Milton Musical Society’s Sister Act featured a cast of 36

SINGERS, dancers, baddies and nuns all appearing on stage at the same time – an improbable mix? No, not in the award-winning Sister Act put on by Milton Musical Society.

Newcomer to the company and in her first lead role, Emma Marshall enthusiastically played Deloris, a brash but caring singer who, after witnessing a murder, hides out in a convent as Mary Clarence.

Martin Mansfield was menacing as the philandering killer Curtis especially in his rendering of When I Find My Baby. He is assisted by henchmen, virtuoso Shae Carroll as TJ with some stupendous dance moves, Oscar Trehane as Joey and fluent Spanish-speaking Megan Green as Pablo.

Show producer Charles Henry also played enamoured policeman 'Sweaty' Eddie who places Deloris safely in the convent. His high spot came during I Could Be That Guy when his clothes are torn off, changing uniform to sparkly suit.

Tracy Knapp was believable as the protective Mother Superior and in her lovely I Haven't Got a Prayer offers up pleas to God for help in dealing with Deloris. Chelsea Sherry was the shy postulate, Mary Robert, whose brilliant The Life I Never Led belied her timid image.

Cayton Francis was great fun as Monsignor O'Hara, wonderfully overacting and wearing more outrageous bling as the show continues, culminating in the splendid Sunday Morning Fever.

Kirsti Warne, as well as choreographing the musical, played Mary Lazarus, the deadpan head of the choir and least welcoming until she gets caught up in Deloris's soul music.

With beautiful costumes and superb sets, the 36-strong cast acted, sang and danced confidently under directors Ellie Tripp and Jess Barras and musical director Alistair Hume and his nine-man band.

When at the end of the show the sisters give a grand performance, suddenly the conductor appeared dressed as the Pope! An appropriate finale to an entertaining evening.

Alison Smith