Review: Sister Act raised the roof at Brisbane’s opening

With powerhouse vocals, plenty sparkles and a spontaneous stage moment, Brisbane’s opening of Sister Act raised the roof. Read our review.

Sister Act is on now at QPAC. Picture: Daniel Boud

If you like your prayers with a bit of disco, sparkle and roof-raising vocals, then let Sister Act take you to church.

Last night’s Brisbane opening of the popular musical was a hit with crowds who, quite literally, raised their hands to the heavens, danced and laughed hysterically as they packed out Qpac’s Lyric Theatre.

The musical is an adaptation of the iconic 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg with her famous character played on stage by Casey Donovan as Deloris Van Cartier.

Donovan is joined by stalwart stage stars Genevieve Lemon as Mother Superior and Rhonda Burchmore as choir leader Sister Mary Lazarus.

Casey Donovan stars in Sister Act which is on now at QPAC. Picture: Daniel Boud

It’s Donovan’s biggest role yet and the first time as a leading lady but across the two-and-a-half hour production, any time Donovan is front and centre, which is largely the whole show, the stage is hers.

The story follows Dolres, a wannabe star, who is forced into hiding after she witnesses a murder.

She takes refuge in a convent where finds herself at the helm of the struggling choir.

We knew Donovan was a star the moment she won Australian Idol back in 2004 at 16, the youngest and first female at the time to win.

Sister Act is on now at QPAC. Picture: Daniel Boud

And it’s a powerful thing witnessing Donovan live and watching her take flight is a spectacle of heavenly proportions.

It’s why her over the top acting, at times, can be completely overlooked with the show worth seeing purely for Donovan’s flawless, powerhouse and spine-tingling vocals.

Despite the big name on the bill in Burchmore, she plays a more minor role, with just glimpses of time in the spotlight but still, she brings a big cheer from the audience, reminding us she’s one Australia’s most loved performers.

Rhonda Burchmore in Sister Act on now at QPAC. Picture: Daniel Boud

As a nun dressed head to toe in material, it’s surely one the more modest looks by Burchmore, known for her glamour and legs, but she makes it her own with a genuine joy under her habit.

It is, however, the genius of Lemon, who elevates the show with her brilliance and stage mastery which came into play in a spontaneous moment of gold.

When Lemon, a woman in her late 60s, walked on stage in a nightgown, someone from the crowd let out a wolf whistle. Laughter washed over the theatre and Lemon couldn’t let the moment go by unnoticed. Without breaking character, she responded ‘keep praying’, and carried on with the scene. The crowd lapped it up.

Genevieve Lemon as Mother Superior in Sister Act is on now at QPAC. Picture: Daniel Boud

Just as they did with stellar performances by supporting cast including Sophie Montague (Sister Mary Robert), Bianca Bruce (Sister Mary Patrick) and Raphael Wong (Eddie Souther).

If you’re waiting to hear some of the movie’s iconic hits like I Will Follow Him, you might be disappointed.

Tony and Oscar award-winner Alan Menken, who wrote the musical’s original score, opted for a different musical take yet still it’s still threaded with motown, disco and uplifting tracks.

If you’re after a musical with all the classic razzle dazzle, book your tickets.

But more than its music, and its story of faith, nuns and crime, it is overwhelmingly about the power of a sisterhood. Amen.

Sister Act is now playing at Lyric Theatre, QPAC until March 15