Hallelujah! Sister is heavenly in 'Late Nite Catechism 2' at City Theatre

“If nuns ran the world, it would be better,” one audience member declared at Thursday night’s performance of “Sister Strikes Again! Late Nite Catechism 2” at City Theatre on the South Side.

Now, those of us who attended CCD — as yours truly did — or Catholic school may not agree, but if those nuns were all like Kimberly Richards’ “Sister,” it might not be a bad idea.

Richards has been touring as Sister for almost 25 years and performing in the role in seven different productions of “Late Nite Catechism” at City Theatre for two decades. The play is both a lesson in Catholicism and a comedy improv show, with plenty of participation by the “students” — the audience members — and big laughs.

While Sister has taught us plenty over the years, whether in summer school, at Christmastime or around Easter, her focus in this show, penned by Maripat Donovan, is saving our immortal souls — and explaining the faults of Frank Sinatra, of course.

This is a great moment in history for this one-woman show, what with the newly elected American Pope. Pittsburgh is a pretty Catholic city, and the audience at Thursday night’s show wasn’t only willing to laugh, but to supply the answers to dogmatic questions when they were tossed out. Even for the lapsed once-churchgoers in the room, Sister’s teachings strike a nostalgic chord.

Speaking of nostalgia, the classroom set designed by Tony Ferrieri will take you right back to Sunday school. Right down to the film strip (though it’s a more modern setup than the good old-fashioned projectors of yore). From the uncomfortable-looking wooden desks to the chalkboard to the posters providing the words to the “Our Father” prayer, everything feels very familiar.

In her habit, Richards looks and sounds just like the kindest nuns, with a voice that’s both gentle and authoritative. She has impeccable comic timing and a lightning-quick wit like the crack of a ruler on a desk.

Among the lessons in Sister’s plan are a “Chutes and Ladders”-style game with Heaven, Purgatory and Hell; a little run-through of the Ten Commandments — with examples; and a Top 10 list of the biggest new sins of the 21st century. Don’t worry, it may sound a little too serious, but there’s always a punchline waiting. Especially hilarious was a run about the status of “Limbo” as a concept throughout the years.

And no one is safe from Sister’s snark. Whether it’s a couple in the crowd who are a little too snuggly or a “student” with too high a hemline or too low a neckline, Richards has a sharp eye and a sharp tongue ready to dish up some jokey “Catholic guilt.”

Toward the end of the second act — or should I say, the “post-recess” period — Richards even did a little Q&A, and audience members didn’t hold back. One even asked why women can’t become deacons in the Church. Richards was quiet for a moment, and acknowledged her agreement with the questioner. “Because the boys wrote the book,” was her funny-but-true answer.

At the curtain call, Richards got serious — “Late Nite Cathecism” has always raised money to fund the retirement of nuns. Richards emphasizes that goal with a brief and genuine fundraising plea. Nuns face challenges accessing Social Security and many work well into their 80s or 90s. She stood at the Lillie Theater’s door collecting any cash as the grateful audience filed out — though no guilt was offered to those who didn’t contribute, just affectionate comments.

While “Late Nite Catechism” will be a blast for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, those who are a little learned in the faith may get more out of the show.

But the jokes? They’re equal opportunity. Just don’t be late to class!

“Sister Strikes Again! Late Nite Catechism 2” will run through June 29 at the Lillie Theatre at City Theatre Company on the South Side. For tickets and information, visit citytheatrecompany.org.