FORT MYERS, Fla. —It may be time to brush up on religious manners, and I’ve got just the nun to help you laugh your sins away. “Late Nite Catechism” is religious comedy at its best without being offensive, even among the most devout.
This side-splitting comedy will have you laughing once the strict 1950s-era nun enters the theater demanding attention.
The audience is her class, and while this is a highly interactive show, unsuspecting audience members could easily be called out and reprimanded for poor manners as she paces the classroom floor, looking for her next victim.
Just writing this review, I am still laughing at how convincing actress Denise Marie Christina Fennell is in this role as the no-nonsense nun who sets out to brush up Catholics and “others” on their religion. Fennell has played this role for years and is beyond convincing.
No doubt, if you grew up Catholic this show is even funnier, but if you’ve ever had a good Catholic friend or relatives, you’re going to get it and enjoy it.
I heard one lady exit the theater saying her face was hurting after laughing so hard throughout the show, and I couldn’t agree more.
Think of this as a cross between “Nunsense” and Johnny Carson. For Catholics, think of her as young Mother Angelica, an outspoken nun who isn’t tolerating nonsense. It’s standup comedy and acting blended perfectly to create an experience you won’t soon forget.
What I really like about this show is that you could see it multiple times and it would truly be different each time, and that’s all based upon the audience in attendance as Sister gets to know some of the audience and introduces them to the entire class of which you are a part.
Fennell is on her feet the entire performance, both literally and mentally, looking for an opportunity to pounce, even correcting a young lady for chewing gum during the performance, a big no-no in both private and public school back in the day.
She does give the class a quick break or intermission to gather yourself for a finale of laughs that just don’t stop. She is a brilliant comedian, and you can’t help falling in love with Sister.
If you’ve thought about seeing this or you just want some really good laughs, I’m imploring you to see this play before it ends on July 7 in the Art Stage Studio of Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers.
You can reserve your tickets by calling the box office at 239-332-4488.
