Class is now in session for Jodi, myself and the 10 of our friends with “Late Night Catechism” at the GE Theatre, taught by ”Sister” played by Colleen Moore dressed in the traditional full nun’s habit. The performance opened with “Sister” informing our class (The audience) that she was going to take over the evenings instruction for the parish “Father” due to his previous poker commitment. That set the tone for this class about religious instruction with ad-lib and slapstick comedy overtones set in a simple, but traditional classroom stage set. Lets just say “religious instruction with a twist”.
If you are a by-product of a catholic education, you will surely relate to the inside humor of the shows overall theme. But we “Publics” as they are refered to by “Sister” in this audience participation show may not fully understand some of the material discussed in class, however, the ad-lib overtone of the presentation by the “Sister” will still leave you laughing.
The show itself has a well written and cleaver outline allowing it to break away with audience participation, but easily brought back on track to keep the flow and subject matter going forward.
One of the features of the show that allows for the audience to open-up and participate with some of the questions presented by the “Sister” are the religious trinkets that are given to the participants for playing along with the show… like the glow in the dark rosary or the laminated religious cards for example.
A few highlights of the performance that had the largest response was the section call “Saint” or “No-Saint”, the “Gang of Nuns”, “Jesus’s Banquet Party with his 12 friends” that was crashed by Mary Magdalene, and the burying of Joseph upside down in the front yard to help sell your house were not only funny but memorable.
Just for the record, you do not have to be catholic to enjoy the show and understand it’s humor. At our performance we had other religious denominations in the audience, including the Jewish and Lutheran faith who looked like they really enjoyed themselves and even participated.
Since I have some religious shortcomings, I found the 2-hour show both educational and humourous at the same time… it may not leave you rolling with laughter, but you will laugh while reflecting back to your childhood educational experience.
“Late Night Catechism” is a touring show, so check it out at a city near you. And, remember when you participate in the show, it is always… “Sister” the answer is… or you might just get reprimanded.
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