Sister Act
Date: 16th February 2018
Society: Fatfield Musical Stage Society
Venue: St.Robert of Newminster College
Type of Production: Musical
Director: Helen Abraham
Musical Director: Tim Jasper
Choreographer: Helen Abraham
Report Author: Foster Johnson
Following the success of their 2017 production, Fatfield Musical Stage Society took on another challenging show this year with their offering of the ever-popular Sister Act. For a Society whose history is steeped in more traditional musical theatre, it was another bold move and change of direction for them, in the hope that as well as being financially viable it would draw an audience of like-minded theatre-goers as well as newcomers to the world of theatre. As for the financial aspect, I cannot comment, but certainly, for the second part of the equation, it seemed to have worked, for on the night I attended it was an appreciative full house.
Following a slow start, the show really picked up and with an enthusiastic and committed cast of 31 putting everything they had into it moved at a lively pace with Principals and Ensemble alike delivering a fine evening’s entertainment. They of course had the help of a fine directorial team in the form of Director/Choreographer Helen Abraham and Musical Director Tim Jasper who brought the best out of the cast.
This was supplemented by a great, orchestra, and good lighting and sound effects. It was a shame that the orchestra was not in front of the stage but behind the backcloth. However, it was necessary as the staging area was such that it was needed in full for the big show numbers. Finally, I felt that the costumes were a mixed bag with some a lot better than others.
As for the performers themselves, there were some fine offerings from the Principals. Stephanie Corbett as Dolores/Sister Mary Clarence was the epitome of the role with a strong and powerful voice and had the right balance of gravitas and humour required for the part. This was really brought to the fore with her performances of “Sister Act” and “Fabulous Baby”. Anne Taylor as the Mother Superior was equally as good and the quality and feeling in her singing was a joy, especially her rendition of “I haven’t Got a Prayer”. Amber Cox ( Postulant Sister Mary Robert), Claire Taylor ( Sister Mary Patrick) and Jean Greener ( Sister Mary Lazarus) were excellent as Sister Mary Clarences’ Posse and were ideal in the roles, and were not dissimilar to the Movie characters. I enjoyed the rapping nun and the wonderful rendition by Amber of “The Life I Never Led”.
As the hapless Monsignor O’Hara Jeff Page was at his comedic best once again and slipped into the role to deliver another fine performance, whilst Paul Maddison (Gangster Curtis Jackson) and Adam Donaldson (Police Lt. Eddie Souther) showed some excellent character work and singing in their pivotal roles. As Jackson’s Mob the work of Anthony Heslop (TJ) Ollie Cook (Pablo) Tom Walton (Ernie) and Jack Hall (Joey) was a pleasure to witness and the performance of “Lady in the Long Black Dress” was exceptional.
We also had nice offerings from Pam Monaghan (Sister Mary Theresa) Janet Cooper(Sister Mary Martin) and Catherine Hillam and Joanne Hudson (Night Club Singers Tina and Michelle) Finally to the ensemble well done. The Show Stopper numbers were great to see and hear.
