burke as Deloris. Ran from 11th August 2016 to 3rd September 2017. |
North American Tour (2012-2014) | Debuted on 2nd October 2012 in Toronto and ended on 29th June 2014 in San Antonio, Texas. |
International Tour (2017-2018) | Started on 9th May 2017 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, visiting the Philippines, China, Japan, and South Korea. Closed in Seoul on 21st January 2018. |
West End Revival (2022) | Played at the Hammersmith Apollo in London from 19th July to 28th August 2022, with Beverley Knight as Deloris. |
UK & Ireland Tour (2022-2024) | Started on 27th June 2022 in Manchester and concluded on 5th October 2024 in Liverpool. |
Danish Production (2023) | Opened on 21st September 2023 at Det Ny Teater in Copenhagen, starring Julie Steincke as Deloris. |
Asian Tour (2023) | Launched in November 2023, with Nicole Vanessa Ortiz as Deloris, visiting various Asian countries. |
West End Revival (2024) | Played at the Dominion Theatre from 15th March to 31st August 2024, featuring Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke as Deloris. |
Characters in Sister Act the Musical
The characters in Sister Act the Musical bring both humour and heart to the stage. Here’s a look at the key figures in the show:
Character | Description |
---|---|
Deloris Van Cartier | A nightclub singer who hides in a convent and transforms the choir. Her bold personality energises the nuns. |
Mother Superior | The head of the convent, sceptical of Deloris’s influence but gradually sees the positive changes she brings. |
Sister Mary Robert | A shy nun who finds her voice and courage through Deloris’s support, with her solo “The Life I Never Led.” |
Sister Mary Patrick | A cheerful nun who embraces Deloris’s energetic style and helps uplift the choir. |
Eddie Souther | A kind-hearted cop who protects Deloris, developing feelings for her. |
Curtis Jackson | Deloris’s gangster boyfriend who is determined to silence her after she witnesses his crime. |
Sister Mary Lazarus | An older nun who initially resists Deloris’s changes but soon adapts to the choir’s new style. |
Songs in Sister Act the Musical
The songs in Sister Act the Musical are lively and energetic, combining disco, soul, and gospel sounds. Here’s all the songs in the musical, in order of appearance, with a description of each:
Song Title | Description |
---|---|
“Take Me to Heaven (Nightclub)” | Deloris and her friends Michelle and Tina perform this upbeat number, showcasing Deloris’s star power. |
“Fabulous, Baby!” | Deloris dreams of leaving her small-time gigs behind for a life of fame and glamour. |
“Here Within These Walls” | Mother Superior explains the convent’s rules to Deloris, emphasising the strict way of life. |
“It’s Good to Be a Nun” | Deloris learns about the nuns’ routines in this humorous song, highlighting convent life. |
“When I Find My Baby” | Curtis Jackson and his gang sing about their determination to find Deloris, with a darkly comic tone. |
“I Could Be That Guy” | Eddie Souther imagines himself as the kind of man who could win Deloris’s heart. |
“Raise Your Voice” | Deloris inspires the nuns to sing with passion, helping them find their true voices. |
“Take Me to Heaven” (Nun Choir Version) | A lively gospel version of Deloris’s original nightclub song, performed by the nuns. |
“Sunday Morning Fever” | Deloris and the nuns bring a new, high-energy sound to the church service, drawing in new worshippers. |
“Lady in the Long Black Dress” | Curtis’s henchmen, Joey, Pablo, and TJ, sing about their plan to capture Deloris in this comedic number. |
“Haven’t Got a Prayer” | Mother Superior reflects on the changes Deloris has brought, questioning her own beliefs. |
“Bless Our Show” | Deloris encourages the nuns before a big performance, boosting their confidence. |
“The Life I Never Led” | Sister Mary Robert sings about missed opportunities and finds new courage. |
“Fabulous, Baby!” (Reprise) | A brief reprise where Deloris acknowledges her growth and newfound appreciation for the nuns. |
“Sister Act” | Deloris celebrates her bond with the sisters, realising how much they’ve come to mean to her. |
“When I Find My Baby” (Reprise) | Curtis becomes even more desperate to track down Deloris. |
“The Life I Never Led” (Reprise) | Sister Mary Robert takes a stand, showing her newfound strength. |
“Sister Act” (Reprise) | The nuns join Deloris to celebrate their transformation and unity. |
“Spread the Love Around” | The grand finale, where the entire company comes together to celebrate friendship and joy. |
Overall
Sister Act the Musical is a joyful show that combines comedy, heartfelt moments, and incredible music. While there are currently no major professional productions running, its popularity and charm mean that new performances could be on the horizon.
We’ll keep you updated if new productions are announced, so stay tuned. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, Sister Act brings a night of uplifting entertainment and unforgettable songs.
FAQs
What is Sister Act the Musical about?
Sister Act the Musical follows Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer who hides in a convent after witnessing a crime. She transforms the nuns’ choir, bringing joy and new life to the convent.
Who wrote the music for Sister Act the Musical?
The original music for the show was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater.
Where has Sister Act the Musical been performed?
The show has been staged on Broadway, in the West End, and in many other countries, including Germany and Brazil.
What are some popular songs from Sister Act the Musical?
Top numbers include “Take Me to Heaven,” “Raise Your Voice,” “Fabulous, Baby!,” and the joyful finale, “Spread the Love Around.”
Who is Deloris Van Cartier?
Deloris is a lounge singer who witnesses a crime and hides in a convent. There, she revitalises the choir and finds a new purpose.
What role does Mother Superior play in the story?
Mother Superior is the head of the convent, initially resistant to Deloris’s influence but eventually comes to see the positive changes she brings.
Is Sister Act the Musical the same as the movie?
The musical follows a similar plot but includes original music and some differences that bring a fresh twist to the story.
How long is Sister Act the Musical?
The show typically runs for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Who are some of the key nuns in the musical?
The nuns include Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Patrick, and Sister Mary Lazarus, each bringing their own charm to the choir.
What is the message of Sister Act the Musical?
The show celebrates friendship, finding your voice, and the power of music to bring people together, making it a heart warming and fun theatre experience.