Best Little Whorehousein Texas for Limelight

LIMELIGHT Theatre (Wanneroo, WA) presents The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, the 1978 Broadway musical based on thetrue story of the legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, from June 7 to 23.

Based on the book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas the risqué Broadway musical chronicles how the town’s sheriff – also a regular brothel patron – fights to keep the historical whorehouse open as a crusading, do-gooder television commentator tries to shut it down.

The musical played 1,584 performances, taking out two 1979 Tony Awards, and was later adapted into a film with Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.

Director Shelley McGinn said she had seen the film several times and was a big fan of Parton’s portrayal of Miss Mona, the brothel’s madame.

“Although the musical showcases the leading lady, it has several excellent roles for both male and female actors,” she said.

“I’m also very fond of country and western songs, which feature strongly.

“While the play follows the same basic story as the film, there are certainly differences in some of the characters, songs and settings.

“It’s a fairly light-hearted look at a whorehouse where, to quote one of the songs: ‘there's lots of goodwill, and maybe one small thrill, but there's nothing dirty going on!'” 

Involved in theatre for more than 40 years, McGinn started out by winning a talent contest as a three-year-old and became hooked in her early teens after seeing Dame Judi Dench in Saint Joan at Nottingham Theatre.

After emigrating to Australia, she joined Stirling Theatre in 1971 and acted, sang, and danced in numerous productions over a 15-year period.

McGinn has been with Limelight Theatre since 1993, directing the musicals Charlie Girl, Half A Sixpence, Mame and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and the plays Fatal Attraction and On Golden Pond.

“My main challenge with The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas has been finding suitable men to cast all of the roles,” she said.

“But with some careful planning, quick costume changes and the flexibility of an excellent cast, we have overcome this.

“I’m fortunate to be working with an excellent musical director, John McPherson, who is both talented and tremendously enthusiastic, and a creative and adaptable choreographer, Terry Pirlo.”

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas plays at 8pm, Jun 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23 with a 2pm matinee June 23.

Bookings: 9467 9545 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday, or online at www.limelighttheatre.com.

Please note: this production is not suitable for people under 15. It has strong language and adult themes with sexual references.

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.

Images: (top) Miss Mona (Genevieve Newman) steals a kiss from Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Trevor Preston), much to the horror of the Governor of Texas (Alan Brock). (middle) Mirella Renel, Jenni Edwards, Rachel Perks, Meg Considine, Kylie Anderson, Colleen Hopkins, Genevieve Newman, Deborah Brown, Alyssa Burton, Amy Glendenning, Jane Anderson, Lee Garrett and Tessa Hutchinson (lower) Jason Pearce, Andrew Brown, Jacob Anderson (back row), Luke Miles, James Paddock and Ben Paddock are the boys in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Genevieve Newman as the madame, Miss Mona.

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