A blend of comedy, music and heartwarming storytelling is coming to the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue next week with the musical play “Honky Tonk Laundry.” The production, featuring local actresses Jennetta Howell and Alexis States, promises an engaging experience for all ages.

The production, initially brought to the Roaring Fork Valley by States in 2019 after she performed the show in college, has already seen success on the Western Slope, notably during a debut performance at the Ute Theater in Rifle in 2021.

“I brought the script to Jennetta and Jacquie a handful of years ago,” States said. “It’s funny and appropriate for ages zero to 99.” 

The show’s interactive nature sets it apart, offering a unique experience to the audience. 

“Act One sets up the story and then Act Two becomes very interactive with the audience,” States added, describing the play’s distinct structure.

Howell and States, both with impressive backgrounds in musical theater, bring their talents to this family-friendly musical romp. States, a singer with roots in country, gospel and blues, has a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Drake University. Her notable roles include Sandy in “Grease” and Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” 

Howell started her journey in musical theater with a bachelor of fine arts from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. She has a history of diverse roles, from Rizzo in “Grease” to performances on the Princess Cruise Line.

The play revolves around two Tennessee women dealing with life’s challenges, especially those involving men. 

The second act will introduce States’ band, “A Band Called Alexis,” adding a new dimension to the show. 

“My band… helps elevate act two in this interactive experience for the audience,” States said.

Managing Director of Glenwood Vaudeville Revue John Goss praised the actresses’ initiative. Goss’ first worked with the actresses in the early 2010s, where the two actresses met while working at the Vaudeville in 2013 under Goss.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that these two would put together their own show,” Goss said. “They’re both very talented. They’re both go-getters. They both have a lot of energy, a lot of drive, a lot of desire and a lot of passion to perform. So the fact that they have done this show and put it together, it’s impressive.”

States reflected on the nostalgia of returning to their roots, where she said herself and Howell performed in more than 20 plays.

“It’s kind of nostalgic for Jennetta and I because we both worked at the Vaudeville for many years,” she said. “It’s a great way to bring things back to John and also allow us another chance to be on stage.”

Producer Jacquie Johnston spoke about the show’s previous success and the public demand for its return. 

“We sold the whole thing out and ran two weekends of shows in October of 2021,” Johnston said. “And of course, there were lots of people in Glenwood who did not get an opportunity to come down and see it.”

The impact of the pandemic on live theater was significant, Johnston said, but the opportunity to perform at the Vaudeville has been a silver lining. 

“I’m thankful to John and the Vaudeville for allowing us to perform this incredible piece,” Johnston said.

“The audience can expect a lot from ‘Honky Tonk Laundry.'” States assured, “Your audience members can be prepared to experience a lot of laugh-out-loud moments between two girlfriends navigating heartbreak, life, and a brand new friendship.”

With the show slated for four days next week, tickets cost $25. Doors for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows open at 6 p.m., with the performance slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s performance will see doors open at 5 p.m., with the performance scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit gvrshow.com.