Pasadena Playhouse picks solo comedy ‘Catechism’ to launch new phase for its second stage
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Having taken charge again of its second stage, the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, after six years in which it was assigned to the Furious Theatre Co., which specialized in off-center drama, the Pasadena Playhouse’s opening gambit is a proven, mainstream comic commodity.
“’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3” inaugurates the new era for the 75-seat space with a run March 3 to April 3; it’s the latest (actually, the fourth) in Maripat Donovan’s series of solo comedy turns as the redoubtable nun Sister.
Donovan co-wrote ‘Catechism 3’ with it’s director, Marc Silvia. In it she schools the audience on the Catholic approach to marriage and death. The show, which is heavy on audience interaction, was given its premiere nearly two years ago at the Laguna Playhouse, where Donovan has become a regular; “Catechism 3” also had a recent two-week run at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. She launched the franchise in Chicago in 1993 and since 1999 it has played regularly to Southern California audiences in assorted venues -– including previously at the Pasadena Playhouse.
One thing Donovan’s show has in common with going to church is the collection at the end -– according to her website, over its 18 years the “Late Nite Catechism” series has raised more than $3 million to help support retired nuns.
Related
Review: ‘Late Nite Catechism 3’ at Laguna Playhouse
The Determined and the Furious
Pasadena Playhouse will close Feb. 7
-- Mike Boehm
