Spread the Love Around

Sister Act – Mercury Theatre

“Sister Act” conjures up images of whimsy, wimples and Whoopi Goldberg and Dame Maggie Smith. They starred in one of the funniest and most financially successful musical films of 1992. In our current era of screen-to-stage transferals, audiences may either be skeptical of one more theatrical musical based on a popular movie, or they’ll be panting with the anticipation of seeing their favorite comedy, live on stage. And while this glorious new presentation, now playing at Chicago’s beloved Mercury Theater, doesn’t offer Whoopi Goldberg’s star power, the production still sparkles up to the heavens. Deloris Van Cartier, the 70’s club singer who goes into hiding after witnessing a murder, is in the very capable hands of a heavenly gifted young actress with a vast resume to prove her prowess.

Alexis J. Roston’s Deloris absolutely lights up the stage with her dazzling, impish smile, her tough-as-nails attitude and her spot-on comic timing. She also possesses a bonafide Broadway belt that floats clear up to the stars. Ms Roston also has all the moves, moxie and magnetism to make audiences completely fall in love with her Deloris/Sister Mary Clarence and forget who originated this role. More than that, Alexis’ portrayal of this nun-on-the-run is honest and real. Watch her carefully: her eyes tell the entire story. 

And while Maggie Smith’s Mother Superior was an uptight Brit, Chicago’s own Jane Grebeck-Brewer ups the ante by portraying her as a far more down-to-earth nun. She’s a woman desperate to protect both her church and her sisters, while frustrated at having to house and curtail this bodacious nightclub singer. After conversations with both God and the parish priest, (hilariously played by Ed Kross), Ms. Grebeck-Brewer expresses her disgruntlement in a lovely musical soliloquy, “Haven’t Got a Prayer.” Eventually, when she sees how Sister Mary Clarence has truly become a caring member of the convent, the two women come to understand and appreciate each other.

The score is full of exciting, toe-tapping, hand-clapping hits. Deloris’ “Take Me to Heaven,” which opens the musical as her club anthem, transitions easily into a dandy deistic disco performance at the church. Almost every song is made even more special by the backup provided by a talented ensemble of nuns, thanks to Music Director Diana Lawrence. The rousing “Raise Your Voice,” “Sunday Morning Fever,” “Fabulous Baby” and “Spread the Love Around” are tributes to the creativity of composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Here, every number becomes even more delectable through Christopher Chase Carter’s period-perfect 70’s choreography. The winsome sisters include the wonderful Leah Morrow, Jenny Rudnick, Nicole Cready, Nancy Wagner, Aalon Smith and Isabella Andrews. Ms. Andrews’ sweetly angelic young Sister Mary Robert starts out as a shy, insecure postulant, but eventually finds her own voice, thanks to Deloris. In Act II she makes the rafters ring with her soul-searching, “The Life I Never Led.”

Gilbert Domally’s “Sweaty Eddie” Souther, Deloris’ handsome, shy, but big-hearted policeman protector and former high school crush, is sweet, genuine and earnest. His humorous and heartfelt “I Could Be That Guy,” is sung with finesse and supported by a talented backup group. The production number evolves into a delightfully sexy, jaw-dropping reverse striptease that draws cheers from the audience. The multitalented Denzel Tsopnang is appropriately villainous as mob boss, Curtis Jackson. He’s hilariously supported by his thugs: Marcus Jackson, Ruben Castro and Austin Nelson, Jr.

In this divine reopening of one of Chicago’s favorite theaters, talented Director Reneisha Jenkins has guided a ravishing production that will undoubtedly draw patrons into its congregation of the movie’s devoted fans. Supported by an exceptionally inventive scenic design (by Angela Weber Miller), flashy lighting (by Jackie Fox) and creative video (by G. “Max” Maxin IV), the show is a dazzling communion of talent. 

This old-fashioned musical doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s warm, funny and a big-hearted celebration of seeing the world from another person’s point-of-view. It’s also a tribute to the deep sisterhood and girl power inherent in real friendship. This production sparkles with comedy, great music, plenty of heart and, thanks to Marquecia Jordan’s array of gorgeous, glitzy, habit-forming costumes, more sequins and spangles than Cher’s closet. Mercury Theater Chicago has survived the pandemic, reopened with Divine intervention and certainly has “Spread the Love Around.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 5-January 2 by Mercury Theater Chicago,3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the theater box office or by going www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.