Some habits are hard to break. But in Long Beach Playhouse’s “Sister Act,” continuing through Nov. 20, nuns in habits even breakdance as they sing. Based on the 1992 film of the same name, this version is set in 1978 with completely different music and a slightly revised storyline. Deloris Van Cartier is still a flashy nightclub singer hiding out as a nun in a convent, but it’s the sisters who take center stage in this vibrant show.
“Sister Act” is a glitzy and ambitious production, with a 21-member cast directed by Rovin Jay and seven-member orchestra directed by Stephen Olear, all on LBPH’s downstairs Mainstage Theatre. And they pull it off, though with some nervousness on opening night and an occasional sound glitch. As the actors and crew settle into the production, they’ll no doubt let loose the whirlwind of talented performers they are.
Natasha Reese as Deloris owns the part, staying grounded in her character’s tough South Philly exterior and desire for stardom while learning to care about those around her, especially her fellow sisters. Her singing of the 1970s disco-inspired songs like “Take Me to Heaven” (music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater) is “Fabulous, Baby!” as another one is titled.
Reese also wears well Deloris’s favored tight-fitting leopard prints and fuchsia boots. Costumer Christina Bayer seems to have had fun dressing the whole cast with a 1978 vibe of flared pants, polyester and large lapels. And she orchestrates a magical instant costume change for Afro-haired cop “Sweaty” Eddie, played by James Webb, who steals the audience’s heart with his smooth lamentation, “I Could Be That Guy,” about being cool enough for Deloris.
The rest of the cast is equally invested and skilled in singing, acting and very fitting and fun choreography (Sonya Randall, assisted by Ebony Lane’t). Nearly every main character is a standout. Megan Cherry makes a superior Mother Superior, with heartfelt songs like “Here Within These Walls” and frequent, often humorous, conversations with God as she grapples with Deloris’s disruptive presence in the convent.
Steven Biggs makes a steady Monsignor O’Hara, who keeps his eye on the bigger picture but easily and hilariously slides into the new “Sunday Morning Fever” vibe Deloris brings to his services (devout Catholics beware).
Tree Henson makes an animated Sister Mary Theresa, leader of the nun’s choir, at one point breaking into the Sugarhill Gang’s nascent “Rapper’s Delight.” And Erika Cruz as the young and shy Sister Mary Robert belts high notes convincingly while melting our hearts with “The Life I Never Led.”
William L. Warren is warm yet believable as Curtis, Deloris’s slick boyfriend who wants to kill her, singing the ominous “When I Find My Baby” smoothly and deeply. But it’s his three henchmen—Demitri Mack as nephew TJ, David Poncé as Joey and Dimitri Tiatia-Garaud as Pablo—who absolutely own playing to the audience, especially their suave singing and choreography for the decidedly irreverent “Lady in the Long Black Dress,” about how to seduce nuns.
Though each scene is well staged, the production is most dynamic whenever the ensemble of nuns takes the stage, from spoofs like “It’s Good to Be a Nun” to the inspiring “Raise Your Voice.” Their spirit makes believable Deloris’s growing realization that her sisters mean more to her than the spotlight of fame, which may be a lonely place without their camaraderie. It’s a buoyant female-centric message of love and survival under the sparkling light of a disco ball.
“Sister Act” continues at the Long Beach Playhouse Mainstage Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., through Nov. 20, with shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $14 to $24. For tickets and information, call the box office at (562) 494-1014 or visit LBPlayhouse.org.
