THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

​Tuesday 1st - Saturday 5th May 2018
​Director: Chris Strahm
Assistant Director: Lou Petch
​Musical Director: Simon Pearce
​Choreographer: Jess Clifford
Rehearsal Photographer: Sandy Miles
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Photo Credit: Andy Abbott

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Cast

Miss Mona - Fiona Barker
Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd - Barry Barker
Bandleader - Phil Amtower
Angel - Katie Woodhouse
Shy - Phoebe Bryant
Jewel - Kate Steggles / Freya Matthams
Melvin P Thorpe - Benjamin Hill
Governor of Texas/ CJ Scruggs - Colin Musgrove
Doatsey Mae - Beth Jennings
Senator Wingwoah/ Mayor Rufus - Andrew Cunnell
Edsel Mackey / Aggie Boy - Adam Stewart

Linda Lou - Emily Mizen
Dawn / Angelette - Cat Blacker
Ginger - Katy Cocks
Beatrice/ Reporter - Christine Glancy
Taddy Jo - Mel Sunshine
Ruby Rae / Wulla Jean - Cath Harvey
Eloise / Reporter - Ellie Kurton
Durla - Eline Van Der Veer
Tammy Lynn - Beckie Bayliss
Missy Sue - Mary Heath
Anne-Marie - Jemma Nunn

Aggie Boy / Soloist - Josh Jenkins
Aggie Boy/ Soloist - Scott Truin
Aggie Boy/Soloist - Will Cahill
Aggie Boy/ Reporter/ Shy Cowboy - Max Cunnell
Aggie Boy/ Melvin's Asst. - Ryan Wilson-Lane
Aggie Boy/ Governor's Aide/Cameraman - Ryan Ingram

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE
IN TEXAS
Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall
Review by Robert Wright

Well this flamboyant and vibrant production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is definitely ‘spot on’ and proves to be a cheeky (in more ways than one!) and naughty number. However, don’t be carried away with 1805. description as it is based on real facts with the theme of sex and exploitation at its hub. So, it might be raunchy much of the time and mostly light-hearted, but it did not stray from the serious underlying message of women being used by men for pleasure. It is based on a true story of a brothel based in Texas during the 1970’s
 
You get to know the characters so well and the vulnerabilities of the women. This was especially so with Shy performed by Phoebe Bryant, and the name speaks for itself. However, with the support of the others she soon got the hang of things. Overseeing the running of the ‘Chicken Farm’ (as it was known) was the formidable Mona played by Fiona Barker. Her stage presence fitted the commanding role she portrayed so well especially with her singing ‘The Bus from Amarillo’
 
There were so many examples of outstanding singing both with the whole group and individuals. Beth Jennings as the waitress Doatsey was simply fantastic singing the poignant song ‘Doatsey May’ where she reflects upon what might have been. Barry Barker, Colin Musgrove and Phil Amtower put in cracking solo pieces. Kate Steggles rendition of ‘Twenty-four hours of Lovin’ is most endearing.
 
For singing and great choreography the scene from the football locker rooms with The Aggie Song is tops. Full of fun, vigour and the passion is clear to see.
 
Now for over the top character the first prize has to go to Benjamin's Hill’s hilarious portrayal of the egotistical TV reporter Melvin. And such personalities are still about today although this was set many years ago.
 
The scene changes were often part of the action and when that occurred it is just magic.
 
The band are positioned at the back of the set rather than in the orchestra pit resulting in a full bodied musical accompaniment.
 
Towards the end there are some poignant reminders of the impact JFK had upon people at the time and the importance of remembering feelings. This related to his inaugural speech and his assassination. The reflections were between Mona and Sheriff Dodd and how they differed - as in life.
 
So with issues of morality (or not), high jinks and deviousness in politics you feel for the way the women were treated and were forced to find a way of moving on again. Despite the humour and the sheer fun of the production you never lose sight of what the human cost was all about.
 
This production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a most entertaining and well thought out and very well performed production by this most talented group.

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