DAILY BREEZE
Torrance, California
OCTOBER 2004

LATE NITE CATECHISM 2 DOUBLES THE FUN
by JEFF FAVRE

What's black and white and funny all over? The answer is Maripat Donovan.
A true phenomenon, Donovan's Late Nite Catechism 2, a one-woman comedy about a nun teaching the basics of Catholicism, grew from a brief run 12 years ago in a small Chicago venue to the McDonald's of theater. Currently, there are several habit-wearing actresses, all trained by Donovan, performing the show in cities across the country. For years, Donovan has wanted to create a sequel.

And now she has. Late Nite Catechism 2' is expected to explode in similar fashion to its predecessor. But before that happens, the Hermosa Beach Playhouse is lucky enough to have Donovan, herself, portray Sister, who this time around is more prepared for class, but who is still just as funny, and likable.

As it is in the original, Late Nite Catechism 2, subtitled Sometimes we feel guilty because we are guilty, is a two-hour experience that relies more on improvisation and audience participation than on its loose script. Sister leads an adult catechism class and the audience plays the role of the students. This time, the topic of discussion is how to get into heaven, and more importantly, how to avoid hell. Sister has brought teaching aids, including a felt banner that compares the various journeys in the afterlife to a game of 'Chutes and Ladders' She also has an informative film-strip on sin and confession.

On paper, the script about the history of the Church and stories in the Bible reads like a lesson plan. But in Donovan's hands, these seemingly dry facts become funnier than most stand-up routines. In one of the evening's many hysterical segments, Sister presents on the blackboard all of the mortal sins of Frank Sinatra. Her conclusion is, "He did it his way, and now he's in hell."

Ever the sharp-tongued nun, Sister sees all, and disapproves of most of it. She makes students spit out gum, and she requires that all students begin any sentence with "Sister." For those who think that not raising your hand will get you out of answering her questions, Sister has a seating chart with real names, so watch out. Anyone who behaves badly will end up on a list of those headed to purgatory.

Late Nite Catechism 2 is different every night, depending on what questions are asked by the audience, or what answers are given. But one constant is that Donovan is a master of improvisation. And more than anyone else who has ever played the role, she is never at a loss for something insightful and funny to say. Her knowledge of Catholicism's roots and its complex rules means she is capable of answering almost any question.

As usual, Donovan ends the evening by asking for donations to assist retired nuns in need. She and the other sisters have raised more than $2 million in the last decade by simply holding a bucket at the back of the lobby as people exit. An extra dollar or two seems a well-earned tip after such a thoroughly entertaining and educational show.

Theater Review
by JEFF FAVRE