By Jody Tuso-Key — Managing Editor

Photo Credit – Casey Garner Ford

To round of an inspiring trifecta of shows this past weekend, I attended Aurora’s SISTER ACT and I can definitively say right off the bat this show is Divinely inspired!! I must admit, I’m a bit partial to any show about nuns due to my Catholic upbringing. I can also say the majority of Catholics have an amazing sense of humor. When I taught at Queen of Heaven in Albuquerque, NM, two of my Halloween costumes were a Nun complete with yardstick (I chased around parents at the Halloween Carnival to remind them of their childhood), and SNL’s Mary Catherine Gallagher (I walked around in full character all evening—those of you who know the character understand). When talent show time rolled around one year, the faculty performed Cheech and Chong’s ‘Sister Mary Elephant’ skit—but enough about me. You get the picture, if you’re Catholic you will LOVE this show, but even if you’re not, you will LOVE this show for so many reasons.

SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL is based on the 1992 motion picture starring Whoopie Goldberg. With music by lan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkiller, the muscial opened on London’s West End in 2006. This is another musical who has its roots in Atlanta as it played at the Alliance Theater in 2007 before a revised adaptation moved to Broadway in 2011. The part of Deloris on Broadway was played by Patina Miller and then Raven Simone, and the show enjoyed 28 previews and 561 performances. The show has been produced at many regional theaters, and I’ve seen it once before a couple of years back.

What I can say about this production is WOW!!! Aurora never ceases to amaze me with the amount of talent and creativity they put into every production. A hearty BRAVO to the entire production team, cast, and crew for creating a beautiful, hilarious, feel-good performance.

Director Justin Anderson’s vision for this show seems to be encompassed in the words ‘dazzling and bright’. From the heavenly set design (Alan E Schwanke) and divine costumes (Alice Neff) to the immaculate acting (Justin Anderson) and charismatic choreography (Pytron Parker), this show is a feast for the eyes and ears.

An abundance of Kudos to Jasmine Renee’ Ellis who is playing Deloris Van Carter. Not only does she bring a sassy attitude and dynamic vocals to the role, she pulls double duty as Director of Education at Aurora and is supervising multiple camps along with performing. I’ve been helping out at the camps this week, and can attest that her energy on a daily basis is a site to behold. Jasmine is a Suzy Bass winner (Lizzie–Actor’s Express) and has multiple theater and film credits to her name. She is a delight to watch and brings an edge mixed with tenderness and a big heart to the character.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Shelly McCook as Mother Superior. Her voice and demeanor are perfect for the role. A retired theater teacher from Fulton County, she has 32 years of directing under her belt. I’m glad she has time now to return to the stage and share her gifts.

Jamarcus Kilgore does a great job in the role of Eddie. He has quite a bit of film credits to his name, and I’m glad he took some time off from being in front of the camera to grace the Aurora Stage.

Once again, one of my and Atlanta’s favorites, Isa Martinez, blew me away with their performance as Sister Mary Robert. Isa ia a powerhouse and their dynamic vocals prove that big things come in small packages. I always love seeing them on stage!

Another performer who I’ve come to know and love on stage is Marcus Hopkins Turner. He plays Curtis, the nightclub owner/gangster and villian of the production. Marcus is such a versatile actor and can play a villian as easliy as he can Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins. His voice is rich and thick as molasses, and I’ve enjoyed every role he’s played that I have been blessed enough to have seen.

I also enjoyed Jody Woodruff as Monsignor O’Hara. Not only does he have a great name, he’s charismatic on stage and truly gracious and vivacious in real life as well. This is the first performance I’ve seen of his. My theater mate, Marsha Moore Harding, introduced me to him after the show. I hope to see him more in the future as his stage presence and comedic timing are impeccible.

Other Key-noteworthy performances were delivered by Jahi Bogard (Ernie, Ensemble, U/S Cutris), Mya Burns (ensemble), Kristen Talley (ensemble, dance captain), and Asher Patten (Joey, ensemble, U/S Monsignor).

SISTER ACT can be seen at Aurora Theatre until June 23rd. An added bonus is that Aurora is also producing SISTER ACT JR in conjunction with this production. This is one hour cut of the production and will feature amazing middle and high school local talent directed by Aurora’s Company Manager, Greg Hunter with music direction by Aurora co-founder Ann-Carol Pence and choreography by Pytron Parker, who also choreographed this Aurora production. The Junior show will be presented June 21st at 4:00 pm and June 23rd at 6:30 pm. As an added bonus, the JR perfromers will be joining the professional cast for the Saturday, June 22nd matinee. If you haven’t seen this production yet, it is Speakeysie HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and one you don’t want to miss. Get your tickets at AURORA THEATRE ASAP!!

PS. Aurora Theatre Academy has so many offerings all summer long for aspiring artists to choose from. Students, come be a part of the magic that is the Aurora Theatre Academy!!