I'll be honest: The last place I wanted to be on Saturday night was reviewing yet another production of the original "Late Night Catechism." It's not that I dislike the show. In fact, I've probably seen it more than any other production over the last decade or so – in theaters big and small, and at benefit performances in school gymnasiums and church social halls. Plus, I've enjoyed many of its sequels, as well. (This seems to be a common affliction among former Catholic school students – especially those of us who survived the "good old, pre-Vatican II" days!)
So what's the problem? After watching so many performances by so many different actresses at so many different locations, what else is there to say about this very funny one-nun interactive comedy that I haven't already said at least a dozen times or more – publicly in print or in private conversations?
But a commitment is a commitment (although the show I committed to, "Put the Nuns in Charge" – a recent sequel I've never seen – was switched to the original only a day or two before it opened), and so I arrived at Andiamo Novi Theatre with a mix of resignation and curiosity: How many people would be there? (Traditionally, the "Catechism" shows sell like hotcakes.) Would some of the patrons be a little peeved that the show they originally bought tickets for isn't the one they'd be seeing that night? (All advance ticket holders were notified of the switch, I was told.) And finally, what the heck would I write about that would sound fresh and inviting to read?
The answer to my last question hit me only a few minutes into the performance.
The charm of "Late Night Catechism" and its sister sequels isn't so much the delightful script by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, but rather its interactive/improvisational nature. As such, it needs a strong actress well-schooled in improv or stand-up comedy who can roll with – and, more importantly, have fun with – whatever surprises the audience tosses her way.
That's certainly the case with actress Mary Beth Burns, a veteran of The Second City in Chicago and longtime "sister," who is one of three women who will wear the black-and-white habit during the show's three-week run. (She's also a certified Montessori teacher, which helps lend credence to her role as a one-time Catholic school teacher.)
Burns' skills and sense of humor were certainly well-utilized, as the Saturday night audience was one of the most vocal and participatory I've seen in ages – alcohol helps, I guess – which resulted in one of my all-time favorite performances of "Late Night Catechism."
The show's premise is quite simple: Sister arrives to teach an adult catechism class, wherein many of the doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church are reviewed and explained. It's a truthful, yet light-hearted romp through a rather complicated religion, with Sister leading a discussion on the four levels of the afterlife – Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and Limbo, in case you didn't know – and a game called "Thumbs Up, Stay a Saint; Thumbs Down, Not a Saint" in which the lives of certain saints are recalled. Prizes are awarded to class members who give correct answers, and responses must be given in complete sentences. (And gentlemen: Don't stand up with your hands in your pockets! Or arrive late!)
But it was the give-and-take with the audience – and in particular, Burns' masterful control over it – that set this performance apart from most of the others I've seen.
Much fun was had with two couples seated directly in front of her, all of whom were members of the Greek (or Russian, it got confusing there for a moment) Orthodox Church. One of the women, wearing a rather revealing top, was given facial tissue to cover herself up. And when one of the men's cell phone rang – it was his daughter – Sister took the phone and placed it on her desk. Later, when it rang again, Sister answered it and had a brief chat with his (probably very confused) daughter. The audience loved it.
Another two couples – probably in their late 60s or so – were seated nearby and eagerly participated throughout the performance – even spilling a little wine at one point because of all the excitement. One of the husbands, though, bordered on obnoxiousness early on, but a visit from Sister at their table quickly put a stop to his nonsense – at least for the most part.
Then there was the younger gentleman, with 16 years of Catholic school education, who responded with an incorrect answer to pretty much every question he was asked. (In fact, defining the immaculate conception proved difficult for the entire crowd.) Sister zeroed in on him early and, with a disarming grin, relished every moment of their good-natured conversation.
There were other memorable encounters as well, but Burns' work was so perfect that it didn't surprise me when, at the end of the show, she was asked, "Are you a real sister?" I suspect Burns is asked that quite a lot – given her vast knowledge of the subject matter and the ease in which she wears the habit. And it's also the supreme compliment, because it means that Burns was totally convincing in her performance.
And she was!
REVIEW:
'Late Night Catechism'
Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave., Novi. Wednesday-Sunday through April 18. $25-$30; with $59.95 dinner & show packages available Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. 248-348-4448.
