Monday, April 15, 2013

"SISTER ACT" FULL OF CLASS AND SASS





Sequins, sass, sparkle and shine are not the usual words that come to mind when you think of sisters of the cloth.  The conservative and sensible, charitable and caring, convent of nuns is undergoing a transformation not of its own choosing.   When a wannabee superstar singer is hidden (read relocated, as in witness protection) with a sisterhood of religiosity, the lady in question, one Deloris Van Cartier, does not go quietly into that good sacred place.

Deloris who unwittingly witnesses a murder by her boyfriend and boss Curtis does the honorable deed and reports it to the police, in this case Police Detective Eddie Souther.  What happens to Deloris as she plays a cloak and dagger game with the criminals chasing her is captured in the rousing comedy "Sister Act The Musical" roaring into the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford from Tuesday, April 16 to Sunday, April 21.

Two decades ago Whoopi Goldberg played the wise cracking, joyfully singing Deloris in the movies.  This new version composed by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater stars Ta'rea Campbell as the spunky disco diva, Hollis Resnik as the uncompromising and suspicious Mother Superior, Kingsley Leggs as the desperate murderer Curtis and E. Clayton Cornelious as the helpful detective Eddie.  New music reaches heavenly heights with such spirited numbers as "Fabulous, Baby!," "Raise Your Voice," and "Take Me to Heaven."

As Deloris goes under wraps in the protective skirts of the good sisters, she soon finds herself pressed into service of a godly nature.  The convent's choir is suffering mightily and Deloris appears like an angel sent from above to perform miracles and offer a joyful noise unto the Lord.  Prepare to be blown away as this chorus is rejuvenated to razzle-dazzle 'em proportions.  Catch the infectious spirits as this sisterhood soars to the rafters.

For tickets ($20-92), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at www.bushnell.org.  Performances are Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Learn how the powerful glue of friendship cements Deloris with her newly found sisterhood of singing sisters.  You'll have lots of good reasons to rejoice!

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