Be advised, Sister sees all. Sister will not tolerate any shenanigans and will take to task anyone who disrupts the class with laughter. \

The problem is you can’t help but laugh because class is actually a performance of “Late Nite Catechism,” a self-described uproarious show coming to the Denver Civic Theatre that will take audience members back to their childhood.

As “Late Nite Catechism” begins, Sister turns up the lights and starts the lesson. She asks questions, rewards students who give correct answers and admonishes those who don’t or who, heaven forbid, arrive late.

Sister is played by actress Kimberly Richards, a former dancer who was doing comedy and improv in San Francisco seven years ago when the opportunity to audition for Late Nite arose.

“The show came to San Francisco in 2001 and the producers were auditioning local actresses to take over the part,” Richards said. “I called my agent and said I’d gone to Catholic school my entire life and had an aunt who was a nun—he had to get me an audition! I went in and my 12 years of Catholic education came back to me and I got the part.”

“Late Nite Catechism,” which Richards brought to Denver four years ago, is sheer entertainment for anyone who has had a strict teacher, but especially poignant for those who had a Catholic education, according to Richards.

“Oh it’s bonus round if you went to Catholic school,” she said. “The memories that come flooding back, the reaction of the audience; I’ve had people actually begin to cry because they’re laughing so hard.”
Richards compared it to laughing in church—you know you’re not supposed to but the harder you try to stop, the worse it gets.

“Oh people love to see others get in trouble,” she said. “Anyone who has had a strict teacher will understand the game of it—and in this game, Sister is the boss.”

Richards said she derives great joy from creating the part.
“I get something different with each performance,” she said. “No two are alike.”

Since the audience is part of the performance, and an unscripted one at that, Richards said that she could write a book about the things people come up with and what they say when they’re put on the spot. The “gifts,” as she puts it, that no one could write into the script
“Late Nite Catechism” will be performed Sept. 9-21, at the Denver Civic Theatre, 721 Santa Fe Drive in Denver. Tickets and show times are available by calling 303-309-3773 or visit online at www.denvercivic.com.