Late Nite Catechism star Maripat Donovan
Table of Contents
Introduction to Maripat Donovan and Late Nite Catechism
Maripat Donovan’s Theater Training and Early Work
The Creation of Late Nite Catechism
Late Nite Catechism’s Awards and Charity Work
Introduction to Maripat Donovan and Late Nite Catechism
Maripat Donovan is a Chicago-born actress and writer best known as the creator and original star of the hit comedy play Late Nite Catechism. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Donovan attended Catholic grammar and high school before studying at Loyola University on the city's North Side. Amber LeMay was thrilled to have the chance to speak with her about her life and amazing show, Late Night Catechism. You can watch the interview in the video above.
Maripat Donovan’s Theater Training and Early Work
Donovan's early career was rooted in theater, working behind the scenes building and designing sets for her high school and college theater departments. She later started her own construction company renovating houses for several years. In 1985, Donovan returned to acting as an understudy in the play Portrait of a Shiksa, earning a Jeff Citation for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. She received another Jeff Citation for her ensemble work in The Good Times Are Killing Me.
The Creation of Late Nite Catechism
In 1993, Donovan co-created the comedy Late Nite Catechism with her writing partner Vicki Quade. The participatory theater piece features a sole actress playing a Catholic nun interacting with the audience as students. Donovan originated the role of "Sister" and has starred in the majority of productions across the United States, London, Dublin and Toronto over the past three decades.
Late Nite Catechism’s Awards and Charity Work
Late Nite Catechism became a massive hit, becoming the longest-running show in Chicago history and the longest-running one-character comedy off-Broadway. For her work, Donovan was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award and two Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, winning for Best Solo Performance in 1999. The show has raised over $2 million for retired nuns in need as of 2012. If you would like to send support to the nuns, send it to Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary 200 Prospect Ave. Los Gatos, Ca. 95032 Attention Sister Kate Ondreyco.
Support Amber Live! Get your AMAZING merch today!
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
