When most of us look back on Sunday school, we remember a lot of rules and Bible readings, accompanied by question-and-answer sessions. The same applies to a lot of Catholic school experiences. What we don’t remember – at least in most cases – is a nun doling out glow-in-the-dark rosaries and witty one-liners.

Fusing stand-up comedy with Catholic rhetoric, Late Nite Catechism throws the audience into a catechism class unlike anyone has ever experienced. Despite the show’s lack of convention, the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., manages to convince the audience that they are in fact in a catechism class. The habit-wearing nuns and checkered linoleum floor recall those bygone days of Sunday mornings in the classroom.

Sister, the authoritarian nun who leads the show, manages to improvise, answer questions from the audience and keep the show moving all at the same time. She might pause for a second now and then, but it’s generally only to confiscate lipstick or candy from one of the audience members. But she’s certainly not there to enforce discipline.

Late Nite Catechism focuses on old-fashioned Catholicism and always offers a funny – and sometimes satiric – perspective on how the doctrine is taught. At one point, Sister presents a twisted chronology of saints’ lives – and yes, it does diverge from the Bible’s version.

Late Nite Catechism is playing at the Royal George Theatre for an open run. Tickets cost $30. Tickets and showtimes are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (312) 988-9000.

-Michael Burgner