Denise Fennell is a Newton native and a great character actress. She brings the beloved Sister to life in two shows “‘Til Death Do Us Part” and “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” at the iconic Charles Playhouse on Warrenton Street now through Jan. 3. The location is just a stone’s throw from the All-Saints Church where Maripat Donovan first appeared as Sister in Late Nite Catechism 31 years ago.
Fennell answered a few questions recently and her responses follow
STAGES: Tell Stages about ’Til Death Do Us Part and Sister’s Christmas Catechism. What can audiences expect?
They’re both fun! One thing I love about playing Sister is that no two shows are ever the same. The audience becomes part of what happens, and sometimes they’re funnier than anything we could have written! ’Til Death Do Us Part finds Sister tackling the Sacraments of Matrimony and Last Rites with her own hilarious lesson plan on love, life, and everything in between. Sister has a lot to teach, but once the audience gets involved who knows the class might go There’s even Sister’s version of the Newlywed Game! Sister’s Christmas Catechism is basically CSI: Bethlehem. Sister is determined to solve one of the greatest mysteries of Christmas: Whatever happened to the Wise Men’s gold? There’s a living Nativity, lots of audience participation, and plenty of Christmas surprises along the way. These shows are an experience. People come back year after year, bringing friends and family. We’ve developed wonderful relationships over the years, and I love seeing familiar faces and meeting the new people they bring along. That makes it so much fun!
STAGES: How did you meet Maripat Donovan, and what has she meant to your career?
Maripat Donovan changed my life. I was doing Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding in Boston, playing a gum-chewing Italian bride, when I first connected with her about Late Nite Catechism. She sent me the script, I read it, and I was terrified of doing a one-woman show! So, I didn’t exactly jump at the opportunity. Well, Maripat picked up the phone and called me. I’ll never forget her saying, “You’re a loser! You’re not going to do my play!” That’s Maripat! And somehow, that conversation ended with her offering to teach me the show herself. She is an extraordinary performer, writer, and teacher. She didn’t just hand me a script and send me onstage. She taught me the theology, the comedy, and most importantly, how to really connect with an audience. I also worked with director Marc Silvia and Glenda, who helped me understand the world of the show. What started as an opportunity to play this wonderful character became a friendship and creative partnership. Years later, Maripat, my husband Rick Pasqualone, and I wrote Sister’s Irish Catechism together. I often think about how one person can change the direction of your life. Maripat changed mine. And here I am, all these years later, still having the time of my life playing Sister.
STAGES: What does it mean to return to New England and perform at the Charles Playhouse?
I love coming home and much of my career started here in Boston. I was performing in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding when I first connected with Late Nite Catechism, which originally played right next door to the Charles Playhouse. Getting to perform at the Charles feels full circle. New England audiences are my kind of people. They’re smart, they’re quick, they’re wicked funny, and they’re not afraid to give it right back to Sister. I love that. And I still have family and friends here, so any opportunity to come home, spend time with people I love, and perform for a New England audience is special.
STAGES: Do you have to be Catholic to enjoy the shows?
Absolutely not! But if you went to Catholic school, consider this your chance to work through a few things. I grew up with an Irish Catholic father and an Italian Catholic mother, so we had plenty of guilt, grudges, and God in our house. But the humor is universal. It’s about family, traditions, and all those things we can laugh about together. Some of the people who have the most fun are the ones who never set foot in a Catholic school.
STAGES: What else would you like people to know about these shows?
After 17 years of playing Sister, I still love every minute of it. Some of the funniest moments happen when you least expect them, and that’s the beauty of live theatre. I think we could all use a night out where we can just laugh, have fun, and forget about everything else for a little while. And if you leave with a good story to tell the next day, even better! Bring your friends and family, and for heaven’s sake, be on time! Sister will see you in class!
Tickets start at $55 at www.broadwayinboston.com.
NO STAGES NEXT WEEK — Stages won’t run next week, Nov. 5, but will return the next week Nov. 12.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is [email protected].
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