The Stage

Hancock and Miller to star in musical version of Sister Act

Published Thursday 29 January 2009 at 14:15 by Alistair Smith

Sheila Hancock and West End newcomer Patina Miller are to star in the world premiere of Sister Act, a new musical based on the 1992 film.

The production, which runs at the London Palladium from May 7 with press night on June 2, will also feature Ian Lavender, best known for his role as Pike in UK sitcom Dad’s Army.

Miller, who will play the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier made famous in the film by Whoopi Golberg, is aged 24 and from South Carolina. Last year, she appeared in a production of Hair in New York. Hancock will take the role of Mother Superior, while Lavender will feature as Monsignor Howard.

Also appearing will be Chris Jarman as Shank, Ako Mitchell as Eddie, Katie Rowley Jones as Sister Mary Robert, Claire Greenway as Sister Mary Patrick and Julia Sutton as Sister Mary Lazarus, Thomas Goodridge as TJ, Nicolas Colicos as Bones and Ivan De Freitas as Dinero.

The cast also includes Vanessa Barmby, Amy Booth-Steel, Julian Cannonier, Ben Clare, Helen Colby, Kate Coyston, Jennie Dale, Jaymz Denning, Nia Fisher, Alison Harding, Paul Kemble, Debbie Kurup, George Long, Hugh Maynard, Jo Napthine, Aysa O’Flaherty, Landi Oshinowo, Verity Quade, Helen Walsh and Emma Woods.

Sister Act features a score by Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and composer of many of the songs from Disney’s movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted, with lyrics from his long- time collaborator Glenn Slater. The book is by the Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, whose writing credits include TV series Cheers, and the production is directed by Peter Schneider.

It has musical supervision by Michael Kosarin, choreography by Anthony Van Laast, set design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Lez Brotherston, sound design by Mick Potter, lighting design by Natasha Katz and musical direction by Nicholas Skilbeck.

The show is produced in London by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment.