After a sizzling five-week run at The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre, the musical Sister Act came to an end in August, but what memorable performances we enjoyed from the South African cast. If you didn’t see this show, it has to be said… you definitely missed out
Regular w&h readers would have recognised Candida Mosoma as Deloris Van Cartier, the disco diva put into protective custody in a convent after she witnesses a murder, as she featured in our July issue, telling us it is a dream come true to have landed the lead role. As loud and vivacious as Van Cartier’s character is, so was Candida’s performance – unbelievable and enjoyable to watch!
Based on the top-grossing 1992 movie of the same name, starring Whoopi Goldberg, the musical was written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, with additional material by Douglas Carter Beane, and directed by Janice Honeyman. The live orchestra, led by musical-director Rowan Bakker, brought Oscar- and Tony-winning composer Alan Menken’s music to life, with Glynn Slater’s witty lyrics sung beautifully by the 30-strong cast.
The variety of characters in the show kept you laughing, especially senile Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, played by Judy Ditchfield; busybody Sister Mary Patrick, played by Elizca Coetzer; and young Sister Mary Robert, played by Toni Jean Erasmus. Kate Normington’s take on the strict Mother Superior was on point, and her comedic timing was impeccable; while Brenda Sakellarides, who played Sister Mary Lazarus, kept the audience in stitches with her hilarious rap scene.
The costumes were fabulous, the choreography had you bopping in your chair in-between fits of laughter, and the music had you singing along. Overall, it was our favourite musical of the year.
