Totem Pole Playhouse Raises Spirits and Funds in its Final Show of 2010

Totem Pole Playhouse extended its 60th anniversary season into the week of August 24th - 29th with the wildly popular Late Nite Catechism. Catholics and non Catholics alike were put through their paces as Sister's 'class' covered everything from saints to sinners, scripture to dogma, Holy Communion to meatless Fridays. The performances exceeded all box office projections and sold almost 35% more tickets than expected. It also gave Totem Pole Playhouse and the community a rare opportunity to help a very important cause.

At the conclusion of each performance, actress Kimberly Richards (Sister), collected money for the Sisters of Saints Cyril & Methodius home for retired nuns in Danville, PA. In her appeal, Richards explained to the audience that for many years the Catholic Church had opted out of social security and it was the sole responsibility of each order to care for their retired nuns.

Totem Pole audiences were extremely generous with both their applause and contributions throughout the run of the show. Over the 8 performances, $3641.00 was raised. Sister Denise Marie and Sister Rita from for the Sisters of Saints Cyril & Methodius were on hand for the final performance at The Playhouse, where Ms. Richards and Artistic Director, Ray Ficca presented the two with a very big bag of cash. "I can't think of a better way to end our milestone season, "says Ficca. "We made a lot of people laugh and we were able do our part to help a special group of women, who have dedicated their whole lives to serving others."