Praise be! Sister Act has arrived here in the city of Churches!
Sister Act is based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and features original music by Tony award and 8-time Oscar award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid). With songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures.
Starring in the role of Deloris Van Cartier is the sensational Casey Donovan and she is joined by a star studded cast including Genevieve Lemon, Raphael Wong, Sally Bourne, and Emma Powell. The heavenly Rhonda Burchmore also stars in Sister Act, swapping out the glamorous outfits and high heels for a habit and comfy shoes!
Ahead of the official opening night on March 26, Rhonda spoke to Glam Adelaide about the show, the cast and the music. Rhonda is one of the busiest people in show business, managing to slip in starring in a production of Steven Sondheim’s Folliesbetween the Melbourne and Brisbane season of Sister Act.
“Follies is just so marvellous to hear in its full glory. All the script and everything, it’s just incredible. No expense was spared on the production. Roger Kirk made the most extraordinary costumes, and the talent on stage was just exceptional. It was led by Marina Pryor, Adam Murphy, Geraldene Morrow and Anne Wood. The choreography was sublime and the full orchestra playing that score was just phenomenal. It was such a tiring slog but I was thrilled to be involved. I’d do a show like Follies in a heartbeat instead of taking a break – it was just a magical experience.”
Rhonda is touring with Sister Act as the choir conductor Sister Mary Lazarus, a role that was made famous by Mary Wickes in the original film. We asked Rhonda what it is about Sister Act that drew her to audition for the show.
“I was on holiday and I saw that Sister Act was coming to Australia. I love the film but I didn’t think there was anything in there for me. I got in touch with the production company, Crossroads, and they said they would love for me to come and read for Sister Mary Lazarus. I loved the sound of her because she’s such a dag. I went into the audition, and rather than the usual Rhonda – you know, a little bit glamorous with the hair and makeup done – I went no makeup, hair back in a pony, the daggiest shoes and dress. I played her in the audition room like this crazy, daggy creature. The panel was in hysterics and then immediately I was offered the role. It’s something so completely different to what the people are used to seeing me as. There’s no leg, there’s no hair, there’s no glamour. It’s like if you saw me stripped of makeup after a few drinks in someone’s apartment on tour. I get down and I rap and I tap – it’s just a lot of fun.”
Sister Act features a brilliant original score by the incredible Alan Menken.
“Quite a few people come and are surprised it’s not the pop songs from the movie. No, it’s not. But the score that Alan Menken has written is just so beautiful. The lyrics are stunning and Menkin’s music is just a joy to sing. By the end, the audience are up on their feet rocking along with these new songs. The uptempo numbers are so catchy and infectious and the ballads in the show are simply stunning. They are so emotional. Casey Donovan sings the absolute dickens out of each number. She brings the house down every night.”
Rhonda shared with us how incredible it has been sharing the stage with such a phenomenal cast.
“It’s a really wonderful group. I hadn’t worked with Genevieve before but I’ve been a fan of hers. We’ve become besties and same with Casey. Then you’ve got Sally Bourne and Emma Powell, and we go back for years. It’s also a diverse company. There’s kids there that are starting out where this is their very first show, and then there’s us that have been doing it for ages (some of us for 40 odd years!), so it’s a really lovely blend and it’s a very happy company. I’m in awe of a lot of the talent on stage, and hopefully they learn a bit from older troupers like myself and Genevieve.”
Sister Act is now playing at the Adelaide Festival Theatre with the official opening night on Wednesday 26 March.
“I love Adelaide. Adelaide has always been so kind to me. I think I’m going to shock a few people when they see me in Sister Act. The response we’ve been getting has been insane. Adelaide, being the city of churches, is going to love Sister Act. I can just see myself getting a few photo ops in my habit at different churches around the place.”
Tickets on sale now!
For further information and tickets, visit www.sisteractthemusical.com.au .
Read our interview with Casey Donovan HERE .
Read our interview with Genevieve Lemon HERE .
Read our interview with Raphael Wong HERE .
Read our interview with Sally Bourne HERE .
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
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