Last (Potluck) Supper Dishes Up the Laughs at Bell Tower Theater
Miki Robinson, Marketing Director for the Bell Tower Theater in Dubuque, has been a frequent and enthusiastic guest at the Good Morning Rodeo whenever a new production is in the works.
She stopped by most recently to share the latest and greatest play underway, The Last (Potluck) Supper, at what is undoubtedly one of Dubuque's most excellent little community theater venues. During that interview, Miki said the Bell Tower only presents comedies, which I was happy to learn.
So this past Friday, I decided to attend the opening night of the Last (Potluck) Supper featuring the Church Basement Ladies. Here are a few takeaways from the overall experience.
The basement theater is pretty cool and quite literally sits in an old church basement itself. As you descend the stairs to the 300-seat, nearly two-decade-old theater, there is a relaxed underground vibe to the place. It's big and equipped for some elaborate productions yet small enough to get an intimate connection to the stage and actors.
The Last (Supper) Club is a comedy under the direction of Dubuque Community Theater legend Sue Riedel. The play features the enduring and endearing relationship between four Lutheran church ladies living in rural Minnesota. The banter and rapid-fire jokes generated big laughs from the full-house opening night audience.
Actress Lori Foley plays Church Lady Mrs. Lars (Vivian) Snustad for the 5th time. Watching her reprise the role is a real treat as she brings the character's persnickety persona to life.
Moreover, Joanne Hillary as Mrs. Elroy Engelson (Karin), Mandy Gillerson (Mavis), and Kiley Shulz as Mrs. Beverly Signe Engelson Hauge delivered spot-on performances with impeccable comedic timing.
You see their collective talents and experience blend together, and they don't miss a beat. The audience laughed along as Church Ladies used the small stage and quaint basement to their full advantage.
Frank McClain's role as the Pastor was another great laugh-out-loud turn by a seasoned performer. His depiction of the Pastor and a few other cameo roles as different characters was true comedy. From the docile & doting Pastor to the Norwegian townsman, McClain's character transitions were as funny as they were seamless.
The show is a musical, so it was impressive that the cast hit all the right notes and showcased some incredibly talented voices taking songs and the overall play to a comedic high note.
The music of Terry Dillon and Masahiro Iwasaki was also impeccable. Their live music was subtle enough at times. Yet, they elevated the Last (Potluck) Supper to an even higher place when needed.
Overall, it was well-acted, amusing, laugh-out-loud entertainment, and great fun for the value. The Bell Tower is home to some very talented folks, so if you like to laugh, don't miss The Last (Potluck) Supper.
The Last (Potluck) Supper runs through August 28, 2022. Visit belltowertheater.net or Phone: 563-588-3377 for showtimes and ticket information.
Bell Tower Theater Box Office Hours
Mondays through Fridays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Most Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
Sundays (show days only) from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The Box Office is closed on all major holidays.
The Bell Tower Theater is a not-for-profit community theater at 2728 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa.