Church Basement Ladies return May 1

"The Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement" will have two performances May 1 in McCook. (Courtesy photo)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Get ready to laugh and laugh ... and then laugh some more! The source of the side-splitting hilarity is the upcoming performance in McCook of one of the funniest, cleanest and most true-to-life comedies now on tour in the midwestern United States.

By special arrangement, the touring cast of "Church Basement Ladies: A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement" will bring the production to the Fox Theatre in McCook for two performances on Thursday, May 1. The first will be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. and the second will be an evening show at 7 p.m.

The local presentation is made possible by the sponsorship of the McCook Arts Council,

Because of the widespread popularity of the Church Basement Ladies' series, advance tickets for the shows in McCook are going on sale this week at Sehnert's Bakery and the Bieroc Cafe. Priced much higher in city venues, the tickets in McCook are being offered at prices of $25 for general admission and $20 each when purchased in groups of five or more.

The Church Basement Ladies' series made its first appearance in McCook in May of 2011, attracting large crowds to the Fox for a show called "A Second Helping." Upon their return to Nebraska this year, the Church Basement Ladies will present shows at the Lied Center in Lincoln and the Midwest in Scottsbluff in addition to McCook.

The ticket purchasers will have a great show in store. For more than two hours, the audience can escape the cares of the world and just laugh, be happy and remember a nostalgic slice of American life.

"It's a precious show because it brings back vivid memories of our younger days. Through the antics of the Church Basement Ladies, we are reminded of our mother, our aunt, our grandmother and the other ladies who helped in the church basement," says Troupe America, the touring group which is bringing the show to McCook.

Time honored for their contributions, the Church Basement Ladies are the under-appreciated women of the church who cook and arrange the good and coffee for weddings, youth gatherings and potluck suppers.

The heart-warming humor and hilarious antics are supplied by a cast that features five memorable characters: Vivian Snustad, Mavis Gilmerson, Karin Engelson, Beverly Hauge and Pastor Gunderson.

The story is set in the 1960s. Beverly gets her first pair of heels for confirmation; Pastor Gunderson announces his upcoming nuptials; Mrs. Snustad and Mrs. Gilmerson plan a food booth at the county fair to raise money; and Mrs. Engleson embarks on a spontaneous driving lesson. Though it all, these bulwarks, never failing stand strong in their faith and their friendships.