“Rise Up, O Men” Comedy Series at Marion Palace Theatre

Written by on March 15, 2019

Marion, OH – Fans of the Church Basement Ladies musical comedy series will finally get to know more about the men of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church.

This sixth, and latest, addition to the series, “Rise Up, O Men” introduces the men of the church right alongside your favorite ladies from the basement when they perform at the historic Marion Palace Theatre on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

The year is 1964, in the basement kitchen of the Lutheran Church in rural Minnesota. “Rise Up, O Men” features familiar faces: Mrs. Mavis Gilmerson, Mrs. Vivian Snustad, and Mrs. Karin Engleson. As the ladies busy themselves with preparations for their church’s participation in the town’s Centennial Celebration, we see their comings and goings from the eyes of the men folk, who have their own problems to solve. Karin’s husband Elroy, farmer Carl, and great war vet Arlo are joined in brotherhood by series staple Pastor E.L. Gunderson. Their camaraderie unites them as they deal with furnace salesmen, looming retirement, rival Protestant denominations, the Pastor’s bad jokes, and Arlene’s even-worse cooking.

“We’re ready to introduce some new faces to the many fans who’ve become part of the Church Basement Ladies family over the years,” said Troupe America’s Curt Wollan, who has produced all six of the shows. “We’ve also got a lineup of original musical numbers that we’ve caught our preview audiences humming on the way out of the theatre—between the belly laughs and the songs, “Rise Up, O Men” is an exciting addition to the Church Basement Ladies canon.”

Inspired by the bestselling book Growing Up Lutheran by Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, Troupe America Inc produced the original “The Church Basement Ladies.” The show opened in 2005 to a response so enthusiastic that its initial run lasted two-and-a half years. This latest chapter in the lives of these rural Minnesota Norwegians was developed by Greta Grosch, who wrote the scripts for the second, third, fourth, and fifth musicals in the series. Longtime Minneapolis Star Tribune theatre critic Graydon Royce contributed additional material. Composer and songwriter Dennis Curley wrote the music, with lyrics by Dennis Curley and Greta Grosch.

Reserved seating tickets for the Church Basement Ladies in “Rise Up, O Men” are now available for purchase and are priced at $20, $25, $30, $35. Patrons are encouraged to order tickets early for the best seating. Groups of 20 or more receive a 10% discount off tickets. Ticketing fees may apply. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Palace Theatre Box Office, 276 W. Center St. in downtown Marion or by phone at 740/383-2101 during box office hours. Box office hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are also available 24/7 online at www.marionpalace.org.

This event is sponsored by Marion Community Foundation and supported by Ohio Arts Council. Media sponsors WMRN-AM and the Marion Star.


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