Theatrical Review: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
Music and Lyrics by: Carol Hall
Book by: Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Based on a story by: Larry L. King
Directed and Choreographed by: Carmela Guiteras Mayo
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

Our Good Friends at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented their production of Larry L. King‘s “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” There are times I reflect upon some of the women in my life and wonder what I was thinking. Thanks to this production, I know. From the arousing opening number featuring shadow dances encouraging members of the audience to remark, “Holy Kama Sutra, Batman” to the climatic ending, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is filled with enough energy, humor, and tantalizations to delight even the most moralistic audience member.

In fact, the play’s down to earthy humor and subsequent wisdom reminds its audience a high moral sense isn’t just for those who proclaim it as their own personal means of gaining attention. It is the providence of anyone who wish to better the lives and situations of everyone they come in contact with including themselves. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” demonstrates this through the independence of its women to enter a profession in which they have a control over their destinies while finding a way to pursue their profession without the pitfall others who made a similar choice have. These pitfalls include abusive pimps, contracting venereal diseases, and serving time in jail.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” seems to be a manifesto for the decriminalization of prostitution but it is more than that. The play also explores the emotional side of human relationship including those involving neglect and abuse and political and moral hypocrisy. One only have to observe the recent news to be reminded how little things have changed since the time when “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” was first presented. Unfortunately, the play may remain relevant for some time to come.

The play is well written as it addresses these issues through humor and music without becoming silly as a lesser play might be tempted to do. The acting was superb as everyone came to the stage with ell developed characters and consistently maintained a high level of performance throughout the evening. The timing of the actors as well as the scene and costume changes were very impressive. This production could be the basis on how a musical on a small stage should be performed.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” cast consists of Kristen Gehling portrayed Mona (the Madam of the house) with a self assuredness in her wisdom which came from many years of experience. The Girls of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (aka “The Chicken Ranch”) are Holli Banks who portrayed Jewell, Laurie Sutton who portrayed Angel, Chelsea Best who portrayed Shy, Audrey Holeman who portrayed Dawn, Christina Maslin who portrayed Ruby Rae, Jessica Bay Blyweiss who portrayed Ginger, Becky Day who portrayed Beatrice, and Lindsie Van Winkle who (with a striking resemblance to First Lady Laura Bush) portrayed Linda Lou and a waitress named Doatsy Mae.

Although these ladies were the main attraction of the evening, the male members of the cast were equally impressive. Chris J. Hadley portrayed Sheriff Dodd with a balanced mixture of common sense attitudes and political incorrectness which amused, enlightened, and even disturbed members of the audience with its bluntness. Other male roles were Michael Pine who portrayed the publicity seeking moral watchdog Melvin P. Thorpe, Thomas Schario who portrayed both C. J. Scruggs and the side stepping Governor, Michael Alan Read who portrayed both Local Journalist Edsel Mackey and “Good Ol’ Boy” Senator Wingwoah, Michael Bauer who portrayed Mayor Rufus Poindexter, Chris Johnson who portrayed the TV Colorman for the football game sequence, and Elvin Roytman who portrayed Pete. Besides the roles noted, many of the actors and actresses also portrayed Doggettes, Thorpe Singers, Aggies, and Angelettes.

The Production was Directed and Choreographed by Carmela Guiteras Mayo, The Music Director was Tim Rosser on piano along with Brian McNulty on Drums and Matt O‘Donnell on Bass, The Production Manager was Susan Bourn, and The Stage and Company Manager was Elizabeth Creamer. The Technical Director was Kayla Goble who also operated the Light board, and the Costumer was Betsy Paugh. William J Ulichney was the scenic designer. Producers were Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while Our Good Friend Midge McClosky served as The Theatre’s Executive Director. The Box Office Staff consists of Mary Horn, Lillian Gonzalez, and Kasey Mesko. Our Good Friend Amy Cramer served as Marketing Assistant.

This production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” by Larry L. King will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until September 2nd. You can reserve tickets by calling 570-421-5093 or by exploring their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. With all the humor, singing, dancing, expressions of common sense, and sex, what’s there not to like? I recommend seeing this play for all who would like to visit a place where (as one song in the show states) “nothing dirty goes on.”