PicksInSix Review: Sister Act - Drury Lane Theatre
“Father, Son, Holy Smokes” … Fantastic Show!
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Kaitlyn Linsner
Standing tall and proud, the nuns of Queens of Angels cathedral have the world listening. Laughing, too, in the high-energy musical “Sister Act” now playing at Drury Lane Theatre. The accomplished director E. Faye Butler has assembled a superbly talented company backed by a stellar creative team including music director David Fiorello, choreographer Kenny Ingram and costume designer Leon Dobkowski. “Father, Son and Holy Smokes,” this is one fantastic show!
Based on the hit 1992 film, the show features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, with Douglas Carter Beane. “Sister Act” follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier (Rae Davenport) from chasing fame to hiding in a convent after witnessing a crime committed by her boyfriend Curtis played devilishly well by Kelvin Roston Jr. The police and Mother Superior (Michelle Duffy) need Deloris to blend in as “Sister Mary Clarence,” but Deloris struggles with the rigid convent life which sets the stage for many comedic clashes with her sisters. The plot also leaves plenty of room for heartfelt moments as Deloris helps transform the choir from timid and terrible to an empowered and talented group that begins to fill the seats of a once-empty church.
The show takes off when the nuns sing “It’s Good to be a Nun” in the first act after they ask Deloris her favorite part about being a nun. Davenport has solid comedic timing, and the nuns sing powerfully together. Of note are the performances of Sisters Mary Theresa (Kelly Anne Clark) and Mary Robert (Amanda Walker). “It’s Good to be a Nun” also marks the moment where the audience is really encouraged to embrace and enjoy the exaggerated musical numbers and overall campy style of “Sister Act.” Leaning into the camp makes this production all the more enjoyable.
One of the best numbers, “I Could Be that Guy,” showcases what makes this production so entertaining—sincere goofiness, very talented vocalists, and top-notch costuming. The remarkably good Eddie Souther (Lawrence Flowers) shines in this piece as a gang of “Street People” dance behind him in tattered clothes. Twice they tear away Eddie’s clothes to showcase a glitzed out disco suit and then back to his police uniform as he pines for Deloris’ love and affection with stellar vocals. It is simply wonderful.
Joey (Jonah D. Winston), Pablo (Trey Deluna), and TJ’s (Richaun Stewart) performance of “Lady in the Long Black Dress” also stacks up well in combining strong vocals, great 1970s menswear, and hilarious lyrics about how to romance their way into the convent to get Deloris. The show repeatedly achieves the perfect combination of these elements in more ways than can be covered in this review. The joy radiates from the stage so much that when Monsignor O’Hara (Lorenzo Rush Jr.) starts service and the nuns begin to sing, you are ready to jump up and rejoice.
“Sister Act” also does big, ensemble pieces very well. The entire cast performs the heck out of this show, nearly bringing down the house in “Spread the Love Around,” which also reminds us of the warm life lessons just beneath the surface of this over-the-top musical. For every laugh, there is also friendship, connection, hope, soul, and love to be experienced making “Sister Act” a bright celebration not to be missed this holiday season.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | KAITLYN LINSNER serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Utilities Bureau of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
PHOTO|Justin Barbin
Drury Lane Theatre
presents
Sister Act
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace
through January 11, 2026
WEBSITE - TICKETS
BOX OFFICE (630) 530-0111
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