Honky Tonk Laundry, St. Croix Off Broadway’s Spring Musical
Review by Melanie Nelson
March 16, 2019

St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre offers up a juicy spring show that regular patrons are going to sing about. Honky Tonk Laundry showcases the musical talents of actresses who, between the two of them, have commanded the dinner theatre’s stage for a total of 23 shows.

Stephanie Osman, known to many as Clara from the Don’t Hug Me series, opens the show as Lana Mae buzzing into the brightly colored Wishy Washy Washateria with a big slurpy and the weight of her customers’ laundry on her mind. The only thing that makes her feel better is meeting someone who has it worse than she does. Enter Katie, played by Brittany Oberstadt, remembered by many from That Lovin’ Feelin’ and Unnecessary Farce. When Lana Mae hears Katie’s tragic story of heartbreak, she hires her on the spot and the two become best friends.

The story unravels through songs of country artists across decades. “Stand by Your Man” and “Before He Cheats” are two particularly awesome numbers that allow us to get to know the ladies and their customers. Of those customers that we never see, my favorite is Earl. Lana Mae says “He’s a two-fer: good looks and a pickup truck.” It’s Earl’s pair of Sponge Bob underwear that ultimately set the story on course for no return, inspiring the ladies to turn the laundromat into a honky-tonk after hours.

As the 50^th show at St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, which opened its doors in March of 2006, co-owner and artistic director Jim Zimmerman has chosen to showcase the power of friendship and, as always, the fun of music. Honky Tonk Laundry features the music of Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Sara Evans, The Dixie Chicks, Chely Wright, Dolly Parton, Pam Tillis, Gretchen Wilson, Terri Cark, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline.

What’s for dinner? You get your choice of tenderloin cutlets of beef, champagne chicken, broiled walleye filet, or spinach and roasted garlic tortellini. No matter what you order, make sure to save room for dessert!

Honky Tonk Laundry is playing Friday and Saturday evenings at the dinner theatre located in the Hudson House Grand Hotel in Hudson, WI now through May 17 with a noon lunch matinee only on May 18. The price of $68 includes dinner with nonalcoholic beverages, meal tip, show, and tax/handling fee; matinees, $46. There is also a Stay & Play package for two, which includes a hotel room with breakfast and the dinner theatre for $202.95. For specific dates see www.stcroixoffbroadway.com or call the box office at 715-386-2394 ext. 332.