The Off-Broadway and regional theatre hit Late Nite Catechism is coming to the Henry Fonda Theatre in Hollywood on Mother's Day, May 9. The Los Angeles premiere is for five weeks only and marks the return of the original star Maripat Donovan.

Donovan, who co-wrote the one-woman show with Vicki Quade, plays a nun teaching an adult catechism class to a roomful of "students" (the audience). Over the course of the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor to authoritative drill sergeant.

Late Nite Catechism, directed by Patrick Trettenero, began its third year Off-Broadway at The Theatre at St. Luke's Church on Oct. 4, 1998. The raucous comedy has also been seen in successful productions around the USA, Canada and Australia.

Donovan was born in Chicago and attended Catholic schools. While working as an actress in Chicago theatre, she supported herself with a variety of jobs. In 1979 she opened her own construction company, but returned to Chicago theatre in 1985 as an understudy in Portrait of a Shiksa, a role for which she eventually earned a Jeff Citation for Best Supporting Actress.

In 1992 she formed a writing partnership with Quade which resulted a year later in Late Nite Catechism having its world premiere at the Live Bait Theatre. The Henry Fonda Theatre is at 6126 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets call (213) 365-3500 or stop at a Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.ticketmaster.com.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent