Spring 2003

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April, 2003

The popular solo show, "Late Night Catechism," has collected over one million dollars in donations for the retirement funds of nuns across America.

An affectionate look at the Catholic sisters of yesterday, "Late Night Catechism" was written and produced by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan (also the original star), and has been playing in Chicago for ten years, in New York for five, and also (currently) in Seattle, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Naperville (Ill.), and Scottsdale. Whenever it plays, a collection is taken up at each performance, all of which goes to the retirement funds of local orders. Producers Quade and Donovan initiated the donation plan in 1997. The total collection in 2002 was $116,000, distributed to 16 orders.

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March, 2003

We wrote about Kate Mulgrew's solo show about
Katherine Hepburn,"Tea At Five" several months ago. It was making several pre-Broadway stops. Now it has arrived in NYC, but not exactly on Broadway. Which suits the producers fine. "Tea At Five" is currently running at the Promenade Theatre at Broadway and 76th Street. It's on Broadway but not in Broadway, as the venerable district is defined by the New York Theatre League. No matter, the show continues to impress audiences as fascination with the reclusive Ms. Hepburn continues to grow with her legendary career.

This intimate look at her acting career is set in her Old Saybrook, Connecticut estate. The first act takes place in September 1938, in which she looks both forward and back. The second act is set in February 1983 features the veteran actress in reflection about her triumphs and failures, and of her love affair with Spencer Tracy. The play is by Matthew Lombardo. It was developed with Kate Mulgrew in mind. The entertainment news weekly Variety described Ms. Mulgrew's performance as "remarkable" and the Providence Journal called the script "compelling and loving ..."

The show is expected to tour the country after its NYC run concludes in the Spring.