The Original Late Nite Catechism to Bring Sidesplitting Laughter to the Gracie Theatre
Published on: February 20, 2020
BANGOR, MAINE – In 2019, the Gracie Theatre presented ‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3. Based on the enthusiastic audience response to this production, the Gracie Theatre decided to bring the first play in the series to Bangor on Saturday, February 29, 2020 with two performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The show features all new lessons by Sister Mary Christina for her “adult catechism class” that will resonate with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
“This year’s Late Nite Catechism is the original show in the Late Nite Catechism series - the one that started it all. Though it differs from the ’Til Death Do Us Part version we presented last year, we have the same “sister,” brilliantly portrayed by actress Denise Fennell. She was an audience favorite. Our patrons wanted more and demanded we have her back,” said Jeri Misler, managing director of the Gracie Theatre.
Sponsored by Downeast Toyota, this comedy is part of The Gracie’s eighth successful season. Bangor Savings Bank sponsors the season.
Late Nite Catechism is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back -sometimes nostalgically, (and sometimes fearfully), to the children they once were. The irrepressible “Sister” teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students” (the audience).
Over the course of the play, “Sister” goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with everyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm.
The Catholic Register (Toronto) said, “The show appeals to Catholics and non-Catholics alike since ‘Sister’ clearly explains religious references in lighthearted ways while maintaining a serious tone that isn’t too preachy and far from being saccharine.”
The New York Times in 1996 declared, “Late Nite Catechism speaks to an audience much broader than the membership of any one church.”
About Denise Fennell:
Denise Fennell plays the role of Sister Mary Christina. She was first discovered by the show’s creator, Maripat Donovan while appearing as “Tina” in the Off-Broadway production of Tony n’ Tina's Wedding. Donovan trained Fennell personally for the role. Denise is now a veteran of the Late Nite Catechism series and has played to rave reviews across the United States and Canada. She recently completed a run of Shear Madness at The Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston, Texas. She has also appeared in the Off-Broadway company of Shear Madness in New York City. Denise is best known for her portrayal of “Sister” in the Late Nite Catechism series and in Jane Wagner's award-winning comedy The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.
Late Nite Catechism, written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, made its debut May 28, 1993 at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Since then, it has been presented in over 410 cities and six countries to over 3.5 million people. The show has raised over $4 million for retired Sisters and Catholic Organizations.
Late Nite Catechism was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in New York and won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for “Best Lead Performance” for Maripat Donovan. It’s the longest running one-woman show in Off-Broadway history.
Late Nite Catechism will have two shows at the Gracie Theatre on Saturday, February 29 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25.50 to $37.00 and group discounts are available for groups of eight or more by calling the box office. To purchase tickets or for more information about group rates, call the Gracie Box Office at (207) 941-7888 or visit www.gracietheatre.com. The Gracie Theatre is located at One College Circle in Bangor, Maine.
More about the Gracie Theatre:
The Gracie’s season is made possible with support from Bangor Savings Bank. The theatre also gratefully acknowledges the generous support provided throughout the season by additional show sponsors including Downeast Toyota, Pepsi and The Dead River Company.
Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. This beautiful 500-seat theatre is considered one of Maine’s premier performance venues. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from the New England School of Communications in digital audio, sound mixing, set design and construction, lighting, acting and electronics.
For more than 120 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in Southern Maine and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. According to a recent analysis of tuition and fees by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.