Review: AWAY IN THE BASEMENT, A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS Entertains at the Performing Arts Center Of Wisconsin Rapids

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT, A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS performed at the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids on December 15. The festive show entertained audiences.

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT, A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS was written by Greta Grosch with music and lyrics by Drew Jansen. The tour was brought to Wisconsin Rapids by the Arts Council of South Wood County.

AWAY IN THE BASEMENT, A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS is the third installment in the popular CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES series of musicals. Set in 1959, it follows the ladies as they prepare for a Christmas program.

The show is full of laughs and entertaining numbers.

Kaitlyn Casanova is doe-eyed as Miss Beverly Signe Engelson. She successfully conveys the highs and lows of being 15.

Carrie Saloutos portrays Mrs. Karin Engelson with a steady focus. She serves as an excellent "straight man" to balance the comedy around her.

Autumn O'Ryan is comically stoic as Mrs. Vivan Snustad.

Nikki Savitt is hysterical as Mrs. Mavis Gilmerson. Her physical comedy is impeccable and consistently provides the biggest laughs of the show.

Matthew Aaron's performance as Pastor is strong. He transitions between comical and emotional with ease. His performance of "I Think You'd Like Her" is touching and the standout number of the show.

Overall, the show is entertaining with many laughs. There is minimal plot to string the jokes and songs together, but that does not detract from the show's overall effect.

Photo Credit: Paul Nixdorf

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