INDIANAPOLIS —
The “Church Basement Ladies” are back at Beef and Boards Dinner Theater with “Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping,” a new tale about the changes that life takes us through.
The musical comedy revolves around four women during 1969 and 1970 inside a Lutheran church kitchen in Minnesota — a time of change for everyone. It follows the prequel, “Church Basement Ladies,” though the audience doesn’t need to see the first musical to follow the plot.
Karin Engelson (performed by Katherine Proctor) informs friends Mavis Gilmerson (Karan Pappas) and Vivian Snustad (Licia Watson) of a phone call with her daughter Signe Hauge (Lisa Bark), now going by her first name Beverly.
The discussion quickly turns to the women asking when Beverly will have a baby. This leads to a hilarious musical number led by Mavis discussing barnyard animals procreating and how birth is “God’s Way of Sayin’” life is always moving forward.
Signe/Beverly returns home from the city months later during a church mission festival. Mrs. Snustad’s traditional views clash as loudly as Beverly’s short hot pink dress when the younger woman tries to describe real life to the older woman.
Mrs. Snustad uses the wrong words or mixes up people through the entire performance. Instead of Vince Lombardi, she says Liberace.
Beverly informs her mother and friends that she is pregnant and that she and her husband are moving back home. The first act concludes with the catchy number, “Mary/Martha,” referencing the Biblical tale of the two sometimes conflicted sisters (as well as being the name of some Lutheran womens’ groups.)
Adding to the hilarity of Mavis’s constant stories — about losing body parts and Mrs. Snustad’s attempts to hide her attraction to a new janitor — is Pastor E.L. Gunderson (Eddie Curry).
He runs around the church kitchen wearing half a grass skirt (garters visible) and feathers on his head during the mission festival, bringing chuckles every time he appears on stage. The pastor opens the second act displaying how “cool” a man of the church can act in the rousing number “Old Dog, New Tricks.”
During the first part of the second act, Beverly, whose pregnancy has almost reached its due date, rants about what’s stressing her out, ranging from her husband agreeing with his mother to how he manages to keep breathing and that John Lennon left the Beatles. The second act takes the audience through joy and tragedy, concluding in the emotionally moving “An Additional Gift.”
“Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping” is directed by Curt Wollan and based on the book written by Greta Grosch. Drew Jansen and Dennis Curley wrote the lyrics for the musical, which opened in 2009 in Kansas.
Those who saw the “Church Basement Ladies” last year at Beef and Boards Dinner Theater will recognize the cast.
Eddie Curry’s portrayal of the pastor’s fondness for the four women and involvement in the church shows his character’s dedication.
Licia Watson shines as Mrs. Snustad, especially during the character’s description of her visit to the city in the dramatic “Vivian’s Bad Trip.” Various lighting effects add to the culture shock described by Mrs. Snustad during this number.
Karen Pappas, from Indianapolis, captures Mavis’s charm and wit not only through dialogue, but mannerisms.
The rest of the cast’s reactions to Mavis flinging a knife back and forth or flipping a dirty ice cream spoon add to the character’s appeal. Katherine Proctor’s strong vocals blend well with her character’s emotional journey. Lisa Barks’ “Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger and Clove” brings a nostalgic feel to a time when life seemed simpler and parents could solve any dilemma.
“Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping” takes viewers on a hilarious yet moving journey through the next chapter of the five characters’ lives. The show runs through August 28 at Beef and Boards Dinner Theater.
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"Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping" is playing at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre through Aug. 28.
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'Church Basement Ladies 2' serves laughs, music
Musical comedy takes audience on hilarious yet moving journey
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