Get your groove on with 'Sister Act'

Polyester is made through the "esterification condensation of polyfunctional alcohols and acids." It is the linking of these esters which make the fabric impervious to biodegrading.

In other words, while the raging Colorado river may have only taken a few billion years to cut a gorge known as the Grand Canyon, polyester, along with atomic waste, will remain on this planet until the second big bang.

All of this is leading up to an explosion of man-made fabric adorning the heavenly cast of "A Divine Musical Comedy, Sister Act." It just opened Saturday night in downtown San Diego. It is a happy surprise.

Set in Philadelphia at Christmas time in 1977, Deloris Van Cartier is once more auditioning her singing act for boyfriend and club owner Curtis. Convinced this time Curtis will let her star at his club, she can hardly wait to find out when she's to start her vocal career.

"Sister Act" was adapted for the stage by the married writing duo Bill and Cheri Steinkellner. The story line is thin since it followed the 1992 film by the same name. Short version: Whoopi Goldberg is taken to a convent to hide out after witnessing her sleaze-ball boyfriend kill an informant. That premise is funny, right?

Not the killing, the convent bit. Now knowing how irreverent Whoopi's character was is why it was disappointing when Miriam Dance playing the same character, Deloris Van Cartier, rather than Delores Von Cartier in the movie, did not present the singer as a street-savvy, ballsy, brassy doo-wop diva. The closest she got to that imagery is a kind of blustery lady.

Naturally anyone stepping into Whoopi's part cannot not be compared to the only other "Delores" fans know. While not expected to mimic the comedian, Dance could have embodied more of her impudence.

For instance, a couple of times Dance's rich and powerful voice faltered. Although on her behalf – it wasn't clear if it was opening night jitters or one of a few audio hiccups that can curse any new performance.

Again, in Dance's defense, while her Deloris has the chops, the curves and the wiggles, Dance is either too shy to be a floozy or too much the lady. It's unclear. As Sister Mary Clarence, however, she is reverent.

There is a big laugh when Mother Superior commands Deloris to change from her floozy hot pants and glitzy go-go boots – it is the 1970s – into a traditional habit in order to transform herself into a nun.

As Deloris tries to stuff her massive confluence of hair into the white coif, she poses the question, "How'm I gonna hide this? Incognegro?"

On the other hand, Sandy Campbell as Mother Superior has the unenviable dilemma of replacing the renowned Dame Maggie Smith from the film version. Still Campbell carries her role with dignity and humor especially when she sings "be prepared when your prayers are answered – you might not like the answer you get."

As Mother Superior, Campbell embraces the heart of a devoted leader of the faith which is supported by her outstanding voice during another song offering up to the heavens with "I Haven't Got a Prayer." She gives a very ecclesiastical performance.

Deloris is brought to the convent for protection by officer Eddie Souther, played by Jeremy Whatley. Whatley's big moment comes when he realizes he still has a crush on his former high school classmate, Deloris. In his stand-out moment, he solos with "I Could Be That Guy."

Another great song is delivered by gangster boss Curtis, played by Berto Fernandez, as he makes his threat "When I Find My Baby" in front of his mob guys TJ, played by E.Y. Washington; Pablo, played by Gerardo Flores Tonella, and Joey, played by Donny Gersonde. Delivered with impeccable comedic timing, the trio of hit men swing into their perfectly groovy Motown moves as Joey declares himself to be the "stone cold master of romance." Outstanding performances.

There are plenty of fine, even some really, really good, performances amongst the 14 sisters housed in the abbey.

For instance, when they break out into "It's Good to Be a Nun," without prompting, Sister Mary Patrick, played by Bethany Slomka, bursts forward unable to hide her bliss even under her habit. Like her movie predecessor, Kathy Najimy, Slomka steals every scene where she gets a chance to open her mouth. She is spectacular. Notably when caught by Mother Superior as she and Sister Mary Robert try slinking back from the neighborhood biker bar with cheese steaks and fries declaring "it feels like the guilt of original sin."

As the convent's resident novitiate, Sister Mary Robert, played by Sarah Errington, wonders about "The Life I Never Led." And who knew Sister Mary Lazarus, played by Susan Stubner, could prove nuns have swag?

The cloister's other residents include Sister Mary Theresa, played by Kat Fitzpatrick, a feisty geriatric, along with Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, played by Eve Jack, in her trance-like state of heavenly awareness.

The rest of the nuns completing the choir and stirring up mischief include Reanne Acasio, who is also performing as Michelle, Cindy Alfonso, Holly Echsner, Audrey Eytchison, Dani Gonzalez, Katie Gucik, Jasmine January who is doubling as Tina, Erin Vanderhyde and Lenelle Wylie.

Next to the Abbey is the Queen of Angels Catholic Church headed up by Monsignor O'Hara, played by Jim Chovick. Rocking out in his sequined liturgical vestments, Chovick is up to his old shenanigans as the patriarchal prelate. His sublime altar boys are Kyle Leatherbury and Trevor Rex who is also playing Ernie.

Again, director Larry Raben proves why he is in such high demand. He can deliver.

It could hardly be considered a musical without maestro Don Le Master and his musicians or without the brilliant choreography of Luke Harvey Jacobs.

Scenic designer Mathys Herbert used his ingenuity to imagine the fast-paced scene changes, which worked closely with the excellent lighting design by Michelle Miles.

As mentioned earlier, there was a bit of an audio hitch which sound designer Jon Fredette corrected with each occasion.

Dressing the actors was the job of Janet Pitcher who draped every cast in miles of hallucinogenic-inducing, sequined, nonbiodegradable polyester.

A special fundraiser will be held Monday, June 10, at the Horton Theater. This performance is in support of the band and will feature them all led by Don Le Master. The $50 tickets are going fast. I've got mine.

"A Divine Musical Comedy, Sister Act" is playing through May 26 at the San Diego Musical Theatre, performing at the Horton Theater, 444 Fourth St., with parking across the street. Buy prepaid parking on the SDMT website for Gaslamp City Square garage. It is cheaper. You will be guaranteed a space even if the sign says the "Lot is Full." And it is across the street from the theater.

Seniors get a $5 discount and 17 and under pay half price. There is also a pricing called "student rush," offering student tickets on show days for just $25 each.

For tickets or more information, contact the box office, (858) 560-5740, or visit http://www.SDMT.org. On opening night, this show was a 9; however, with a bit of divine intervention, it could rise to a 10.

Elizabeth Youngman-Wesphal can be reached at [email protected]