Leading Lights are bringing glitz, glamour, and a whole lotta soul to Aberdeen Arts Centre this week with their production of Sister Act! Based on the hit 1992 film of the same name, Sister Act follows the sassy Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer with big dreams who is forced to join a convent as part of a witness protection programme. As she spends time with her fellow nuns, Deloris inspires the women to raise their voices, embrace who they are, and sing out loud and proud.
Adapted as a musical in 2006 by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken (The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Little Shop of Horrors, to name but a few), Sister Act has delighted audiences across the world, with successful stints in London’s West End and Broadway. Now, it’s time for Aberdeen to be taken to heaven by this talented group of young people.
Leading Lights attract some of the best talent in Aberdeen’s youth amateur dramatic scene and are clearly always spoilt for choice. The roles of Deloris, Mother Superior, Sister Mary Robert, Sister Mary Patrick, and Sister Mary Lazarus are double cast. I was delighted to attend the opening night performance, with the following cast members also appearing in these roles in Friday night’s performance.
Leading the cast of 43 is Aimee Duguid as Deloris Van Cartier. Duguid encapsulates Deloris’ fiery nature perfectly, with killer vocals and all the sass to match. She has the audience onside from the opening number and effortlessly complements whomever she is sharing the stage with, demonstrating great comedic timing and a solid commitment to Deloris’ character journey. Duguid takes powerhouse numbers such as Fabulous, Baby! and Raise Your Voice in her stride, whilst also showing range and a softer side to her vocals and acting ability in the titular number, Sister Act.
Opposite Duguid’s wild and free Deloris is the uptight and by-the-book Mother Superior, played impeccably by Eve Reynolds. Despite the character usually being portrayed by an older actor, Reynolds embraced the role and was incredibly enjoyable to watch. Reynolds approached Mother Superior’s more comedic material with subtlety, evoking an air of Dame Maggie Smith, who originated the role in the 1992 film, while still adding her own flair to the character. Pairing all of this with impressive vocals, Reynolds delivers a standout performance in this production, particularly in her act two number, I Haven’t Got a Prayer.
The smooth and slick Curtis Jackson is portrayed by Efosa Okuonghae. Okuonghae does well to capture the cool air Curtis exudes before revealing his true colours as the main villain of the piece, enhancing the climax of the plot in act two as he hunts down Deloris. Jackson is complemented by the hilarious trio – Joey (Christian Metcalfe), TJ (Finlay Swan), and Pablo (Daniel Mackay). Metcalfe, Swan, and Mackay are a true joy to watch onstage together, clearly having fun in their respective roles.
Playing Lt. Eddie Souther is the charming Cameron MacRae. MacRae and Duguid work well together to play out the subtle love storyline between two old school friends reunited under strange circumstances. MacRae’s rendition of I Could Be That Guy is fun to watch, with an impressive amount of costume changes.
Eilidh Findlater takes on the timid Sister Mary Robert. Though her character doesn’t fully take centre stage until act two, Findlater makes the most of her moments in act one, ensuring the audience is invested enough in her character’s story before tugging at our heartstrings in the powerful ballad, The Life I Never Led, which Findlater delivered with ease and beautiful vocals. Isla Reaper takes on the upbeat and enthusiastic Sister Mary Patrick. Reaper reaches new (and impressive) heights with her vocals and complements her fellow nuns well on stage, naturally capturing Sister Mary Patrick’s bubbly and excitable nature.
Another standout performance is delivered by Sarah Reynolds as Sister Mary Lazarus. Though another role usually played by an older actor, Reynolds finds her own flair and groove (quite literally) with Lazarus and is a complete scene-stealer throughout the show. With impeccable comedic timing, superb physicality, and some seriously impressive rapping skills, Reynolds character choices are somewhat addictive to watch on stage.
Alternative/double casting includes: Milana Barkovska (Deloris – Thurs/Sat); Erin Urquhart (Mother Superior – Thurs/Sat); Olivia McPherson (Sister Mary Robert – Thurs/Sat); Nando Dasar (Sister Mary Patrick – Thurs/Sat); and Erica Brewster (Sister Mary Lazarus – Thurs/Sat).
The featured ensemble includes: Matthew Walker (Monsignor O’Hara); Luch Morris (Sister Mary Martin of Tours); Leah Elrick (Sister Mary Theresa); Megan Macmillan (Michelle – Wed/Fri); Tana Daspan (Tina – Wed/Fri); and Mary Issainski (Ernie).
Further ensemble includes: Amber Fowlie (Michelle – Thurs/Sat); Krystal Buckingham (Tina – Thurs/Sat); Caleb Bremner; Jazmin Durno; Grace Evans; Freya Galashan; Iona Haggart; Miley Leslie; Elizabeth Martin; Izzy McRae; Ava-Lily Reid; Aimey Scott; Calum Casey-McKay; Holly Ellis; Daniel Falconer; Payton Greig; Lottie Hingston; Emma Lewis; Abbie McPhee; Amy Morris; Celia Roy; and Aiden Smith.
Of course, Sister Act is nothing without its music! With a score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, the pair form a perfect duo with an extensive list of credits between them, taking on a mighty score that these youngsters seem to handle with ease, under the care of Rhonda Scott as both director and musical director. Scott has approached this show with a clear vision, which certainly pays off, with evident attention to detail – from intricate harmonies from the sisters to ensuring the ensemble are always present in the moment when on stage. This can be challenging in a show of this nature and size, but the entire company certainly rise to the occasion. Alongside Scott is Mhorag Anderson, providing energetic and impressive choreography that these youngsters throw themselves into – with assistance from Brooke Smith.
The book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane, captures the essence of the 1992 film while allowing freedom for a fresh musical adaptation. It does not feel as though much is missing in the transition from film to stage, which will no doubt please fans of the film.
The scenery, designed by Aurora Scenic, is atmospheric and serves multiple purposes, from the hallowed halls of the church to the forbidden bar and the police office, working in tandem with lighting design by Barry Sherriffs. Costumes by Mhorag Anderson, Ellen Mair, and Danielle Rae are effective throughout, and it’s a delight to see the entire company in their sparkly habits for the finale – certainly a far cry from the company’s production of Chicago last year!
Leading Lights have produced another superb production. The dynamic duo – Rhonda Scott and Mhorag Anderson – along with the help of some fabulous volunteers who have supported the company over the years, have succeeded in providing opportunities for young people to star in a fantastic selection of shows. Their production of Sister Act comes hot on the heels of its recent run in London’s West End this summer. Not only do they provide the opportunity to make friends, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun, one could argue that amateur dramatics of this standard are the first steps towards a bright professional future for some of these talented youngsters – with five members of this year’s cohort choosing to study musical theatre further.
Overall, Leading Lights’ production of Sister Act offers a joyous evening filled with glamour, laughs, and plenty of heart at its core, in this beloved story of sisterhood and nuns on the run. Leading Lights continue to set a high standard in the Aberdeen amateur dramatic scene, one I’m sure they will carry forward into their 30th anniversary in 2025.
Sister Act runs nightly at 7:30 pm until Saturday, 21st September 2024. Tickets are available here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/aberdeen/aberdeen-arts-centre/sister-act/e-kgkykq
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