SISTER
Maripat Donovan

LATE NITE CATECHISM 2
THE SEQUEL

EASY READER
Redondo Beach, California
OCTOBER 2004

Entertainment News
Theater review
LATE NITE CATECHISM 2
The Sequel
by DEANNA ALISA ABLESER

Take a trip back in time with Hermosa Beach Playhouse’s production of Late Night Catechism 2, written, conceived, and performed by Maripat Donovan.

Late Nite Catechism 2: The Sequel brings Sister (Maripat Donovan) back to the Playhouse with her unique sparkle and wit. Late Nite Catechism 2 is another “Catechism Class” with Sister focusing this time on Penance and the Ten Commandments. Sister spends most of the first act focusing on Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and Limbo... using her fantastic improvisation and audience interaction skills to “guilt” the audience, reminding us that we are “selfish, weak, and lazy” for failing to follow the proper path set forth by the Catholic Church. However, lest you think you are in for hours of lecturing and painful reminders, Sister peppers each comment and thought with humor and love and the audience reacts back in turn. Act Two focuses mostly on the Ten Commandments and questions from the audience regarding them. Sister handles these questions with tact, beauty, and total control even when audience members try to “upstage” Sister.

From a non-Catholic standpoint, Late Night Catechism 2 is actually instructional in addition to being humorous. Sister is constantly affirming other faiths and makes sure that the audience knows that “we’re trying to include the Jewish people” and people of other faiths. Though presented humorously, the information actually instructs and guides, and we leave the show not only laughing at ourselves and others, but a little bit wiser in regards to the Catholic Faith.

Maripat Donovan as Sister is top-notch. Her writing skills, improvisation skills, and comedic timing are exemplary and she carries the entire evening by herself. Watching Maripat as Sister is an exercise in watching genius itself. It’s not just stand-up comedy. It’s not just instruction. It’s not just a play. It’s Sister infusing the audience with her beautiful presence, knowledge, and soul. Sister doesn’t even stop when the “performance” is over. Maripat stands in the lobby, thanking each guest, and collecting money for the real Sisters who are retiring and need monetary assistance.

Direction (Marc Silvia), Lighting and Technical Design (Christopher Beyries), and Sound Design (John Feinstein) all support the concept behind Late Night Catechism 2.

Of special note, introductions by James Blackman III (Executive Producer of CLOSBC) are always worth the price of admission alone. His comedic timing and complete and total love for the theater and for his patrons deserve nothing but total respect and admiration.

So, go see Late Night Catechism now! Cleanse your soul, your heart, and those good ‘ole laughing muscles, infuse your brain with some new (or old) knowledge, and have a grand time with Sister.

You’ll have to head over to North Hollywood to do so now, but it’s worth the “guilt” trip.

Entertainment News Theater review
by DEANNA ALISA ABLESER

NOTE: LATE NITE CATECHISM 2 played at The Hermosa Beach Playhouse and the San Fernando Valley Playhouse, Fall 2004.