’80s References in ‘Spamtown, USA’
Take a trip down memory lane and prepare your kids for the ’80s references found throughout the show!
Music References in ‘Spamtown, USA’
I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones
Lucky Star by Madonna
Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar
We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sisters
Jump by Van Halen
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
80s General References
George McFly from Back to the Future
Spamtown, USA is a moving portrait of Austin, Minnesota during the 1985 Hormel strike. While five kids dream of space camp, tennis teams, and fashion school, they find their families and community suddenly divided by picket lines and opposing agendas. This is the story of having the strength to stand up for what you believe in, the hope that is found in surprising alliances, and the humor that helps keep friendships alive.
For tickets visit our website!
Written by Philip Dawkins
Directed by Will Davis
Run time: 2 hours with one 20-minute intermission
Best enjoyed by everyone 9 and up
Cargill Stage
Due to the age recommendation, lap passes will not be available for this production.
Things to Know About the Show
· The playwright traveled to Austin, Minn. and interviewed 25 people who were children and five adults living in Austin, Minnesota about their real-life experience living through the Hormel strike of 1985 and the aftermath. Stories from these interviews directly influenced scenes and dialogue in the show.
· The characters are composites drawn from the interviews — all names of those who speak in the play are invented — but the stories, challenges, and spirit of the characters is drawn from the extraordinary people who spoke to us about their lives and this moment in their history.
· This play takes place in the 1980s — references to pop culture, slang, and views of that decade are represented throughout this play.
— Article by Tyler Quam
