The Looney Lutherans
Comedy Trio
[object Object]
The Looney Lutherans are a trio of wacky gals who use music, comedy, and some help from the audience to share their age-old wisdom for living a long and lively life, the Lutheran way. Material is comedic and family friendly, and you don’t have to be Lutheran to love ‘it! They say laughter is the key to a long, healthy life. With their crazy antics, The Looney Lutherans are sure to help you extend yours.
The Looney Lutherans offer multiple show options for a variety of themes (and for repeat visits to your audience!)
"The Looney Lutherans" Basic 30-60 minute show
The Looney Lutherans share tips for healthy living. Segments may include the Lutheran “food wheel”, handy beauty tips and the gameshow POTLUCK. Audience members may also be invited to participate in a homespun exercise routine.
Shows 75-90 minutes in length, with or without an intermission
"Livin' La Vida Lutheran"
Using the principles of the “6HHP” (the 6 “Happy Heart” petals), the Looney Lutherans share their unique tips for living a livelier life. Segments may include the Menopause Medley and Lutheran Yoga.
"Young(ish) at Heart"
Getting older can be a literal “pain in the neck”, but laughter is good medicine! Segments may include What’s In Your Lunchbox? (hosted by your favorite lunch meat) and creative tips for keeping fit - because Jello isn’t the only thing that jiggles.
"Hold The Lutefisk"
When you want an old-fashioned Looney Christmas you know who to turn to! Segments may include the Holiday food circle, practical gift ideas, letters to Santa - and maybe even a visit from Old Saint Nick himself….
"Hotdish on the Range"
Giddyup! The Loonies are back in the saddle with this country and cowboy themed show. Segments include “Cowboy Conversation” and hilarious parodies of classic country songs like “I’m Falling to Pieces.”
"I'm Dreaming of a Looney Christmas"
In the midst of the Holiday Hustle, many of us long for the days when we didn’t worry about icy roads or how many calories were in a Christmas cookie. Recapture the carefree days of the season with the Loonies!
"It Could Be Worse"
After 20 years together, the Loonies have compiled some techniques and tricks for surviving relationships. Tips include: “How to understand what your spouse is thinking”, a Looney take on "The Dating Game", and the Lutheran Feelings Chart.
>> Career Highlights
The Looney Lutherans are a team of professional actresses who met as cast members of the highly popular CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES’ musicals. Since 2006, they have appeared together across the Midwest at numerous events, including Mother-Daughter Banquets, Red Hat Gatherings, Womens’ and Seniors’ Expos, Member Appreciation Dinners, County Fairs, Community Events, Annual Meetings, and Hospital Fundraisers.
The Looney Lutherans include:
Dorian Chalmers (Ginger Johnson):
An original cast member of CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES, Dorian began her entertainment career twirling baton for bridal showers at Jevnaker Lutheran Church in Montevideo, MN. She has also appeared in BEEHIVE at Hey City Theatre, TINTYPES on the Centennial Showboat, and I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE at the Plymouth Playhouse. Dorian spent five years singing at Mancini’s in St Paul, and continues to be in great demand as a vocalist around the area.
Robbie Mancina (Bella Anderson):
A cast member of CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES, Robbie has been seen in many productions around the Twin Cities including SWEENY TODD, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and BABES IN TOYLAND. A native of the West Coast, Robbie also understudied Cathy Rigby in PETER PAN at the San Diego Civic Light Opera. Robbie moved to the Midwest to attend St Olaf College where she earned a degree in both French and drama. She then married a nice Minnesotan boy and has lived in the Midwest ever since!
Greta Grosch (Lois Jenson):
An original cast member of CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES, Greta has worked as a freelance actor and writer around the country since 1989. In the Twin Cities she has been seen at Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop, in the Minneapolis production of TONY AND TINA’S WEDDING, and has appeared at the Ordway, the Loring Playhouse, and the History Theatre. Greta also appears in radio and television commercials, travels the country as a motivational speaker and corporate entertainer, serves as head writer for the Medora Musical, and wrote the scripts for the last four installments of the CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 2 musicals.
Jennifer Maren:
A professional actress for over 15 years, Jen has appeared at the History Theatre, the Guthrie, Illusion Theatre, in a number of TV and radio spots, and on stage at Hey City Theatre as a cast member of TONY and TINA’S WEDDING. A graduate of St. Olaf College, Jen has been looney all her life, but has been appearing with The Looney Lutherans since 2012.
>> Testimonials
"Everything went very well! So many people told me that it was exactly the kind of program they needed at this time. The audience participation was phenomenal."
-Heyde Center for the Arts
“The ladies are still talking about your program. It was the conversation of the community. When I got back to work this morning, they were still talking about it!!! Thanks again for such a memorable morning.”
–Margaret, St James, MN
“I have heard nothing but great responses from your presentation on Saturday last. We enjoyed the program immensely! It was fun to see Lutherans get a little crazy. A BIG THANKS!”
–Janet, Owatonna, MN
“I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it was to have you with us. It appeared that everyone was totally engaged and enjoyed themselves. I received many, many compliments.”
–Tammy, Gaylord, MN
“It was just such a fun evening. Many told me how much they enjoyed the Looney Lutherans. It was great to see so many big smiles and hear such rich laughter during the performance. Thank you so much for a great show and great spirit. I have been humming “We are the Looney Lutherans” all day.”
–Mary, Maple Grove, MN
“Our event was a tremendous success thanks to you three talented ladies! What a blast!”
–Judy
“What a thousand comments we’re getting about Looney Lutherans! We all know laughter is good for our health…we surely exercised that a lot on Saturday!”
–Jean, White Bear Lake, MN
“Comments I have overheard this morning include: What a professional group; What an amazing amount of talent; Boy, was that a fun evening; I hope they are there next year. I agree with all of the comments I have overheard.”
–Stan, Control Concepts Inc.
“I just want to thank you for a wonderful program. All of the ladies were talking about it this morning, they really enjoyed themselves”.
–Ginny (a Looney Presbyterian!)
“Everyone had some good laughs and enjoyed the performance. I was amazed at the audience participation.”
–Holly, Fridley, MN
>> Basic Set-Up Needs
A Looney Lutherans performance is both portable and flexible, and can fit in any space. The Loonies can also provide their own sound system.
>> Sample Introduction
The following is a sample introduction you might use when introducing The Looney Lutherans to your audience:
“THE LOONEY LUTHERANS are a trio of wacky Lutheran ladies on tour promoting their new cookbook. Each of these talented women has performed for years on stages across the country, but they have been appearing together as The Looney Lutherans since 2006.
They are thrilled to be here today to share some of their tips for healthy living, the Lutheran way. (But you don’t have to be Lutheran to particpate!) Please welcome Dorian Chalmers, Greta Grosch (like ‘gr-aw-sh’), and Robbie Mancina (like Man-cheen-a) as THE LOONEY LUTHERANS!”
>> Pricing Information
Pricing for each act varies depending on a number of factors including: location of the event; popularity of the date; routing for each act; type of event; single or multiple day performances; length of show, etc. To get a specific and accurate quote for your event please contact our office by completing the form below or calling (612) 361-6002. We respond very quickly to answer all our clients' questions.