SISTER ACT by Stan Mazin, Guest Reviewer

SISTER ACT which is now playing at Casa 0101 is one of the best shows they have ever done at this theatre.  This is a co production along with TNH Productions.  This show has Lyrics by Glenn Slater, Music by Alan Menken, and was directed by Rigo Tejeda, with this company’s Musical Direction by Gabrielle Maldonado, Choreography by Tania Possick, Costumes by Marielena Covarrubias, Sets and Projections by Effy Yizhou Yang, Lighting by Kevin Eduardo Vasquez, and Sound Design by Joshua Cardenas.  While the Production Stage Manager was Jerry A. Blackburn, assisted by Genesis Miramontes, the Stage Manager was Andrew Ortega, assisted by JP Torres.  Rigo moved the show at a quick pace very well, while Tania had the cast moving with her great choreographic and clever moves.  So many outstanding numbers but I cannot list all those I adored.  Several standouts among many were the “Take Me To Heaven” numbers, performed by the nuns expertly lead by Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield as Delores Van Cartier, “When I Find My Baby”, brilliantly performed by Marco Infante as Curtis Jackson, “I Could Be That Guy” sung by Caleb Green as ’Sweaty’ Eddie Souther, with some costume surprise treats by Marilena, “Here Within These Walls” eloquently sung by Beverly Crain, “The Life I Never Led” perfectly sung by Samantha M. Lawrence as Sister Mary Robert, and of course “Sister Act” done with her star turn as she perfectly handled all her songs, by Jacquelin.  

This show is a complete delight and shows the talent of this terrific cast, each and every one of them.  Surprise well done movements by ‘nuns’ who you never expect could do them, each cast member standing out in his or her way to help create this obviously fun show, and performances that will be remembered long after this production is over, make me so happy that I had the experience of being in the audience.  The relationships among the actors felt true and heartfelt.  Even Monsignor O’Hara, performed by Omar Mata stood out in his role.  As I stated before, the performances, the direction, as well as the costumes, and certainly the choreography were all topnotch.  The heart of this show belongs to the cast, and we the audience easily accepted that heart which took us along for a most joyous evening of theatre.  The Press Relations person was Steve Moyer, and the producers were Abel Alvarado, Felipe Agredano, Emmanuel Deleage, Edward Padilla, Conrado Terrazas Cross, El Centro DelPueblo and Riboli Family of SanAntonio Winery in association with Behind The Mask Inc.  Everyone connected with this “Sister Act” should be very proud. 

Reservations can be obtained at www.casa0101.org, the Casa0101 Box Office at 323 263-7684, or email to tickets@casa0101.org.

Reviewed by Stan Mazin, April 19, 2019