reviewvancouver: Sister Act

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
Sister Act

When & Where July 3 – August 22, 2026 | Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park, Vancouver | Choreographer Peter Jorgensen Music Director Sean Bayntun Assistant to the Director / Choreographer Hanna Mack Directing Fellows Jason Sakaki & Marizza Mislang Performers Kat Reynolds, Angela Donahue, Andrew J. Hampton, Rodrigo PoMe, Bea Martin, Jacob Sirois, Alyson Vance, Suzanne Jabour, Amanda Lourenço, Sam Hall, David Johnston, Matthew Valinho, Melissa Hudson, Kayla Sakura Charcuk, Alex Villaverde Lopez, Keiarn Chesebro, Harriet Dykstra, Alicia Malelang, Cloris Li, Maya McCobbina, Sylvie Nesbitt, Ellie Scott, Brigit Stewart, Heather Mislang, Joel Bakajika, and Alex Sheppard-Reid.

Tickets: Starting at $35 Available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/23447/theatre-under-the-starsperformance

Reviewer: Darren Cordeiro

The opening night of Sister Act couldn’t have been more magical. Set in the beautifully landscaped Malkin Bowl in the heart of Stanley Park, the venue was surrounded by vibrant flowers and bathed in a crimson-pink sunset that glowed overhead as the audience eagerly gathered to see their favourite sisters finally "back in the habit"!

Sister Act is one of my favourite movies of all time, so the cast and everyone involved had some big shoes, or should I say "habits”, to fill and they certainly did it justice. The plot stayed true to the original film, bringing back plenty of nostalgia for those of us who grew up watching Whoopi Goldberg in the lead role. While the storyline remained faithful to the movie, the score and songs were original, which was a refreshing surprise. Each number featured clever lyrics packed with puns, and the upbeat pace of the music kept the production moving without ever feeling drawn out. That said, the slower solo ballads were beautifully performed and provided some of the evening's most memorable moments.

The spoken dialogue was well written, with plenty of humorous wordplay and church-related puns that were delivered tastefully. As a Catholic myself, I appreciated that the humour never felt blasphemous or offensive, making it enjoyable for everyone in the audience.

The costume design was spot on, perfectly capturing the 1970s Philadelphia vibe with club-goers sporting bell-bottoms, oversized sunglasses, afros, and more. Of course, the nuns remained cloaked in their traditional habits, but even those became increasingly glammed up throughout the performance as the sisters transformed from their conservative ways into more progressive versions of themselves.

The set design was equally impressive, with seamless transitions between the nightclub, the police station, and, of course, the beautifully illuminated cathedral. The glowing pillars and altar shifted through vibrant colours during the musical numbers, creating a striking contrast against the dark, star-filled sky above Malkin Bowl.

Can I get an amen up in here?! TUTS certainly can after that explosive performance. If you're looking for a fun night out under the stars this summer, you won't go amiss by heading down to Malkin Bowl to experience Sister Act. It's a joyful, feel-good production that will have you laughing, clapping, and leaving with a smile on your face.