Sister Act (Willenhall Musical Theatre Company)

Over recent years Sister Act has been a very popular show for amateur societies, Willenhall Musical Theatre Company have however let the initial rush of interest die down which was probably a shrewd move as it avoids continual comparison with other productions. However were comparisons to be made I can’t imagine anything other than favourable if not prodigious responses for a show that right from the first note has nothing but, professionalism stamped all over it. If it isn’t Alf Rai’s impeccable direction, it’s Lindsey Grant’s totally entrancing choreography or Gladstone Wilson’s animated interpretation of what is fast becoming a well known and loved score.

Laura Autumn Rai is a vibrant and powerfully voiced Deloris Van Cartier and is surrounded by an equally well voiced principal cast, probably just edging the voice of the night award is Abbie Rai as Sister Mary Robert provoking an eruptive audience reaction with her rendition of ‘The Life I Never Led’.

Juliet O’Brien is a dominant force in every way as Mother Superior, Rachel Chadwick an effervescent Sister Mary Patrick and Nikki Rai a brusquely droll Sister Mary Lazarus alongside a group of hugely talented ensemble performers as nuns of all shapes, sizes and voices, including a couple of stand-out cameo appearances from Carol Ann Burgess as Sister Mary Martin of Tours and Jenni Rullan as Sister Mary Theresa.

I can be very critical of any performer in the role of Officer Eddie Souther, predominantly because ‘I Could Be That Guy’ is a particular favourite number in the more modern genre of musical theatre both for the song itself and the embedded costume changes as part of the dance sequence. Daniel Haddon does not let me down with a particularly engaging performance and yet another mighty voice to deliver the song, I couldn’t have asked for more.

Continuing the strong vocals but, adding their own brand of comedy both in general but, also specifically in the ‘Lady In The Long Black Dress’ number are Will Phipps as Joey, James Totney as TJ and Dom Napier as Pablo the rather ineffectual yet self-believing henchmen of gang boss Curtis Jackson a broodingly scary performance from Adrian Smith.

It would be unfair not to mention society stalwart Roger Stokes as the lovably witty Monsignor O’Hara, Abbie Sellick and Megan Rai as backing singers Tina and Michelle or Simon Williams and Alex Jeffreys who act as utility cast members picking-up numerous small yet vital parts.

This one runs until Saturday 13th April 2019 and suffice to say, it’s ‘Fabulous Baby’ grab a ticket if you can (they are selling fast) and ‘Spread the Love Around’.

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