'Late Night Catechism' returns to River Campus

Back in town for one night only, "Late Nite Catechism" is making its return to Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus on Friday. The performance was last brought to Southeast during the River Campus' inaugural season.

"Late Nite Catechism" takes a humorous look at Catholicism. The audience's perspective is one of an evening catechism student, whether as someone converting to the Catholic religion or those who work and can't make regular daytime catechism classes.

The class "is run by Sister, and she discusses the Catholic religion. It's very funny, and it's very respectful," said Bob Cerchio, assistant director at Southeast's Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts. "It's been performed all over the world, and received extremely well by members of the Catholic Church. And it pokes a little fun at all religions. It's a very funny play; the audiences last time were literally rolling in the aisles."

"Late Nite Catechism" is a bit unique compared to typical plays, and has been compared to stand-up comedy. "In some cities, it actually plays that way," Cerchio said. "This 'play,' if you want to call it that, will sit down in a city in a small club of a couple hundred people and will play for months at a time, four nights a week."

With as many performances as "Late Nite Catechism" puts on, many people know the play. "There are many different 'Sisters,' many different women actors that do the part. We were fortunate enough to get Kim Richards, who performed last time for us," Cerchio said.

"It almost sold out two shows the first time we had it, and people kept talking about it," Cerchio said.

He anticipates a sold-out or nearly sold-out show for this one-night-only performance.

"I think we have fewer than 100 seats left," he said.

Tickets for "Late Nite Catechism" are available at the River Campus box office in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 651-2265. Tickets also may be purchased at any MetroTix outlet, online at MetroTix.com, keyword "Late," or by calling toll-free 800-293-5949.

CQ

Pertinent address, SEMO River Campus