CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES Set for Playhouse @ Westport Plaza This Summer

Authors Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, the creators of the best-selling book Growing Up Lutheran, and a host of other humorous writings, have joined forces with Twin Cities based Production Company Troupe America, Inc. and its Executive Producer Curt Wollan to turn their material into a new musical comedy.

"Church Basement Ladies" will make its Playhouse @ Westport Plaza debut for ten weeks July 21-October 1. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased through MetroTix at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314/534-1111. Additionally, tickets will be available at the Playhouse @ Westport Plaza box office one hour prior to show time. All seats are $50. Groups of 10 or more can save half-off tickets by calling 314/616-4455.

It was a love affair in the making, originally inspired by a conversation with Wollan's in-laws suggesting that he talk with Martin and Nelson about the idea of turning their material int o a musical comedy. Wollan wanted to create a show that celebrates the women who work so hard and with such dedication in the church kitchen whether they be Lutheran, Methodist, Jewish or Catholic. Wollan explained, "I know about these 'Steel Magnolias' of the church, because my mother was one of them while I was growing up." Intrigued by the idea, Martin and Nelson agreed to meet. Wollan commissioned creative writing team Jim Stowell, one of Minnesota's favorite storytellers and Jessica Zuehlke, a performance arts educator and also the daughter of a Church Basement Lady, to develop the book.

Directed by Robbie Mancina based on the original direction by Curt Wollan, "Church Basement Ladies" is choreographed by Wendy Short Hays, with set and lighting design by Scott Herbst, costume design by Katrina Benedict and musical direction by Drew Jansen. The production features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of t hings, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives. The audience will witness them handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a HawaiIan Easter fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying (and tolerating) each other. Funny and down to earth, audiences will recognize these ladies as they begin to see the church year unfold from below the House of God. This is most certainly true! For more information, visit www.churchbasementladiesonstage.com.

The Playhouse @ Westport Plaza is located at 635 Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights, Missouri and is a venue filling a niche for a variety of Broadway and Off-Broadway entertainment that would otherwise not find its way to the St. Louis area. Programming at the venue is offered at affordable ticket pricing so that anyone can have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area as well as see a great show. For additional information on upcoming events, visit www.playhouseatwestport.com.