Sister Act Takes Audiences to Church Through May 18 at Seven Angels Theatre
By Kiersten Bjork (May 3, 2025)
Sister Act, currently playing at Seven Angels Theatre through May 18, is a toe-tapping, soulful musical that stands out as one of the theatre’s best productions in recent memory. With a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane, Sister Act is based on the Touchstone Pictures film of the same name. The production is co-directed by Marissa Follo Perry (Sister Act OBC) and Michael Barra, with Follo Perry restaging choreography originally by Anthony Van Laast. Thomas Bergamo is the associate choreographer and dance captain, and Mason Frasher serves as the music director for the production. Though the production suffers from sound issues, which are not uncommon at this theatre, I was impressed with the overall show. The lighting in particular was strong, as was the talent of their leading lady. The direction is dynamic and clever, and the choreography fills the stage with fun and energetic numbers that clearly delighted the audience at the matinee I attended.
Sister Act follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, who, upon witnessing a murder committed by her married mobster boyfriend, is hidden in a convent by her former classmate Eddie, now a cop, to keep her safe. Disguised as a nun, she immediately butts heads with the strict Mother Superior, and finds herself chafing against the peaceful, simple life that the nuns have been leading. In an attempt to harness Deloris’ natural gifts and to keep her out of trouble, the Mother Superior places her in charge of the convent’s choir, which up until now, has been all but hopeless. But, with Deloris’ disco diva background, she’s just the person for the job, and soon enough the Sunday services are filled with grooving tunes that have audiences pouring in the doors. However, along with the people in the pews comes the press, and soon enough Deloris finds her cover blown and mobsters on her tail once more. Will she escape? Will she be kicked out of the convent before the mobsters even find her? This Tony-nominated Broadway musical is packed with delightful, upbeat tunes that you can’t help but sing along to, and Seven Angels has put forth a strong product in artistic director Semina DeLaurentis’ final mainstage show.
Sister Act, currently playing at Seven Angels Theatre through May 18, is a toe-tapping, soulful musical that stands out as one of the theatre’s best productions in recent memory. With a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane, Sister Act is based on the Touchstone Pictures film of the same name. The production is co-directed by Marissa Follo Perry (Sister Act OBC) and Michael Barra, with Follo Perry restaging choreography originally by Anthony Van Laast. Thomas Bergamo is the associate choreographer and dance captain, and Mason Frasher serves as the music director for the production. Though the production suffers from sound issues, which are not uncommon at this theatre, I was impressed with the overall show. The lighting in particular was strong, as was the talent of their leading lady. The direction is dynamic and clever, and the choreography fills the stage with fun and energetic numbers that clearly delighted the audience at the matinee I attended.
Sister Act follows nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier, who, upon witnessing a murder committed by her married mobster boyfriend, is hidden in a convent by her former classmate Eddie, now a cop, to keep her safe. Disguised as a nun, she immediately butts heads with the strict Mother Superior, and finds herself chafing against the peaceful, simple life that the nuns have been leading. In an attempt to harness Deloris’ natural gifts and to keep her out of trouble, the Mother Superior places her in charge of the convent’s choir, which up until now, has been all but hopeless. But, with Deloris’ disco diva background, she’s just the person for the job, and soon enough the Sunday services are filled with grooving tunes that have audiences pouring in the doors. However, along with the people in the pews comes the press, and soon enough Deloris finds her cover blown and mobsters on her tail once more. Will she escape? Will she be kicked out of the convent before the mobsters even find her? This Tony-nominated Broadway musical is packed with delightful, upbeat tunes that you can’t help but sing along to, and Seven Angels has put forth a strong product in artistic director Semina DeLaurentis’ final mainstage show.
Teagan La’Shay (Deloris) in Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre, 2025 (Paul Roth)
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Semina DeLaurentis (Mother Superior) and the company of Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre, 2025 (Paul Roth)
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Leading the company is Teagan La’Shay as Deloris Van Cartier. La’Shay is the clear standout of the production, bringing down the house with powerful vocals and a commanding stage presence. She immediately draws the eye the moment she enters as she tackles the challenging music and overall role with grounded energy and skill. She carries number after number and never ceases to bring the spunk and dynamic spirit that defines Deloris. I was very impressed with La’Shay’s performance and look forward to seeing more from her in the future.
Opposite La’Shay as the Mother Superior is outgoing Seven Angels artistic director, Semina DeLaurentis. DeLaurentis also gives a strong performance in her track, bringing out the humor in her delivery of the Mother Superior’s witty dialogue. Her renditions of “Here Within These Walls” and “Haven’t Got a Prayer” are both tender and fierce, and both are wonderful moments of storytelling.
Another standout performance is that of Lucy D’Addario as the young novice Mary Robert. They play the quiet, timid young sister well early on, and then shine as Mary Robert steps up and steps out, showing off their vocals with much success. Their performance of “The Life I Never Led” received extensive applause, and rightfully so, as they have a very impressive voice.
Marissa Follo Perry is a delight as Sister Mary Patrick. She balances the humor of the role with the sheer kindness that Mary Patrick exudes and has the audience laughing on numerous occasions.
Tymothee Harrell is endearing as Officer Eddie Souther. Starting as a rather shy young man who always had a crush on Deloris, Harrell does an excellent job taking us on the journey with Eddie as he grows into a confident officer determined to protect the woman he loves. He has a lovely voice, and I particularly enjoyed his choices in “I Could Be That Guy.”
Mobster Curtis Jackson is played by Michael Barra, whose imposing presence and intense performance are a perfect fit for the character. He leads Joey (Keegan Smith), Pablo (Álvaro Medina Molina), and TJ (Robert J Williams), who each bring strong comedic chops, smooth vocals, and tight harmonies to their tracks. The trio are an absolute riot during “Lady in the Long Black Dress.”
Monsignor O’Hara is played by Rick Fountain, who has fun with the role. Eileen Cannon plays the hilarious Mary Martin of Tours, delivering her one-liners with well-timed gusto, and Joyce Follo Jeffrey continues the comedy as the rapping Mary Lazarus, earning plenty of laughs. Rounding out the company are Desi Amato as Tina and Jessica Irizarry as Michelle with an ensemble featuring Amato, Thomas Bergamo, Giuliana DeMarinis, Maddie Hepp, Irizarry, Phil Maiorano, Sarah Mitelman, Brooke Owens, Molly Palmer, Lilah Pape, John Rush, and Reagan Mary-Lee Smith.
Opposite La’Shay as the Mother Superior is outgoing Seven Angels artistic director, Semina DeLaurentis. DeLaurentis also gives a strong performance in her track, bringing out the humor in her delivery of the Mother Superior’s witty dialogue. Her renditions of “Here Within These Walls” and “Haven’t Got a Prayer” are both tender and fierce, and both are wonderful moments of storytelling.
Another standout performance is that of Lucy D’Addario as the young novice Mary Robert. They play the quiet, timid young sister well early on, and then shine as Mary Robert steps up and steps out, showing off their vocals with much success. Their performance of “The Life I Never Led” received extensive applause, and rightfully so, as they have a very impressive voice.
Marissa Follo Perry is a delight as Sister Mary Patrick. She balances the humor of the role with the sheer kindness that Mary Patrick exudes and has the audience laughing on numerous occasions.
Tymothee Harrell is endearing as Officer Eddie Souther. Starting as a rather shy young man who always had a crush on Deloris, Harrell does an excellent job taking us on the journey with Eddie as he grows into a confident officer determined to protect the woman he loves. He has a lovely voice, and I particularly enjoyed his choices in “I Could Be That Guy.”
Mobster Curtis Jackson is played by Michael Barra, whose imposing presence and intense performance are a perfect fit for the character. He leads Joey (Keegan Smith), Pablo (Álvaro Medina Molina), and TJ (Robert J Williams), who each bring strong comedic chops, smooth vocals, and tight harmonies to their tracks. The trio are an absolute riot during “Lady in the Long Black Dress.”
Monsignor O’Hara is played by Rick Fountain, who has fun with the role. Eileen Cannon plays the hilarious Mary Martin of Tours, delivering her one-liners with well-timed gusto, and Joyce Follo Jeffrey continues the comedy as the rapping Mary Lazarus, earning plenty of laughs. Rounding out the company are Desi Amato as Tina and Jessica Irizarry as Michelle with an ensemble featuring Amato, Thomas Bergamo, Giuliana DeMarinis, Maddie Hepp, Irizarry, Phil Maiorano, Sarah Mitelman, Brooke Owens, Molly Palmer, Lilah Pape, John Rush, and Reagan Mary-Lee Smith.
Teagan La’Shay (Deloris) and Lucy D’Addario (Mary Robert) in Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre, 2025 (Paul Roth)
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Tymothee Harrell (Eddie) in Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre, 2025 (Paul Roth)
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Scenic design by Kimberly Jackson works well for the show, though some of the scenic transitions can be a bit clunky. The intricate stonework design of the upstage space evokes the hallowed halls of a convent nicely, and the various moving pieces, from stairs to beds and other furniture, establish the world of the show successfully. Props by Murrae Tiano also support the storytelling well.
Lighting designer Nathan Avakian pulls out all the stops for this one. The production is aglow with color and light, particularly in the bigger numbers, turning the stage into a dazzling disco party that definitely uses the disco ball to its fullest potential. Carleigh Jack Diamond is credited as lead electrician for the production.
Sound designer Daryl Bornstein and sound engineer Sean Gorman try their best, but the incessant popping and static in the mics is hard to ignore. The overall balance of the show is decent, but the sound quality in the system is not the best, and there are times when soloists intended to be singing over the group aren’t heard at all. Sound continues to be a trouble spot for Seven Angels, unfortunately.
Costumes by designer Thomas D. Gordon are well-suited to their respective characters. I particularly loved Deloris’ gold dress and final bows look, and Eddie’s tear-away costume was quite fun.
Lighting designer Nathan Avakian pulls out all the stops for this one. The production is aglow with color and light, particularly in the bigger numbers, turning the stage into a dazzling disco party that definitely uses the disco ball to its fullest potential. Carleigh Jack Diamond is credited as lead electrician for the production.
Sound designer Daryl Bornstein and sound engineer Sean Gorman try their best, but the incessant popping and static in the mics is hard to ignore. The overall balance of the show is decent, but the sound quality in the system is not the best, and there are times when soloists intended to be singing over the group aren’t heard at all. Sound continues to be a trouble spot for Seven Angels, unfortunately.
Costumes by designer Thomas D. Gordon are well-suited to their respective characters. I particularly loved Deloris’ gold dress and final bows look, and Eddie’s tear-away costume was quite fun.
Teagan La’Shay (Deloris) and the company of Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre, 2025 (Paul Roth)
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Rick Fountain (Monsignor O’Hara) and Semina DeLaurentis (Mother Superior) in Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre, 2025 (Paul Roth)
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Despite the sound issues, Sister Act makes a joyful noise from start to finish. Featuring catchy tunes and a story that’s full of heart, it’s an enjoyable show that will have you smiling long after the curtain goes down, and it might even bring a tear to your eye. Catch Sister Act at Seven Angels Theatre now through May 18!
Sister Act plays April 25-May 18, 2025, at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at sevenangelstheatre.org/event/sisteract or by calling the Box Office at (203) 757-4676.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Sister Act plays April 25-May 18, 2025, at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at sevenangelstheatre.org/event/sisteract or by calling the Box Office at (203) 757-4676.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.