What Is the Story of Sister Act?
Based on the 1992 film of the same name, Sister Act tells the story of aspiring disco diva Deloris Van Cartier. Trying to work her way to the top in 1970s Philadelphia, Deloris falls in love with a very tough—and very married—gangster boyfriend named Curtis, and when Deloris witnesses him commit a murder she ends up in hiding on police orders in a convent whose parish has fallen on hard times. Though the sequin-free lifestyle doesn’t agree with her, Deloris finds her calling working with the choir, and breathes new life into the dusty convent while discovering a sisterhood she’s never had before.
What Is Sister Act Like?
The show-stopping Deloris is the heart and soul of this feel-good musical. Her glamorous lifestyle and general fabulousness keep everyone rooting for her through her journey to the convent, her run-ins with the dour Mother Superior and her inspirational choir numbers, all while evading her boyfriend and the trio of singing gangsters hot on her tail. Modern Broadway ballads make way for rousing all-cast production numbers in the infectious score from eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. Who wouldn’t love nuns in sequins, unlikely friendships, the solidarity of Sisterhood and a happy ending?
Is Sister Act Good for Kids?
From its brightly colored costumes to its hummable tunes and wholesome message, Sister Act is a family friendly musical all the way. The big no-nos—sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll—play little part in the show (these are nuns, after all) and what violence is seen onstage is largely implied, rather than graphic. 
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This article originally appeared in The Local Voice #216 (published November 6, 2014).
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