No-nunsense sister keeps class on its toes
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold by Maripat Donovan (with Jane Morris and Marc Silvia) is a surprisingly fun and interactive one-woman show. When entering City Theatre in Detroit, audience members are really entering Sister’s classroom: desk, chalkboards, paintings of U.S. presidents, a school clock on the wall (running with the correct time), and even a rolled up “map” hanging from the ceiling, which is revealed later. From the moment Sister (Kathleen Cogan) appears onstage, she is the stern—yet loving—a nun that many of us remember from our years in Catholic school or Catechism class–in full habit, black framed glasses and sensible, sturdy black shoes. She immediately lectures her “class” about chewing gum and proper class etiquette; be prepared to stand and answer “Yes, Sister,” or “No, Sister” if she calls on you!
Cogan’s improvisational skills are put to use immediately as she quizzes her class—what kinds of gifts do you buy for the nuns in your life? As with any improv, each show is uniquely funny, and Sister may even identify a “class clown” or “teacher’s pet” from the audience. Along the way, with help from a classroom assistant and musical assistant, she teaches the class about the meaning of the Nativity and the important figures in church history—this is the “Catechism.” As Sister reminds the class, “If you keep your mouth closed and your ears open, you will learn something.”
Audience members will laugh as they hear the story of Mary told in a unique way, with some pop culture and humor thrown in. And if you have never seen the Nativity reenacted using shower curtains, lampshades, giant pencils, binder clips and caution tape you are in for a treat. By the way, be prepared to wear your best holiday themed outfit or accessories to the show. Trust me on that.
In the end, Sister uses her investigative expertise (gained from watching detective shows on TV) to solve the mystery of what happened to the gift of gold brought by the Magi to the baby Jesus. But Sister’s ultimate message is this: treat people with kindness and generosity at Christmas time and throughout the year, and support your local nuns—especially, buy them good Christmas gifts. She’ll give you some ideas!
This production of “Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold” is directed by Marc Silvia and produced by Entertainment Events, Inc.