Habit Forming: Late Nite Catechism is hilarious!
Written: Aug 15 '01 (Updated Nov 21 '01)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Very funny, even non-Catholics enjoy it, audience participation!!!!
Cons: Those who take their religion too seriously might not see the humor
The Bottom Line: A must see, even for non-Catholics. There's a real passion here for both information and entertainment, and the audience participation really makes the show.
|
|
|
| LLFigment's Full Review: Late Night Catechism |
RULES
1) Don’t be late
2) Don’t chew gum
3) Don’t wear revealing clothing
4) Answer questions in complete sentences
Follow these rules and you’ll miss out on some of the fun and hilarity of the hilarious one-woman show that encourages—no, requires—audience participation.
Divided into two acts, Late Nite Catechism introduces you to Sister…no other name, just Sister. And why are you and she here? YOU are here because you’re brushing up on your religious doctrine in order to become a godparent or some other role model. SHE is here because "Father Murphy didn’t want to miss his poker night." And Sister is going to teach this class HER way tonight.
The set resembles a classroom from a Catholic school: everything from the crucifix on the wall, to the pictures of Mary drawn by students, right down to the chair made of rulers that have been broken on naughty little boys’ hands (Sister can't do this now because "nowadays the students are likely to have an attorney."). The music before the show and during intermission ranges from canned cantatas to 1950s and 1960s-style Catholic children’s songs. Astonishing attention was paid to detail here to give the audience the impression that they are actually a part of a catechism class.
Not Catholic? Not a problem. Everyone is able to find humor in the show. In fact, some of the best laughs came when it was discovered that there were non-Catholics in the audience!
The first act is devoted mostly to Sister’s explanations (in accurate detail) of much of Catholic doctrine and practice…with a few asides. Among the topics: investigating the list of saints and seeing if their credentials stand up, the difference between the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin Birth (yes, Virginia, there IS a difference), who married Cain and Abel (is this really a trick question?), and how Man differs from beast.
In case you were wondering (and Sister makes this clear), "what separates us from all other living creatures is our immortal soul…and we’re not afraid of vacuum cleaners."
If you break the rules above—among others that are common in this situation—you may get attention from Sister!
- Some people who arrived late were asked to stand in front of the room and answer the question "what time do you think the 8 o’clock class starts?"
- A young lady in the front row who wore a very short skirt and a low-cut blouse was given tissues to cover the exposed areas and told "Honey, even Mary Magdalene wouldn’t have chosen that outfit!"
- A cute older couple who sat too close together were admonished to "Leave room for the Holy Spirit!"
- My father, who brought candy with him to the performance, had the candy confiscated. "Did you bring enough for the whole class? No? Give it here…it's going to the missions." And out came a jar filled with confiscated candy.
During her explanations and asides, Sister often asks questions of the audience, just as if it were a real class. "Who can tell me what Easter Duty is?" "What’s the Immaculate Conception?" And woe to you if you fail to begin your answer "Sister, Easter Duty is…" and form complete sentences!
The second act consists largely of question-and-answer. This is where you, the audience, can get clarification on issues in the Catholic religion that have been puzzling you. While each performance is going to be different (because of audience interaction), Sister’s answers are always on the nose.
I’ve seen the production twice: the first time was at the Coronet Theater in Los Angeles. Maripat Donovan, who originated the role and co-wrote the script with Vicki Quade, a Chicago writer, was Sister. The second production was actually an off-site version, brought to St. Pius V Church in Buena Park by my father-in-law, who organized it as a fundraiser for the Church. We saw a different actress in the role of Sister for that performance. While the script was ostensibly the same for both performances, the audience participation and the actresses themselves made each show a unique experience.
SHOW LOCATIONS
- Currently playing in many cities around the US; check the website (www.latenitecatechism.com) for information. Off-site productions are available (they will come to you); information is also available on the website.
TICKETS
- Tickets can be purchased online for the New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles locations only; at the box office; or through Telecharge (select locations only). Ticket prices vary by location; generally range from $35-$45.
AUDIENCE
- Good for all ages. No foul or offensive language or subject material.
OTHER INFORMATION
- In addition to providing comic entertainment, Late Nite Catechism also helps the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. These nuns are retired and often destitute. Sister will make a pitch for you to make a donation at the end of the show. Please give generously. Warning: Sister herself takes up the collection and she stands at the exit!
- Merchandise is available during intermission and after most shows (usually not for off-site productions), and on the website.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
LLFigment
|
|
Member: Laura La Borde
Location: Pomona, CA, US
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 16 members
About Me:
"When you look for the bad in mankind, expecting to find it, you surely will."
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.