Local theater enlivens history of the Hormel Girls

St. Paul, Minn. — 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.