The Creative Team
Janet Letnes Martin
Source Material
A writer, speaker and 100% Norwegian Lutheran farm girl, Janet Letnes Martin partnered with her college friend Suzann to pen a number of humorous books, including the highly successful GROWING UP LUTHERAN. The two went on to appear at speaking engagements around the country. A relative of Curt Wollan heard the duo and told him, “You’ve got to turn that into a musical!” The rest is history.
Curt Wollan
Producer/Director
A prolific director and producer, Curt Wollan has created a number of successful long running original shows including HOW TO TALK MINNESOTAN, and all nine of the Church Basement Ladies Musicals.
Suzann Johnson Nelson
Source Material
A writer, speaker and 100% Norwegian Lutheran farm girl, Suzann Nelson partnered with her college friend Janet to pen a number of humorous books, including the highly successful GROWING UP LUTHERAN. The two went on to appear at speaking engagements around the country. A relative of Curt Wollan heard the duo and told him, “You’ve got to turn that into a musical!” The rest is history.
Drew Janson
Music and Lyrics
The composer for the highly successful HOW TO TALK MINNESOTAN musical series, Drew Janson again partnered with Troupe America for CBL1, CBL2, CBL3, CBL4 and CBL5.
Greta Grosch
Scriptwriter/Lyricist
An original cast member of Church Basement Ladies, Greta Grosch became the scriptwriter for CBL2, and went on to write CBL3, CBL4, CBL5, CBL6, CBL7, CBL8 and CBL9. She also served as co-lyricist for CBL6 and CBL7.
Michael Pearce Donley
Music and Lyrics
Well known for his work as one of the creators of the hit TRIPLE ESPRESSO, Michael Pearce Donley joined the team for CBL#8.
Dennis Curley
Music and Lyrics
A musician, composer and arranger, Dennis Curley has served as Music Director for many of the original productions. He wrote music and lyrics for CBL2, CBL6, CBL7 and CBL9.
Jim Stowell / Jessica Zuehlke
Scriptwriters
Jessica Zuehlke was a college friend of Janet and Suzann’s. Jim Stowell, her husband at the time, was a storyteller and playwright. The two joined up with the creative team to help shape the story of the church basement ladies in CBL1.
Wendy Short-Hays
Original Choreography
Wendy Short-Hays is a performer, dancer, director and producer, and served as the original choreographer for all nine of the Church Basement Ladies musicals. Her original choreography continues to be licensed for use by regional productions across the country.
Mark Brodin
Additional Material
Mark Brodin’s Emmy Award winning documentary DELEFIELD was the inspiration behind CBL#5, and tells the story of a Norwegian farm community that, faced with the harsh realities of a dwindling congregation, made the difficult decision to disband their congregation and give away the church building.
Graydon Paul Royce
Additional Material
An acclaimed theater critic for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Graydon Royce reviewed the Church Basement Ladies shows for years before being invited to join the team for CBL#6. As the writers expanded the story to include the viewpoint of additional men, Graydon’s personal experiences and heritage provided valuable insight.