Sister Sophia Kicks the Habit

Writer-performer Lisa Randall

Directed and dramaturged by Kate Johnston

Sister Sophia Kicks the Habit Reviews and Production Photos

Sister Sophia Kicks the Habit was selected The Hamilton Vibe’s Fringe "15 shows not to miss" List. Sister Sophia Kicks The Habit - The vibe is very punny! Delves into the revelations of Sister Sophia, an aging Catholic nun in crisis. As she grieves the loss of her best friend, Sister Beatrice, she grapples with the realities of her half-century of sisterhood in her own restless night of the soul. https://www.thevibehamilton.com/p/vibe-s-fringe-fifteen-don-t-miss-list

"After the death of her sister in cloth, Sister Sophia experiences a crisis of faith. Is God there, and is he really listening? Is the Catholic Church morally righteous? Has she chosen the correct path, or has she wasted the last few decades of her life? Sister Sophia is witty, curious, and easy to root for, thanks to a stellar performance from the very talented Lisa Randall. The one-nun-show is cheeky, introspective, and thoughtful. Catch a performance to find out whether Sophia sticks by the holy life, or if she takes off the habit for good." - Sarah Jessica Rintjema, HAMILTON CITY MAGAZINE

"Spend an entertaining 50 minutes with Sister Sophia as she converses with g(G)od tackling the heavy topics like death, devotion and missed opportunities – sometimes through original song. It’s refreshing to see an older woman who unquestioningly devoted 50 years of her life to the church and g(G)od, suddenly think critically about her blind devotion, what she denied herself, and what adventures life still holds . . . especially, when a twist of fate delivers a surprising revelation that Sophia realizes she must embrace. With undertones and subtle nods to empowering women and girls, challenging the patriarchy and embracing taking charge of one’s life and destiny, Sister Sophia Kicks the Habit is a play for our times". – Doreen Nicoll – THE HAMILTON VIBE

"Lisa Randall, the production’s star and writer, creates a fully realized character in this funny and vulnerable one-woman show. Nun Sister Sophia has a crisis of faith after the death of one of her fellow Sisters. As she gets into some of the sacramental wine she reveals even more to the audience and lets loose about how she feels about her faith, women’s role within it, Jesus, and her life’s purpose. Along the way she discovers even more about herself. The audience I saw it with were laughing heartily as Sophia shares many a Nun pun. Although you will also get some deep cuts about Catholicism and the history of the Papacy along the way too. And you may never be able to listen to Schubert’s Ave Maria the same way ever again. But the laughter is tempered as Sophia has lived a life also filled with sadness, anger and regrets. Making this story both touching and entertaining." – Lila Miklos, CENTRE STAGE, CFMU

"Lisa Randall's one-woman/one-nun show at the Player's Guild, is a pun-filled, have-you-heard-the-one-about, cri de coeur, the story of a cloistered sister's dark night of the soul following the death of her best friend, Sister Beatrice. Interspersed between the jokes and Lucille Ball-like physical gags are songs -- gospel, rag, pop inspirational and Gregorian Latin (Randall has a helluva voice) -- but more importantly some demanding soul-searching: Is the call of another human being as important as a call from God? Is it that God isn't calling or are we not listening? And one many a Catholic has asked: the world is changing, why can't we." - Raymond Beauchemin, THE HAMMER MONTHLY

"Randall’s performance is both heartfelt and sharply comedic. One of the most delightful aspects of the show is its language. Randall peppers her script with an avalanche of puns; so many that they start to feel Shakespearean in volume. What could have been a somber meditation on doubt instead becomes a riotous, laugh-out-loud experience. As with many Fringe solo shows, connection with the audience is key — and Randall delivers. She’s engaging, charismatic, and emotionally present from beginning to end. While shows with religious themes can be polarizing, this one takes a refreshingly feminine and personal approach to Catholicism. It’s not about dogma—it’s about self-worth, longing, and rediscovery. Ultimately, Sister Sophia Kicks the Habit is a moving, funny, and surprisingly hopeful piece of theatre. It's well worth your time—and your laughter."- Brian Morton, THE HAMMER MONTHLY