Photo of Beth Ward as Sister. Photo by Mikki Schaffner
CINCINNATI (Nov. 9, 2023) – LATE NITE CATECHISM, one of the longest-running shows in Chicago and U.S. theater history, will extend its run at Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre through Dec. 23. The production features Beth Ward as Sister and is presented by Entertainment Events, Inc.
More than 10 million people worldwide (in 410 cities and 6 countries) have experienced the phenomenon of LATE NITE CATECHISM, and now Cincinnati audiences will have seven additional opportunities to see the show that The Hollywood Reporter called “a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions.”
In this playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, audience members are students in Sister’s catechism class, where she is subbing in for Father Murphy. Sister rules with an iron fist and teaches the class however she wants. Sister weaves stories into a hilarious tapestry that laughs at the quirks of the church while simultaneously embracing them. Meanwhile, she’s not afraid to stop class to call out her misbehaving students.
“A strong nun is a strong teacher,” Vicki Quade, who co-wrote the play with Maripat Donovan told Loyola Press. “Women will say that by example, nuns showed them how to be a strong woman, how to be in charge, that it’s not a man’s world. You can do whatever you want to do in life. Many women saw nuns as positive influences in their life.”
The performance blends quick-witted stand-up comedy and improvisational crowd work, ensuring that every show is a unique experience. The Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre’s intimate seating arrangement further enhances the feeling of immersion into Sister’s world.
LATE NITE CATECHISM boasts an impressive 30 years of performances, surpassing the longevity of The Lion King in New York City. It was originally conceived and produced at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. The show has spawned 8 sequels, including holiday specials for Christmas, Easter and Halloween.
CAST/PRODUCTION
- Beth Ward – Sister
- Maripat Donovan – Playwright
- Vicki Quade – Playwright
- Marc Silvia – Director
- Jennifer Rhodus – Set Designer
- Marly Wooster – Lighting Designer
- Andrea L. Shell – Stage Manager
- Entertainment Events, Inc. – Producer
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Child and teen tickets begin at $33.50. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening night is Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.EVENTS
Opening Night:
Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT!)
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.
ART TALKS (Formerly Meet the Artists)
- Sun, Nov.12 at 2 p.m.
- Sun, Nov.19 at 2 p.m.
- Wed, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
- Thu, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
ADVISORY
LATE NITE CATECHISM is appropriate for audiences 12 and up and contains no strong language. It does include some audience interaction and promises lots of fun.
SPONSORS
Artist Sponsor is 1919 Investment Counsel. Honorary Producer is Charles and Joann Mead. Season Sponsor is The Vontz Family.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.
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ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, INC. (Producer) is based in New York City. EEI has made its mark on the theatrical touring industry by offering a variety of new and exciting plays and musicals to an ever growing list of professional presenting organizations throughout the country. In addition EEI has performed over 1500 fundraising events for schools, church groups, and private parties. EEI brings all aspects of producing under one roof: sales, production, casting, creative and technical. EEI productions have been produced and presented in all 50 states as well as in Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Since 1999 EEI has produced; Late Nite Catechism: The Series, Maybe Baby, It’s You, The Yiddish Are Coming, The Yiddish Are Coming!, Shout! The Mod Musical, Tony N Tina’s Wedding, Defending the Caveman, We’re Still Hot! The Musical and are former producers of Jeanie Linders’ Menopause The Musical. EEI is now proud to present Girls Night: The Musical, ‘Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical, Dishing With the Divas, Help! My Husband Has Gone Missing: My Daughter is Getting Married & I Am Having Hot Flashes!, Panties In A Twist, Cuff Me: The Fifty Shades of Grey Musical Parody, Late Nite Catechism, Sister Strikes Again!: Late Nite Catechism 2, ’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3, Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold, Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?, Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister Rolls the Dice!, Sister’s Summer School Catechism: God Never Takes a Vacation!, Sister’s Back to School Catechism: The Holy Ghost and Other Terrifying Tales!
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 