CLT gets it all right

AUBURN — Lots of glitz wrapped around solid talent makes Community Little Theatre’s production of “Sister Act” a delightful hit.

Kay Warren’s vocal performance is exceptional and her comic timing is right on the money. Furthermore, the show has lots of ensemble dancing and singing, and the scenery is just right.

It all comes together flawlessly under the direction and choreography of Adam P. Blais.

The storyline is simple, and loaded with laughs. Disco-diva Deloris Van Cartier (Warren) sees a murder and police take her to a convent where she hides from her gangster boyfriend. An old flame rekindles between Deloris and Police Lt. Eddie Souther (Jacob Sutherland).

It’s a classic song-and-dance production with some great tunes.

“Take Me To Heaven” and “Fabulous, Baby!” are the opening numbers in a nightclub with an extremely glittery backdrop. Warren immediately sets a high standard for the whole show with these songs which have able vocal backup from Karianna Merrill and Karen Lipovsky.

“Take Me To Heaven” also closes Act One as Warren sings with the choir of nuns at the convent. The song is also heard briefly in a “newscast” in Act Two.
Kristen Thomas displays exceptional vocal talent in the role of Mother Superior. “Here Within These Walls” is her welcome song with the nuns as Deloris enters the convent. “I Haven’t Got a Prayer” is an Act Two song by Thomas that expresses her exasperation with sheltering Deloris.

Sutherland delivers a very pleasing rendition of “I Could Be That Guy.” He also joins Deloris, the nuns and the dancers for a reprise of “Fabulous, Baby!” in Act Two.

Mel Bills portrays Sister Mary Robert, a young postulant, who begins to feel doubts about the new life ahead of her. Her rendition of “The Life I Never Led” is a beautiful expression of anxiety and, in a reprise, her commitment.

Dan Kane plays Curtis, Deloris’ murderous boyfriend who wants to silence her. Fellow thugs are played by Aaron Louque, Maxwell Draper, Brandon Chaloux and Mason Lagasse.

“Lady in the Long Black Dress” is a well-done comic number by Louque, Chaloux and Lagasse.

There’s a gunshot-punctuated chase across the stage and up and down the theater’s aisles as Curtis and his gang pursue Deloris. Soon after, with Deloris safely hidden in the convent, Curtis and the men consider what will happen “When I Find My Baby.”

Cory King portrays Monsignor O’Hara. In roles of other nuns are Jordan Payne Hay, Lucy Poland, Josie French and Karen Dall.  Among the nuns’ ensemble numbers are “The Perfect Place,” “It’s Good To Be A Nun,” “Raise Your Voice,” “Sunday Morning Fever,” “Bless Our Show,” and “Benedicta-ta for Now.”

Warren has an outstanding solo number with the show’s title song, “Sister Act.”
The show concludes with the whole company giving a rousing performance of “Spread the Love Around.”

Musical Director Rebecca Caron leads an off-stage orchestra of eight instruments for “Sister Act.”

This musical play with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater is based on the 1992 film with Whoopi Goldberg.

Nakesha “Kay” Warren is CLT’s executive producer. She also directed “The Crucible” earlier this year, “Addams Family” in 2015. And “The Wiz” in 2012.
Remaining performances of “Sister Act” are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-28, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29.

For tickets or information call 783-0958 or go online to www.LACLT.com.
Great Falls Performing Arts Center is at 30 Academy St., Auburn.

Kay Warren, playing Deloris VanCartier, center, and other actors rehearse “Raise Your Voice” at Community Little Theatre during a rehearsal for their upcoming performance of Sister Act. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)

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