Sister Act

The Walnut Street Theatre gets back in the habit with a production of the 2011 Broadway adaptation of "Sister Act." A charming adaptation, the show trades in most of the familiar elements of the beloved film and simply uses its hilarious plot to give it some new life, with varying levels of success.

This musical adaptation tells more or less the same story we know from the classic movie. Would-be singer Deloris Van Cartier dates bad guy, witnesses him murder an associate, then goes into hiding at a convent until she can testify about the crime. Deloris finds an unexpected family with the nuns and helps to save the church and bring it to prominence. It's just as satisfying as it always was, and the musical provides just enough changes to make it feel fresh.

To start, it is all original music so if you're hoping to see a live version of "Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above," you may find yourself disappointed. Luckily, with music and lyrics written by Alan Menken and Gleen Slater, you may also find yourself cheering for the opportunity to get all new music. Additionally, this version of "Sister Act" is set in the disco era, with glitzy music and costumes to accompany it.

But much like the film, the centerpiece relationship of the show is between Deloris and the traditional leader of the convent, Mother Superior. Deloris and Mother Superior, played by Dan'yelle Williamson and Mary Martello, respectively, spend much of the show trying to undermine each other to create the environment they are most comfortable in. They of course come to appreciate each other's point of views and are both better for it, but it is quite a bit of fun to watch them battle it out throughout the show.

Not that we only get to hear from these two points of views. One of the more remarkable aspects of this adaptation is that every character gets their own moment to shine. Whether it is a highlighted moment in a group number or a solo, we get to hear from all of the nuns, each of the gang villains, and multiple showstopping moments from supporting characters. The cast each had to support at least one big moment on their own, and the upside of this set-up is that the entire ensemble is completely strong.

While the cast was busy delivering, the driving emotions in of the show are admittedly a bit more schmaltzy than the film. A love interest between Deloris and Eddie, a regretful Sister Mary Roberts, and an almost matronly Mother Superior go to some lengths to take the comedic chops out of the production. But for every more syrupy moment, there is a new one of genuine charm. "It's Good To Be A Nun," a hilarious song finding the nuns gleefully describing their bleak lifestyles, was a particularly notable new addition to the storyline.

But for all of its charms, this production of "Sister Act" suffers from small weaknesses that combine to detract from the overall quality of the show. Williamson's voice is more than strong enough for Slater and Menken's impressive score, but her presentation as Deloris more often comes off as annoying rather than endearing.

The various nuns, led by Laura Giknis and Melissa Joy Hart as Sisters Mary Roberts and Patrick respectively, all play their roles well, but for the most part fail to stand out and come to life. Worst of all was the orchestra's inability to properly fill the theatre with a strong enough sense of disco music to match the intended energy of the show.

Still, this is not a show that seems destined for theatrical greatness regardless of presentation, and The Walnut manages to put on an extraordinarily entertaining night despite any production problems. Uplifting music, flashy costumes, and a capable cast keeps the energy moving and the payoff high. "Sister Act" may not fall into the must-see category of this season, but it surely qualifies for one of the most fun.

"Sister Act" runs through July 17 at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. For tickets or information, call 215-574-3550 or visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org.