For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Fans of the musical comedy series Church Basement Ladies will finally get to know more about the men of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church as The Arts Council presents “Rise Up O Men.” This peek into the lives of the rural Norwegian Lutherans with whom audiences fell in love in 2005 is the sixth chapter of the story started by the original Church Basement Ladies.

As the ladies busy themselves with preparations for their church’s participation in the town’s 1964 Centennial Celebration, we get to see their comings and goings from the eyes of the men folk, who have their own problems to solve. Their camaraderie unites them as they deal with furnace salesmen, looming retirement, rival Protestant denominations, the Pastor’s bad jokes, and Arlene’s even-worse cooking.

The performance will be held Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center of Wisconsin Rapids. An “Upscale Church Supper” held at 5:30 p.m. in the Lincoln High School cafeteria, catered by Chat-R-Box Café. The cafeteria will be transformed to offer a fine-dining experience, with tables for four. LHS music students will provide entertainment during dinner. Seating is limited to the first 240 customers, and tickets must be purchased by Feb. 13.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.SavorTheArts.org or call 715-424-2787.

Catch a glimpse of what to expect at www.ChurchBasementLadiesonStage.com.