Mercury Theater Presents SISTER ACT Review — No Shortness of Sequins and Laughs

Posted on by Alexis Bugajski

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Mercury Theater SISTER ACT
Sister Act Finale

The lights in the house dim. The stage suddenly comes to life with lights shooting from every angle and in what seems like every color. The performers appear decked out in sequins. The host for the evening, also dressed to the nines in the finest sparkles, asks us to put our hands together. We feel like we’re at a concert of one of the hottest artists of the decade. But would you believe we’re in a church about to see some nuns perform? Coming to you live on stage and in full habits, it’s Sister Act!

Mercury Theater SISTER ACT
Jane Grebeck-Brewer

Mercury Theater Brings the Star Power

How does a glitzy club performer fare when suddenly faced with the modest life of a nun? Based on the movie of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg, this production of Sister Act delivers that same fish out of water theme.

Nightclub performer Deloris is hidden away at this convent when she witnesses a murder and suddenly becomes the star witness of the upcoming trial. Our Deloris played by Alexis J. Rosten has the same star charisma as Whoopi Goldberg to lead us through every scene. Backed by a wall of screens that change from place to place, Rosten takes us through the city of brotherly love — from night club, to seedy bar, to police station, and to church.

Deloris bounces off her fellow actors in every scene. We feel the tension between her and Mother Superior (played by Jane Grebeck-Brewer) as she does anything but blend in at the convent. She jokes and flirts with Eddie (played by Gilbert Domall), the lead detective and her high school friend,.And when she sings, all eyes and ears are on her as she fills the stage and theater.

Mercury Theater SISTER ACT
Alexis J. Roston

Comedy All the Way

The actors playing the nuns of the convent embrace each of their characters’ uniqueness to create a fun pack of women, in this writer’s view. Jenny Rudnick as Mary Lazarus delivers her lines with dry humor as leader of the choir, but then surprises us as she spits out the fastest lyrics of the bunch. Leah Morrow steals the scene as the always excited, wide-eyed, and positive Mary Patrick.

Outside of the nunnery, Eddie tries desperately to shed his high school nickname Sweaty Eddie. He wants nothing more than to be cool. In his solo, we see that coolness peek through as Gomally croons and riffs to show us his different side of the Eddie character.  Ultimately though, Eddie still lands as his goofy and nervous self, sporting a less than fashionable clip-on tie.

With these scenes and more, there’s no shortage of comedy    There’s funny songs as well as jokes dropped at every turn that made this writer and the entire audience laugh throughout.

Dressed for Service

There is also no shortage of glitz and glamour in Sister Act. Though most of the characters don nuns’ traditional black and white habits, the outfits are anything but drab. The costumes designed by Marquecia Jordan add that over-the-top sparkle that literally make this show shine. It starts small with the nun’s first musical performance as they unveil an aqua blue and red heart sequin front piece. But by the end these nuns are dressed head to toe in stunning sequins that make our mouths drop in shock and awe.

Sister Act is a fun and uplifting comedy delivered by a charismatic cast. It is a good fit for anyone looking for a light-hearted musical

Mercury Theater SISTER ACT
Nancy Wagner, Nicole Arnold, Isabella Andrews, Nicole Cready
Mercury Theater SISTER ACT
Isabella Andrews, Nicole Cready, Alexis J. Roston, Leah Morrow
Mercury Theater SISTER ACT
Yasir Muhammad, Ed Kross, Marcus Jackson

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Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director: Reneisha Jenkins
Choreographer: Christopher Chase Carter
Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Glenn Slater

WHEN:

Through Jan 2, 2022

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
7:30 PM

Saturdays
2pm & 7:30 pm

Sundays
2 pm

WHERE:

Mercury Theater Chicago
3745 N Southport Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60613

TICKETS:

$35+

To purchase tickets, visit the Mercury Theater Chicago website.

Photos by Brett Breiner Photography

Alexis Bugajski

About the Author: Alexis Bugajski

Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.

Editor's Note:  Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski

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