The following warnings must be heeded:
Do not come late.
Do not chew gum.
Do not apply anything to your lips.
Do not touch your neighbor, even if you came with them.
Do not talk to your neighbor.
Do not get caught doing anything in class that irritates the good sister.
When you come to Late Nite Catechism, at North Coast Rep, you are expected to follow all of those rules, sit up straight, and listen to the words of the good sister. Failure to follow these rules will, no doubt, cause you to be singled out by her, which, in turn, will bring shame upon you and your party. And be sure to address the strict sister properly. She'll teach you. Oh, and sitting in the very back row doesn't help - she will find you.
Prepare yourself for the pain of laughing too hard. Prepare to have your sides ache and tears to roll down your cheeks. Prepare to learn, or relearn, some of those valuable lessons provided in catechism class. The nun carries a ruler and is trained in the proper discipline of wayward students. She has even made a chair out of the broken rulers of years gone by. This, alone, should keep you in line.
The power of Late Nite Catechism is not only in the hilarious script but in the ability of the single cast member (our good sister was played by Maripat Donovan) to interact with the audience. You will be quizzed on your knowledge and chastised for incomplete answers. Donovan co-authored the show with Vicki Quade as well as originated the role. The three other actresses, mentioned in the credits, normally rotate performances.
Act One is a non-stop laugh riot as the good sister enlightens you with her vast knowledge - and your lack thereof. The intermission offers a short relief from worn-out laugh muscles. Act Two really gets tough, as the good sister fields questions from the audience (so prepare a few), offering answers that certainly would shock the Pope. One last warning: bring tissues to wipe the tears of laughter from your face.
