For some unknown reason, I have never been a huge fan of musicals. Although, if I look back, there are some musicals that I thoroughly enjoyed, for instance the classics – Mary Poppins, Sound of Music and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And let’s no leave Mamma Mia out (I am sure Mamma Mia 2 will be just as awesome).
When Hoërskool Florida invited me to their musical Sister Act, I was not sure what to expect, but I was left gobsmacked at the learners’ talent, bravery (I sure would not sing on stage in front of a crowd) and passion.
I spoke to one of the teachers who said they had rehearsed for at least four months – and it showed.
The musical is about a Reno lounge singer named Deloris van Cartier who witnessed her mobster boyfriend Curtis, killing an employee. She then goes into hiding in a convent under a witness protection programme, and becomes Sister Mary Clarence. Deloris doesn’t just sit around the whole day, she goes clubbing and brings the ways of the world into the life of the nuns, leading to many confrontations with the Mother Superior, with hilarious results.
If memory serves me correctly, this show was based on the movie of the same name with Whoopi Goldberg in the lead. I don’t think it was a musical though, but it was a good movie nonetheless.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and so did the crowd – they really got into the story. The ‘actors’ were very professional and not one missed a cue. Not everyone could reach the high notes, but even that didn’t even distract me from enjoying the show.
I have to compliment Deloris van Cartier (as in Cartier), played by Mba-lee Sibanyoni . She was absolutely magnificent. She carried the rest of the cast throughout the show without overshadowing them in any way. Her voice was phenomenal and she is a natural born ‘drama queen’, especially on stage.
Well done, Hoërskool Florida – the decor, music, production and choreography were all spot on, and definitely worthy of a Broadway show on the national stages of this country.
Until next week, take care of one another.
Ciao
