Page 9 - STA Hony Tonk Laundry Playbill 111020

We here at Stages owe Roger Bean a great deal. The original production of Roger’s
play The Marvelous Wonderettes remains the largest grossing show in our history. More
importantly, it is the show that introduced so many of you to Stages. It is a proud Jukebox
musical. And so is Honky Tonk Laundry. And I am a proud we have produced these
and many others including, the international phenomenon premiered at this company –
Always..Patsy Cline.
The jukebox musical deserves a place of understanding as part of the world history
of theater. I firmly believe that deriding the jukebox musical as “less than” is an elitist
dismissal of the interests and tastes of millions of theater-goers. And such a dismissal is
an arrogant disregard for the history of the theater as well.
Y’all never expected that much passion for a little show about a laundry turned Honky
Tonk, now did you? I’m putting the soapbox next to the dyier if anyone is looking for it.

Much peace,

Kenn McLaughlin
Artistic Director