Skylight Music Theatre presents: SISTER ACT

Members of the cast of Skylight Music Theatre's production of SISTER ACT, through April 27, 2025, in Milwaukee. Photo by Mark Frohna.

(L-R) Rashad "Rai" Hudson, Shawn Holmes, Miss Kyle Blair, and Tomás Dominguez in Skylight Music Theatre's production of SISTER ACT, through April 27, 2025, in Milwaukee.

By Mary Boyle

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Anyone of a certain age remembers the box office hit movie Sister Act starring Whoopi Goldberg from 1992.  The movie was so popular, it was followed just a year later by a sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.  Considering its popularity and viability as a musical, I was surprised to learn it took until 2006 to premiere a musical of the same name and that, despite the music being written by Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Little Shop of Horrors), the show didn’t make it to Broadway until 2011, where it was nominated for a gratifying number of Tony Awards.  I was astounded to learn that a third film, still including Whoopi, is scheduled to be released on May 16th, just over a month away, and what better way to pre-game the new film and celebrate the final show in Skylight Music Theatre’s 65th season than with a rousing production of SISTER ACT?!

With lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Bean, Sister Act the musical is based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture written by Joseph Howard and centers on Deloris Van Cartier (Mona Swain), a nightclub singer in Philadelphia with dreams of becoming a star until she inadvertently witnesses her boyfriend, Curtis (Shawn Holmes), commit a murder.  When Deloris runs to the police, she recognizes one of the officers as Eddie (Dennis Lewis), a guy she went to school with who had a crush on her. To protect Deloris while they await Curtis’ trial, they hide her in a place they think she’ll never be found: a convent.

Though Mother Superior (Janet Metz) has no desire to take in Deloris, the church is in no position to refuse the needed funds that arrive with her; in fact, Monsignor O'Hara (Robby McGhee) warns that the church is on the verge of being sold.  When Deloris has trouble adjusting to her new life, Mother Superior puts her in charge of their struggling choir, which quickly becomes the place that Deloris shines.  Although Sister Mary Robert (Hope Riesterer), Sister Mary Patrick (Amanda Satchell), Sister Mary Lazarus (Laura Monagle), Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (Nicole McCarty), and Sister Mary Theresa (Jenny Rudnick) adore the new addition of “Sister Mary Clarence,” Mother Superior is certain Deloris will ruin them all when their two worlds collide.

Directed by Molly Rhode, with music direction by her sister, Alissa Rhode, who makes her Skylight debut, this Sister Act really is a sister act!  Also making her Skylight debut is Mona Swain as Deloris, who is jaw-droppingly gorgeous as well as being vocally blessed.  Most of the cast are Skylight regulars, including Hope Riesterer (Oliver!, Spring Awakening), who landed her dream role as the young postulant, Sister Mary Robert; Laura Monagle, who blows the roof off the place during her Sugarhill Gang Rapper’s Delight inspired part of “Sunday Morning Fever;” and, Janet Metz, who was born to play the role of Mother Superior.  One of the highlights of the show is Curtis’ gang: Joey (Miss Kyle Blair), TJ (Rashard “Rai” Hudson), and Pablo (Tomás Dominguez) – all Wisconsin based actors making a return to the Skylight stage.  Not only do they steal just about every scene they’re in, their “Lady in the Long Black Dress” song is pure comedic genius.   

The addition of live music and a better mic system would have brought this production to a Broadway level, but excellent choreography by Alexis J. Roston, costumes by Bobby Sharon, and scenic design by Jonathan Berg-Einhorn, combined with an exceptionally talented cast, Menken and Slater’s cleverly written songs, and a story that is funny, joyous, and full of spirit makes Sister Act the best show I’ve seen at Skylight this season.  While I wasn’t a huge fan of the film, the musical captured, and uplifted, my heart, which is something we could all use, right now. 

SISTER ACT runs through April 27, 2025, at the Cabot Theatre, located within the Broadway Theatre Center at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 414-291-7800 or by visiting www.skylightmusictheatre.org.
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Skylight recently announced their 2025-2026 Season, which includes: Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Amadeus, The Spitfire Grill, and A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream.   
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About Skylight Music Theatre
Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. We are committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre, from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 65th season in 2024-2025. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.

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