The cast of "Church Basement Ladies 2," from left, are Holly Eidsness, Kelly Thom, Triniti Gregg, Dorian Garland and Karen Anderson.

The Mouse River Players Community Theater is nearing completion of its west facade renovation of the Arlene Theater in downtown Minot, just in time for the opening performance of its 51st season.

“Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping” will be performed two consecutive weekends on Thursdays through Saturdays, Sept. 15-17 and Sept. 22-24, at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Sept. 18 and 25, at 2 p.m.

Patrons who want a glimpse of the theater changes from the inside are encouraged to purchase tickets for the performance on the MRP website at http://mouseriverplayers.com or by calling 838-3939. A special rate for groups of six or more is being offered for the Thursday shows.

“Church Basement Ladies 2” is the second edition of the MRP’s 2018 “Church Basement Ladies” performance. Back for second performances are three of the five performers and director Ken Haarstad.

“It’s decidedly Lutheran — based on the book ‘Growing Up Lutheran,’ but it’s good for everybody,” Haarstad said. “The music is really excellent — well written. I like it a lot. It’s just a really fun story. It’s going to touch a lot of hearts.”

“The Church Basement Ladies” picks up its story in 1969 with a changing world.  As Vietnam War protests swell and women everywhere demand equal pay for equal work, the ladies in the church basement kitchen face changes of their own.  From the matriarch to the mom-to-be, these women find strength in each other as they deal with the changes from below the House of God, according to a synopsis.

The performance includes music and lyrics by Dennis Curley and Drew Jansen that are both poignant and upbeat. The story, based on a book by Greta Grosch, has many moments of hilarity and laughter and is designed to be uplifting regardless of the audience members’  faith traditions.

The seasoned cast includes Dorian Garland as the pastor, Triniti Gregg as Beverly, Kelly Thom as Karin, Karen Anderson as Mavis and Holly Eidsness as Vivian. Virginia Dohms is musical director.

More than 52 local Lutheran churches have been invited to provide photos of their own “Church Basement Ladies,” which will be shared before each performance.  

The facade renovation has been funded through a 10-year forgivable loan provided by the City of Minot and donations from patrons, 15 local businesses and several granting organizations, including the Andrist Foundation, the St. Joseph’s Community Health Foundation, the N.D. Community Foundation, Verendrye Electric, Ruthville Lions Club, Minot Area Council on the Arts, MIDCO, the N.D. Insurance Agents Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Minot Post 753 and SRT. 

The renovation work has been conducted by Mattson Construction and designed by Ackerman and Estvold with input from the MRP board of directors.

MRP is hopeful that new external signage provided by Indigo Signs will be in place by the time the play opens.  

Interior and exterior security cameras were purchased through a grant from Hess Corp. A listing of various businesses and patrons who contributed to the project is being prepared for display on the MRP website and in the lobby. 

Remaining funds will be used to complete additional phases of the lobby renovation. An update on these projects will be available before each performance.

“We appreciate the generosity and support of all of our patrons and the many local businesses who support not only this endeavor but our shows in every season,” MRP stated. “The cost of interior renovations is significant, and MRP is committed to working with the public and local businesses to raise the funds needed for subsequent phases of the overall project.”

Additional contributions can be made online at http://mouseriverplayers.com.