Summary:
Denise Black will star in Whoopi Goldberg’s five-time Tony nominated West End and Broadway hit Sister Act this June.
Coronation Street actress Denise Black will star in Whoopi Goldberg’s five-time Tony nominated West End and Broadway hit, Sister Act, at the New Wimbledon Theatre this June.
In her first ever musical, Denise plays the menacing Mother Superior, sharing the stage with fellow Corrie star, Michael Stark, who plays vicar Monsignor O’Hara.
“I love Mother Superior,” said the Best Supporting Actress Award winner. “She has an unshakable faith and she’s delightful to play.
“It’s very frightening to follow Maggie Smith and Sheila Hancock in the role. The closest I’ve played is the Wicked Witch!”
The story follows Reno lounge singer, Delores Van Cartier, played by rising star Cynthia Erivo, who after witnessing a murder ordered by mobster boyfriend, Vince, is forced into hiding.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when the witness protection scheme throws her into the care of highly-strung nun, Mother Superior.
When caught going out to a bar, Delores is ordered to join the church choir, only to breath new life into the struggling congregation.
The swingin’ singin’ sisters are a hit in the neighbourhood, but Delores’ soul singing fame helps Vince track her down.
“Sister Act has a strong message. It’s about learning to change. It’s about joy, tolerance and love,” said Denise
Denise, whose daughter lives in Wimbledon, speaks highly of her fellow cast.
“There’s not a bad egg in our company, not an ugly ego,” she said. “Mickey is to die for. He’s very, very funny and a great singer.
“Cynthia is a little star. A fine actress. I’ve never heard a better joined up voice. She’s very petite, but does eight shows a week and is a rocket of energy.
“I’m sure she has a wonderful career ahead of her.”
Denise is no stranger to the music world, as lead singer of The Loose Screw, recording in Raynes Park, but has found the tour tiring.
“Huge energy is required. You have to throw yourself at it from the moment the curtain comes up,” she said.
“It takes stamina. Huge energy. And the audience gives it to us. Their joy comes back at us.
“I’ve not done the road full time like this since I was a young woman. I miss my house. But my family rally around me.
“I’ve promised myself I’ll go home when the show is over!”
Visit www.atgtickets.com/Sister-Act-Tickets/7/661/ for information and tickets. The show runs until Saturday 16 June at the New Wimbledon Theatre.Follow us on @SW_Londoner
