Ali Mullin and Shannon English run through one of their scenes in a recent rehearsal for Firehall Theatre's production of Honky Tonk Laundry.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Opening night for Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre’s dinner theatre is fast approaching, and the cast is feeling just about ready to bring the show to life.
Honky Tonk Laundry, says director Luanne Schneider, follows the story of Lana Mae and Katie Lane as their friendship develops over the course of some classic country tracks and more than a few loads of clothes.
“I don’t see very much country in the shows that come through,” said Schneider. “But Medicine Hat is very much a country city, so I wanted to pick something that would bring in that very country crowd. And this one is a really powerful friendship. It’s almost like Thelma and Louise, except they don’t die in the end.”
The jukebox musical covers some of the best-known women in country, used to great effect by the two women who make up the entirety of the cast as the pair decide to turn the laundromat into a proper honky tonk.
The role of Katie Lane is alternated between shows by actresses Ali Mullin and Sarah Laitmer, with Lana Mae herself being played by Shannon English. Laitmer said this would be her first time in a two-woman show, which has been a unique experience, but overall a positive one.
“It definitely feels like more pressure, but at the same time, it’s the most I’ve been able to sing on stage in a show so far. So that’s been really fun,” said Laitmer. “It feels like we’ve been rehearsing forever, but also for no time at all. I think we’re just about ready.”
The feeling of “just about” was echoed by English, who shared that while she’s still nervous, those nerves are a sign of care, and she intends to hold on to them in order to put on the best performance possible for those attending.
“Playing Lana Mae has been kind of cathartic,” said English. “Because I think anybody who sings has big dreams of going somewhere. And, you know, Medicine Hat is a wonderful community, and it’s such, it’s ripe with theatrical opportunities, but every singer thinks they’ll be on Broadway when they’re young. So I carry that into playing her.”
Both Laitmer and English warn the audience that the show contains a combination of both laughter and tears, and they should be prepared for both in the one-act performance. The show itself is appropriate for all ages, though Schneider noted it may be best enjoyed by those eight and older due to the themes.
Tickets are still available for both the show-only evenings as well as three nights of dinner theatre, catered by Shooting Star Events, for cocktails and a full roast roast beef buffet with plenty of options for vegetarian or vegan guests.
Schneider suggests that those interested get their tickets from the Firehall Theatre website soon, as they will need to provide numbers for the dinners ahead of time. The show runs from Sept. 26 to Oct 5 at the Cypress Centre Auditorium.
“Come out and support your local theatres,” said Schneider. “We’re all volunteers, none of this is paid, it’s all for the love of it. And if you want to get involved, no matter what it is you want to learn to do, there’s a space for you here.”
