ON THEATER: Learn by laughing at ‘Late Nite Catechism’

She convulsed Laguna Playhouse audiences each Monday night for a few years, then made Christmas merrier for a few more. And she’s not finished with us yet.

Maripat Donovan has been signed to premiere her one- woman show, “Till Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3,” at the playhouse from March 31 to May 3 next year.

Donovan’s comedic creations— “Late Nite Catechism,” “Late Nite Catechism 2” and “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” — all have entertained playhouse audiences in the past. And she’ll bring back the Christmas show this holiday season.

Written by Donovan with Marc Silva, “Till Death Do Us Part” is the latest installment of the one-woman semi-improvisational show in which an old-school nun conducts catechism class for her students (the audience), often with hilarious results.

Having instructed her pupils on the subject of saints, venal sins, guilt, limbo and other topics, Sister now turns to the sacraments of marriage and last rites — including her own comical version of “The Newlywed Game.”

The latest version of “Catechism” will replace the previously announced “All the More to Love” on the playhouse’s 2008-09 season schedule.

A new date for the latter show hasn’t been announced.

Andrew Barnicle, artistic director of the playhouse, commented that, “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Maripat Donovan and her latest creation to the Laguna Playhouse.

“I’m sure audiences will have a fun-filled evening of theater when they experience Maripat’s hysterical take on love and marriage.”

Donovan — whose repertoire includes “Sister Rita Mary’s Bingo Extravaganza” — has been performing her one-nun shows across the country for many years, particularly in the Chicago area, where she’s worked for more than 20 years.

Her introduction to Laguna audiences came in the summer of 2003 as a “dark night” program that stretched into a two-year engagement.

“Donovan is incredibly gifted at improvisation and creating an extended routine out of a seemingly innocent playgoer’s comment,” this column observed at the time.

“Donovan can elicit a hearty laugh just by rolling her Marty Feldmanish eyes. It’s far and away the funniest show you’ll see all year.”

The latest “Late Nite Catechism” will hold previews from March 31 to April 3, then settle into its regular run, nightly except Mondays until May 3.

More information and ticket reservations may be obtained by calling the playhouse at (949) 497-2787.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.