Written by Greta Grosch
Music and Lyrics by Drew Jansen
A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR BASEMENT opened at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, MN on August 19, 2011 and was produced by Troupe America Inc., Curt Wollan, Executive Producer. The production was directed by Curt Wollan; choreography by Wendy Short Hays; musical direction by Dennis Curley; set design by Jared Grohs; lighting by Kevin Knodl; costume design by Katrina Benedict; sound and video design by Mark Brodin and the production stage manager was Daniel J. Herman.
ORIGINAL CAST
Tim Drake as Pastor E. L. Gunderson
Janet Paone as Mrs. Lars (Vivian) Snustad
Greta Grosch as Mrs. Gilmer (Mavis) Gilmerson
Dorian Chalmers as Mrs. Elroy (Karin) Engelson
Tara Borman as Beverly Signe Engelson
CBL4: A MIGHTY FORTRESS (IS OUR BASEMENT): 1960
Reformation Sunday, 1960 – the day of Pastor’s wedding to Helen. Flashbacks of events from the past year include reading for the minister and the county fair. Mavis almost loses her farm; Karin learns to drive; the basement floods; Vivian gets drunk in the Catholic kitchen.
Act 1:
Prelude: Reformation Sunday, Oct 30, 1960
Scene 1: Friday, May 6, 1960 – The Confirmation Banquet
Scene 2: Later that same day
Scene: “Reading for the Minister”:
Scene 3: A Saturday in September 1960 – The Shower
Scene 4: Later that same day.
Act 2:
Scene 1: October 30, 1960: Reformation Sunday/The Wedding Day.
Scene: “The County Fair”
Scene 2: Later that same morning. Before church.
Scene 3: Right after church.
Scene 4: The Reception. Later that same day.
CBL 4 SONG LIST
Boogie Woogie Bulwark of a Basement
After I’m Confirmed
After You’re Confirmed
The Ballad of Mrs. Elroy Engelson
Growing Up, Letting Go
Born to Farm
All Heaven Broke Loose
An Absolutely Perfect Day
Vivian Snustad, Pickle Queen
That’s Lutheran Love
Finale