Sister Act (musical)
Elysa Gardner of "USA Today" gave the show three and a half out of four stars and said, "Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy may be less giddily profane, and thought-provoking, than "The Book of Mormon", but it has its own distinct and surprising charms. Composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater provide original tunes that nod cheekily, but with genuine affection, to that pop era while also propelling the story with a style and exuberance specific to well-crafted musical theater."
Sister Act
When the nuns learn of the kidnapping, the Reverend Mother reveals the truth of Mary Clarence's real identity. Upon hearing them feel at a loss without her help in the choir, she decides to have them come with her and risk their lives to save her. Arriving at Vince's casino, the group searches for Deloris and find her, after she manages to escape from Vince and his men once again. The group quickly attempts to confuse the mobsters while sneaking out Deloris, but end up becoming trapped in the casino lounge. Not wishing to risk the group's lives, Deloris prepares to sacrifice herself, and even Vince and his men have difficulty bringing themselves to shoot Deloris while she's in a nun's habit. The delay is long enough for the police led by Souther, to arrive and arrest Vince and his men. Despite being annoyed at the risk and other things Deloris did to the convent, the Reverend Mother thanks her for what she has done and decides to remain at the convent to continue her work. Returning to San Francisco, the choir, led by Deloris, sing "I Will Follow Him" to packed audience in the refurbished Saint Katherine's, receiving a standing ovation from all, including the Pope.
Screenwriter Paul Rudnick pitched "Sister Act" to producer Scott Rudin in 1987, with Bette Midler in mind for the lead role. The script was then brought to Disney. However, Midler later turned down the role, fearing that her fans would not want to see her play a nun. Eventually, Whoopi Goldberg signed on to play the lead. As production commenced, the script was rewritten by a half dozen screenwriters, including Carrie Fisher, Robert Harling, and Nancy Meyers. With the movie no longer resembling his original script, Rudnick asked to be credited with a pseudonym in the film, deciding on "Joseph Howard."