'Church Basement Ladies' plan to take over Swiftel Center in February

Church Basement Ladies" is coming to the Swiftel Center Feb. 10 and 11. It features former M*A*S*H* actor William Christopher.

A new musical comedy, "Church Basement Ladies," will make a February appearance at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, and tickets are already on sale.

The show opens Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m. with two additional shows on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy on the TV sitcom "M*A*S*H," headlines the musical comedy that mixes the silliness of "Nunsense" with the homespun humor of "Prairie Home Companion."

The show was a smash hit in Minneapolis, where it sold out for 130 straight weeks.

"Church Basement Ladies" is a celebration of the church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there. Set in 1964-1965 , creators say the show is a funny, heartfelt reflection on the four women who tirelessly prepare the food and solve problems for the congregation at a rural Minnesota church.

The "Church Basement Ladies" include the elderly matriarch of the kitchen, a young bride-to-be , a jack-of-all trades farm wife, and the best cook in the church.

Together, the ladies stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the pastor on due course as they cope with the changing world. In the span of a year, they plan a record-breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser and a steaming hot July wedding feast.

It's a "down-to-earth glimpse at life from the kitchen the heart and soul of the church 'Church Basement Ladies' features toe-tapping music and delicious humor."

The show is based on the best-selling book "Growing Up Lutheran" by humorists Janet Letnes and Suzann Nelson. It features a book by Jim Stowell and Jessica Zuehlke, with music and lyrics by Drew Jansen.

For show times or more information , log onto www.swiftelcenter .com or call 605-692-8499 . The Web site lists ticket prices at $35- $40 apiece.

Tickets are already on sale at the Swiftel Center box office, by phone at 605-692-1992 , online at www.swiftelcenter.com, or any Ticketmaster outlet.