Sister Act: The Musical is back in town, and it’s here to “raise your voice” and deliver a night of divine entertainment. After a successful run a few years ago, the show has returned to Brisbane’s QPAC Lyric Theatre, bringing with it a fresh wave of excitement, heart, and high-energy performances. Whether you’re a devout fan of the 1992 movie or a first-time visitor to the convent, this stage adaptation delivers a night full of laughs, stunning visuals, and heavenly numbers.
For anyone who’s not familiar with the story, Sister Act follows Deloris Van Cartier, a nightclub singer who witnesses a murder and is placed in witness protection—at a convent. At first, Deloris clashes with the nuns’ strict ways, but when she takes over the choir, everything begins to change, leading to an uplifting, feel-good journey of self-discovery and friendship. The musical, much like the movie, blends humor and heart, with Deloris transforming not only the choir but also herself and those around her. It’s a holy transformation that reminds us all that music can bring people together, no matter their background.
Leading the charge as Deloris is Casey Donovan, who brings powerhouse vocals to the role. She embodies a level off over-the-top energy that puts her at odds with the other nuns. Though the character occasionally feels a bit underdeveloped in the stage version, Donovan’s performance keeps the audience “praying” for more, especially when she’s belting out some of the musical’s more upbeat numbers. Genevieve Lemon’s portrayal of Mother Superior is stern yet endearing, she gives the role a depth that grounds Deloris’ exuberant energy well. And, of course, the supporting nuns are a delight. Rhonda Burchmore’s Sister Mary Lazarus is one of the standout characters, stealing scenes with her wit and dorky comic timing, proving that even in the convent, there’s room for a little sass.
One of the key differences between the musical and the movie is, of course, the music. Rather than reusing the classic songs from the film, Sister Act: The Musical features an entirely new score by Alan Menken, the composer behind Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. The songs are upbeat and full of energy, blending gospel, soul, and disco influences. Numbers like Take Me to Heaven and Raise Your Voice get the crowd clapping along, but there’s no escaping the fact that the movie’s iconic tunes like My Guy and I Will Follow Him are sorely missed. While the new score is fun and catchy, it’s hard not to long for the nostalgic “holy grail” of movie hits that would have made this show feel truly blessed.
Visually, the production is a feast for the eyes. The set design cleverly switches between Deloris’ flashy nightclub and the more austere convent, capturing the contrast between the two worlds. The costumes also shine, with the sparkling choir robes and shimmering nun habits adding a touch of glamour to the big musical numbers. It’s all in keeping with the show’s joyful and larger-than-life energy. No stone is left unturned when it comes to making this production look as radiant as the characters’ transformations.
Sister Act: The Musical is ultimately a celebration of music, friendship, and finding your voice—literally and figuratively. It’s a lively night out with plenty of laughs, uplifting moments, and great performances that’ll leave you feeling blessed long after the curtain falls. While it might not pack the nostalgic punch that fans of the film were hoping for, it’s still a fun and vibrant production that’s well worth seeing. So if you’re in the mood for a feel-good musical, Sister Act is back in town and ready to lift your spirits to heavenly heights.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
