Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

A new musical opens at the History Theatre this weekend, called "Hormel Girls." The show is about how Jay C. Hormel formed an all-girl swing band for G.I. Janes home from World War II.

At their peak, the Hormel Girls had a top-rated radio show, but they were also a prime marketing tool for the maker of Spam. Starting in the late 1940s, the performing saleswomen would caravan into towns across the country. There were always at least 60 of them riding in a fleet of spotless white Chevrolets. 

Laurie Flanigan wrote the script for the new show at the History Theatre, and Sari Ketter directs it. MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with them about the show, and Flanigan explained how the Hormel Girls got their start.

Gallery

A new musical opens at the History Theatre this weekend, called "Hormel Girls." The show is about how Jay C. Hormel formed an all-girl swing band for G.I. Janes home from World War II.


Playwright Laurie Flanigan and director Sari Ketter talk about the new show at the History Theatre.

' Hormel Girls' musical at the History Theatre

The Hormel Girls had a top-reated radio show in the 40's and 50's

Local theater enlivens history of the Hormel Girls

Go Deeper.

Like this?