It’s not long now until the heavens open and Sister Act arrives at the Adelaide Festival Theatre.
Sister Act is based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and features original music by Tony 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.
The cast is divine, including Casey Donovan at the helm as Deloris Van Cartier, the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the hit film. Joining Casey in donning the habit are Genevieve Lemon in the role of Mother Superior, Rhonda Burchmore as choir leader Sister Mary Lazarus and Sally Bourne as Sister Mary Martin of Tours.
Sally has been working in theatre, TV, film and cabaret for 45 years. In the lead up to Sister Act opening in Adelaide, Sally spoke to Glam Adelaide about the show, the cast and what drew her to pursue the performing arts as a career.
“My Dad was an actor and my Mum was a dancer so both were quite prolific in their careers. I saw the musical Guys & Dolls when I was a kid because Dad was in it – he played Nicely Nicely in a Melbourne production. He was also in the musical Man of La Mancha so I’d seen a couple of musicals when I was little. We were at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne and saw A Chorus Line. I was about 10 at the time. We were walking out of the theatre and above the doors was a poster for an upcoming production of Annie. At that point, I’d been having singing lessons for a while because I liked the idea of performing. When I saw that Annie poster I asked Dad what it was about and he told me. I told him, ‘I’m going to be in that!’. So I auditioned with well over 200 other kids and I was very fortunate to be cast in the lead role of Annie. It’s just been ongoing since then and I love it!”
Having worked across stage, TV and film, we asked Sally what she finds so infectious about performing that keeps her drawn to the industry.
“It’s just such a great job. I’ve done so much over the years, from Les Mis in Australia and then in London, then Jesus Christ Superstar and some heavier shows, which were very cathartic and great for the acting chops. I have also done things like My Fair Lady and Sister Act. I find it so much fun and I love doing it. I’ve done quite a bit of TV, and I was in the Evita film with Madonna. I love the different disciplines you learn. In a stage show you have one shot to get it right, but in film and TV you can do a scene over and over again to try different ways and things like that.”
Sister Act has been playing to full houses around the country, and now it’s Adelaide’s turn. Sally shared with Glam Adelaide what it is about Sister Act that she loves.
“The great thing about this production is that it’s very much female-led, which is a rarity in musicals sadly. I’ve been doing this for 46 years and there are actually four women in the show who are over the age of 50, which is bloody magnificent, to be honest with you. The whole show has a brilliant message of love and acceptance and to not judge people – it’s just gorgeous. We’re all valid in the world and we each have a place that deserves to be celebrated.”
With a cast line up, including Casey Donovan, Genevieve Lemon, Rhonda Burchmore and Emma Powell, it must be a lot of fun getting to share the stage with these incredible artists.
“Oh, it’s just spectacular. I share a dressing room with Emma Powell and we just laugh all the time. Then there’s the delightful Rhonda Burchmore and Genevieve Lemon who just lift us all up. They are absolutely hysterical. Rhonda’s just one of the most fabulously, outrageously, wonderful, brilliant people I’ve ever met. And then there’s the sensational Casey, who carries this whole show. She is just brilliant.”
Sister Act arrives at the Adelaide Festival Theatre from March 22, 2025.
“I’m really looking forward to audiences having a laugh and shedding a tear or two as well, and then at the end everyone gets up and has a dance. It’s a beautiful show and I can’t wait for Adelaide audiences to finally get to experience the magic that this show is.”
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 .
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