Want to be well-fed AND entertained? No problem

For spring, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre brings back an audience favorite – Church Basement Ladies – the original version. If you haven’t seen this light-hearted comedy, four women of various ages and outlooks provide the celebratory feedings for an upper-midwestern Lutheran church. Set in a rural Minnesota town, all the regional situations are there for funny and touching jibes and occurrences, with a Lake Wobegon flavor.

Eddie Curry directs a strong cast of players who understand the comedy and the emotion to a tee. Licia Watson and Karen Pappas return in the roles of Vivian and Mavis, respectively. Both wear their stage personas like comfortable clothes, spinning out their comic lines with a polished ease. Carrie Neal returns to the B&B stage as Karin, a role she has played before. And Westfield’s Anya Burke shares the stage as Karin’s daughter, Signe. B&B favorite John Vessels brings Pastor Gunderson to life as only he can.

(From left) Anya Burke, Licia Watson, John Vessels, Karen Pappas, and Carrie Neal star in Beef & Boards’ production of Church Basement Ladies, on stage now through May 18. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)

This talented crew presents the clever songs, funny sub-plots, and poignant touches with very effective skills. High points for me were the Pastor’s soulful “Song For Willy,” Vivian and Signe’s “For Good Song,” and the basement ladies’ “This Is Most Certainly True.” Also, young Ms. Burke sparkles in “Sing A New Song.”

I must also mention the buffet – here we have good church basement fare: meat loaf and mashed potatoes, creamed corn, chicken a la king, and green bean casserole. Very good choices for a very good show!

Bottom line: Belly laughs were plenty, and the storyline was sweet. This is an easy to enjoy production.

Church Basement Ladies continues at B&B through May 18. Dates and times for performances can be found by calling (317) 872-9664 or by visiting BeefAndBoards.com.

Read more great play reviews from A Seat on the Aisle at asota.wordpress.com.