Maripat Donovan News

Discover the exciting new plays in the 2024-2025 season at City Theatre, including the 50th anniversary celebration.

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.

The show features a new actress, Erin Olson, in the role of “Sister.” She will be performing the comedy through the end of the year.

City Theatre will welcome back Kimberly Richards in a special City Theatre event, 'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 by Maripat Donovan.

Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold will open Friday, Nov. 25, 2022 at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP). The show will run in the Howard Drew Theatre from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23.

A Chicago original and international hit, Late Nite Catechism turns 29 in the city where it all started. A special anniversary performance will be held on Sunday, May 29, at 2 p.m. at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh’s home for contemporary plays, has announced the details of the theatre’s 48th season of bold, new works, beginning in September 2022. City Theatre’s second season post-pandemic shutdown will feature five plays with first-time and returning artists, plus special events.  

Call it Loretta Young meets Carol Burnett, with a little Whoopi Goldberg thrown in, LATE NITE CATEHCISM is part catechism class, part stand-up comedy routine. Written by Vicki Quade & Maripat Donovan, it's an interactive comedy, one of the longest running shows in Chicago and U.S. theater history.

Late Nite Catechism reopens September 10 at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Second City Actress, Jenna Steege, takes over as “Sister”   There's a new Sister in town and she says, “Let's get back in the habit!”

Nuns4Fun Entertainment has announced its Fall 2021 schedule, starting with reopening its hit comedy, LATE NITE CATECHISM, in September 2021 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Nuns4Fun Entertainment is announcing a new streaming collection of its religious comedies called, a?oeFrom the Archives,a?? starting with a very special 2009 performance of LATE NITE CATECHISM.

Montalvo Arts Center invites audiences to celebrate the Easter Season with the sinfully funny Late Nite Catechism: Sister's Easter Catechism, led by America's beloved ruler-wielding nun.

Did you get a present you don't want? Don't return it, re-gift it! Trade that unwanted item for a $10 ticket to either the hit comedy, Bible Bingo: An Act of Charity in Two Acts, or to Late Nite Catechism, both returning to their full schedules in January 2020 at the Royal George Theatre, starting January 3.

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. 

A Chicago original and international hit, LATE NITE CATECHISM turns 26 in the city where it all started.

The latest project of the Late Night Catechism series, Sister's Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go to Heaven? takes the Popejoy stage, Sunday, April 7 at 3:00pm. This one-woman show features Sister, a forthright nun, during her classroom lesson about the Easter Holiday. She covers questions from "Why does Lent exist?" to "Do animals really go to heaven?" In this uproarious production, audience members become her classroom pupils and are tested on their Easter knowledge. Premiering in May 1993, Late Night Catechism served as a fundraising effort after the eradication of Social Security for nuns in the Catholic Church. Today, with three other productions, Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold, Sister Strikes Again!: Late Night Catechism 2 and 'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Night Catechism 3 the production brings a facetious explanation for everything pious. Don't be surprised if your entire world is shattered at the wag of Sister's index finger. Other shows include Sister Rolls the Dice and Sister's Summer School Catechism: God Never Takes a Vacation!, as part of a Vegas series. Initially written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, Late Night Catechism is the longest running show in Chicago history and the longest running one-woman comedy in off-Broadway history. It has raised funds for many groups and churches throughout Illinois, as well as other parishes throughout the nation and globally. Sister's Easter Catechism has brought insight to the significance of the Vernal Holiday, since its debut in March of 2011, with Maripat Donovan leading the Easter egg hunt as Sister. With rewards for good behavior and chock-full of fun and games, this production will leave you duly prepared for your Easter Holiday celebrations. The Easter show is the third to visit Popejoy, following both Late Night Catechism and Sister's Christmas Catechism. Classroom participation is a must, so be sure to bring your burning questions and inquiring minds! Proceeds earned during the show will directly benefit the School Sisters of St. Francis at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.Tickets for Sister's Easter Catechism are on sale for $59, $45, $35, and $25.Tickets may be purchased at the UNM Ticket Offices located at the Dreamstyle Arena (The Pit) or at the UNM Bookstore. Online purchasing is available at popejoy presents.com or unmtickets.com. To charge by phone, call (505) 925-5858 or (505) 277-0388. Group orders may be placed by calling (505) 277-1569 or emailing groups@popejoypresents.com.

'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.