Review: LATE NITE CATECHISM: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE at Stages Houston
by Brett Cullum - Aug 5, 2026
Would you believe me if I told you the hottest theater ticket in Houston this summer was to see a nun teach a class? Denise Fennell first debuted as Sister in LATE NITE CATECHISM at Stages Houston during 2007. Since then, the actress has had one of the longest relationships between any Houston theater and a touring performer.
Florida Rep's Gala Raises Record-Breaking $1.2 Million
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2026
Florida Repertory Theatre raised $1,200,222 at its March 28 gala at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, the highest total in the theatre's 28-year history, with over 300 guests attending.
Interview: Denise Fennnell and Rick Pasqualone of THE BRIDE at Stages Houston
by Brett Cullum - Jan 11, 2026
When you set out to create something, a piece of theater, you don't say to yourself, I'm gonna create something universal that everybody's gonna relate to. You just write what you know; you write your own story, and we found that the specifics of our quirky little union became universal.
Review: LESSONS LEARNED: THE TIME OF MY LIFE at Stages Houston
by Brett Cullum - May 3, 2025
This is the first time Denise Fennell is playing herself, and it only took fifty years to get her here into the role she was born to play. She’s most known in Houston for donning a habit and chastising audiences about major holidays as Sister in the Late Night Catechism Series. Yet this show is where she is truly a revelation!
Review: SISTER'S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM at Stages Houston
by Jonathan Netek - Dec 4, 2024
Sister is back again at Stages Houston, instructing one last catechism class before the church Christmas party commences. Originated by Maripat Donovan, who originally played Sister, and a writing partner or two over the years, this uproarious one-woman show is now brilliantly helmed by Denise Fennell, who absolutely sparkles. So take your hands out of your pockets, answer politely and stand up when you’re being called on!
Interview: Denise Fennell of SISTER'S IRISH CATECHISM: SAINTS, SNAKES, AND GREEN MILKSHAKES! at STAGES HOUSTON
by Brett Cullum - Feb 20, 2024
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!
Denise Fennell Returns To Stages For SISTER'S IRISH CATECHISM: SAINTS, SNAKES, AND GREEN MILKSHAKES
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2023
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.
Stages Announces 2021-2022 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 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.
The Original LATE NIGHT CATECHISM To Bring Sidesplitting Laughter To The Gracie Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2020
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.