‘Sister Act Jr’ by Nelson Youth Theatre Company. Theatre Royal, 11 November 2025. Reviewed by Lyn Rombouts.
Sister Act Jr is a divinely uplifting, heart-warming musical that follows Deloris Van Cartier, a lively nightclub singer who hides in a convent after witnessing a crime.
Disguised as a nun, she shakes up the convent choir with her style and spirit, discovering friendship and the true meaning of belonging.
Casey Jenkinson shone as the joyous Deloris; her strong vocals and charisma carried the production.
Raise Your Voice was a highlight of Casey’s performance. She was joined by Hannah Astridge as Mother Superior (also musical director and co-choreographer), who sang with dramatic vocals and commanding stage presence. Their relationship transforms beautifully in the story, and their duet in Sister Act was simply divine.
Billy O’Conner as Sweaty Eddie soulfully performed I Could Be That Guy, his smooth voice revealing courage beneath his shyness.
Luca Syme gave a polished performance as Joey, his expressive acting adding delightful humor. Melissa Scowan portrayed Sister Mary Robert, transforming from shy novice to confident performer.
Henchmen Pablo, TJ, Joey, and Curtis had the audience laughing in Lady in the Long Black Dress, while Oliver Genery as Monsignor O’Hara drew cheers for the church’s newfound success.
Makayla Whyte as Sister Mary Patrick and Daisy Jennings as Sister Mary Lazarus added warmth and wit.
The ensemble of nuns blended harmonies and passion in Raise Your Voice, Take Me to Heaven, and Spread the Love Around.
Their holy harmonies and energy were nun-stop, and subtle costuming livens the habits. A dash of disco in the lighting, depth-of-field projection, and fabulous teenagers and their families supported this warm-hearted story.
Directed by talented teenagers Grace Bidlake, Reuben Hart, and Hannah Astridge, this inspiring production radiates joy.
Sister Act Jr will leave you grinning from ear to ear — just don’t miss it!
The show runs until 16 November and tickets are available from https://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/show/sister-act-jr/
