Whoopi Goldberg as Sister Mary Clarence.
Photo: Buena Vista Pictures/Everett Collection
What better to celebrate turning 30 and flirty than by getting back in the habit? For the celebration of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’s 30th anniversary, Whoopi Goldberg got back in costume as a parochial school’s choir teacher to lead the cast in a revival of the film’s signature performances, “Oh Happy Day” and “Joyful, Joyful,” on a Wednesday, June 5, episode of her daytime talk show, The View. Co-stars Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and the film’s musical leaders discussed the film’s impact in a separate panel discussion.
Premiering in 1994, the coming-of-age drama follows a Vegas performer (Goldberg) who disguises herself as a nun to snag a gig at a troubled high school where she ends up leading the students to a prestigious gospel competition. The hit feel-good movie is close to many a millennial’s heart, making the reunion a special moment even with stars Lauryn Hill and Jennifer Love Hewitt noticeably absent. Still, OG cast members came out in droves to celebrate, such as Ryan Toby, who performed his memorable solo. Cameras caught the entire cast exuberantly doing the steps with huge smiles on their faces, clearly moved by the performance. Following their rendition of “Joyful, Joyful,” tears welled in Goldberg’s eyes as she hugged a similarly emotional Ralph. Oh happy day indeed.
