Denise Fennell

For the “Late Nite Catechism” series of shows, actors dress up as a character named “Sister” and lead their audiences through a “class” full of audience interaction. Denise Fennell-Pasqualone has been performing as 'Sister' for many years now, but–for this specific show–she preaches about St. Patrick's Day in the most exuberant and comedic way.

I just am so grateful. Stages really produced this one for me. So I'm super excited about that. That I could give this to this theater community, and for the rest of the world to know forever and always. That Irish Catechism originated here in Houston, and it will be developed here over the next six weeks, judging from my last preview performances and opening last night. This one is next level, next level!

Up next at Stages, 'Sister's Irish Catechism: Saints, Snakes, And Green Milkshakes' will run from January 26-March 17, 2024 on the Smith Stage. Written by Maripat Donovan, this brand-new catechism-that is a bit more green-will treat Houstonians to a divine dose of laughter as Denise Fennell ('Late Nite Catechism' series, 'Shear Madness,' 'The Bride') returns to her legendary role as Sister.

Walking into Stages for the first time, I was not sure what I was getting myself into. All of a sudden, Denise Fennell sprinted onto the stage in a huge wedding dress and asked the big question present in the show's title: 'Does this dress make me look married?' The wonderful rollercoaster of THE BRIDE began in that moment, and I was captivated.

Time is running out to vote for for the 2021 BroadwayWorld Houston Awards! The 2021 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

Stages' 2021-2022 Season will resume in-person performances at their new campus, The Gordy, this October! The 2021-2022 Season celebrates comedies, musicals, and various joyful projects providing an opportunity to explore and experience humanity from many different perspectives.

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.

To the delight of the audience she covers horror movies, several ghastly tales of the saints, and even unleashes a fashion show where you can dress up as an unlucky martyr to go trick or treating.  It's fast, it's funny, and also has a gentle soul that should find even the most diehard Catholics embracing the ways of Sister. 

'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 is making its way to Husson University's Gracie Theatre on February 15, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. just in time for Valentine's Day. In this hilarious one-woman show, 'Sister' offers up hilarious lessons on the sacraments of marriage and the last rites, including her own wacky version of The Newlywed Game. Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, this show is part of the Gracie's successful seventh season.

'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 is making its way to Husson University's Gracie Theatre on February 15, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. just in time for Valentine's Day. In this hilarious one-woman show, 'Sister' offers up hilarious lessons on the sacraments of marriage and the last rites, including her own wacky version of The Newlywed Game. Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, this show is part of the Gracie's successful seventh season.

'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 is making its way to Husson University's Gracie Theatre on February 15, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. just in time for Valentine's Day. In this hilarious one-woman show, 'Sister' offers up hilarious lessons on the sacraments of marriage and the last rites, including her own wacky version of The Newlywed Game. Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank, this show is part of the Gracie's successful seventh season.

Stages' beloved "Sister" returns to the theatre this summer! Performing in an installment of Late Nite Catechism never before seen by Houston audiences, Denise Fennell reprises her role as Sister in Sister's Summer School Catechism: God Never Takes a Vacation!, this time leading hilarious interactive classroom discussions about whether Jesus had to go to summer school and what are appropriate summer vacations for practicing Catholics. Over the years audiences of all religions and ideologies have enjoyed Fennell's humorous take on the Roman Catholic Church, which is neither mean-spirited nor satire, but developed out of deep affection. It's not rare to see a priest, nun or church official in attendance at a Late Nite Catechism performance.

Stages Repertory Theatre's 2018-2019 Season, the final full season to be performed at the theatre's current Allen Parkway facility, offers a dynamic mix of new work, fan favorites and stories reflecting Houston's diverse communities. With Stages' signature breadth of programming, the season runs the gamut from beloved musicals to daring new dramas, youth and family programs to adults-only hilarity, with a focus on nurturing emerging artists and welcoming a wide range of audiences.

Performing Arts Fort Worth proudly presents the hilarious holiday show SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD at McDavid Studio, 301 E. 5th St., December 13-17, 2017. Tickets are $30-$40 and are on sale NOW!

Performing Arts Fort Worth proudly presents the hilarious holiday show SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD at McDavid Studio, 301 E. 5th St., December 13-17, 2017. Tickets are $30-$40 and are on sale NOW!

Tim Flaherty's ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, INC. and Producer Robert Dragotta have announced the 21st Anniversary and the return to the Actors Temple Theatre of LATE NITE CATECHISM, the long-running hit one-woman show written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, with Denise Fennell starring as 'Sister.' Marc Silvia directs.

Audiences and critics are loving Shear Madness! Many dates are already full, so due to popular demand, Stages Repertory Theatre is thrilled to announce FOUR MORE WEEKS of performances.

Stages Repertory Theatre's creation of this SHEAR MADNESS is buoyed by an outstanding cast that handles comedy and improvisation with ease. The six actors onstage are quick on their feet, and so funny they can break each other up in many instances as the story unfolds.

Denise Fennell (The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, The Catechism Series) returns for the holidays as Houston's favorite nun - Sister, in SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD by Maripat Donovan, with Jane Morris & Marc Silva. The production runs at Stages Repertory Theatre tonight, November 18 - December 27, 2015.

Denise Fennell (The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, The Catechism Series) returns for the holidays as Houston's favorite nun - Sister, in SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD by Maripat Donovan, with Jane Morris & Marc Silva. The production runs at Stages Repertory Theatre November 18 - December 27, 2015.