Smith turns in a standout performance as Deloris Van Cartier. She has a powerful personality that matches her singing voice. She would steal every scene she was in were it not for the outstanding principals and equally talented ensemble—all of whom get a chance to shine in this production. Based on the 1992 movie of the same name and set in Philadelphia in the late 1970s, the musical follows spirited lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier (Kenique Smith) as she hides out at a convent after accidentally walking in on a murder and being placed in witness protection. Having to live with nuns at first seems like punishment to Deloris—there’s drab clothing, unappetizing food and wake-up calls at 4 AM—until Mother Superior (Jo Brisbane) suggests she help out with the convent’s extremely untalented choir. Deloris makes the best of the situation, injecting the choir with an infectious Motown vibe that saves the convent from financial ruin but also reveals her whereabouts to the mob.