"Sister Act" runs through Feburary 24, 2018 at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Photo credit: Heidi Bohnenkamp, 2015
When Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) announced that they were bringing Sister Act back to their mainstage for a limited run, I was interested. When I saw that Regina Marie Williams would be returning as the lead, I was definitely making plans to attend. In fact, for years I have silently lamented missing Regina onstage at CDT; she starred in the same role in 2015. And if you were lucky enough to have seen her in Nina Simone: Four Women (Nina) at Park Square Theatre, you know that she has an amazing voice and is a joy to watch on stage.
Thanks to CDT for inviting me to see Sister Act and have a wonderful dinner so that I could share the highlights with you. I always feel so special when I get the chance to attend a dinner theatre performance. CDT is a classy venue where you feel at home in a nice pair of jeans or something you'd like to be seen in;I like to dress up! My guest and I arrived early and enjoyed a leisurely dinner, the theater recommends arriving about two hours before curtain. And then the house lights dimmed and the show began.
Thanks to CDT for inviting me to see Sister Act and have a wonderful dinner so that I could share the highlights with you. I always feel so special when I get the chance to attend a dinner theatre performance. CDT is a classy venue where you feel at home in a nice pair of jeans or something you'd like to be seen in;I like to dress up! My guest and I arrived early and enjoyed a leisurely dinner, the theater recommends arriving about two hours before curtain. And then the house lights dimmed and the show began.
I was completely captivated for the whole musical! Director Michael Brindisi describes Sister Act as a feel-good, crowd pleasing show. "They took a good movie and made it into an even better Broadway musical. It's fresh and funny with a fast-paced story and big glitzy musical hits featuring 'Sister Mary Clarence' and her soulful sisters." This musical explores the clashing of two very different cultures: Deloris and her glitzy showgirl ways and the secluded modest Catholic nuns at the convent where the police hide Deloris from her dangerous boyfriend. I relished the message of the performance: we are stronger together when we embrace friendship and tolerant of ways of life that are different than our own.
My favorite parts were the musical numbers with the singing nuns; featuring the amazing talents of Regina Marie Williams (Deloris Van Cartier), Norah Long (Mother Superior) and Britta Ollmann (Sister Mary Robert.) The band was visible throughout the show, elevated behind the actors, allowing the audience to embrace the musicality of the production. The glitzy choreography, vibrant energy from the whole ensemble, and beautiful set elements like the stained glass windows transported me to the wonderful world they have created. And the costumes were so wonderful and almost surprising in a musical that you expect would be dominated by the modest habits worn by the nuns.
I was only pulled out of the excitement of this performance for a few moments where I wondered if the humor was in poor taste. For example, during the musical number "When I Find My Baby" the villain sings wickedly about shooting and stabbing our heroine. A fun little ditty about domestic violence didn't feel good to me when so many women are dying across the world. Without that one song, I would have been a very happy and well-fed theatergoer.
Sister Act is a glittery musical that sparkles with Regina Marie Williams as the star. I would highly recommend this for a special outing to celebrate a birthday, holiday, or anniversary. It plays in Chanhassen through February 24th, 2018. And if you REALLY want to treat yourself, go ahead and plan ahead for the NEXT show on CDT's mainstage: NEWSIES which opens in the Spring of 2018!!!!
Read more reviews from local theater enthusiasts at the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers website: Sister Act TCTB Review Roundup.
Read more reviews from local theater enthusiasts at the Twin Cities Theater Bloggers website: Sister Act TCTB Review Roundup.
Ticket Info for "Sister Act" at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
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Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her away in the last place anyone would expect – a convent! It features an all-new original '70s disco score with lush and infectious songs by 8-time Oscar-winner, Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors, Newsies). Set around the Christmas holidays, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she also rediscovers her own in a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship.
Dinner and show tickets range from $65-80.
Discounts available for students & seniors. Show only tickets start at $50.
2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission.
The role of "Deloris" will be played by Brianna Graham for all matinee performances. |
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
501 West 78th Street Chanhassen, MN 55317 |
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