Sister Act: It Would Be a Sin to Miss this Production at Ritz Theatre Co

by Stephen Kreal

On Saturday, May 3rd, I went to see Sister Act at the Ritz Theater Company in Oaklyn. Sister Act is written by Cheri & Bill Steinkellner, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, with additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane. The musical is based on the 1992 Touchstone Pictures motion picture, written by Joseph Howard. 

This Ritz Theatre Company’s production of Sister Act is Directed by Kyrus Keenan Westcott. The production was choreographed by Emily O’Sullivan, stage-managed by Jared Iafolla, and Musical direction was provided by Benita Farmer. Set design by Matthew Weil, was simple, a checkered tile floor and a lot of open space for the ensemble dance numbers. Various other scenes (like a courtroom) were created quickly by moving set pieces onto the stage in mostly fast scene changes. The stained glass windows in the church were beautiful and perfectly highlighted with Jen Donsky’s Lighting Design. Other supporting members of the production team responsible for this production's success include: Sound Engineer Matthew Gallagher, Sound Technician Elizabeth Brenner, Lighting Board Operator Patrick Konopka, Properties Manager Tracy Jones, and Ian Arena helping out as stage crew.

The show opens in a nightclub, where lounge singer Deloris Van Carter played by Vedra Chandler is auditioning with her two backup singers: Michelle (Gianni Lewis) and Tina (Gabriela Santana). They perform “Take Me to Heaven” and “Fabulous Baby”. This is a departure from most musicals, which frequently open with a big musical number. The club is owned by Curtis Shank, played by Jerald Bennett. Gerald has three “muscle goons”, TJ (William Young), Joey (Kevin Regan), and Pablo (Andy Amezquita). The relationship between these three characters is a lot of fun! They are a hilarious mix of dangerous and inept, and all three men get opportunities to showcase their vocal prowess. The action of the play takes place in the late 1970’s, which is always very nostalgic for me! The costumes by Megan Iafolla perfectly captured the disco vibe.

We don’t see the lively (and rather large) ensemble until the third song “It’s Good to be a Nun”, a very upbeat, fun-spirited song, which really showcases this talented, spirited group. The ensemble is composed of: Vivianna Aviles, Jordan Bader, Shane Barrett, Chase Dannelly, Julia Hancock, Kayli Knipfer, Marissa Knipfer, Gianni Lewis, Morgan, Magdalinksi, Megham Moore, Gabriela Santana, and Isabella Trocino. While we have to wait a few numbers for them to make an entrance, it was definitely worth the wait! This group was high energy from the first ensemble number until curtain call. Their numbers were well-choreographed by Emily O’Sullivan and very well performed with an impressive enthusiasm. 

The story arc is simple and direct, Deloris witnesses a murder perpetrated by night club owner Curtis Shank, played by Jerald Bennett, who is also Deloris’s love interest. Bennett sings the darkly humorous song  “When I Find My Baby” with a delightful mix of comedy and a very polished singing voice. After this song Deloris goes to confront Curtis about a gift she received and witnesses how evil Curtis truly is. And so begins Deloris’s hiding for safety until she can testify against Curtis in court.

Deloris is helped by police officer Eddie Souther, played by Cory Ryan Yhap. The two recognize each other as old friends from school with Deloris calling him "Sweaty Eddie". Eddie comes up with the plan to hide her until she can testify, for her own safety. Yhap’s acting is solid, he does a good job at establishing that he cares about Deloris. He displays exasperation at her not taking security seriously. Yhap sings “I Could Be That Guy”. His singing voice is clear and he is a very natural performer. Which was obvious when the audience gave him a robust applause after this song.

As Deloris spends time in the convent, The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith, she quickly bonds with the sisters, as they are preparing for a very important visit. The choir is downright terrible, and Deloris, a trained singer, begins to help them find their voice. None of this goes unnoticed by the Mother Superior played by Nancy Dickinson or Monsignor O’Hara played by Jay Fink. Dickinson really shines, especially in her beautiful vocal performance in the number “Haven’t Got a Prayer”. 

As the choir becomes better and better, seeing attendance at services rise, and so too the donations. Monsignor O’Hara sees dollar signs in his eyes, and wants to keep the “gravy train” rolling. Fink was very funny as the greedy and practical monsignor. As the big performance approaches, there is a number “Bless Our Show”, where the nuns pray for a successful performance. This number was tightly choreographed, and performed with great enthusiasm! Bravo, ensemble!!!!!!

After that, we get to hear Sister Mary Robert (Alicia Brogan) sing “The Life I Never Led”, where the young nun laments the many life experiences she has not done because of her vows, and will most likely never do. Brogan’s vocals are operatic. The song is bittersweet and hauntingly beautiful, and was an absolute highlight of the evening. The talented cast was led by Vedra Chandler, who comes to this production with an impressive resume. Chandler has a huge role in this production, being involved in 11 of the 19 total songs. Chandler carries her role with poise and consistency. She is funny in her non-musical scenes, and sings and dances with impressive zeal. She commanded the stage during her solo number ”Sister Act”. Chandler Is an excellent choice for the lead in this production.  Two other cast members of note are Sister Mary Patrick (Lindsey Marcus) and sister Mary Lazarus (Melissa Orseno). Sister Mary Lazarus provided many laughs with her awkward demeanor. The two join Deloris on stage as a featured ensemble in multiple songs. 

Sister Act is a high-energy, upbeat crowd pleaser. Alan Menkin’s catchy score and choreography by Emily O’Sullivan provide for a very fun, smile-inducing evening for theater patrons. The energy was consistent and palpable. This show has some light adult themes, but I feel it is appropriate for kids (there were children in the audience the night I attended). My ongoing critique of theaters is that I strongly oppose “tracks”, and encourage all theaters to consider a live orchestra/band. I realize that there are space and financial constraints, but having live music adds so much to any musical. I encourage you to treat yourself to a fun evening out. Sister Act runs through Sunday, May 18th, 2025. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/RitzTheatreCo/6520