Sister Act Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Highly Recommended
"...But the key to this particular production is the warmth and exuberance that flows out from the stage. There is a major Chicago theater debut from Isabella Andrews, as the nervous postulant Mary Robert. Andrews, a whopping talent, not only comes off as honest from head to toe, but her powerhouse rendition of the self-actualizing “The Life I Never Led” had eyes moistening throughout this lovely, intimate theater. And whenever she hesitated for a moment, the all-live Leah Morrow was right there to pick up the comedic slack."
Chicago Sun Times- Highly Recommended
"...Alan Menken's score draws on the sacred and the profane, moving from hymn to hedonism without missing a beat. The songs aren't complicated, but music director Diana Lawrence has the cast taking that simplicity and rendering it showstopping. Bookwriters Bill and Cheri Steinkellne and Douglas Carter Beane fill the space between the music with humor - including a narcoleptic shout-out to Barabbas."
Chicago Reader- Highly Recommended
"...The success of Sister Act, now in a ridiculously entertaining revival at Mercury Theater (which had its own semi-miraculous salvation story earlier this year, after announcing in 2020 that it was closing up for good due to the pandemic) rides on knowing when to pump the brakes on the campy Catholicism and allow the simple moments of connection for Deloris and her newfound friends to shine through, even amid the bedazzled habits and disco lights that put butts in the seats at Sunday mass."
Stage and Cinema- Recommended
"...In what has become a distressing Chicagoland tradition, the opening night audience whoops and hollers through even the lamest verbal and physical gags. The boisterous reaction from the youngish customers is wearisome and intrusive. There is singing and dancing on the Mercury stage that deserves audience recognition, but come on."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow- Highly Recommended
"...In Mercury Theater's Sister Act, Alexis J Roston is outstanding as Deloris Van Cartier. Roston lights up the stage with her voice and acting talents, and when on stage performing, her energy electrifies the audience. All of the actors in this play were amazing, and audiences will enjoy this high-energy production from beginning to end."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...The Mercury Theater Chicago is back!!! The creative minds that have given us some of Chicago's best musical theater has re-opened after the pandemic. While the pandemic is by no means over, it is at a point where under the covid guidelines, they can bring us back to "live theater" and they are doing so with "Sister Act" based on the movie of the same name. This is a great way to bring theater back as it is a zesty comedy where we get to meet people who are seeking a better life and a better world. When they announced the production would star Alexis J. Roston as Delores, I knew we were in for a treat."
WTTW- Highly Recommended
"...But it is Jenkins' direction, along with the wonderfully playful, hip-swiveling choreography of Christopher Chase Carter (the Mercury's immensely talented new artistic director), and the impeccable music direction of keyboardist Diana Lawrence and her musicians (Isabella Isherwood, Jeff Harris and Lindsay Williams) that has infused the show with genuine emotional heat as well as laugh-generating irreverence and comic sparkle."
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...This old-fashioned musical doesn't break any new ground, but it's warm, funny and a big-hearted celebration of seeing the world from another person's point-of-view. It's also a tribute to the deep sisterhood and girl power inherent in real friendship. This production sparkles with comedy, great music, plenty of heart and, thanks to Marquecia Jordan's array of gorgeous, glitzy, habit-forming costumes, more sequins and spangles than Cher's closet. Mercury Theater Chicago has survived the pandemic, reopened with Divine intervention and certainly has "Spread the Love Around.""
Chicagoland Musical Theatre- Highly Recommended
"...With its theatrical nod to sisterhood and celebration of friendship, Sister Act is the perfect opening selection for Mercury to host family reunions six times a week through the holidays. Get thee to the theatre and help spread the love around."
Chicago On Stage- Highly Recommended
"...This is just a wonderful show. Period. You *will* have a great time. With theatre and theatregoers still slowly coming back from the pandemic shut-down, there are quite a few shows right now that clearly have been chosen for their energetic entertainment appeal. Mercury's Sister Act is one of the best of them."
PicksInSix- Highly Recommended
"...Director Reneisha Jenkins rocks the parish in her professional directing debut. With a creative team that includes choreography by Carter and music direction by Diana Lawrence, the resounding themes of friendship, acceptance, faith and love come shining through in each character. And while Roston, Grebeck-Brewer and Domally have an abundance of the special kind of chemistry needed to carry the show, their higher calling is infusing that enthusiasm and trust into the entire company, in every song and every production number. It's really evident and that is why "Sister Act" will leave you feeling three-times blessed."
TotalTheater- Highly Recommended
"...Baddies Apprehended, Lovers United, Order Restored (both civic and ecclesiastical), Dreams Achieved, Sororal Solidarity Affirmed, Individual Bliss Followed—when you count the happy endings in this classroom-classical plot, you can also add the resurrection of Chicago's landmark Mercury Theater, whose reported demise during the Big Shutdown proved premature. Under the guidance of Reneisha Jenkins and Christopher Chase Carter, an ensemble led by Alexis J. Roston scrambles with unfettered glee and joyful noise over the tiny 1912-vintage stage rendered palatial by a tech team who serve up an array of dazzle as bright and optimistic as the era they represent."
Picture This Post- Highly Recommended
"...Sister Act is a fun and uplifting comedy delivered by a charismatic cast. It is a good fit for anyone looking for a light-hearted musical."
Splash Magazine- Highly Recommended
"...A must see, this is a great show for a night out with family or friends. And if you love a catchy tune, you'll catch yourself humming to "take me to heaven" just like I did, afterwords."