Yewande Odetoyinbo Gets Into 'Sister Act' at the Lyric Stage

Boston actor Yewande Odetoyinbo continues her busy career with the starring role of the musical "Sister Act," playing the iconic role originated by Whoopi Goldberg.

Yewande Odetoyinbo was last seen on a Boston stage as the hilariously frazzled mom attempting to host a birthday party for her mother in Jackie Sibblies Drury's extraordinary "Fairview" at the SpeakEasy Stage Company. But for her next role, the busy actress (both in Boston and beyond) plays Deloris Van Cartier, the iconic Whoopi Goldberg role from the 1992 comedy "Sister Act," but in its 2011 musical version that made a star of Patina Miller.

The musical's book is by the Emmy-winning team of Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, with additional materials by Douglas Carter Beane and music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. The Boston production is directed by Leigh Barrett, better known for her lauded roles in Boston musicals for decades, with choreography by Dan Sullivan and musical direction by David Freeman Coleman.

This isn't Odetoyinbo's first time at the Lyric Stage, where the musical plays from April 7 - May 14. She appeared there in "The Light" and "Breath & Imagination." In addition to "Fairview," she has appeared with the SpeakEasy in "Once on this Island" and "The View Upstairs." With Moonbox Productions: "Passing Strange," "Caroline, or Change," and "Parade." And recently, outside of Boston, the busy Odetoyinbo appeared in "The Colored Museum" at the American Stage Theatre Company in St. Petersburg, FL, and "The Color Purple" at the Signature Theatre in Washington, DC.

EDGE spoke to Odetoyinbo as she prepares to play Delores, the on-the-lam nightclub singer who finds refuge in a convent.

EDGE: Were you a fan of the original "Sister Act" movie?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: Oh my gosh, yes! Whoopi Goldberg is one of my favorite actors. She's amazing. What I love about her is that she does it all: She sings, she dances, she's a comedian and, most importantly, she's a political activist.

EDGE: What do you love about the story?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: I love that it is about sisterhood, family, and finding family in places that you didn't expect to find it.

EDGE: What are the challenges of doing a show based on a movie?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: Yes, because when I tell people that I'm doing "Sister Act," they say, "I'm so excited. I love the music from 'Sister Act.' " Unfortunately, none of the songs from the movie are in the show. The music from the movie is so iconic, you'd expect some songs, but none at all.

EDGE: Tell us about your role?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: I played Deloris Van Cartier, a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence. This role is much like the movie. She's witnessed a murder committed by her lover, and for her protection her she's put her into a witness protection program at a convent she doesn't want to be at, but eventually she learns to love the people there, and they learn to love her.

EDGE: Are there similarities between you and Deloris?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: We are both on a mission to be the best person we can be on and off stage. Like Deloris, I have aspirations of being a star. I would love to perform in Hollywood and on stages in Vegas and New York. She has big dreams, and I think that I have those same big dreams to just do what I love, perform on stages everywhere.

EDGE: "Sister Act" features a fantastic score, with music by Alan Menken. How would you describe the soundtrack for this show?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: It's a little bit of seventies disco mixed with some standard musical theater sounds. Since the score is written by Alan Menken, there were times when I was listening and I swear I can hear songs from "Beauty and the Beast."

EDGE: What is your favorite number in the show?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: I just love "Fabulous, Baby!" (Reprise). It's such a great song, and fun to perform.

EDGE: What theme or message do you see as the cornerstone of this show?

Yewande Odetoyinbo: It's about family and sisterhood. Not judging a book by its cover and not judging people by what you see on the outside. Love.

EDGE: Why should people come see "Sister Act?"

Yewande Odetoyinbo: They should come to see you because it's going be a whole lot of fun. Some plays cause you to think and look deep within, and you leave a theater thinking, "I need to process that." This show is fun! While there is a message, but it's really about just enjoying your yourself. You can sing and dance in your seat, and then leave the theater feeling good.

"Sister Act" plays April 7th through May 14th at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston. For more information on Sister Act and to purchase tickets, call the box office at (617) 585-5678 or visit the Lyric Stage website.