"Church Basement Ladies“ tours for Christmas

AMANA — TKM Theatrical Productions brings “Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Tour” to Amana this month.

The national tour will be at the Amana Performing Arts Center, 39 38th Ave., one day only. Residents can choose from two showtimes, 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24.

Tickets are $34 at the TKM Theatrical productions website events page and at the TKM Facebook page. Amana discounts will be honored.

Tickets are $30 for groups of 10 or more. For group rates and information, email deborahkennedy@live.com or call 319-899-3799.

The new musical comedy, set to open the holiday season, is an offering from Troupe America, Inc., the producer of the nationally acclaimed musical comedies “Church Basement Ladies” and “Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping.”

“Away in the Basement” takes us back to 1959 and the day of the Sunday school Christmas Program. In the midst of holiday preparations and sprinklings of love in the air, the ladies in their witty, down-to-earth style are creating their own memories from Christmases past and present.

Content to do things the way they have always been done, yet pondering new ideas, the reality of everyday life hits home as they plan the Sunday school Christmas Program.

As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, several of the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the treat bags filled with apples, peanuts and ribbon candy while the others put the final touches on the Nativity pieces.

As they mend old bathrobe costumes, discuss the politics of who’s going to play the various roles, little do the ladies know what surprises are in store for them. Known for their hilarious antics and subtle charm, they are once again called upon to step in and save the day.