Who knew damnation could be so fun?

If you suspect that “Late Nite Catechism 2,� now at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, is cast in the same mold as “Late Nite Catechism,� you’re absolutely right. If you think it will be a pale imitation of its highly successful predecessor, which has been widely produced over the last 10-plus years, think again.

Once again, the setting is an adult catechism class taught by Sister, a nun in a full-length habit who is subbing for regular class instructor Father Murphy, off on a “golfing retreat.� As written and performed by Maripat Donovan (the first show was co-written with Vicki Quade), “Catechism 2� is a faithful (no pun intended) re-creation of an actual religion class that will evoke intense nostalgia in former Catholic schoolers of a certain age. However, those with zero knowledge of Catholicism needn’t worry. Sister will explain it all -- hilariously.

This evening, the subject is penance, and to help us understand the repercussions of mortal sin without atonement, Sister unfurls a lurid chart showing heaven, purgatory and fiery hell -- a sort of Judeo-Christian Chutes and Ladders game with eternal consequences. (Limbo’s included, but these days it’s used only for storing Christmas decorations.)

Sister then proceeds to expound knowledgeably and expansively upon Catholic doctrine, traditions and folk beliefs. (If you wake up in the morning and find a new bruise, it’s just the forgotten souls in purgatory pinching you in your sleep.)

As Sister reminds us, she and her ilk from the glory days of the Catholic teaching orders had no DVDs, no Internet, no high tech tools of any kind. They made do with “an old book, a ruler and this habit� -- the latter of which was enough to inspire attentiveness and complete obedience among the boomers in their charge.

The bulk of the show is spent taking questions from the audience -- and it’s here that Donovan really shines. Always respectful of her subject, Donovan possesses a quick wit, a ready tongue and a formidable knowledge of Catholic doctrine. Quite simply, she knows her stuff. You just can’t stump her, although many have tried.

Under the direction of Marc Silvia, Donovan seems less forbidding and more generally merry this time around, fairly twinkling throughout the show. Reveling in her rich comic creation, she’s clearly having a grand old time. And so are we.

*

‘Late Nite Catechism 2’

Where: Hermosa Beach Playhouse, Pier Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

Ends: Oct. 17

Price: $40-$45

Contact: (310) 372-4477

Running time: 2 hours

Also

Where: El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. shows on Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31. (No evening show Oct. 31.)

Ends: Oct. 31

Price: $35-$45

Contact: (818) 764-2400