BWW Reviews: The Gateway's Fabulous SISTER ACT!

I am a longtime fan of Whoopi Goldberg with her Sister Act movies ranking as some of my all-time favorites. So, as you can imagine, I am thrilled I finally had the opportunity to see the musical adaptation that Ms. Goldberg produced on Broadway at Long Island's Gateway Theatre. This lively production runs through July 18th at the gorgeous Bellport venue.

Leading the brilliant Steven Beckler directed cast is Rashidra Scott (Broadway: Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Hair, et. al.) 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 from her mobbed up boyfriend, Curtis, portrayed by Apollo Levine, after witnessing him murder one of his associates. Ms. Scott is absolutely dazzling as Deloris. Her voice carries the Alan Menken (music)/Glenn Slater (lyrics) score so beautifully with loads of energy to boot.

Incidentally, the stage incarnation (book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner) primarily focuses on the first of the two movies with some changes (naturally).

Also a highlight among the stellar cast is Gateway vet Tina Johnson (Broadway: Damn Yankees, South Pacific, et al.) as Sister Mary Lazarus, Dierdre Friel (Broadway: Leap Of Faith) as the perky Sister Mary Patrick and Celeste Rose as mousy postulant Sister Mary Robert. They all work incredibly well together and it is apparent they are enjoying their time in this show. Another audience favorite is Jennifer Allen (Broadway: Bridges Of Madison County, Sister Act, et. al) as Mother Superior. Her rendition of "Haven't Got A Prayer" is met with an extended applause.

The entire company is truly top notch.

As for the creative team, Adam Koch is on point with the beautiful scenic design particularly with the deteriorating nunnery. Additionally, Dustin Cross' costumes are exquisite and relevant and special kudos to the incredible live orchestra headed up by Musical Director Brent Alan Huffman with Nancy Blair Wolfe conducting.

And so, Sister Act is indeed another hit for the Gateway Theatre. An incredible cast and an exciting, dramatic, story make for a thrilling night of theatre. Next up for the Gateway is an exciting production of Billy Elliot which will run at The Patchogue Theatre beginning July 22nd.

Sister Act is presented by the Gateway Playhouse of Bellport, Long Island, through July 18th in collaboration with Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Book by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner, Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane, Directed by Steven Beckler, Production Management by Brian Loesch, Casting by Michael Baker, Scenic Design by Adam Koch, Comapny Management by Bethany Sortman, Lighting by Rev. Jose Santiago, Stage Management by Karen Parlato, Costume Design by Dustin Cross, Sound Design by Don Hanna, Orchestrations by Doug Besterman, Vocal & Incidental Music Arrangements by Michael Kosarin, Musical Direction by Brent Alan Huffman, Conductor is Nancy Blair Wolfe, Original Choreography by Anthony Van Laast, Choreography Recreated & Adapted by Erin Henry. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 286-1133 or visit www.gatewayplayhouse.org.

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