‘Late Nite Catechism’ extended again

Tom Titus

What’s the most popular production at the Laguna Playhouse this year?

Well, judging by audience demand, it would have to be the theater’s

Monday “dark night” offering “Late Nite Catechism.”

This one-woman show, originated by Marypat Donovan but now

featuring other actresses, has been extended for a second time. It’s

now scheduled to close Nov. 17.

Originally intended as a filler to be presented each Monday

evening through the run of the playhouse’s season-opening comedy

“Harvey,” the show has taken on a life of its own. Here’s a snippet

of this column’s review of the opening performance:

“This satirical sister simply assumes she’s hosting a gathering of

Catholics -- and it’s surprising just how many audience members were

raised in that faith, and give their ‘conversion names’ as well as

the ones they were born with. Those who answer her questions

correctly are rewarded with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and other nifty

trinkets; those who don’t suffer the torments of the damned, or at

least the damned embarrassed.”

Sellout crowds prompted an extension past the “Harvey” closing

date, and now it’s been held over again, occupying the Mondays when

the cast of the current show, “The Laramie Project,” is taking a

break.

Be advised, however, that there will be no performances Oct. 13

and 27 or Nov. 3. Even nuns have to rest now and then.

Speaking of “Laramie Project,” our review last week implied that

the cast of the Laguna show was the original Tectonic Theater Project

company. Not so.

As Playhouse Executive Director Richard Stein explains, “We have

‘adopted’ a cast, but it is the cast (except for one actor) of the

Colony Theater’s production last year in Burbank.” It’s not to be

confused with the original Tectonic Theater production in La Jolla a

few years ago.

Be that as it may, the octet performing at the playhouse through

Oct. 12 renders a powerful ensemble account of the events following

the brutal murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew

Shepard. The play continues through Oct. 12, with reservations taken

at (949) 497-2787.

* TOM TITUS writes theater reviews for the Coastline Pilot.