'Late Nite Catechism' coming to Antioch

Even if you didn't attend a Catholic school growing up, the Sister can still make you laugh.

St. Peter Catholic Church will present "Late Nite Catechism," an interactive comedy at 3 p.m. Sunday at Antioch High School auditorium, 1133 Route 83.

Kathleen Racine, the parish's administrative assistant, said this is the first time the Antioch church is sponsoring a show like this to bring some fun to Antioch.

"It perhaps brings back things we may have learned and forgotten," Racine said. "They may refresh us a little although the main purpose is entertainment."

"Late Nite Catechism" was written in the early 1990s by Maripat Donovan and Vicki Quade based on their experiences growing up Catholic in Chicago and the stories from family and friends.

The show got its name as the first show was played at 11 p.m. at the Live Bait Theater on Chicago's North side. By 1996, Donovan was performing the show in Boston and then off Broadway in New York. It has since appeared in England, Ireland and Australia.

Mary Burke, the show's coordinator, said it is a celebration of the Catholic church, but does not make fun of it.

As a Catholic school student, Burke recalls the collection boxes for the propagation of the faith. As they gave pennies and nickels, they were told if they made $1, they would buy a pagan baby. They believed it.

"It is something they grow up with as kids and didn't question. Now we look at it and say, 'come on?'" she said.

Mary Beth Burns leads the one-woman show, playing the jovial Sister who makes the show interactive. The audience members become pupils in her Catholic school classroom.

For example, as Burns tells the story, the audience decides if an individual should be a saint or not. One, Saint Simon, was the patron saint of pole sitters.

Burke adds this is a feel-good show that anyone can attend, even those who are not Catholic.

In 1996, Donovan started and ended a Boston show by taking a collection to support retired sisters of the convent. That idea has spread to every show, and the effort has raised $3 million.

Tickets cost $20 to $30 and can be reserved or purchased at the door. Seniors age 65 and older receive a $5 discount. For more information, call (847) 395-0274.