Sister Act
Book by: Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner
Lyrics by: Glenn Slater
Music by: Alan Menken
Directed by: Pamela Anglero
Music Directed by: Jason Phillip Solis
Choreographed by: Danny Vanegas
Produced by: The Firehouse Theatre
Audience Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 min intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: Comfortable
Audio/Visuals To Prepare For: Firearms, gunshot sound effect, some violence
Reviewed by Ellie Nunemaker
There’s something so genuinely fun about watching Sister Act live and the production at The Firehouse Theatre absolutely leans into that joy. Full of powerhouse vocals, big laughs and a whole lot of heart, this production captures the chaos and charm that makes the show such a favorite. Between the energetic ensemble, strong comedic performances and feel-good message about friendship and finding your place, Sister Act delivers the energy at the theatre that leaves you smiling long after the curtain call.
Under the direction of Pamela Anglero, this production maintains an impressive balance between big musical comedy and genuine emotional sincerity. The pacing keeps the show feeling lively and engaging, while quieter moments are given enough space to land emotionally without slowing the momentum. Anglero clearly understands the heart of Sister Act, leaning into the joy and chaos of the story while still grounding the relationships between the characters.
The production is consistently musically strong due to the hard work of Music Director Jason Philip Solis and the amazing cast. Numbers like “Take Me to Heaven” and “Raise Your Voice” are full of energy and the cast throws themselves completely into every performance. The ensemble work is one of the production’s greatest strengths.
The choreography by Danny Vanegas is one of the biggest drivers of energy in this production of Sister Act. His work keeps the show constantly moving, with clean, character-driven staging that never feels like it’s just there for spectacle. My favorite moment was watching the trio of antagonist men (played by Daniel Muka, Kenneth Lane and Brian Vazquez) dance to “Lady in the Long Black Dress." In every way it was hilarious and perfect for the tone of this show.
An already strong production is further enhanced by the killer cast. It would be foolish to not recognize the insanely talented and hard-working cast that this team has produced. From the singing nuns to the bad guys, every single person made me smile from ear to ear.
Beginning the show alongside Deloris Van Cartier are Michelle (played by Rachel Carter) and Tina (played by Alaina Hooker). These two ladies begin the show with the best energy to walk in with. After the first number I was begging for more and more of them. While this duo of characters may typically be underrated, they are definitely one of the most important parts of the show. Ladies, you set this show up for SUCCESS!
Throughout the show there are many moving parts ALL covered by the unmatched ensemble of Rachel Carter, Emily Fabrega, Alaina Hooker, Josh Hepola (who also plays Monsignor O’Hara), Marcos Hillman, Tony Hernandez-Barone, Kenneth Lane, Daniel Muka, Lucy Smithey, Brian Vazquez and Hailey Wolfe. These diverse actors took every part of the show and made it unique and perfectly suited to the story and the stage.
The team of nuns at the church consist of Sister Mary Robert who is played by the charming and beautiful mezzo Lourdes Bradley who sang “The Life I Never Led” so perfectly and movingly that a smile would not leave my face. Bradley is simply stunning in this role and perfect in Mary Robert’s shoes. Juxtaposing the shy Sister Mary Robert is Sister Mary Lazarus (played by the hilarious Lucy Smithey), Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (played by the unbeatable Hailey Wolfe), Sister Mary Patrick (played by the all-time soprano Erica Erives) and Sister Mary Teresa (played by the side splitting Emily Fabrega), all led by Mother Superior (played by the commanding and sincere Bridget Hopewell). These ladies are the absolute highlight of the show. They bring so much sisterhood and optimism to these roles that most throw away.
The bad guys in this show are Curtis, Deloris’ ex and so much more, TJ (his nephew), Pablo, and Joey. Curtis is played by Shane Morgan and every single show I have seen him in, I have really enjoyed, but watching him play a villain was my personal favorite. He brings a strange but sinister energy any time he is on stage as Curtis and I loved it!! I do not have to say much other than Muka, Lane and Vazquez are sensational! They are hilarious and find such groundedness in the comedy of the show that makes it real to their characters. They are simply to die for. If you miss them in this show, I am sorry for you.
Playing opposite them, is law-abiding Cop “sweaty Eddie” played by Kevis Edwards, who is probably the sweetest character in the entire show. There is such a sincerity that Edwards brings to this role, and I was completely charmed and under his spell by the end of the show. His chemistry with Deloris (played by Micaela Workman) is simply to die for and I would be front row in a 2 person show with them.
Leading this show is Deloris Van Cartier, played by Micaela Workman and I have so many thoughts on her performance that can all be summed into this sentence…WORKMAN IS A STAR! I have been a long time fan of Workman’s and I am so glad her star is rising like it is. She is simply a joy and pleasure on stage with the voice of an angel. I thought “Sing Me to Heaven” was a song title, not something that would actually be done in that theater. Workman is excellent in Deloris’ shoes, worthy of any Broadway stage.
What makes this production especially enjoyable is how much fun everyone onstage seems to be having. That energy spreads into the audience almost immediately creating the kind of theatre experience that feels uplifting and easy to fall into. The Firehouse Theatre’s Sister Act proves itself to be a heartfelt, funny and genuinely entertaining production that leaves the audience smiling and cheering for more. Tickets can be found at thefirehousetheatre.com. Sister Act runs through May 31.
Catch the Magic while it's live!
Ellie
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