“Late Night Catechism” ( 2021 version) reviewed by Julia W. Rath

Recommended *** Now in its 28th year, “Late Nite Catechism” has been delighting both Catholic and non-Catholic theatergoers alike. This interactive comedy recreates a classroom where audience members become participants/attendees in a catechism class in Chicago. For those who attended Catholic school, it is a refresher course on religion; for those who did not attend or who are not Catholic, it’s a learning experience—and a fun one! It’s old-fashioned canon with a contemporary twist. Written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, this one-woman show, produced by Nuns4Fun Entertainment, stars Jenna Steege as Sister (with no additional given name). She’s an old-fashioned nun, dressed in her pre-Vatican II habit, and is the very last religious in her order who still lives in a convent. She opines about changes in religious practice as a result of Vatican II, and yet she has adapted to the modern reality of the Catholic Church. By humanizing the serious subject matter of saints and sainthood, she gets the ball rolling for the laughs to begin!

This is the first iteration of “Late Nite Catechism” since the show migrated to its new digs at the recently renovated Greenhouse Theater Center. Set designers Scott Flores-Deter and Jason Shivers had to reconstruct the schoolroom that had been previously used for the last twenty years at the Royal George Theatre, with Emily Altman painting the realistic faux linoleum floor. Other crew include Joe Vecchio as the sound designer and Scott Flores-Deter as the lighting designer. Additionally, Congregation Kol Emeth and the Old World Theatre Company donated part of the set to the Nuns4Fun production company. All together, they have created a realistic backdrop for the intimacy between Sister and her students—which makes us feel as if we are taking an actual class.

I loved the first act but felt that the material ran out in the second; therefore, it would have been better had the two acts been combined into one 85-minute performance. My guest, however, felt very differently. Had there not been an intermission, we would not have had a moment to chat with other audience members and the ushers (aptly named the Saints, of course) about what it meant to be growing up Catholic versus “really Catholic.”

Speaking of my guest, I took the most perfect person with me to attend the show, who found it to be an enjoyable way to reminisce about her childhood. She volunteered to the group that she had attended Catholic school for her first eight years and that she was once hit with a ruler but could not remember why. More to the point, she was able to answer a number of religious questions being directed to the audience—and in so doing, she won two prizes: a glow-in-the-dark rosary and a Bible. She later told me that receiving prizes for giving correct answers was a common enough occurrence at her school. What she did not reveal to the group, however, is that she is a religious seeker, who happens to be Jewish now and also has been received into the Episcopal Church. Two thoughts immediately sprang to my mind: Isn’t it wonderful to be so knowledgeable about the details of so many different religions? Isn’t it great to live in a pluralistic, democratic society where all sorts of religious beliefs can be explored, if not also actively embraced, by individuals and the community at large?

It’s an interesting coincidence that “Late Nite Catechism” began its run during the holiest time of the year in the Jewish religion, namely, the ten days containing Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During this span (known as the Days of Awe), one is supposed to reflect on one’s place in the Universe and, above all, gather up a list of all the sins that need to be confessed to God. So what an absolutely perfect show to take in during this time period! You don’t have to be Catholic or Jewish to know that sin is ubiquitous or to feel guilt. And what is the best way to move on from feeling bad about yourself? Laughter! As the advance piece says, “Time to laugh your sins off!” It’s not the same thing as laughing your touchus off, but at times it comes close.

“Late Nite Catechism” is a production of Nuns4Fun Entertainment and is currently playing at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N, Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, through January 1, 2022.

Tickets start at $35 and are available by phoning the box office at 773-404-7336, or through ThunderTix at: https://greenhousetheatercenter.thundertix.com/.

Group discounts are available by calling 773-388-0730.

For a schedule of performances, go to: https://www.theatreinchicago.com/late-nite-catechism/389/. (Note that performances take place on most but not all Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. So please check the performance schedule carefully.)

For more information about the show, please visit: https://www.latenitecatechism.info/.

The Greenhouse Theater Center and Nuns4Fun requires that all ticket buyers be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, or show a negative COVID test within the past 24 hours. You may be eligible to win a free “Get Out of Hell Card” with your proof of vaccination. Note that all Nuns4Fun staff have been vaccinated.

According to City of Chicago ordinance, you are required to wear a mask indoors.

Ticketholders with any COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days at the time of our performance, should contact the Greenhouse for ticket exchange and refund options. For more information, visit the Nuns4Fun website at www.nuns4fun.com.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Late Night Cathechism”.

EDITOR NOTE: The role of SISTER is played by alternating actresses. In addition to Ms Steege, you may also see Liz Cloud or Mary Zentmyer ( who has been doing this show since 1996).