THEATER PREVIEW: Another sister act at the Playhouse

If at first you do succeed, why not try again anyway? That’s the apparent thinking at the Laguna Playhouse where “Sister” Marypat Donovan returns next week for her fourth chapter in her popular “Late Nite Catechism” series — this time focusing on love and marriage.

Donovan’s previous presentations — “Late Nite Catechism,” “Late Nite Catechism 2” and “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” — have played to appreciative audiences, especially those with a Catholic education in their history who can laugh and grimace simultaneously.

This time around, the subject is “ ’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3” — and it’ll be a world premiere. The new classes convene April 4 after four evenings of previews and yes, class (audience) participation will be required.

“Every performance is different, but that’s what makes it more interesting and exciting,” says Donovan, who created the concept along with Vicki Quade back in 1992. It’s been performed across the country with regularity since.

Past classroom exercises have touched on the topics of the saints, venial sins, guilt, limbo and other themes expounded upon by the Catholic church. Donovan is one of several “sisters” who conduct the authoritarian exercises.

This time around, she’ll bring her own version of “The Newlywed Game” to the stage in the production co-written by Marc Silvia, who also directs. In addition to the sacrament of marriage, the show also will touch on the subject of last rites, completing its title.

Donovan promises that each performance will be unique and will appeal to theatergoers of all ages and faiths.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “ ’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3”

WHEN: Preview performances at 8 p.m. Tuesday through April 3; regular performances: 7:30 p.m. April 4; 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. matinees Sundays until May 3

WHERE: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road

COST: $30 to $45 for preview performances; $40 to $70 for regular performances

CONTACT: (949) 497-2787 or www.lagunaplayhouse.com

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.