Felicia Curry, center, stars in the Virginia Repertory Theatre’s production of "Sister Act," a musical comedy based on the 1992 movie of the same name that starred Whoopi Goldberg. On the run after witnessing a murder, a wannabe cabaret singer disguises herself as Sister Mary Clarence, bringing boisterous songs to the sedate convent that becomes her refuge. Photo by Aaron Sutten

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"The Game’s Afoot: Holmes for the Holidays" is a farce starring Scott Wichmann as an actor who plays Sherlock Holmes, who must work to solve the mystery of his own attempted murder. Photo by Aaron Sutten

It’s an old adage that God laughs when man (or woman) plans. That is certainly the experience of Sister Act’s Mother Superior, played with depth and gravitas by veteran Virginia Rep actress Andrea Rivette. Keenly aware of her church’s dire financial situation and impending sale to a couple of antique salesmen, Mother Superior prays for a solution.

Little does she know the solution will come in the form of a brash, provocatively dressed, Donna Summer wannabe who must hide out in the convent for protection after having witnessed her club-owner boyfriend murder one of his underlings.

What begins as a story of a fish out of water ends with an opening of hearts, a realignment of priorities, and the formation of authentic, tested relationships.

Along the journey, there are multiple smile- and laugh-inducing moments from each cast member. Performing upbeat, life-affirming songs and fantastic disco moves that take you back to the 70s, the entire cast works impressively hard to keep the energy high. Kudos to Director Robin Arthur for casting actors with beautiful voices, funky dance moves, and the ability to garner laughs.

Charismatic star

The star of the show — Felicia Curry, playing Deloris Van Cartier — is truly a star in every sense. She is a dynamic powerhouse with Tina Turner legs and Michelle Obama arms, and she can do it all — sing, dance, and act. Curry brings such warmth, depth and charisma to her performance that my cheeks hurt by the end of the show from smiling so much.

New to Virginia Rep, Sincée J. Daniels is too charming for his own good as bad-boy club-owner Curtis. The audience wants to dislike him, but how can we? His voice and dance moves are as smooth as velvet; no wonder Van Cartier found herself under his spell!

Daniels is ably supported by Paul S. Major as Joey, Mark Parello, Jr. as Pablo, and Anthony Cosby as TJ. All three have the chance to show off their groovy dance moves and comedic chops in “When I Find My Baby.”

Durron Marquis Tyre also charms — though in a less menacing way — as Sweaty Eddie, the slightly anxious police officer who helps protect Van Cartier, his high school crush and the girl who gave him his less-than-flattering nickname. Despite his moniker, the audience can’t help but root for him. Our fondness for him grows when Tyre nails his ballad to nerds everywhere, “I Could Be That Guy.”

All the nuns bring entertainment to the production through perfectly harmonizing voices and unique personalities. Newcomer Gwynne Wood debuts as the postulate Sister Mary Robert, a girl working to figure out her place. Wood recently earned her BFA in musical theater, and she stuns the audience with her beautiful performance of “The Life I Never Had.”

Kelsey Cordrey shines as the bubbly Sister Mary Patrick, while Susan Sanford reveals her comedic talent in her entertaining performance as rapping Sister Mary Lazarus. Through their cheerful, boisterous songs, the Sisters along with Monsignor O’Hara, played by Michael Hawke, reinforce the show’s message that we are better when we work together.

The show’s feel-good story, compelling message of redemption and connection, and energetic performances make it perfect for a cold winter evening.

Holiday-themed Sherlock Holmes

Virginia Rep provides another opportunity for holiday entertainment with The Game’s Afoot: Holmes for the Holidays. Described as a farcical thriller, the show centers on a famous Broadway actor who must reprise his role as Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery of his own attempted murder during a holiday cast party.

Written by Ken Ludwig (Lend me a Tenor, Crazy for You) and directed by Deb Clinton, Holmes for the Holidays is the first performance of the season at Hanover Tavern.

Clinton directed last year’s holiday show, Miracle on South Division Street, and several of the performers return, including Scott Wichmann who plays William Gillette (the actor playing Sherlock) through Dec. 30 (Joe Pabst takes over for the January performances); Catherine Shaffner, who performs as his mother, Martha Gillette; Audra Honaker as Inspector Goring; and Donna Marie Miller as scheming theater critic Daria Chase. For fans of Sherlock Holmes and whodunits, the show is not to be missed.

Sister Act is on stage at the November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St., Richmond, and The Game’s Afoot is on stage at the Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Hanover.

Sister Act tickets range from $36 to $63, and all tickets for The Game’s Afoot are $44. Both run through January 6.

For tickets and more information, see https://va-rep.org/ or call (804) 282-2620.