Late Nite Catechism has been something of a phenomenon ever since its conception (immaculate or not) back in 1993 in Chicago; it’s traveled to every state in the country as well as making stops in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. The Golden Apple production features Nonie Newton-Breen as the sister in charge of an adult catechism class, and, after eight years of touring in the role, she clearly has the part down.
"Sister" Nonie Newton-Breen in Late Nite Catechism.
There are certain set bits in Late Nite Catechism, including a segment called “Saint/Not a Saint,” where Sister leads the audience in determining which one of five saints should be eliminated from the heavenly rolls. (Don’t worry, she gives you plenty of information about each to help decide.) But sometimes it’s hard to tell where the script ends and the more improvisational part begins. That’s due in large part to Newton-Breen’s skills; her improv roots, honed at Chicago’s famed Second City, are obvious here (as is that Chicago accent) as she’s able to work easily with the audience, whether asking questions about their childhood memories or scolding its more scantily clad female members. (“Always ask yourself, ‘What would Mary wear?’” she advises.)
