BWW Reviews: Stages Repertory Theatre's LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE is Interactive, Laugh Out Loud Fun

I'm not sure what rock I've been hiding under, but I had never heard of Maripat Donovan's LATE NITE CATECHISM shows until Stages Repertory Theatre announced this summer's offering, LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE. This series all began in 1993 in Chicago, when Maripat Donovan opened the original LATE NITE CATECHISM. At the inception of the series and the original show, Maripat Donovan, an actress interested in doing a stand-up show about the lives of the saints, and Vicki Quade sat down to hash out a show. Since the beginning, it was planned as an interactive piece of theatre, and has since gone on to garner many positive reviews and leave audiences rolling in the aisles.

LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE is penned by Maripat Donovan. For this installment, Sister welcomes return visitors and new students to her Catechism classes. She explains that the purpose of tonight's class is two-fold. In addition to teaching the adult Catechism class, Sister has decided to helm ST. Bruno's annual fundraiser. Always wanting to put on a good show, her theme is a Las Vegas night. As Sister explains how to gamble without sinning and teaches some of the Catechism curriculum, the audience is left in stitches.

Marc Silvia's direction keeps the material engaging, by coaching the actresses that step into Sister's shoes to spontaneously and genuinely interact with the audience. With LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE being such an interactive show, there is no way one could actually plan for or teach an actress playing Sister how to handle different situations; therefore, the charm in Marc Silvia's direction is allowing the actress to discover her own connections with the audience and to find honesty and truth in her performance. This is what sells the audience on the show and keeps the humor appealing.

Starring as Sister, Denise Fennell makes a hilarious return to Stages Repertory Theatre. Before last night's performance, many people were very vocal about their excitement to see her take the stage in this role again, so it was no surprise that she entered to thunderous applause and cheers. Within seconds of her appearing on the stage, it became extremely clear why she is so well received by Houston audiences. Denise Fennell expertly embodies her character, making Sister a tangible and relatable personage on the stage. Her Sister is a fast talking New Englander with a vibrant and zealous sense of humor and a twinge of sass. As Sister, Denise Fennell is adroitly witty and sharp. Of course, she can be acerbically biting when necessary, but for a majority of the performance she is resplendently heartwarming and genial.

The thing that impressed me the most was how reverent and respectful of Catholicism and nuns the show was. In today's day and age, I found myself expecting a send up of the traditions that Catholicism holds to. Instead, I was treated to fantastic comedy that I'm certain my devout mother-in-law would enjoy just as much as I did. Because of this fair and equitable treatment of nuns and Catholics, I am fairly certain that this show, while hysterical, is appropriate for any adult looking for a good time.

For LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE, Stages Repertory Theatre repurposed the proscenium arch and floor from their production of Stephen Sondheim's ROAD SHOW. Adding decorative touches like a photo of Pope Benedict and John F. Kennedy, religious paraphernalia, and a chalkboard, they set the stage and decorate it in such a way that audiences are easily transported to a Catholic School's Gymatorium.

Lighting Design is minimal, keeping the stage and audience in simple lighting. This element, along with the interaction with the audience, makes LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE feel less like a show and more like a real Catechism class.

For audiences looking for something different and who are unafraid to really interact with an actress impeccably skilled at improvisation, then I highly recommend LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE. It is a fun and funny escape from whatever ails you, and will leave you satisfied, uplifted, and cheerful. Lastly, as the audience is such a dynamic and key component in the show, there is absolutely no way that you'll ever see the same show twice. I can only assume that this is truly a great show to experience multiple times.

On a personal note, I highly encourage audiences to bring money to donate to LATE NITE CATECHISM's collection campaign. The money donated is gifted to convents to ensure that the aging nuns who have dedicated their lives to charitable service can have peaceful retirements. For example, funds raised by LATE NITE CATECHISM have been used to buy handicapped-accessible vans, upgraded convent bathrooms for the elderly nuns, and to generally improve the daily lives of these nuns.

LATE NITE CATECHISM LAS VEGAS: SISTER ROLLS THE DICE runs in Stages Repertory Theatre's Yeager Theater through September 1, 2013. For more information and tickets, please visit http://stagestheatre.com or call (713) 527-0123.

Photos courtesy of Stages Repertory Theatre.

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