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Now playing at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Late Nite Catechism offers a thoughtful and hilarious look at “cultural Catholicism"; giving audience members an evening full of history, insightful commentary, and improv comedy that is all delivered from the perspective of a stern, yet lovable, nun.
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Lisa Braatz as the stern, yet lovable, Sister
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Co-created by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan in 1993, “Catechism” looks at the past and present of the Catholic Church through the guise of an adult catechism class taught by a full-habit wearing nun. The premise of the play has the Sister, played by Lisa Braatz, filling in for a Priest who has the tendency to pawn many of his responsibilities off to the Sister. The idea that the Sister isn’t supposed to be teaching the class not only deftly introduces us to the main character in the play, but it also sets the somewhat “informal” tone of the play overall.
But while the Sister may be willing to offer up her own stories from days gone by, play with confiscated toys, or add her own personal commentary onto much of the subject matter, the “class” is still a “class,” and it is certainly run as such.
One of the most unique things about this play is the brand of audience participation involved. Many plays interact with the audience by pulling them up on stage, or poking fun at them while in their seats, “Catechism,” however, is actually run like a classroom, complete with real questions that require the participant to raise their hand, stand up, state their name, and properly address the Sister. For those who give the correct answer, a small prize is rewarded; for those who answer incorrectly, though, ridicule only a nun can dish out is their punishment.
The play is run so much like a classroom, one really must behave in the presence of the Sister. No gum chewing, talking, or slouching is allowed. And if your cell phone is not turned off, and it rings, not even all of the Saints combined could save you from the Sister’s hilarious wrath.
As a one woman show, Late Nite Catechism is a comedy marathon that few could endure. Luckily, Ms. Braatz does a truly remarkable job at keeping up with her “class” by offering her lightening quick wit to anyone, on any subject presented to her. She keeps the material fresh by incorporating recent news into the act, and she even has a completely improvised Q&A session at the end of the play, giving the audience a chance to “fill in the gaps” in the night’s “education” by asking her anything and everything they may want her opinion about.
The only aspect of the play that some might find odd is a few of the transitions from one subject to another throughout the play. Since the play is jam-packed with material, there is a lot to get to in the two hours that it runs. Most of the subjects would seamlessly transition into one another, but at times, the topic of the moment would flip back and forth from one, to another, then back to the first one again, allowing for a some confusion.
But that is merely a minor issue that can be easily fixed and will not hinder the enjoyability of this play one bit.
Late Nite Catechism is a remarkably hilarious good time. Not only does it entertain, it educates and offers a unique perspective in the Catholic Church and our country’s “cultural Catholicism” that one can’t get elsewhere.
Late Nite Catechism is presented by Noble Fool Theatricals and runs now through May 31, 2008 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
At the show, take a moment to donate a few dollars to help raise retirement funds for various orders of Sisters nationwide. Over the years, “Catechism” has raised over $2 million towards this cause, and with your help, they can continue to allow these devoted women to have a happy retirement.
For more information about the show, or to order tickets, please visit www.noblefool.org or call the box office at (630) 548-6342.
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