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Russellville Community Center to host dinner theater this weekend
Russellville Community Center, partnered with Preston Dildine Presents, has announced the return of its dinner theater spring fundraiser on Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19.
After a two-year hiatus the Community Center will present the popular musical “Church Basement Ladies,” opening on Friday.
“Church Basement Ladies,” a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there, features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives as we see them handle a record-breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser and a steaming hot July wedding.
They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying (and tolerating) each other.
Co-directed by Preston Dildine and Mahlon Nevitt, this production team has compiled a talented group of women. Local theater mainstay and longtime postman Nancy “Nan” Rodenbeck leads the team as Vivian, the stern matron of the kitchen. Mary Kathleen Keller stars as Karin, the second in command, and Vivian’s direct competitor. Lora Burris, another Sugar Creek Players and Russellville Community Center favorite, stars as Mavis, the ever-overworked farmer’s wife. Newcomer to the Montgomery/Putnam County stage is Lillian Meagher as Signe, the smart-mouthed daughter of Karin, home from university in “the cities.” Stepping back into the role of the frazzled Pastor Gunderson is Preston Dildine, having just played the role in Michigan this past fall.
Molly Day joins the team as their rehearsal accompanist, with Dee Osterhoudt co-producing, Dennis Obenchain on set, Linda Kingry on lights and Ron Keedy stepping in as technical director.
The show’s sponsors include Hive Realty, Angie Williams Realtor & Broker, Brothers Pizza, Blake’s Electric and Jeff Neal Paint & Body. Thanks also go to the Crawfordsville District Public Library for its support and allowing the use of its meeting rooms for rehearsal space, as well as the Crawfordsville Parks and Rec Center for its emergency assistance.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, followed by meal at 6 and the show at 7. On Sunday, doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the meal at noon and show at 1.
The menu for each night is as follows:
• Friday, March 17: Variety of soups and sandwiches, crackers, relish tray, desserts, drinks
• Saturday, March 18: Boneless pork chop, mashed potatoes, buttered corn, slaw, roll & butter, desserts, drinks
• Sunday, March 19: Chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, roll & butter, desserts, drinks
The cost for dinner and show is $20 (tax included) for all ages.
Ticket sales are day-of only. No presale or reservations will be taken for this production. Cash or check will be accepted, while no payment by card, Apple Pay, Venmo or Cash App will be available.
Any questions may be sent to prestondildine@yahoo.com.