- By JOSE MARTINEZ
- Photo By JOAN MARCUS
A fish out of water story is always a good premise for an entertaining production, and one of the most beloved examples is the popular 1992 film Sister Act starring Whoopi Goldberg. In fact, the film is regarded as one of the most financially successful comedies of the 1990s. Likewise, Sister Act the Musical has been a runaway hit ever since it debuted in 2006 at The Pasadena Playhouse, breaking house records before becoming the highest grossing show ever at the venue.
Currently in the midst of a tour that will last at least until June 2014, Sister Act the Musical will take up residency for three weeks this month at the famed Pantages Theatre. Veteran stage actress Ta’Rea Campbell is taking on the role of lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier and Sister Mary Clarence—originally made famous by Whoopi Goldberg after Bette Middler turned down the role (what was she thinking?).
Talk about a fish out of water, Deloris, a struggling yet outrageous lounge singer, witnesses a murder by her mobster boyfriend, which lands her in the witness protection program where she must act as a nun in a convent. Needless to say, she has trouble fitting in. Eventually, she gets coerced into coaching the choir and turns the singing nuns into swingin’ singin’ sisters. The choir becomes a big hit with the locals, which calls a lot of attention to Deloris who is supposed to be keeping a very low profile.
But just because you’ve seem the film, doesn’t mean you’ve already seen the musical.
“People, before they see the show, they don’t know what they’re in for,” says leading lady Ta’Rea Campbell. “They think they’re going to see the movie. The movie features popular Motown songs but the play has all new music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. And it really touches them.”
Heralded as “ridiculously funny” by the New York Post, the musical is the brainchild of a Tony, Emmy and Academy Award-winning team of composer Alan Menken (an eight time Oscar Winner), lyricist Glenn Slater, and book writers Cheri and Bill Steinkellner.
“To hear people laugh and cheer the way they do at Sister Act—a show people think they know but are pleasantly surprised to discover is not what they were expecting—is a magical experience for a producer,” says producer Whoopi Goldberg. “Happily, audiences across the country will be able to get in on the fun this fall when Deloris and her fabulous sisters start spreading the love nationwide.”
For Campbell, just as for Goldberg before, and actress Dawnn Lewis, who first played Deloris onstage, it’s easy to get lost in the complexity and contagious energy that the role offers.
“I love the energy,” Campbell says of the show and her character. “It’s a really fast paced and an amazing role to play. I love this role, but I have to say, I’ve never worked harder in my life. It’s really, really demanding and really, really rewarding at the same time.”
Audiences at the Pantages Theatre this month can count on seeing a boisterous and full-filled, high energy show. Campbell herself is no stranger to the illustrious Pantages, having set up shop there previously as Nala in Lion King, but the truth is, she points out, once the curtain rises, it becomes business as usual.
“When the lights go out, it’s all the same,” Campbell confesses. “I give the same but the energy is great in live theater. If you want to have a good time…to laugh and be entertained, then come see this show.”
While the film and musical both offer a welcome distraction and joyful entertainment, Campbell hopes audiences delve deeper and really connect with the show.
“I hope they have a good time,” Campbell explains, “but I hope they really take away the message of love and not to judge people.”
Catch Sister Act the Musical at the Pantages Theatre, July 9 thru July 28.
