‘Late Nite Catechism’ coming to Waterbury

WATERBURY — The Palace Theater is presenting “Late Nite Catechism” on Saturday, Jan. 26, for two performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“Late Nite Catechism” is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back — sometimes nostalgically, 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 glowin-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) wrote, “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.”

“Late Nite Catechism, ” written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, made its debut May 28, 1993 at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago and since then has grossed over $100 million in box office receipts. It has been presented in over 410 cities around the world, has played six countries with over 3.5 million people in attendance.

“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.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203346-2000, or in person at the box office, 100 East Main St.

Contributed photo The Palace Theater is presenting “Late Nite Catechism” on Jan. 26 for two performances, set for 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.