It’s widely believed that the most direct way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and the musical comedy Church Basement Ladies provides strong evidence that the same holds true even for God. As it’s the food prepared in the kitchen by three generations of women that serves as the core of the church and strengthens the faith of its members.
Though they are skilled cooks who can masterfully prepare several dishes the Church Basement Ladies dish out nothing better than laughs. Their performance at La Comedia is made from the perfect recipe for a good time with just the right dose of sharp humor, blended with a pinch sweet sentiment, and topped with a mix of reality. It will satisfy even the largest appetite for entertainment.
Based on the book, Growing Up Lutheran, by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, Church Basement Ladies features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. The show spans over four different meals they are preparing; a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a July wedding. Each comes with some turmoil and potential disasters, but they are always able to persevere.
While compared to most La Comedia productions the cast is very small, but what they lack in number they make up for in talented spirit. The matriarch of the kitchen is Vivian, played by Denise Cox, who never lets it be forgotten that she’s in charge. She serves as the common voice for many of the elderly who struggle with all the changes that are occurring in churches from contemporary to traditional.
A show stealing performance was given by Janet Brucken as Mavis, the other grandmother type. Almost every word she utters as well as many of her physical movements are smothered with comedic delight. Audiences will be sweating from laughing so hard when Mavis stops at nothing to try and cure her hot flashes.
The voice of reason amidst all the chaos is provided by Karin, played by Becky-Barrett Jones. She’s next in line to take over the reigns of the kitchen from her elders and is the mother of Signe. Signe, played by Chelsea Lewis, has grown up in the church kitchen and helps out while on breaks from college. Her romances are often the talk of the group as opinions are never at a shortage.
Providing the only male presence is Chris Kramer as Pastor Gunderson. Some of the shows biggest laughs comes from the pastor trying to shield himself from the uninhibited behavior of Mavis. He’s filled with a nervous energy, but puts great trust and appreciation in the women of the kitchen.
When it comes to cooking up laughs the Church Basement Ladies are all culinary chefs. Like with any good meal you’ll be comfortably full, but left still wanting more.
La Comedia, 765 W. Central Ave., in Springboro, presents Church Basement Ladies through July 3. Evening performances Wednesday – Sunday (arrival time 5:30-6:00 p.m.) and matinees Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday (arrival time 10:30-11:00 a.m.). Reservations can be made by phone at (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505. Visit www.lacomedia.com for more information.
