Based on real people who are portrayed in the book, “Growing up Lutheran,” “Church Basement Ladies” chronicles the lives of four women who work in the kitchen basement of their Lutheran church.
“Church Basement Ladies: A Second Helping” is a sequel to the first “Church Basement Ladies.” It maintains the same characters as the first, shedding more light on the lives of the four women. There will be two showings at 2 and 7 p.m. this Saturday in the Young Auditorium.
Becky Barrett Jones, who plays the character of Karin in the play, has been touring with the musical since January.
She said her character is the woman in charge; she runs the kitchen and is seen as a mother figure.
“The plot is a lot like that of the film ‘Steel Magnolias,’ although it is set in a church kitchen,” said Jones.
Since the musical represents four real women, Jones said it relates very well to many of the people who come to see it.
“Each of the women in the musical are all based on real women, and the things that occur are based on real things that happened,” Jones said. “I think that’s what makes viewers connect and identify with the women in the show.”
Jones is anticipating her second trip to Wisconsin to perform “Church Basement Ladies.”
“In the show, there is always a shout-out to the Green Bay Packers. When we are in Wisconsin, people get extra excited for that,” Jones said.
Leslie LaMuro, marketing specialist for the Young Auditorium, helped get the “Church Basement Ladies” back at UW-Whitewater because it was such a big hit the first time.
“It has a very Scandinavian feel,” LaMuro said. “[The women] know what’s best for everyone and they will tell you, and everyone has seen them in one way or another.”
Although the musical is a comedy, the sequel brings out a more serious side because unexpected challenges arise.
LaMuro said she enjoyed the first showing and is looking very forward to getting her second helping of the show.
“With all the tensions going on, it’s nice to come out for a night of laughter,” LaMuro said. “I think it’s nice to go out and have a nice belly laugh, and this will do it for you.”
