A gaggle of nuns in a convent might inspire a number of adjectives: monochrome, modest and orderly come to mind. But "Sister Act," a musical currently showing at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, makes a habit of being funny.
Full of surprising plot twists and clever turns of phrase, opening night was far more entertaining than an actual stay in a convent. Unless, of course, you ask one of the onstage sisters, who gleefully conveyed in song "the world is your oyster -- when you're locked inside a cloister!"
Based on the eponymous movie, "Sister Act" was written by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner and tells the story of Deloris (played here by Kerissa Arrington), a failing lounge singer who witnesses a murder and hides in an impoverished convent. Along with an assortment of nuns and altar boys, there is Mother Superior (Maggie Clennon Reberg), the strict, disapproving head nun who doubles as Deloris' witness protection supervisor.
Deloris does not fit in; she is unhappy and refuses to follow the rules. But after that predictable fish-out-of-water start, Mother Superior makes a decision that turns the show upside down. She punishes Deloris (codename: Sister Mary Clarence) by assigning her to sing in the uninspiring, and painfully quiet, church choir.
The musical's disco-influenced score was written by renowned Broadway and film composer Alan Menken, and "Raise Your Voice" best showcases the essence of "Sister Act." Deloris quickly places herself in charge of the choir and implores her new charges to sing louder and like they mean it. And it works. The choir not only achieves new decibel levels, but also dances and adapts popular music to religious topics. Previously empty Sunday services become standing-room-only affairs. The church escapes dire financial straits; the convent has been saved. And Deloris is not only happy to be in hiding, but also finally achieving success as an entertainer.
But the good times don't last. The new, hip choir attracts too much attention, eventually earning an audience with the pope. A news report featuring the choir inadvertently reveals Deloris' location to her murderous ex-boyfriend. Deloris is forced to choose between her sisters and her safety. You will have watch the show to see how it ends.
Unlike many big stage productions, "Sister Act" features a large percentage of female roles. And the nuns did not disappoint. During "It's Good To Be A Nun," the sisters explained the joy they feel despite their Spartan lifestyles. "And we needn't even mention -- all the celibate abstention -- praise the Lord -- it's good to be a nun!" Shortly after, while spending time in a local bar against convent rules, one of the sisters delightfully declares: "This must be how Protestants feel!"
As Deloris, Arrington's performance suggested that she would be very overqualified to be a mere lounge singer. Impressively, Arrington's performance didn't dip during the quieter moments; she has mastered both the dramatic and comedic requirements of her role. Clennon Reberg, who plays Mother Superior, conquered the unenviable task of being the primary obstacle for Deloris throughout most of the show. Though the audience should have learned to dislike Mother Superior, she received one of the largest ovations at the end of the show. How her character redeems herself is another surprise "Sister Act" has to offer.
However, it was a male character who stole the show. "Sweaty Eddie" (Lamont O'Neal), a low-confidence, socially inept police officer harboring a lifelong crush on Deloris, performs "I Could Be That Guy" to a group of homeless onlookers who double as his backup dancers. Two sudden, onstage costume transformations delighted the shocked audience. This reviewer missed the second one while scribbling notes, and is tempted to see the show a second time to watch that number again.
Sister Act
When: Now through Sunday, May 17. Showtimes vary by date.
Where: Atwood Concert Hall
Tickets: $49.25-$90.75 at centertix.net or 263-ARTS