Curtain to go up on ‘Kateri Kapers'

Sparta —“Kateri Kapers: Singing, Swinging Saints and Sinners” is sure to bring down the house on the weekend of Nov. 17 and 18. The parish community of Blessed Kateri’s variety show, now in its fourth season, returns for two evenings to McKenna Hall in the Reverend Brown School, 28 Andover Road, Sparta. “It’s all about community,” says Pat O’Malley, Blessed Kateri parishioner and producer of the variety show. “Not only is there camaraderie among the performers and crew, but by the end of the show, everyone in the audience feels like they’ve played a part in the success of the evening, and they have!” It all started back in 2004 when Reverend Albert Nix had the idea to put together a variety show with talent from the Sparta parish. His vision was to have everyone come together for a good time and lots of laughs. With O’Malley in the director’s chair, the idea came to life and the Kapers took the stage. Past years have seen everything from singing nuns to singing dogs to a local version of “The Village People.” O’Malley notes that the show “gives people a chance to step out of their boxes and get involved in ways they never thought possible, all the while being supported by the Blessed Kateri community.” Along with comedians, live musicians and dancers, this year’s audiences can expect to enjoy humor from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, show tunes, a sing-a-long, dancing to the mellow notes sung by Pat O’Malley and a return appearance from the beatnik on bongos, Father Tom Fallone. Home-baked goodies, snacks, coffee and tea will be provided throughout the evening, BYOB. There will be door prizes donated by local merchants and a 50/50 raffle both nights. The Grand Prize Raffle for a computer, flat screen, printer and $200 Visa gift card can be purchased for $10 a ticket and will be drawn on Saturday night. Single tickets are $15, two for $25 in advance; $20 single, two for $30 at the door. For ticket reservations or for more information, contact Pat O’Malley at 973-729-2660 or the Blessed Kateri Parish office at 973-729-1682. Adults over 21, only.