Boston Theater: A Nun Returns
Denise Fennell brings the one-woman show 'Late Nite Catechism' to the Charles Playhouse, marking the production's first New England run in 31 years.
By Layla Richardson ·
A one-woman comedy show is back in Boston after a thirty-one-year absence.
Denise Fennell stars as Sister in 'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism' at the Charles Playhouse. Fennell is from Newton, Massachusetts, and has played the role for nearly 17 years. This is the first time she has brought the character to her home state.
The production combines scripted material with audience interaction. Fennell told WBZ-TV that the crowd drives the story nightly. "Every night's different because it's like somewhat scripted and somewhat interactive, so the audience really drives the story for us," she said.
Fennell described the character as a New England girl with grit. She noted that Boston audiences engage immediately. "There hasn't been one show in Boston where I'm like, the audience isn't full on into it the second walk in the room," Fennell said.
Maripat Donovan, the show's creator and original performer, trained Fennell. Donovan told her to "Be a nun." Fennell now performs at the same venue where Donovan first staged the play three decades ago.
The current run continues through Nov. 22. A second production titled 'Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold' will run from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3.
