Old school values, fresh humor: The Welk Theater Presents "Late Night Catechism"
Words by Kristen Fogle
Can you accurately define stigmata? Curious about what Easter Duty entails? Confused about the Immaculate (mis) Conception? Learn all this and more at the Welk's "Late Night Catechism"!
An expert at schooling in all things Catholic, actress Kathryn Gallagher portrayed the no nonsense sister leading the adult catechism class on my night. And though the religious-themed romp is entertaining and very interactive, (she awards prizes for correct answers, makes anyone with a plunging neckline cover up with Kleenex, and even has a q&a at the end), this show is surprisingly educational.
Besides answering the questions to those I posed earlier, the knowledgable sister covers a wide range of Catholic topics including how literal church members should take the Bible (not so much), why we have the "stain" of original sin, and how everything changed with Vatican II. The most fascinating part in my opinion, though, is the discussion of saints...Based on their larger than life stories, Sister, with help from the audience, discusses if saints like Patrick, Christopher, and Joseph should stay on the roster.
If this sounds preachy though, you're mistaken. Everything is cloaked in a good natured poking fun at the church, which is probably why most of the audience seem to be Catholics (both those who attended Catholic school and those pesky 'publics'). It is for a good cause though...the show has raised over two million for retired nuns, who were denied social security when the church opted out on their behalf.
Gallagher, who rotates with other actresses, has had an eighteen year career singing and acting in Chicago and has been performing in Los Angeles for about a decade. In LA, you can see her in four different versions of "Late Night Catechism," of which there are many. On the west coast she has appeared at the Pasadena Playhouse, Second City (LA), Hermosa Beach Playhouse, and SD's very own North Coast Rep.
Those who enjoy the Welk will love the transformation of the stage into a Catholic classroom and appreciate the show's witty ride through (sometimes understandably misunderstood) Catholic doctrine. As a Catholic schooler for 13 years (with my mother, same story) we enjoyed the jokes and the education all rapped up into a two hour punch line.
"Late Night Catechism"
2/18-3/19
The Welk Theatre
8860 Lawrence Welk Drive
Escondido, CA 92026
760-749-3000
www.welktheatersandiego.com
No comments:
Post a Comment