Sister Act (franchise) explained

Sister Act
Creator:Paul Rudnick
Owner:The Walt Disney Company
Origin:Sister Act (1992)
Years:1992–present
Musicals:Sister Act
Sp:Empty

Sister Act is an American media franchise created by Paul Rudnick and currently consisting of two films: Sister Act (1992), (1993), and a Broadway musical.

Films

Sister Act (1992)

See main article: Sister Act. When a lively lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) sees her mobster beau, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), commit murder, she is relocated for her protection. Set up in the guise of a nun in a California convent, Deloris proceeds to upend the quiet lives of the resident sisters. In an effort to keep her out of trouble, they assign Deloris to the convent's choir, an ensemble that she soon turns into a vibrant and soulful act that gains widespread attention.

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)

See main article: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. In the sequel, Las Vegas performer Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) is surprised by a visit from her nun friends, including Sister Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy) and Sister Mary Lazarus (Mary Wickes). She soon finds out that she is needed in her nun guise as Sister Mary Clarence to help teach music to teens at a troubled school in hopes of keeping the facility from closing at the hands of Mr. Crisp (James Coburn), a callous administrator.

Future

Possible remake (TBA)

On June 3, 2015, a remake was confirmed to be in the works with Legally Blonde screenwriters Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah writing.[1]

Sister Act 3: Kicking the Habit (TBA)

When asked in a 2013 appearance on Watch What Happens Live about acting in a sequel, Whoopi Goldberg initially refused,[2] citing the passing of so many of her nun co-stars, stating "it's not Sister Act without them."[2] But during a 2015 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, she changed her stance to a maybe,[3] stating:After a Broad City cameo in 2016, Goldberg expressed doubts about a sequel based on missing cast members, but said she thought it would be fun and likable.[4] In May 2017, she affirmed her desire for the third film to happen,[5] adding in July that she would like to direct it and had confidence it would be made.[6] On December 7, 2018, it was confirmed that Regina Y. Hicks and Karin Gist were hired to write the script to Sister Act 3 with it being planned for a release on Disney+.[7] Goldberg confirmed again on October 7, 2020, during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden that she is working on the sequel and wants to bring as many of the original cast back for it as possible.[8]

In December 2020, it was revealed that Goldberg had officially signed on to return as Delores and that Tyler Perry would be producing and directing the film.[9] [10] [11]

Reworked musical

A reworked version of the musical is expected to debut at the Curve, Leicester starring Brenda Edwards and produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Jamie Wilson.[12]

Other media

Musical

See main article: Sister Act (musical). The musical Sister Act, directed by Peter Schneider and choreographed by Marguerite Derricks, premiered at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California on October 24, 2006 and closed on December 23, 2006.[13] It broke records, grossing $1,085,929 to become the highest grossing show ever at that venue.[14] The production then moved to the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, where it ran from January 17 to February 25, 2007.[15]

The musical then opened at the West End at the London Palladium on June 2, 2009, following previews from May 7. The production was directed by Peter Schneider produced by Whoopi Goldberg together with the Dutch company Stage Entertainment, and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, with set design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Lez Brotherston, and lighting design by Natasha Katz.[16] [17] Following a year-long search, 24-year-old actress Patina Miller was cast as Deloris, alongside Sheila Hancock as the Mother Superior, Ian Lavender as Monsignor Howard, 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.[18] The musical received four Laurence Olivier Awards nominations including Best Musical.[19] On October 30, 2010, the show played its final performance at the London Palladium and transferred to Broadway.[20]

The musical opened at the Broadway Theater on April 20, 2011, with previews beginning March 24, 2011.[21] Jerry Zaks directed the Broadway production[22] with Douglas Carter Bean rewriting the book.[23] Patina Miller, who originated the role of Deloris in the West End production, reprised her role, making her Broadway debut. She was later replaced by Raven-Symoné, also making her Broadway debut. The original Broadway cast featured Victoria Clark (Mother Superior), Fred Applegate (Monsignor), Sarah Bolt, (Sister Mary Patrick), Chester Gregory (Eddie), Kingsley Leggs (Curtis), Marla Mindelle (Sister Mary Robert), and Audrie Neenan (Sister Mary Lazarus).[24] The musical received five Tony Award nominations including Best Musical.[25]

The musical closed in August 2012 after playing 561 performances.

Cast and characters

CharactersFilmsMusical (2006–present)
Sister Act (1992) (1993)West End (2009)Broadway (2011)1st UK Tour (2011)1st US Tour (2012)2nd US tour (2014)2nd UK tour (2016)Manchester (2022)London (2022)3rd UK tour (2022)
Deloris Wilson/Delores Van Cartier/Sister Mary ClarenceWhoopi Goldberg
Isis Carmen Jones
Whoopi GoldbergPatina MillerPatina Miller
Raven-Symoné (replacement)[26]
Cynthia ErivoTa'Rea CampbellKerissa ArringtonAlexandra BurkeSandra MarvinBeverley KnightSandra Marvin
Reverend Mother SuperiorMaggie SmithSheila Hancock
Whoopi Goldberg (replacement)
Sally Dexter (replacement)
Victoria Clark
Carolee Carmello (replacement)
Denise BlackHollis Resnik
Lynne Wintersteller (replacement)
Maggie Clennon RebergKaren MannJennifer SaundersLesley Joseph
Sister Mary PatrickKathy NajimyClaire GreenwaySarah BoltLaurie ScarthFlorie BagelSarah Michelle CucSusannah Van Den BergKeala SettleCatherine Millson
Sister Mary RobertWendy Makkena
Andrea Robinson
Katie Rowley JonesMarla MindelleJulie AthertonLael Van KeurenEmily Kay SchraderSarah GogginLizzie Bea
Sister Mary LazarusMary WickesJulia SuttonAudrie J. NeenanJacqueline ClarkDiane J. FindlayNancy EvansRosemary AsheLesley JosephAnne Smith
Lt. Eddie SoutherBill NunnAko MitchellChester GregoryEdward BaruwaE. Clayton Cornelious
Chester Gregory (replacement)
Lamont O'NealJon RobynsClive Rowe
Vince LaRoccaHarvey Keitel
Joey/BonesRobert MirandaNicolas ColicosJohn Treacy EganDaniel StocktonTodd A. HormanF. Tyler BurnetSamuel Morgan-GrahameTom Hopcroft
WillyRichard Portnow
Sister AlmaRose Parenti
Monsignor Bishop O'Hara/HowardJoseph MaherIan LavenderFred ApplegateMichael StarkeRichard PruittGordon GrayTim Maxwell-ClarkeGraham Mcduff
ClarksonJim Beaver
MichelleJenifer Lewis
TinaCharlotte Crossley
LewandaA.J. Johnson
ImmaculataLois de Banzie
ErnieMax Grodenchik
Henry ParkerJoseph G. Medalis
Larry MerrickMichael Durrell
Connie LaRoccaToni Kalem
Pope John Paul IIEugene Greytak
Detective TateGuy Boyd
Father MauriceBarnard Hughes
Mr. CrispJames Coburn
Father IgnatiusMichael Jeter
Florence WatsonSheryl Lee Ralph
Joey BustamenteRobert Pastorelli
Father WolfgangThomas Gottschalk
Rita Louise WatsonLauryn Hill
Father ThomasBrad Sullivan
MariaAlanna Ubach
AhmalRyan Toby
SketchRon Johnson
MargaretJennifer Love Hewitt
FrankieDevin Kamin
Tyler ChaseChristian Fitzharris
TanyaTanya Blount
MarcosMehran Marcos Sedghi
Curtis Jackson/ShankChris Jarman
Simon Webbe (replacement)
Kingsley LeggsCavin CornwallKingsley LeggsKolby KindleAaron Lee LambertJeremy Secomb
TJThomas GoodridgeDemond GreenTyrone HuntleyCharles ThomasLawrence DandridgeSandy GrigelisBradley Judge
Pablo/DineroIvan De FreitasCaesar SamayoaGavin AlexErnie PrunedaNicholas Alexander RodriguezRicky RojasDamian Buhagiar

Crew

Crew/DetailSister Act (1992) (1993)
DirectorEmile ArdolinoBill Duke
Producer(s)Scott Rudin
Teri Schwartz
Scott Rudin
Dawn Steel
Writer(s)Joseph HowardJames Orr
Jim Cruickshank
Judi Ann Mason
Cinematographer(s)Adam GreenbergOliver Wood
ComposerMarc ShaimanMarc Shaiman
Miles Goodman
Running time100 minutes[27] 107 minutes[28]

Reception

Box office performance

FilmRelease dateBox office grossBox office rankingBudgetRef(s)
United States
opening weekend
North AmericaOther
territories
WorldwideAll time
North America
All time
worldwide
Sister ActMay 29, 1992$11,894,587$139,605,150$92,000,000$231,605,150
  1. 454
$31 million[29] [30]
December 10, 1993$7,569,219$57,319,029$67,300,000$125,619,029
  1. 1,552
$38 million[31] [32]
Totals$$$$69 million

Critical and public response

FilmCriticalPublic
Rotten TomatoesMetacriticCinemaScore
Sister Act75% (28 reviews)[33] 51 (23 reviews)[34] A[35]
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit18% (38 reviews)[36] 38 (23 reviews)[37] A−

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Back in the habit: Sister Act to be remade by Disney. Andrew. Pulver. June 3, 2015. The Guardian.
  2. Web site: 2014-10-28. After Show: Is 'Sister Act 3' Happening?. 2021-07-28. Bravo TV. en-US.
  3. Web site: Oh Happy Day: Whoopi Goldberg Says She Wouldn't Say No To "Sister Act 3". Logo TV. December 17, 2015. Evan Ross. Katz. That's not to say I wouldn't do it, but it feels like there's a new generation for Sister Act and maybe I can be a nun now..
  4. Web site: Whoopi Goldberg on Weed, Being an Ally, & Sister Act 3. out.com. September 20, 2016. Les Fabian. Brathwaite. On Sister Act 3: So many of my nuns are gone. I would love to do it, but we sort of send it out on stage-world domination, it's in all these different countries. But should they ever make a three it would be lots of fun, I think people would like it..
  5. Web site: May 30, 2017. Whoopi Goldberg wants Sister Act 3 to happen. July 28, 2021. Attitude.co.uk. en. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180926085919/http://attitude.co.uk/article/whoopi-goldberg-wants-sister-act-3-to-happen/14739/. September 26, 2018.
  6. Web site: McCreesh. Louise. July 19, 2017. Whoopi Goldberg wants to direct Sister Act 3. July 28, 2021. Digital Spy. en-GB.
  7. Web site: Kroll. Justin. 2018-12-07. 'Sister Act 3': 'Insecure' Executive Producer, 'Star' Showrunner to Write Sequel. 2021-07-28. Variety. en-US.
  8. Web site: O'Kane. Caitlin. October 8, 2020. Whoopi Goldberg says she's working to make "Sister Act 3" happen. July 28, 2021. CBS News. en-US.
  9. Web site: 2020-12-03. Disney Investor Day 2020. 2021-05-14. The Walt Disney Company. en-US.
  10. Web site: Patten. Dominic. December 10, 2020. 'Sister Act 3' Officially Set For Disney+; Whoopi Goldberg Returning, Tyler Perry Producing. January 24, 2021. Deadline Hollywood. en-US.
  11. Web site: Whoopi Goldberg to Return for Disney Plus' 'Sister Act 3,' Produced With Tyler Perry. Variety. December 10, 2020. Angelique. Jackson. April 25, 2023.
  12. News: Gans . Andrew . Brenda Edwards Will Star in Reworked Version of Sister Act Musical . July 20, 2019 . Playbill . Jul 10, 2019 . en.
  13. Web site: Hernandez. Hernio. Sister Act - Musical Based on Film - Opens World-Premiere Run Nov. 3. https://web.archive.org/web/20080719111451/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/103215.html. July 19, 2008. Playbill. November 3, 2006.
  14. Web site: Sister Act Sets Pasadena Playhouse Record. Broadway World. December 8, 2006. James. Sims.
  15. Web site: SISTER ACT the Musical listing. Alliance Theatre. August 2, 2018.
  16. Web site: Gans. Andrew. Habbit Forming: Whoopi Goldberg to Produce London Premiere of Sister Act. https://web.archive.org/web/20090107170939/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/123328.html. January 7, 2009. Playbill. November 13, 2008.
  17. Web site: Creative. https://web.archive.org/web/20100914203717/http://sisteractthemusical.com/creative/. September 14, 2010. Sister Act: The Musical.
  18. Web site: Sister Act: The Musical. Sister Act Cast is announced. https://web.archive.org/web/20100727144527/http://www.sisteractthemusical.com/news/cast-announcement.php. July 27, 2010. January 29, 2009.
  19. Web site: Spring Awakening, Enron and Red Score Big in Olivier Nominations. Playbill. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100211123601/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/136659-Spring-Awakening-Enron-and-Red-Score-Big-in-Olivier-Nominations. February 11, 2010. mdy-all. February 8, 2010. Mark. Shenton.
  20. Web site: West End's Sister Act to Vacate London Palladium Oct. 30; Future Plans Announced. https://web.archive.org/web/20100511042353/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/139385-West-Ends-Sister-Act-to-Vacate-London-Palladium-Oct-30-Future-Plans-Announced. dead. May 11, 2010. Playbill. mdy-all. May 7, 2010. Mark. Shenton.
  21. Web site: Sister Act The Musical Will Open at the Broadway Theatre in April 2011. Playbill. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101216081155/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143635-Sister-Act-The-Musical-Will-Open-at-the-Broadway-Theatre-in-April-2011. December 16, 2010. August 20, 2018. October 5, 2010. Adam. Hetrick.
  22. Web site: SISTER ACT Confirms Broadway for Spring 2011; Zaks to Direct. Robert. Diamond. July 8, 2010. Broadway World.
  23. Web site: It's Official: Douglas Carter Beane Joins 'Sister Act' Team. Broadway World. February 28, 2011. Jessica. Lewis.
  24. Web site: Hetrick. Adam. Victoria Clark, Fred Applegate, Chester Gregory Will Be Part of Broadway's 'Sister Act'. https://web.archive.org/web/20110204181455/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/147227-Victoria-Clark-Fred-Applegate-Chester-Gregory-Will-Be-Part-of-Broadways-Sister-Act. February 4, 2011. February 1, 2011. Playbill.com.
  25. Web site: 2011 Tony Nominations Announced; Book of Mormon Earns 14 Nominations. Playbill. May 3, 2011. Kenneth. Jones. Andrew. Gans. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110914233343/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/150437-2011-Tony-Nominations-Announced-Book-of-Mormon-Earns-14-Nominations. September 14, 2011.
  26. Web site: It's Official: She's Fabulous! Raven-Symone Joins SISTER ACT Mar. 27; Patina Miller Departs Mar. 18. Broadway World. March 7, 2012. Jessica. Lewis.
  27. Web site: Sister Act (PG). British Board of Film Classification. June 9, 1992. April 25, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180926151535/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/sister-act-1970-7. September 26, 2018.
  28. Web site: SISTER ACT 2: BACK IN THE HABIT (PG). British Board of Film Classification. December 20, 1993. April 25, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20191014111753/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/sister-act-2-back-habit-1970-2. October 14, 2019.
  29. Web site: Sister Act. PowerGrid. The Wrap. April 25, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20161107161849/http://powergrid.thewrap.com/project/sister-act. November 7, 2016.
  30. Web site: Sister Act (1992). Box Office Mojo. April 25, 2023.
  31. Web site: 'Sister Act 2' May Become Breakthrough For Filmmaker. Sun-Sentinel. January 7, 1994. Vanessa. Jones. April 25, 2023.
  32. Variety. M-56. October 17, 1994. Top 100 grossers worldwide, '93-94.
  33. Web site: Sister Act (1992). Rotten Tomatoes. April 26, 2023.
  34. Web site: Sister Act Reviews. Metacritic. April 26, 2023.
  35. Web site: Cinemascore :: Movie Title Search. December 20, 2018. April 26, 2023. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/. December 20, 2018.
  36. Web site: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). Rotten Tomatoes. April 26, 2023.
  37. Web site: Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Reviews. Metacritic. April 26, 2023.