Download 2016 Away In the Basement Program

COVER COPY:
Troupe America Inc., Curt Wollan, Executive Producer and
(VENUE LOGO)
Present
AWAY IN THE BASEMENT:
A CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES CHRISTMAS
Written by
GRETA GROSCH
Music and lyrics by
DREW JANSEN
Inspired by the books of Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson including the bestseller,
“Growing Up Lutheran”
Page #2 INSIDE FRONT COVER:
Troupe America Inc. and (local venue) Present:
A Christmas celebration of the church basement and the women who work there!
(include the CBL logo-optional)
CAST (in order of appearance)
MATTHEW AARON ………………..
AUTUMN O’RYAN..........................
NIKKI SAVITT.................................
CARRIE SALOUTOS……...... .......
KAITLYN CASANOVA...................
Pastor
Mrs. Lars Snustad (Vivian)
Mrs. Gilmer Gilmerson (Mavis)
Mrs. Elroy Engelson (Karin)
Miss Beverly Engelson
(Understudies: for Karin– DORIAN CHALMERS; for Vivian – JUDI GRONSETH;
for Beverly – KATIE ADDUCCI; for Pastor – TIM DRAKE)
Understudies never substitute without prior announcement
Set Design
SCOTT R. HERBST
Sound Design
MARK BRODIN
Costume Design
KATRINA BENEDICT
Light Design
SCOTT HERBST
Musical Staging & Choreography
WENDY SHORT-HAYS
Music Direction
DENNIS CURLEY
Directed by
LEXIE WOLLAN SWENSON
Special thanks: Al Todnem for carving the Nativity pieces. Pastor Gary Olson and
Lakeview Lutheran church, ARCA Minnesota, Zion Lutheran church, Grand Rapids,
Minnesota, Joanne Deter who said “Curt, you should call those Lutheran Ladies,”
Thrivent Volunteer Services, Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson for their
inspiration and many stories of Church Pageants. Children’s Christmas crafts by the
students from the Theatre Department of Visitation School.
The operating of cameras or recording devices is strictly prohibited by copyright law.
Please turn off anything that will make noise including cellular phones.
TROUPE AMERICA, INC. PRODUCTION STAFF
Company Manager
Stage Manager
Sound Engineer/ Tour Production Manager
Technical Director
Master Electrician
Tour Transportation
Trucking
MATTHEW AARON
RACHEL LANTOW
KAY RICHARDSON
PAUL MANSFIELD
JIM EISCHEN
MAYO TOURS
STAGE CALL
General Manager
Production Manager
Payroll Services
JOHN TSAFOYANNIS
TRICIA HOFELD
WELLS FARGO BUSINESS
PAYROLL
BROCKMAN-MARCHAN &
COMPANY LTD.
FAEGRE, BAKER & DANIELS
Accounting
Legal
ACT I
Morning of December 19, 1959
(The day of the annual
Sunday School Christmas
Program)
Away in the Basement
Company
The Unforgettable Christmas
Program of 1958
Vivian and Company
(Everybody is a Kid Again )
At Christmastime
Karin with Beverly, Mavis and Vivian
Just Not Mary Material
Mavis with Beverly, Karin and Vivian
Always One More Thing
Beverly with Karin, Mavis and Vivian
ACT II
Later that same morning
Away in the Basement (reprise)
Karin, Mavis, Vivian and Pastor
Piñata
Karin and Company
Whatsoever You Doo-wop
Vivian with Karin and Mavis
Reindeer Rendezvous
Pastor and Company
I Think You’d Like Her
Pastor
Jeg Er Så Glad
Company
Finale – Company
A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES
In 2003 Troupe America Inc. acquired the rights to the complete works of Janet Martin
and Suzann Nelson, authors of the award winning book, “Growing Up Lutheran”. Their
story inspired the musical Church Basement Ladies, which premiered at the Plymouth
Playhouse in Minneapolis September 2005. This charming show explored the lives of a
rural community in the late 1960’s, and the run-away hit had audiences clamoring for
more. In March 2008 A Second Helping took the story of these lovable characters into
the 1970’s. The holiday prequel, Away In The Basement (premiered November 2009)
invited the audience back to Christmas of 1959. A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement
(opened August 2011) continued the story into 1960’s, and The Last Potluck Supper
(August 2013) wrapped up the series (we thought) as the audience gathers on the
church lawn in the fall of 1979 for the Centennial Celebration of the church. The men of
the church invaded the church basement kitchen for repairs in 1964 in Rise Up O Men
(August 2016) with a joyous mixture of new and old characters. After 3000
performances at the Plymouth Playhouse, these shows have gone on to play theatres
around the country to millions of audience members. And today these delightful
characters are sharing their lives with you. Enjoy the show!
WHO IS WHO IN THE CAST:
MATTHEW AARON (Pastor) is thrilled with making his Troupe America debut.
Originally from Freehold, NJ, he is excited to be back on stage after traveling the inland
river system aboard the American Queen these past three years as a singer/dancer.
Credits include: Harley Phillips (Josiah for President), Proprietor/Lee Harvey Oswald
(Assassins), Robbie Hart (Wedding Singer), Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast) and
Ananias Dare (The Lost Colony). “Thank you for coming out and supporting the arts.”
KAITLYN CASANOVA (Miss Beverly Signe Engelson) is overjoyed to be back in the
basement on her first Church Basement Ladies Tour! Last year she performed Church
Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper at Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse and had a
blast! Since graduating from Michigan University’s Music Theatre program, she has
performed both regionally and internationally. Her favorite roles include Maria in West
Side Story, Louisa in The Fantasticks , and Cossette in Les Miserables. Many thanks to
her family and friends for their love and support.
AUTUMN O’RYAN (Mrs Snustad) is “Back in the Basement” for her sixth National Tour
with Troupe America. This has been a very busy year for her, having just completed
Church Basement Ladies 5, The Last potluck Supper, at Maples Repertory, Theatre in
Macon, MO. Before that, she was “Mother Superior” in Sister Act in Rock Island, IL.
Autumn has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. GO BLUE!
“This one’s for you, Daddy.”
CARRIE SALOUTOS (Mrs Engelson) ) returns after appearing in the last 5 National
Tours of the Church Basement Ladies. She has performed Karin Engelson in regional
theatres all over the country, as well. Other credits include Hats! The Musical at
Harrah’s New Orleans, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the Plaza Theatre, and
National Tours of The Wizard of Oz (US and Korea), Beauty & The Beast, and Singin’ In
the Rain. Las Vegas credits include Marriage Can Be Murder, Reflections of the Rat
Pack, and Nunsense (Las Vegas Hilton). She has also co-starred with Steve Gatlin in
production shows in Myrtle Beach, SC. Special roles include Eleanor Shubert in Shear
Madness (Circa ’21), Sue Ellen in Honkey Tonk Angels (Flat Rock Playhouse), and
Karla in Bikini’s (Iron Bridge Dinner Theatre).
NIKKI SAVITT (Mrs Gilmerson) is delighted to board the bus, and embark on her
eighth touring adventure with Troupe America. This marks her twenty-first production of
CBL (covering all five chapters). Other favorite credits include Dixie Swim Club
(Vernadette), Harvey (Veta), Music Man (Eulalie), Funny Girl (Rose Brice), White
Christmas (Martha), Oklahoma! (Eller). “As always, my undying gratitude to Curt, Greta,
and the entire CBL team, as well as my amazing Mommy!” Please visit
www.nikkisavitt.com
WHO ARE THE ORIGINAL LUTHERAN LADIES:
JANET LETNES MARTIN (Co-author of Growing Up Lutheran) )
A native of Hillsboro, ND and graduate of Augsburg College, Mpls., MN has authored
and/or co-authored eighteen books. The book Growing Up Lutheran which she coauthored with Suzann Nelson is the inspiration for the six Church Basement Ladies
musical comedies. Janet is also a public speaker who has been entertaining audiences
for 29 years. She lives in Hastings, MN and can be contacted at
[email protected].
SUZANN NELSON (Co-author of Growing Up Lutheran)
Like her co-author, Janet Letnes Martin, Suzann went to Augsburg College. Together
they have authored nine books, and performed widely as “Those Lutheran Ladies”.
Their books and performances draw upon their experiences growing up as 100%
Norwegian-Lutheran farm kids. Rural life, centered around the church, is also the
theme of the six Church Basement Ladies musicals. Suzann lives in Grand Rapids,
MN, and runs an online Scandinavian-American bookstore. ruralroutebookstore.com.
WHO’S WHO IN PRODUCTION :
GRETA GROSCH (Playwright) Since 1989 Greta has worked as a writer and
performer across the country. An original cast member of Church Basement Ladies, she
scripted A Second Helping, Away in the Basement, A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement,
the Last (Potluck) Supper, and Rise Up, O Men. Additionally, Greta writes The Medora
Musical, is a voice over and commercial artist, and is a founding member of the Looney
Lutherans. For more information visit gretagrosch.com.
DREW JANSEN (Composer, Lyricist) A Little Rock native who recently returned home
after 35 years in Minnesota, Drew is perhaps best known as composer/lyricist for
Troupe America’s Church Basement Ladies and How To Talk Minnesotan; The Musical.
For the small screen, he worked on both sides of the camera for Comedy Central’s
Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Let’s Bowl!. An accomplished pianist, Jansen is also
in demand nationwide as a voice-over actor and emcee. This one’s for Jimmy!
LEXIE WOLLAN SWENSON (Director) is thrilled to be involved with the Church
Basement Ladies, Away in the Basement National Tour again. Last time Lexie joined
the Ladies on the road as their Company Manager. Lexie is also the Choreographer
and Assistant Director for The Medora Musical – The Greatest Show in the West!, but
her favorite job is being mom to her sweet babies, Lainey and Millie. Merry Christmas!
DENNIS CURLEY (Music Director) grew up in Syracuse, New York, and received his
B.A. in music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He moved to the Twin
Cities in 1992, and has appeared on stage there at the Plymouth Playhouse, Ordway
Center, Lowry Lab, History Theatre, and the Guthrie. In 2013 he created and performed
in Country Roads: Dennis Curley Sings the Music of John Denver (CD available at
TableSaltProductions.com). Dennis is a co-founder of Table Salt Productions and can
also be found on the web at DennisCurley.com.
WENDY SHORT HAYS (Choreographer) has been choreographing for Troupe
America for over 30 years. She created the original musical staging for all six episodes
of Church Basement Ladies as well as other favorites such as, Nunsense, Pump Boys
and Dinettes, and Diamond Studs. Her work has also been seen at regional theatres, in
commercials, industrials and the Medora Musical. She lives in Minneapolis where she
is Artistic Director of VISTA Productions, an award- winning high school theatre
program.
SCOTT R. HERBST ( Set & Lighting Designer) ) Pleased to be an original member of
the artistic team for Church Basement Ladies, Scott is happy to be back with the
production. Recently he expanded his design horizons to include his longtime passion
of the outdoors returning to school to receive a degree in Landscape Design. Past
shows include many tours for Troupe America including; The Odd Couple with Jamie
Farr and William Christopher, and Moon Over Buffalo with Gavin MacLeod.
KATRINA BENEDICT (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be a part of Away in the
Basement based on the writings of Suzann Nelson and her mother Janet Letnes Martin.
She works as a freelance costume designer and draper at various theaters in the Twin
Cities area. Her most recent designs include Rise Up, O Men! And A Mighty Fortress Is
Our Basement for the Plymouth Playhouse, Kirby! for the History Theater, and
Sherlock’s Last Case for Minnesota Centennial Showboat.
MARK BRODIN (Sound Designer) Mark designs and mixes sound for live theater,
churches, recording artists and corporate events. With 20 years experience, you may
have heard his work at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minneapolis, The Medora
Musical or on TV and radio. Mark won an Emmy for his documentary Delafield.
KAY RICHARDSON (Production Manager/ Sound Engineer) is a Freelance Sound
Designer/Engineer in Atlanta, GA. This is her 3rd tour with Troupe America. Recent
design work: Thurgood and Suzi Bass nominated Gut Bucket Blues for Theatrical Outfit,
A Man of No Importance and Spring Awakening for Kennesaw State University and
Smart People and Fetch Clay Make Man for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre
Company. She has toured in all 50 of the United States and in over 45 countries around
the world mixing live for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines International.
RACHEL LANTOW (Stage Manager) Medora Musical 2016
(StageWest), SHAPESHIFT GreySkiesBlue (Cowles Center),The Best Little
Whorehouse in Texas (Artistry), Flying Foot Forum (The Guthrie, Cowles Center), La
Cage Aux Folles (Bloomington Civic Theatre), Spookley the Square Pumpkin, Shrek Jr.,
Willy Wonka (Stages Theatre Company), Broadway Under the Stars Concert Series
& Artist Series 2014, 2015 (Transcendence Theatre Company). Originally from
Lakeville, MN. B.F.A. in Theatre Technology/Design from Minnesota State University,
Mankato. “For my Audience of One and for Kaela.”
CURT WOLLAN (Original Direction & Producer) has directed most of Troupe
America’s National Tours including twelve seasons of A Christmas Carol, The Odd
Couple starring William Christopher and Jamie Farr, Moon Over Buffalo starring Gavin
MacLeod, Same Time, Next Year starring Mackenzie Phillips and Adrian Zmed, and
The Sunshine Boys starring Frank Gorshin and Dick Van Patten. He wishes to dedicate
his work on Away in the Basement to his mother, Lorraine, whose real life as a Church
Basement Lady served as his inspiration. Curtwollan.com.
TROUPE AMERICA INC. (Producer) was formed in 1987 by Curt Wollan to provide
touring theatrical productions for the vast array of renovated opera houses and
performing arts centers that began popping up across the country. In addition to now
over 250 national tours under their belt, Troupe America has produced for the Plymouth
Playhouse in Minneapolis since 1988 and also produces, (as StageWest
Entertainment), the Medora Musical each summer at the gates of North Dakota’s
beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park now in it’s 53rd season this coming
summer. medora.com