Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s Sister Act is a Heavenly Production

By Sonya Anderson

Sister Act at Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Ogden is heavenly from the start and divine to the finish.  From the opening song to the finale, this play is full of fun.  I overheard someone say at intermission, “I’m laughing my guts out!”  I agree.

But first, let’s talk about the theater and employees.  This is a small, homey theater with a great staff.  They were friendly, welcoming, and helpful.  I attended on opening night, April 21^st, with my 15-year-old daughter Ashlyn and her friend Savanna.  We immediately felt at home when we entered.  We enjoyed seeing the many pictures of past casts in the lobby and noticed that many of the patrons were welcomed as friends who had been there before.   There is a concession stand with reasonably priced candy and drinks.

The history of the theater begins 25 years ago when Beverly Olsen, a longtime Wasatch Front performer and producer, decided that she wanted a theater of her own.  She and her husband, Blaine found the opportunity in the form of a neglected, former grocery store in Washington Terrace, UT.  Together with their family and friends, they transformed this grocery store into the Terrace Plaza Playhouse.  Although Beverly passed away in 2005, her husband and daughter, Jacci, carry on Beverly’s legacy through their care of the theater.  The theater was officially renamed Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse (BTPP) in her honor.  BTPP was recently designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution, which means that they can now accept tax deductible donations to support the Playhouse.  If you are looking for a worthy cause to donate to, I would encourage you to consider donating here.  The theater is comfortable but in need of renovations, and supporting a local, family business that provides so much enjoyment to the community and has such a long history, is a cause we can all feel good about contributing to.  Donations will gladly be accepted at the Box Office.

Now, on to the show.  If you’ve seen the movie, Sister Act, written by Joseph Howard, then you know the story.  For those who haven’t experienced the hilarity of this show, here’s a recap.  When up-and -coming disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier (Olivia Lusk), witnesses a murder committed by her agent/boyfriend, Curtis, she is put into protective custody.  She is placed in a convent, which is the last place that anyone would think to find her.  She clashes with both the lifestyle and the strict Mother Superior, but bonds with the friendly nuns.  She uses her musical talent to inspire the currently un-heavenly choir, and soon they are singing like angels and drawing people to the struggling convent.  However, her cover is blown by the publicity that the choir receives, and a hilarious chase ensues.  The nuns come together in a strong sisterhood to protect Deloris, aka, Sister Mary Clarence, and discover that they are stronger than they ever imagined.

Lusk was born to be on stage!  She captured the audience with the opening song, “Take Me to Heaven,” and never let us go.  She has a powerful voice and a commanding stage presence.  She really shines on the high parts while singing, but seemed a bit out of her range on some of the low parts.  She is a convincing actress.  I was a little worried that I wouldn’t enjoy anyone besides Whoopi Goldberg as Deloris, because that is a big habit to fill.  But I soon connected with Olivia as Deloris, and never gave another thought to Whoopi.

Eddie, the good cop who has had a crush on Deloris since High School, was hilariously played by Casey Stratton.  He was both Ashlyn and Savanna’s favorite character.  He was the perfect combination of  brave and terrified, self-depreciating and cocky, unsure and in control.  His performance of “I Could Be That Guy” was both tender and hilarious.  He was at home on the stage and so endearing that you couldn’t help but love him and hope he would get the girl at the end.  (You’ll have to go see the show to find out if he does.)

Curtis, the main “bad guy”, played by W. Derek Hendricks. His cohorts, Joey (Andrew Oliverson), Pablo (John Richardson), and TJ (Erik Hawkins) were the villians that we all loved to hate.  Each of them played their part perfectly, and provided lots of slapstick comedy.  They have all got great moves and voices.  Their spotlight songs, “When I Find My Baby,” and “Lady in the Long Black Dress,” were crowd favorites.
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Pat Lusk was perfectly cast as Mother Superior.  I felt her frustration at having to leave behind long-held ideas of how things should be done, and felt of her desire to just do God’s will.  She was perfectly pious, humorously human, and entirely enjoyable as the leader of the nuns.

The nuns–what can I say about them to accurately portray how amazing they were?  Even being all dressed alike, they were each individual stars with their own personality.  Sister Mary Patrick (Melissa Platt) is open, friendly to the point of being goofy, and endearing.  Sister Mary Robert (Katie Jones Nall) starts out as timid as a church mouse, but ends up with the courage of a lion when she finds her voice.  Sister Mary Lazarus (Sherri Folkman) was hilarious, and her rapping skills are spot on.  Each of the nuns was amazing.  Brilliantly played by Breanne Hendricks, Carla Zarate, Susan Wilhelm, Emily Richards, Rachel Duffin, Margaret Simon, Ginny Spencer, Holly Lowell, Heather Holliday, Kelsey Radle, and Jamila Lowe, they were the icing on the cake.    I had no idea that nuns could move like they did in “Sunday Morning Fever.”    “Good to Be a Nun” got everyone involved and “Raise Your Voice” almost made me want to be a nun. Many of them played multiple roles and excelled in all of them. The music director is Misa Findlay and her singers really did a great job!

Matt Burt seemed a bit nervous as Monsignor O’Hara, but shined as the DJ/Monsignor and brought a lot of humor to that scene.  Dale Bowman played a quadruple role of Ernie, a cab driver, bar patron, and cop and did great in all roles.  Even these smaller roles were important to the overall success of the play.

Director Leslie Richards should be proud of the production.  The set (Leslie Richards) were minimal, giving the stars the opportunity to shine. Sets were changed quickly and with no disruption. The costumes (Jamila Lowe (who was the fabulous wig specialist), Jim Tatton, Tami Richardson and Jacci Florence were religiously wonderful. Choreography by Ginny Spencer was great–and added to the entertainment.

This play runs at Beverly’s Terrace Plaza Playhouse, located at 99 E 4700 S in Washington Terrace, from April 21^st-May 27^th. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Monday nights starting at 7:30 PM.  Ticket prices range from $9-$14.  You can visit their website at http://terraceplayhouse.com for more information and to purchase tickets.  This play is quite family friendly, with a few swear words and some very mildly suggestive dance moves.  The audience was a good mix of all ages, and all seemed to enjoy it.  Next up is Annie, starting on June 9^th, so make sure to plan to attend that one, too.  After seeing the caliber of Sister Act, I am a fan and look forward to returning in the future to enjoy other quality productions.