Casting has been announced for the long-in-the-works new production of Sister Act The Musical, which will play London’s Eventim Apollo July 19-August 28.
Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous) will play Mother Superior alongside Beverley Knight (The Drifter's Girl), who replaces previously announced original film star Whoopi Goldberg, as Deloris Van Cartier, Keala Settle (Waitress, & Juliet) as Sister Mary Patrick, Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather) as Sister Mary Lazarus, Clive Rowe (Guys and Dolls, Carousel) as Eddie Souther, and Lizzie Bea (Heathers The Musical, Hairspray) as Sister Mary Robert.
Originally written for a Deloris who is a young adult (Tony winner Patina Miller in the original West End and Broadway productions), this new production "has been gently adapted to reflect the age difference and how best to portray certain characters in today’s world," according to the musical's press rep.
The ensemble includes Jeremy Secomb, Graham McDuff, Tricia Deighton, Lori Haley Fox, Tom Hopcroft, Bradley Judge, Tanya Edwards, Catherine Millsom, Anne Smith, Emma Ralston, Jermaine Woods, Michael Ward, and Caroline Bateson. Additional casting will be announced.
Bill Buckhurst will direct the limited engagement with choreography by Alistair David, set design by Morgan Large, lighting design by Tim Mitchell, sound design by Tom Marshall, and musical supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
Based on the film of the same name, Sister Act features music by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.
The musical tells the story of a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found, a convent.
The upcoming London run is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.
