“SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM” STRIKES AGAIN, WITH LAUGHTER

                       NONIE NEWTON-RILEY AS THE GOOD SISTER

Can you see yourself sporting a lamp shade as a hat? Ever fashion yourself as a shepherd or a Little Drummer Boy? Is your sense of humor intact and your self esteem fully inflated?  Do you like a good mystery and following new clues to a humorous conclusion?  If all these questions are possible “yeses,” then Long Wharf Theatre is mixing up an evening of entertainment that will have you smiling all the way to the church.

 The Good Sister, Nonie Newton-Riley, is returning to the scene of the crime for another installment of “Sister’s Christmas Catechism:  The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold” and you’re invited to partake in the festivities. This is participatory theater at its funniest and you should be willing to jump into the fray if Sister asks you to do so. From Tuesday, December 8 to Sunday, December 20 . Long Wharf Theatre’s Stage II, in New Haven, will be transformed into a religious school class complete with rulers to rap your knuckles if you misbehave, like dressing immodestly, arriving late, or allowing your cell phone to ring while Sister is conducting class. 

Study up on your religious facts and you might just win a hologram of the baby Jesus in the stable, a picture of the Pope regaled in a Santa hat or a pencil that proclaims Jesus Loves You Snow Much.  But don’t forget the reason you have all assembled: to discover who stole the Magi’s gold.  Get ready for your close up, Monsignor DeMille.  In the meantime you may learn such fascinating facts as the meanings behind candy canes, poinsettias, St Nicholas and Our Lady of the Grilled Cheese. Sister Nonie is skilled in the art of improvisation and she will take that talent up to the highest order.

 Marietta Donovan with Jane Morris and Marc Silvia deserve full credit for penning this most unusual holiday celebration that includes creating a Living Nativity with Mary, an ox, an ass, a shepherd, a sheep, three Kings, Joseph and the little drummer boy arrayed in costumes not to be believed. And if you play your Christmas cards right, that ox or sheep on stage could be you!

For tickets ($35), call Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven at 203-787-4282 or online at www.longwharf.org.  Performances are Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

If you enjoyed Late Night Catechism and remember fondly your days in Catholic school and you’re in the holiday spirit, then put on your party hat and have a ball with Sister.