We’d like to bet that one of the movies you turned to during lockdown was SISTER ACT, we certainly did. There’s just something so incredibly uplifting about the story (apart from the gangsters and shooting part). The story is funny and touching, and the songs are literally feel good, sing-a-long, out loud belters. And if ever there was a movie which transfers brilliantly to the stage, then this is the one.
Sister Act was forced to postpone its Cardiff run due to the current situation, but it is now rescheduled and gets to us next November (2021). This production is all brand-new and reimagined production – so we really can’t wait for this Broadway, West End and UK smash-hit musical to return.
Now set in 2021, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Yes, that is Brenda Edwards in the lead role, and she is going to be an incredible Deloris. Although you probably know her from X Factor, unbelievably she was in the second series all those years ago, along with Journey South, Andy Abraham and Chico. Let me tell you though, away from the talent show, Brenda is something very special on stage.
Talking about her love of musical theatre, Brenda said………
“I was born and raised in the church. There were a lot of times when we never had microphones, so we had to project, and so I grew up singing in a lot of big spaces, I think in some way, I’m drawn to them. But it was Sharon who told me that she was approached by the Producers of Chicago the Musical when I was on X Factor in 2005, to come for an audition, so that was how I landed my first role in musical theatre.”
It’s a place where she has found a very comfortable home, and has appeared in some pretty iconic productions over the years. Straight off the back of the show, Brenda took on that role of Mama Morton in the West End production of Chicago, and that, as they say, was pretty much it.
She went on to to give an incredible showing as Pearl – a role created specifically for her – in a West End production of Carmen Jones at the Royal Festival Hall. That same year, she won the Favourite Reality Star award at the 2007 Screen Nation awards.
She took on the role of Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray and it was clear it was a role she really wanted to play. She said at the time………
“I remember watching the original film and then I went to see the Musical in 2007, on Broadway and 2008, in the West End, I really enjoyed the whole show, but was particularly excited by the Motormouth character. Having a Son and Daughter of my own, I could relate to her nurturing strong protective side where she has to be in charge and then there is the entertaining side, where she plays her music and has fun with everyone, whilst having that serious side lending an ear or a shoulder if needed, but she does have her own opinions on things and doesn’t mind voicing it.”
I suppose the role which really stands out for us is that Of Killer Queen in We Will Rock You, which she did both in the West End and on the UK tour. Now I must say I have a little (and I mean tiny) connection to that show. As a publicity thing, I got to play a very small role, for one night, dressed like someone squeezed into a roll of tin foil. I did however, stand on stage with Brenda and watch a true pro at work.
And that brings us right back to SISTER ACT, the perfect role for Brenda, especially with all those unforgettable songs.
The stage show features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this joyous and hilarious musical is one nostalgia-filled trip you will never forget.
Interestingly with Alan, we’d like to bet that each and every one of you have grown up with, sung along to, and to this day still enjoy his incredible songs. These are just a few of his movie credits……
The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (Animated), Aladdin (Animated), Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, The Shaggy Dog, Home on the Range, Enchanted, Tangled, Mirror Mirror and Beauty and the Beast (Live Action), Howard and Aladdin (Live Action).
Yes, Alan Meakin is the man responsible for this Disney classic.
Sister Act the musical is obviously based on the movie, which came out in 1992 – I know, 28 years ago. It had its first stage outing at a regional premiere in 2006 in Pasadena, California. Such was its success, that it was only a matter of time before we got to see it over here. The original West End production opened in 2009 at the London Palladium, starring Patina Miller, who came over from the Broadway production.
We suppose what makes the show so enduring is that Whoopi Goldberg, the original movie Deloris, has always kept a hand on the show production. That applied back in 2009 and does with next years tour. Just take a look at the shows website and there you’ll see her name, right at the top of the producers list, along with Jamie Wilson.
At one time Jamie was the lead producer on three musicals in London, On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Nativity! The Musical, and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at The Dominion Theatre.
SISTER ACT with Brenda Edwards gets to the Wales Millennium Centre from Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th November 2021. Performances are at 7:30pm with 2:30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday. If you’re an existing ticket holder, they are still valid for the new dates, seats are still available starting at £17:50. To find out more, and get yours, go here. SISTER
It’s actually going to be a bit of a Sister Act year in 2021. Academy® Award winning actress Whoopi Goldberg is back as Deloris Van Cartier with BAFTA Award winner Jennifer Saunders in the role of Mother Superior & Oliver Award winning Clive Rowe as Eddie Souther as the newly adapted, smash-hit musical comes to the Eventim Apollo in London.
Brenda Edwards will be playing the role of Deloris Van Cartier for Thursday matinee performances.
The run there is limited and tickets are going fast. You can find out more about the London production in our feature HERE.