‘Sister Act’ @ Jubilee Theatre
Photos courtesy of Jubilee Theatre/Performing Arts Fort Worth
—Rickey Wax
With its season-closing show Sister Act, Jubilee Theatre has once again proven itself a beacon of theatrical excellence. Directed by Khira Hailey and Kiandra Brooks with music direction by Steven A. Taylor, this vibrant and uproarious musical left audiences at Bass Performance Hall laughing and humming with delight Jubilee’s annual show at Bass Hall, in collaboration with Performing Arts Fort Worth, is becoming a welcome summer tradition.
Set in the vibrant 1970s, Sister Act (with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater) tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a lively nightclub singer who witnesses a crime and must hide in the least likely of places—a convent. Under the alias of Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris shakes up the nuns' routine with her unorthodox ways—and transforms the convent choir into a soulful sensation, while also discovering the true meaning of sisterhood.
Yet as the choir's fame grows, Deloris' cover is at risk of being blown, leading to a final showdown that blends humor, heart, and high-energy gospel tunes. Bad-guy Curtis and his stooges are determined to stop Deloris from testifying by any means necessary.
“Are th- are the nuns gyrating?” was one of the many comments I heard amongst audience whispers at the Bass. From the very first note, it was clear this production was destined to be a standout. Ayanna Rose as Deloris (aka Sister Mary Clarence) was both endearing and electrifying, her performance brimming with charisma and comedic flair. As the sassy, aspiring singer turned reluctant nun, her voice was a dynamic force as she belted out the high-energy anthem “Raise Your Voice.”
Kris Black Jasper played the formidable Mother Superior, and made a perfect counterpoint to Deloris' flamboyance. My favorite line belongs to her: when a police officer says “Someone mistook a drag queen for Deloris,” Mother quickly responds, “An honest mistake.” Jasper’s comedic timing deftly balanced her character’s sternness with a dry wit and subtle humor. And she moves us with an angelic performance of the song “Here Within These Walls.”
Sister Act script writers Cheri and Bill Steinkellner filled the show with memorable characters. Two that won my heart were Sister Mary Roberts (Maria Shorunke) and “Sweaty Eddie” (Johnny DeAndre Brown) as they called him. It was such a joy watching their character arcs unfold before our eyes. Both played innocent, timid people who eventually found confidence from within. Brown delivered a showstopping performance of “I Could Be That Guy,” while Shorunke left many audience members misty-eyed with her emotionally charged ballad “The Life I Never Led.” Supporting these actors were a cast of equally remarkable performers who delivered their roles with an infectious enthusiasm (from the eccentric ensemble of nuns to Curtis and his menacing crew) that left the audiences in stitches and tears.
Jennye James’ and Yajairia Rosales’ set design of choir risers and stained glass windows, while simple, masterfully captured the essence of both the gritty urban environment and the quaint convent, while costume designer Whitney Coulter created a delightful homage to the 1970s, but with a modern twist. The choreography by Kiandra Brooks was dynamic and engaging, perfectly complementing the lively musical accompaniment of Steven Taylor and his players.
Sister Act emphasizes themes of acceptance, unity, and the strength that comes from working together. Deloris helps the nuns find their voices—literally and figuratively— teaching them to embrace change and take pride in their individuality. In return, the nuns help Deloris discover a deeper sense of purpose and belonging, something she’s been searching for without ever knowing it. If you were able to catch this amazing one-weekend show, you will surely be the envy of your colleagues this week at work.
WHEN: August 15-18, 2024
WHERE: @ Bass Performance Hall (Jubilee home venue 506 Main Street, Fort Worth)
WEB: www.jubileetheatre.org
