Review: SISTER ACT Takes the Audience to Heaven at Oklahoma City University

Jess here. I can now officially say that I am in awe of the magic that the Department of Musical Theatre at Oklahoma City University created in their production of "Sister Act." This musical comedy, featuring music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, is based on the classic 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name. Goldberg played Deloris Van Cartier, a singer who is struggling to take her vocal career to the next level. When she witnesses her lover murder a man, police place her in hiding inside a convent to keep her safe. During her stay she poses as a nun, and subsequently transforms a below average group of sisters into a fierce gospel choir.

As a newcomer to Oklahoma City University, this is the second musical I've had the opportunity to see on campus (my first being "Anything Goes" in the spring of 2017). This production of "Sister Act" was double cast, and I had the pleasure of seeing each cast perform at Oklahoma City University's beautiful Kirkpatrick Auditorium in the Fine Arts Center. I truly appreciated the quality of the work displayed by the cast and tech crew, and thoroughly enjoyed both performances.

The incomparable role of Deloris Van Cartier was portrayed by Ashley Arnold and Ashleigh Robinson. Both ladies demonstrated tremendous vocal strength and energy throughout the show, and kept the audience actively engaged the entire time. Arnold's comedic timing shined through in her work, and Robinson did a fantastic job of taking the time to let Deloris's vulnerability live and breathe during the pivotal moments in the plot. Both depictions of Mother Superior by Hannah Kilpatrick and Lizzie Snellings were fantastic when posed with the task of challenging Deloris's free-spirited nature. Sister Mary Robert was portrayed by Jenna Mazzoccoli and Maddie Roberts. They each played the role famously and brought the house down with their incredible voices, especially with their performances of the Act II smash: "The Life I Never Led." One of my personal favorites was Teresa Franks (Mary Lazarus). Her comedic wit and intuition was a highlight in every scene she was in, and I found myself constantly drawn to her. Other favorites included Capriana Campo (Mary Patrick) and Jacob Elliot (Monsignor O'Hara). Both actors shined onstage, with their zany characters' antics always eliciting a laugh out loud response from the audience. I'd also like to give a shout out to the hard-working ensemble, who quite literally "put the boogie into my soul" with their out-of-this-world dance skills.

The set, designed by Jason Foreman, was elegant yet effective, which allowed for quick scene changes and a fitting look for the versatile show. The fabulous costumes by Celia Kasberg took the audience straight back to the disco era and allowed the performers to light up the room. The show was vocally flawless, thanks to the work of Musical Director Matthew Mailman, and the band was incredible as well. Director, David Herendeen, never ceases to impress with his vision. The entire double cast and crew were on point, and seamlessly paid attention to every detail.

Collectively, this production revealed Oklahoma City University's ability to produce a musical as entertaining and exciting as its professional level equivalent. "Take me to church" has taken on a whole new meaning after this experience. I am very proud to be an OKCU Star!

"Oh, isn't it a shame? I can neither sew, nor cook, nor read or write my name.
But I'm happy merely being lovely, for its one thing I can give to you." -Stephen Sondheim

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