Whoopi Goldberg Departs West End Sister Act Due to Mother's Illness

Whoopi Goldberg has departed the West End production of Sister Act early due to a family emergency. Goldberg, who took on the role of Mother Superior earlier this month, left London on August 27, when she received word that her mother suffered a severe stroke. Goldberg's understudies (Helen Walsh and Verity Quade) will take over until September 2 when Sally Dexter assumes the role as scheduled.

Goldberg is a producer of the show and starred in the 1992 film that is the basis for the musical. Sister Act features music by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid) and a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner (Cheers). The musical follows eccentric musician Deloris Van Cartier, who is forced to hideout in a convent when she witnesses a gang related murder. Sister Act's West End run will end on October 30 with a Broadway transfer expected in spring 2011.