It’s all about spreading the love, says director Janice Honeyman. She’s the one giving this production a sharper edge and hopefully, the strongest voice. “It has such a positive message. It’s all about positive and good values,” says this stage mother who loves nothing better than to get all her showbiz babies to perform at their best.
And there’s nothing nicer than putting on a show that seems to hit the right notes for that particular point in time. In a world filled with doom and gloom, she is happy to welcome audiences into the theatre where she can truly make them smile.
She also loves the fact that it is a musical that engages all ages and, on stage, this broad spectrum of ages is also represented. She’s thrilled to have the more mature players including Normington, Keith Smith as the Monsignor and Judy Ditchfield as part of the nun ensemble, alongside the youngsters. The latter bring the energy and enthusiasm, while their wiser counterparts represent backbone and often brilliance. “It gives the show weight,” she feels.
While she knows the men will enjoy this one, she feels it is a woman’s musical. And the music is outrageous and fun and will sound familiar to many, even if you have never seen the show or heard the soundtrack. “One can identify memories,” she says.
She embraces the energy that comes from the ensemble and knows, keeping her fingers crossed, that’s what will drive the show.
“It’s about looking back with a charmed view of that time,” she says.
Filled with powerful gospel music, dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will win audiences over, they believe. It is a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, something we all need to be reminded of from time to time.
Musical direction is by Rowan Bakker, choreography by Nicol Sheraton, production design by Declan Randall, costume design by Sarah Roberts and sound design by Trevor Peters. Timothy Le Roux is resident director.
l Sister Act runs on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre until August 16, running from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets range from R200 to R350 and are exclusively available from www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670. Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6853/6815.