Theo beckons patrons home to the ‘Best Little Whorehouse’ this holiday season
The Whorehouse Ensemble. Photo by Liz Lauren.
“Texas Has a Whorehouse in It!” Lord have mercy on Ted Cruz’s and Greg Abbott’s souls! Or better yet, may she not.
This might just be the subtle takeaway from Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s endearing, only slightly bawdy, overall splendid production of the seldom-produced The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Following up her March directorial debut of Once Upon a Mattress, the wonderfully talented Director Landree Fleming leads another stellar cast at this gem of a company—one every musical theatre aficionado in a 50-mile radius should have on their radar.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson and clever country-tinged songs by Carol Hall) is based on King’s own story for Playboy—Playboy has articles, who knew?—inspired by the real Chicken Ranch brothel in La Grange, Texas. It’s focused on the comings and goings at the ranch, punctuated by politicians, college football players and right-wing zealots. Though it all, a sense of duty, kindness and family is instilled in the girls by motherly madam Miss Mona Stangley and her sidekick, Miss Jewel.
Contemporarily set in the 1970s, the musical garnered six Tony nomination and won two in 1979. The Dolly Parton/Burt Reynolds film version in 1982 was a big-screen hit. But there hasn’t been a national tour of this title in more than 20 years; and as this terrific production underscores, that’s a damn shame.
Coming of age, tender romance, strong female leads and a toe-tapping score combine to demand much more appreciation of Whorehouse. Perhaps with this production’s inevitable success, one of Chicagoland’s bigger houses will put it in an upcoming schedule. But, for now, patrons should flock to Evanston for this holiday and early 2023 hit.
First, kudos to Teddy Gales, whose Jeff-worthy performance as Texas Governor, Senator, and Mayor evoke Chris Farley’s delightfully smarmier turns. Nearly his equivalent is David Blakeman’s hilarious right-wing media pissant “watch dog” Melvin P Thorpe.
Also terrific are the leading and supporting ladies, Anne Sheridan Smith’s tenderly spunky Miss Mona and Cynthia F. Carter’s no-nonsense Miss Jewel. Additional stage shout-outs include Chamaya Moody as Angel, Michaela Shapiro as Shy, Halle Bins as Doatsey Mae and Marc Prince as Sheriff Dodd.
But it’s the vocal and dance highlights (terrifically choreographed by Jenna Schoppe) that will stay with patrons until the start of Lent. From big numbers ("A Lil' Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place," “Texas Has a Whorehouse in It” and “The Sidestep”) to the showcases (“24 Hours of Lovin’,” “Good Old Girl,” “Doatsey Mae” and “The Bus from Amarillo”) and one of the finest musical theatre songs ever (“Hard Candy Christmas”), patrons are certain to delight in the music. It’s certainly well supported by the truly fine “All Hat, No Cattle Band” led by Isabella Isherwood and particularly punctuated by Raquel Navarro on violin.
Scenic designer Manuel Ortiz puts forth a super set for this small room while Costume Designer Gregory Graham offers just enough glitz for the occasion. Indeed, this entire 15-member ensemble does everything to deserve their final bow to thunderous applause.
If the Whorehouse title suggests something unseemly, then perhaps openness to surprise, something easier to practice this time of year, will guide theatregoers’ entertainment choices and lead them to this simultaneously upbeat and tender gem.
Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas runs through January 29, at 721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL. For tickets or more information, please visit theo-u.com.
For more reviews on this or other shows, please visit theatreinchicago.com.