Review: SISTER ACT at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre is fabulous, baby!

I am a longtime fan of Whoopi Goldberg with the Sister Act movies ranking among my all-time favorites. So, as you can imagine, I am thoroughly excited to again see the musical adaptation now playing at Long Island's Noel Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC). This lively production, kicking off their 40th season, runs through March 25th at the Oakdale venue.

Excellently leading the brilliant Patrick Grossman directed cast is Olamide Asanpaola as Deloris Van Cartier (Ms. Goldberg's role from the movie). The tale centers on sassy Las Vegas headliner Deloris as she, under police protection, hides in a convent after witnessing her mobbed-up boyfriend - Curtis portrayed by Robins Prophete - and his goons murder one of their associates. Incidentally, the stage incarnation (book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner) primarily and faithfully focuses on the first of the two movies with some changes here and there, of course.

Ms. Asanpaola is absolutely dazzling as Deloris. Her stunning voice carries the Alan Menken/Glenn Slater score so beautifully with loads of energy to boot. Highlights among the stellar cast also include Kay Bias as Sister Mary Lazarus, Erica Giglio-Pac as the perky Sister Mary Patrick and Alyssa Caracciolo as mousy postulant Sister Mary Robert. Additionally, Kyle Petty brings much laughter as TJ, Curtis' nephew. The entire cast works and sounds incredibly well together and it is apparent they are enjoying their time in this show.

As for the top-notch creative team, Mr. Grossman's set is on point particularly with the deteriorating nunnery. Ronald Green III's costumes are also exquisite and relevant featuring some amazing pieces in Deloris' wardrobe. And special kudos to the incredible live orchestra headed up by Musical Director Matthew Surico which enhances M.E. Junge's fun choreography beautifully.

And so, Sister Act is indeed another hit for the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center. An incredible cast and an exciting, dramatic, story make for a thrilling night of theatre.

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Sister Act is presented by the Noel Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center in Oakedale, Long Island, through March 25th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.CMPAC.com

Book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Direction and Sets by Patrick Grossman, Musical Direction by Matthew Surico, Choreography by M.E. Junge, Stage Management by Amanda Wenchel, Sound Design by Nicolette Carosi, Lighting Design by Alison Weinberger, Costume Design by Ronald Green III

Starring Olamide Asanpaola as Deloris, Nikki Sislian as Mother Superior, Robins Prophete as Curtis, Alyssa Caracciolo as Mary Roberts, Dondi Rollins Jr. as Eddie, John Steele Jr. as Monsignor O'Hara, Erica Giglio-Pac as Mary Patrick, Kay Bias as Mary Lazarus, Kyle Petty as Tj, Sean Burbige as Joey, Andrew Murano as Pablo, Kristen Digilio as Tina, Samantha Rosario as Michelle, Brian Frank as Cop/Cab Driver/Altar Boy, Dancer, Louis Avellino as Ernie/Pool Player/Altar Boy/Dancer, David Tucciarone as Dancer/Drag Queen/Altar Boy, Linda Pentz as Mary Theresa, and Josie Negron as Mary Martin-of-Tours with Kathryn Elmendorf, Rebecca Vogel, Cassie Holliday, Noelle Eichenlaub, Michelle LaBozzetta, Menyon Harrell, Kailey Schnurman, Angela Garofalo

Photo by Lisa Schindlar (L to R: Kristen Digilio, Olamide Asanpaola, and Samantha Rosario)

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