Movie-inspired musical that's almighty fun

After the Beijing stop, Sister Act will visit other Chinese cities, including Shanghai and Hangzhou, throughout October. [Photo provided to China Daily] 

"Thanks to Alan Menken, we have colorful songs, mostly disco-inspired, 60s' Motown classics and a little bit of funk and soul as well as standard Broadway sounds," says Christopher Babbage, the music director and conductor of the musical, who started working as an associate conductor with the musical in 2012. "Alan Menken is really good at bringing together a variety of contemporary styles, which don't necessarily belong to the period the show is set."

"The songs in the musical are timeless, and help to tell the story," Babbage adds.

Babbage has been working in the theater field for 18 years and worked with composer Alan Menken on a number of beloved Disney films, such as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

"Though Sister Act movie was for adults, this musical, like Disney musical productions, is family friendly and full of enthusiasm and energy," Babbage says.

In interviews at the media preview in Beijing, New York-based soprano Dene Hill, who plays the role of Deloris Van Cartier, and Will T. Travis, who plays the role of Lieutenant Eddie Souther, performed the songs Sister Act and I Could Be That Guy.

"This is one of my favorite musicals, it is so much fun and involves powerful music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story. My role, Eddie Souther, was not seen as a love interest in the movie. The musical gives him layers to show that he is in love with Deloris Van Cartier and wants to protect her," says Travis.

"The movie is a pretty strong base to start with. I grew up watching the movie and I love the music," says American theater actress Rebecca Mason-Wygal who plays the role of the Mother Superior, adding, "To prepare for the role, I read lots of books about nuns and convents."