Stage West’s ‘Sister Act’ remixes a familiar story with new music and big ensemble moments

Stage West is taking on Sister Act this winter through to Feb. 1. The musical keeps the core storyline from the 1992 film as Deloris Van Cartier hides out in a convent after witnessing a crime. But audiences will notice one major shift right away: this version uses a completely original score rather than the movie’s soundtrack.

Ocean Williams, who plays Deloris, says the updated music brings a different kind of energy to the stage. 

“You want to hear songs that feel more like things you hear every day… it’s nice to have things that are a little bit more upbeat,” she says.

It’s a long show, about two and a half hours, and Williams is onstage for almost all of it. She steps into the role after performing in The Lion King in Toronto, where she covered Nala and Sarabi.

“Honestly, this is my first time playing the lead, being on stage this often,” she says. “I was really anxious about learning my lines and remembering all the song. But Tracy Fly, our director, made it so, so easy.”

The production leans heavily on ensemble work, especially once the choir becomes part of the story. Williams says “Raise Your Voice” is the moment where those pieces click together.

“It’s so much fun to finally get to see all the nuns really get their energy going,” she says. “Getting to really look at them and feel their energy just gives me so much fuel to keep going.”

And for audiences, the ensemble numbers are where most of the movement and staging variety happens — with choreography, layered comedy, and multiple characters in motion at once.

Williams, who started musical theatre at 13, says the cast dynamic backstage helps keep the pace manageable.

“My cast keeps me really energized. They’re always hyping me up backstage,” she says. “It’s very good energy.”

She also notes that some emotional moments hit her genuinely each night.

“You’ll probably cry a little bit — like you see me crying on stage every night. Those are real because I just feel all the love.”

And yes, because this is Stage West, she adds a practical incentive: “Honestly, the buffet is great. “

More info and tickets here.