‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Night Catechism 3
Jackson Community College Potter Center
March 12, 7:30 p.m.
$25, $20 students
jccmi.edu/events, (517) 796-8600
A nun trapped in the ‘60s hosting a version of the Newlywed Game is not what catechism is like in most churches. ‘Til Death Do Us Part is the third installment of Maripat Donovan and Vicki Quade's one-woman show, Late Night Catechism. The first Late Night Catechism classes began 17 years ago, with audiences filling seats to experience a night full of laughs.
With almost nine years under her coif as Sister and more than 30 years as an actor, Nonie Newton-Breen is no stranger to the confessional or to the stage. A Northern Michigan University graduate, she travels to different stages, churches and fundraisers performing this partially scripted show with much help from the audience. Members of the audience are called on for answers to questions; couples are called out for showing too much affection and two lucky couples called up on stage to play a version of the Match Game and Newlywed Game, hosted by Newton-Breen.
"This is a very unique and special experience for an actress," Newton-Breen said.
The show, with majority of the contents of the script addressing aspects of the Catholic Church, is not blasphemous toward the Catholic Church or Christianity in general, according to Newton-Breen. She said she has performed for Cardinals, Bishops and other influential Catholic leaders; some having apprehension about the subject matter prior to the show. Once the show starts, Newton-Breen says the apprehension dissolves.
"We wouldn't have been going 17 years if we weren't successful," she said.
Newton-Breen attributes the jokes and humor to the show's successful path.
"The news is so grim, just to have a night of laughs, is a really great gift," she said.
As the audience is learning in the classroom, Newton-Breen (and the Sisters in other locations) encourages them to donate money for retired religious sisters who do not have social security benefits. Last year, Newton-Breen raised $53,000 throughout her performances.
At the end of the show, questions are taken from audience members. Newton-Breen said she "does a lot of research" in order to stay fresh in politics, current events and happenings in the Catholic Church.
"They don't have to be Catholic to appreciate it," Newton-Breen said. "If they're dating, looking forward to marriage or married and looking forward to death, this is the show for [everyone]."
