Operatic’s spirited Sister Act

A stellar cast has been called in for Hamilton Operatic Society’s stylish season of Sister Act.

Live at Clarence Street Theatre from June 23, the ensemble consists of national actors and familiar Hamilton thespians.

Travelling from Christchurch to portray lead Deloris Van Cartier is Monique Clementson, and it’s not the first time she’s filled the shoes of the sassy songstress.

Clementson, 22, has played the character (made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 film), twice before.

‘‘She’s become a very familiar character to me,’’ she said.

‘‘She tries to be so sexy and seductive and I think that’s her cover, and when she goes into the convent, she’s more street and dirty.

‘‘She’s got a lot of layers and also some really fun one-liners written for her.’’

The musical version of Sister Act was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and shares a similar storyline to the film.

David Sidwell will direct the 38-strong cast and Clementson said audiences were guaranteed to witness a bit of glitz and glam.

‘‘It’s so fun and energetic and the cast has put so much effort into it,’’ she said.

‘‘The people here are so phenomenal and it’s nice to feel the energy of new cast members. That’s what keeps the show fresh for me.’’

Auckland-based actor Kyle Chuen, who played Jean Valjean in the society’s version of Les Miserables, will also return to don the persona of love interest Eddie.

The expert cast made performing the show all the more exciting, Nick Wilkinson said. ‘‘They’ve put together an incredible cast. Getting people like Monique and Kyle really lifts everyone’s game,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s a lot of new people that have come on and everyone is stepping up and doing an amazing job.’’

Wilkinson, who has been in around 40 shows with Hamilton Operatic, most recently as Thenardier in Les Mis, will be playing the role of Curtis - a gangster out to find Deloris, his ex.

He describes his character as motivated, self-centered, and egotistical.

‘‘More egotistical than he would normally be portrayed, so I’m finding that quite fun,’’ he said. ‘‘I sing When I Find My Baby and it’s done like a 70s love song but in the lyrics he’s actually talking about finding her and killing her.

‘‘It’s lovely melody, a lovely harmony, but the subject matter is not-so-lovely.’’

Hamilton Operatic Society’s Sister Act, running at Clarence St Theatre from June 23 - July 7. Tickets from ticketek.co.nz