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Whoopi! Goldberg brings her Sister Act to the West End stage
Amar Singh14 Nov 2008
OSCAR-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg is to produce a musical based on her hit comedy Sister Act, opening in London next May.
The musical, will take over at the London Palladium from the hugely successful Sound Of Music, which is closing in February.
Goldberg, 53, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in Ghost, has been signed up to produce the new show.
She told the Evening Standard: "I'm so excited about this. It feels right to bring back Sister Act. But we can't do it the way it was done in the film.
"It's going to be really, really spectacular and we are looking to breathe new life into the piece.
"I know London has a lot of musicals - but you can't beat singing nuns on stage."
Sister Act tells the story of lounge singer Delores Van Cartier who is put in protective custody after she witnesses a murder. She is given a new identity as a nun and goes to stay in a convent, where she quickly turns her attention to rejuvenating the convent's off-key choir.
Goldberg said that she was not at all tempted to reprise her role for the musical. "It was nearly 20 years ago and it's time for someone equally fantastic to take the role of Delores.
"We are looking at a couple of girls at the moment and I know whoever gets the part will be sensational. The film has an enduring appeal. It's pretty silly and fabulous and a classic fish out of water tale. I am trying not to get too involved in the casting as I want someone casting a fresh eye over it. I know Sister Act so well, so probably think out of the box less."
Goldberg is willing to conquer her fear of flying to come to London in April for promotional work and rehearsals.
The star, who usually travels around America on a bus, described recently how on one of her first flights - from London to New York - she was sat next to a man who died in his seat.
She said: "I love London but I had to stop flying a while ago. So I'm going to take a big gulp and hop on a plane in April."
She is also confident that the economic downturn will have more Londoners flocking to theatres for entertainment. "When people are down, they want something that can help them escape."
She will be working alongside the company Stage Entertainment - producers of Hairspray and Disney's High School Musical on stage.
Stage Entertainment president, Joop Van Den Ende said: "I have long admired her work and, as a theatrical producer, have wanted to bring one of her classic roles to the stage for a long, long time."
Veteran composer Antony Menken, who is behind a series of successful Disney soundtracks, has written original songs and Anthony Van Laast, who worked on Mamma Mia! on stage and screen, is the choreographer.
Reader views (7)
I saw the productions in Pasadena, Ca. and also in Atlanta. I can't wait to fly to London. I hear it will have a cast double the size and most of the music and lyrics were funtastic. I know they're talking about making changes so must see again.
- Poopsie, Los Angeles, USA, 12/12/2008 03:47
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looking forward to watching this fabulous show staring a special friend tommy goodridge..
- Lloyd Maclean, london, 02/12/2008 21:36
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Here in this country Whoopi is on a talk show with a bunch of other skirts that think the world revolves arounfd them and they somhow will solve all the worlds problems. Whoopi herself is a very egotistical woman with an attitude that would turn a frog white. She isn't well liked here and it is to bad that you un the UK have to have her in your country.
- Zgomer, Preston USA, 16/11/2008 17:10
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I agree with Marianne. Whoopi Goldberg is unique and a superb actress and a wonderful person...I, and I imagine most of London will welcome her with open arms
- Dominic, North West London, 16/11/2008 10:42
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One of the most annoying female's on TV. They should shoot whoever thought it would be a good idea to encourage her with acting by giving her an Oscar.
- Serox, London, 14/11/2008 16:27
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Speak for yourself, Frank. I think Whoopi is fantastic and was thinking of flying back to see this production.
- Marianne, SW France, 14/11/2008 12:18
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Please keep her. We don't want her back.
- Frank, England., 14/11/2008 11:32
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