A HUGE WHOOPI ! The Algarveans broke barriers with their latest musical extravaganza. A favourite with the public, SISTER ACT, would be ambitious for any professional drama group, but even more so for amateurs.
Judging from the audience applause and standing ovations, the Algarveans pulled it off in spades. The group had been in rehearsal since April and have shown what enthusiasm, and the expertise of an inspired director, can achieve.
“Palmas” to Carmen Danen, the director for producing such a slick professional show. The story line, as we all know, is a cabaret would-be singer - Deloris - witnessing her gangster lover Curtis kill a side kick. He then needs to liquidate her as she now is a material witness. She escapes to a convent in disguise and turns the apathetic nuns into a harmonious chorus. As their fame spreads, Curtis the mob man tracks her down and that is where the fun begins.
Deloris was played by dynamic bombshell Joana Jacob. Her huge energy lit up the stage from her first entrance. Madeleine Wheare, as Mother Superior, was in every way superior - and what a surprising voice! Eddie the cop, Alex Melo, was polished and his challenging solos came off perfectly. Nemerson Ramos, new to the Algarveans, was confident and engaging in his role as Curtis. A star in the making(?) The flock of nuns gave their all and we felt their collective energy up in the stalls. The gangster trio were especially good in their undressing scene, a reminder of The Full Monty, hilarious.
The lighting was the best I have seen in that theatre and the stage managing, scene changes and choreography professional and slick. The costumes too helped create the characters, particularly the Monsignor, in his comic foil to the mum-superior.
I, like the rest of the audience, enjoyed a very uplifting show. How pleasing to see this group thriving, when so many others are struggling with membership. Well done The Algarveans! There's nun like you!
Written by David Butler-Cole
Intro image by Igor Rosi, cast image by Carmen Danen
