Review: Sister Act at Crown Theatre

Sister Act at Crown Theatre
Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Sister Act has always been a feel-good favourite since Whoopi Goldberg donned the habit in 1992, and in its latest production starring powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan, it largely delivers the joy, sparkle, and gospel audiences expect. Set against a 1970s Philadelphia backdrop, the show dazzles with fun costumes and a beautiful set, immediately immersing the audience in the era.

Much like the movie, where this production truly soars is in the convent. The ensemble of nuns are the heart and soul of the show—radiating warmth, humour, and vocal strength. Standouts include Rhonda Burchmore as the abrasive Sister Mary Lazarus, Kayla Carter as the postulant Mary Robert, and Bianca Bruce, who performed Sister Mary Patrick in perfect mimicry of movie star Kathy Najimy. Their chemistry, comic timing, and rousing group numbers improve every scene behind the convent walls. Casey Donovan shines as Deloris Van Cartier, bringing charisma, vocal firepower, and emotional depth to the role. She commands the stage effortlessly in her transformation from nightclub singer to unlikely nun.

The gangsters TJ (James Bell), Pablo (Jordan Angelides), and Joey (Tom Struik) deserve special mention for their hilarious, cartoonish portrayals and slapstick moments in chase and fight scenes.

However, not everything hit the high notes. Raphael Wong’s police officer and Adam Murphy’s gangster boss characters fell flat, suffering from lacklustre vocal performances and forgettable solo numbers that dragged down the momentum. The duplication of men in multiple roles was not done well, such as the easily recognisable Theodore Williams jumping from dead gangster Clemont to oversized altar boy—and the altar boys were completely superfluous anyway. Furthermore, the show lacked energy at times, whether due to the small cast size or simply the end of a long tour.

Additionally, the new songs written for the musical lack the earworm factor or creative, quick-paced lyrics that modern audiences expect from new musicals. The musical would be much better off paying the royalties to use the 70s and 80s hits from the Sister Act movie, like My Guy (My God) and I Will Follow Him, with their nostalgic pulling power and sing-along influence.

Despite these minor misfires, Sister Act the musical is still a joyous night out, anchored by a sensational performance from Casey Donovan and a convent full of scene-stealing nuns. For fans of the musical or newcomers alike, this production offers more than enough sparkle to make your soul sing.

MELISSA MANN

Photos by Daniel Boud