Will ‘Late Nite Catechism’ ever close?

Tom Titus

When a show proves extremely popular at the Laguna Playhouse, holding

it over is not among the theater’s options. The show must vacate the

premises so that the next scheduled production may move in.

That is, unless the show is occupying the theater only on Mondays

-- “dark nights” for the playhouse, which showcases its regularly

scheduled fare Tuesdays through Sundays. If a dark night show is a

big hit, it conceivably could run forever.

Which is precisely what “Late Nite Catechism” seems to be doing.

This one-woman comedy presentation, first staged last September,

has been extended again and again as word of its hilarity has spread.

And the playhouse just announced a fifth holdover -- the show now is

scheduled to run through March 8, and perhaps even beyond.

“Late Nite Catechism” is every Catholic child’s nightmare -- a

militant nun ruling with her ruler and targeting unfortunate souls in

the audience for her ecclesiastical barbs. The playgoers are her

“students” in this comedic class, and they’d best be on their good

behavior.

Originated by stand-up comic Marypat Donovan, who opened the

Laguna show last fall, “Late Nite Catechism” has been described as

“Don Rickles in a habit” and “a nun with attitude.” Laguna’s weekly

production may be setting some sort of holdover record -- five

extensions and counting.

Currently, the schedule calls for performances each Monday through

March 8, with the exception of Feb. 2 and 9. All performances begin

at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $35. Reservations are taken at the box

office, (949) 497-2787.

*

Jason Robert Brown, the writer and composer for the playhouse’s

current production, “The Last Five Years,” will be in town next

weekend to catch the final performances of his show.

Then, following Saturday’s performance, he’ll take the Laguna

stage himself for a one-night performance billed as “An Evening With

Jason Robert Brown and the Caucasian Rhythm Kings.” The latter

includes bassist Randy Landau and Gary Sieger on guitar.

It’ll be a freewheeling, wide-ranging journey through Brown’s

acclaimed songs, featuring music from all three of his groundbreaking

shows, including “The Last Five Years,” which won the 2002 Drama Desk

Awards for best music and best lyrics.

Brown also will offer material from his “Songs for a New World,”

as well as pieces written for many of the cabaret and recording

artists with whom Brown has worked over the years. The concert also

includes new selections being presented in their West Coast

premieres, and Brown also will talk about his career in and out of

the musical theater.

The composer also will bring several surprise guests to the Laguna

Playhouse stage to offer their versions of favorite Brown songs.

The Saturday performance begins at 10 p.m., following the

regularly schedule staging of “The Last Five Years.” Tickets are $25,

$15 for students, and may be purchased by calling (949) 497-2787.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.