'Church Basement Ladies 2' still cooks

The winds of ecclesiastical change blow through this funny sequel.

Star Tribune

Last update: March 19, 2008 - 11:22 AM

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CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 2

Who: By Greta Grosch. Music and lyrics by Drew Jansen and Dennis Curley. Inspired by the books of Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 3 & 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2 & 6 p.m. Sun. No closing date set.

Where: Plymouth Playhouse in the Best Western Kelly Inn, Interstate 494 and Hwy. 55, Plymouth.

Tickets: $30-$38. 763-553-1600,www.plymouthplayhouse.com.

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While America struggled with such high-drama cultural dislocations as Woodstock and Kent State, the Lutheran church faced its own generational crisis in 1969 and 1970: Pastors were picking up guitars; women wore pantsuits to church and cut their hair in Sassoon bobs. Lord, have mercy.

When last we shared the peace with the "Church Basement Ladies," they were bouncing merrily through the pea-green kitchen of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church, slinging bars, brownies, pickles and potatoes.

That much has not changed in "Church Basement Ladies 2," which opened last weekend at Plymouth Playhouse. After all, why in heaven's name would you tinker with a franchise destined to be Troupe America's all-time box-office champion?

But the winds of 1960s change have gently blown into this sequel, recalling Ecclesiastes' wisdom that "One generation goes and another generation comes."

Cast member Greta Grosch scripted "Ladies 2" with lovely songs by Drew Jansen and Dennis Curley. In large measure, it recycles the original formula -- four scenes spread over 12 months, all mining humor and meaning from the nourishing religious rituals that occur outside the church's sanctuary. While it inevitably lacks the first show's sense of discovery, this version threads a plot line more effectively and sends us away with more to think about.

Grosch's physical friskiness drives the pace in director Curt Wollan's brisk staging. A natural comic, Grosch and Tim Drake share a great rapport and playfulness. Janet Paone's Vivian Snustad returns, dropping deadpan bon mots and wearing Wonder Bread bags on her feet. She is nothing short of brilliant in her 11 o'clock number, "Vivian's Bad Trip," written by Curley. Recalling a visit to "The Cities -- capital of evil and vice," she spins off an operatic masterpiece of theatrical camp and coloratura singing. Squint just a bit and you can see "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat."

Three characters represent the deepest levels of change. Dorian Chalmers, sporting a big voice, turns from mother to grandmother when sugar-sweet Tara Borman gives birth. Drake's Rev. Gunderson picks up the guitar, turns to youth ministry and sports flared pants, flowered shirt, ascot scarf and a mustache. It's hysterically sad that we once thought that was hip.

Fans of the first "Church Basement Ladies" should find every reason to like this version. Those who missed the first service should welcome a second chance.

Graydon Royce • 612-673-7299