Late Night Catechism: Sister Rolls the Dice

Late Night Catechism: Sister Rolls the Dice is a one-woman show featuring Denise Fennell at Stages theater in Houston. Written by Maripat Donovan and Marc Silvia starring Denise Fennell, a virtual interactive show.

The Sister (Denise Fennell) is back and she’s feelin’ lucky. The convent allows her to organize a Las Vegas night to raise money for Saint Brunos. Sister will tackle topics ranging from magic to Catholic doctrine. Afterall, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

First, the Sister gets to know her audience. She asked everyone if they are Catholic. When she got to me, I decided to roll with Wayne Dyer and tell her I believed in ‘source energy.’ and that I was aligned with the vortex. This became a go-to topic.

Being in the audience is like playing Russian roulette. Sister hunts down guests as they are doing something out of character, like getting up to walk out the room, or being in a state of undress. This is more humorous with families huddled around a ZOOM window. She makes comments on individuals’ homes and families. “Wow, your house looks old,” she says. Or "Is that your wife, or your best friend?” 

“I often watch from the control booth during a run just to witness the mastery--and mystery--of Denise's improvisational skill,” says artistic director, Kenn Mclaughlin.

When Sister rolls the raffle wheel, she asks someone a question about whether a choice is a moral or venial sin. More than the answer I enjoyed Sister’s call-and-response techniques like: What does the church need? Money. Then a round of applause is in order along with a dance. It was like Sister Act (1992) all over again but instead of catchy songs, Sister disperses laughter.

Sister, (Denise Fennell) has toured internationally.She was nominated for the coveted Outer Critics Circle Award in New York for outstanding solo performance for her work in Late Nite Catechism.

In the final act, Sister gives everyone a job (in Vegas), “You’ll be security, you’ll be at the gambling table, you’ll be a waitress.” We all find something snazzy to wear and when I return to the ZOOM window, I find everyone in a silly hat. “We’ve got to be a distraction in Vegas,” Sister says.

This is one of the most interactive ZOOM shows I’ve ever seen. It’s fun to take part in a show during the pandemic where you don't take yourself seriously. It’s perfect for those who want to wear a different hat, metaphorically or otherwise. Stages has grown to become Houston's sixth largest nonprofit performing arts producer overall, and the largest outside of Houston's downtown theater district. This show will be showing through May 23rd. From $25. Online. 713-527-0123. More info and tickets at www.stagestheatre.com.