BENEATH THE SCHMALTZ IS A JOYFUL NOISE
Fun, uplifting, and yes, frivolous, Sister Act is a musical remake of the famously successful 1992 hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. The historic Ford’s Theater, which also houses a museum based on Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, is a tourist destination and is known for producing non-controversial shows for the general public. However, this production’s wide appeal doesn’t take away from its entertainment factor. With original music by Alan Menkin, lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner—the plot of Sister Act is engaging, the singing is top-notch, and the actors shine.
Nia Savoy-Dock with Kecia Deroly and Simone Brown
The play’s premise—for those too young to recall the movie—is this: Deloris Van Cartier (Nia Savoy-Dock), an aspiring disco lounge singer, auditions for her mob boss boyfriend Curtis Jackson (Derrick D. Truby Jr.) who rejects her act. Deloris then witnesses Curtis murder someone and she is placed in a witness protection program by the police. She ends up in a convent and has to pretend to be a nun, which is a hilarious notion since this is quite a stretch for the street-smart, in-your-face, loud, and proud lady from Philly (in the movie the setting is the West Coast). Of course, chaos ensues.
Sherri L. Edelen (Mother Superior)
Deloris—now her alias Sister Mary Clarence—at first balks about being in the convent but then finds her footing (and perhaps true calling) when she takes over and heads up the nunnery’s horribly flailing choir. This is where Savoy-Dock shows her real singing chops with the rest of the nuns doing an incredible backup.
Derrick D. Truby Jr. with Jimmy Mavrikes, Dylan Arredondo and Trenton McKenzie Beavers
Truby, as Curtis, rivals Savoy-Dock’s singing ability in his solo “When I Find My Baby” with his thick and soulful baritone. It was hard not to fall in love with him during this number, despite the fact he’s the musical’s villain.
Nia Savoy-Dock (Deloris Van Cartier) and cast
Another crooner who the audience is supposed to love is Sergeant Eddie Couther (Joe Mallon), nicknamed by Deloris as “Sweaty Eddie” since high school, when he had a crush on her. He’s the one responsible for placing her in the convent. Their relationship grows throughout the play and he finally wins her over with his solo “I Could Be That Guy.”
Nia Savoy-Dock and cast
The true soul of the production, for me, was the comical but talented ensemble numbers with all the nuns and Sister Mary Clarence leading the charge. Songs like “It’s Good to be a Nun,” “Raise Your Voice,” “Take Me to Heaven,” and “Sunday Morning Fever” raised the roof in all their glory. The role of Sister Mary Robert, a nun who started out shy but grew bold, gave belter Kanysha Williams a strong breakout solo: “The Life I Never Led.”
Nia Savoy-Dock, Kanysha Williams and cast
Though schmaltzy, the cast didn’t make 1970s Philadelphia, the disco capital of the East Coast in this case, look too shabby. Who says you can’t mix religion with disco? See for yourself–the play runs through May.
Nia Savoy-Dock and cast
photos by Scott Suchman
Sister Act
Ford’s Theater, 511 Tenth Street, NW in D.C.
ends on May 17, 2025
for tickets, visit Fords
for more shows, visit Theatre in DC
