Praise be! In the biggest role of her career to date, Casey Donovan has been confirmed to lead the cast of the most heavenly of musicals, Sister Act, when it opens at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney from August and the Regent Theatre in Melbourne from November. Joining Casey in donning the habit will be the much-loved Genevieve Lemon in the role of Mother Superior.
“Although I never thought I would see the day when I put on a habit, I’m so incredibly excited to be joining Sister Act and to be playing the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier, played by the iconic Whoopi Goldberg in the much-loved films,” said Casey Donovan.
“Growing up, Sister Act was one of the movies that I watched on repeat. I love the film and am truly honoured to be part of such an uplifting, joyful, fun and feel-good production featuring the brilliant original music by multiple Tony Award-winning composer Alan Menken,” she added.
Based on the iconic film starring Whoopi Goldberg and featuring original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid), and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures.
Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.
Casey Donovan is one of Australia’s most versatile entertainers, making her mark not only as a musician, but also in the areas of stage, screen, presenting and writing.
She is a multi-award winner and nominee, including Deadly Awards, ARIA #1 Award, Double & Triple Platinum selling recording artist and has starred in theatrical productions including The Sapphires, The Flowerchildren, Opera Yarrabah, As You Like It, Rent, We Will Rock You, Chicago, 9 TO 5 The Musical and & Juliet.
On screen from the age of 16, Casey was the youngest winner of Australian Idol and has since appeared in the TV series StreetSmart, How To Stay Married, What Does Australia Really Think? and crowned Queen of the Jungle in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Genevieve Lemon has appeared in many premiere Australian productions in a 40-plus year career including Steaming, Steel Magnolias, Seventeen, Miracle City, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Billy Elliot, which she also played in the West End (UK). Other performances includeWho’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Death of a Salesman, Summer Rain, The Venetian Twins, Summer of the 17th Doll and North by Northwest.
A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, as well as a total of six Olivier Award nominations across the original West End season and the London revival season. Sister Act also made a triumphant return to London’s West End in March 2024.
Further casting announcements will be made in the coming months. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.