About Cortland Repertory Theatre
Cortland Repertory Theatre to present “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”
For the fourth show in the 2008 summer season, Cortland Repertory Theatre will present one of America’s favorite musical comedies, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The show will run for three weeks from July 16 to August 2. Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson points out that this is the first time CRT has presented the well known musical in the theatre’s 37 year history. “Whorehouse is a terrifically fun show, with great music, lots of foot stomping dances and a really wonderful, touching story as well.” Thompson says. “The characters are larger than life - everything is bigger in Texas, as they say - but at the same time there are some heart-tugging moments. It really has a strong message about the strength and perseverance of women, and also how easily the public can be manipulated by mass media.”
Thompson cautions audiences that the show contains “authentic Texas language” and says “just from the title alone, audiences should be prepared for what they’ll see and hear”. Echoing this, the CRT Administration states that the show is recommended for mature audiences and not recommended for children.
Another ‘first’ connected with this production is that Thompson himself is directing. “I haven’t directed at CRT since before I became the Artistic Director, because I wanted to make sure I was doing one job right before I took on more! I’m always happy to hand over the reins to more experienced, talented directors. However, this show has a special place in my heart because I’ve performed in it three times, and I just love it. So I felt, with our Board’s permission, that I was ready to take it on.” One production Thompson appeared in featured I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden as Miss Mona, and was directed by an original Broadway cast member. “I learned so much about the show from previous productions that I’ve been in, and I’m eager to combine these past experiences with some of my own ideas.” Thompson says. Equally important to the production, CRT welcomes back Daniel Hess as assistant director and choreographer, who has led such CRT productions as 8 Track, Almost Heaven: The Songs of John Denver and I Left My Heart. Returning for his fourth summer is music director Ethan Deppe, who also worked on 8 Track as well as The Great American Trailer Park Musical last summer. “I couldn’t think of two better people to work with on this show” Thompson says. “Both Ethan and Daniel know CRT so well, and know our crazy rehearsal schedule that I’m eager to take this journey with them.”
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas has a book written by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson and music and lyrics by Carol Hall. It is based on a story by King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. The original Broadway production was directed by Peter Masterson and Tommy Tune and choreographed by Tune and the late, Auburn-born Thommie Walsh. It opened on June 19, 1978 at the 46th Street Theatre and ran for 1,584 performances. The opening night cast included Carlin Glynn as the madam Miss Mona and Henderson Forsythe as Sherriff Ed Earl Dodd. Glynn was replaced by Fannie Flagg and Anita Morris later in the run. The 1982 film version, which includes additional songs by Dolly Parton, features Parton as Mona and Burt Reynolds as the Sherriff. A short-lived sequel entitled The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public was staged on Broadway in 1994. More recently, a national tour of the show traveled the U.S. starring Ann Margret.
The musical is based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch - so named because customers were allowed to pay with poultry - which operated from the 1840s to 1973. The story centers around the controversy and mayhem brought about by the crusading television broadcaster Melvin P. Thorpe when he sets his sights on closing the Chicken Ranch because of the appalling thing he calls "loveless copulation". Although many of the state's politicians had, in fact, been customers of the brothel, they are eager to preserve their political careers and eventually side with Thorpe.
The cast is headed by some familiar CRT faces. J. J. Hobbs, last seen as Bloody Mary in South Pacific stars as Mona and Equity Guest Artist Scott Wakefield, seen last summer in The Great American Trailer Park Musical stars as the Sherriff. Mitzi Greshawn Smith makes her CRT debut as Jewel, Miss Mona’s maid and right-hand woman. Coming fresh from CRT’s production of The Mousetrap is Michael Kruetz as Melvin P. Thorpe and Katherine Proctor as the waitress Doatsie Mae. CRT favorite Claus Evans, who was last seen as Tevye in CRT’s Fiddler on the Roof, for which he was nominated for a Syracuse Area Live Theatre award, stars as the Governor. Binghamton area actors Chris Nickerson as Senator Wingwoah and Mark Bader as C. J. Scruggs join Cortland High School teacher Bill Lee as Mayor Rufus Poindexter. Other principal characters are played by Ron Lescarbeau as newspaper editor Edsel Mackey, Meredith Van Scoy as Angel and Cortland resident Aisling Halpin as Shy.
The “ladies” (as they are called at the Chicken Ranch) are all making their CRT debut and include Marissa Dompe, Kelly Jakiel, Laura Keller, Brittany Lewis, Stephanie Long and Caitlin Sams. Leigh Wakeford, who appeared in 8 Track and The Mousetrap joins Dryden resident Tim Fuchs and the CRT performing intern company members Kyle Hines, Jefferson McDonald, Myles McHale, Michael Morlani, Parker Pogue and Mark Reeve as the Aggie football team.
The scenic designer for the production is Assistant to the Producer Jim Bumgardner, fresh from directing The Mousetrap. Returning designer Jennifer Parr leads the CRT costume shop in the daunting task of clothing this cast of 26 members, most playing multiple characters. Todd Proffitt serves as lighting designer, sound design is by Andrew Modansky, and properties are handled by season designer Rob Peck. Stage management is led by Pamela Reichen with much help from Assistant Stage Manager Alaina Parness. Musicians include Bill Hurley on violin, Dillon Kondor on guitar, Megan Atchley on bass and Cortland High student Nate Wavle on percussion.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas will be presented at the Edward Jones Playhouse, CRT’s home in Dwyer Memorial Park from July 16th through August 2nd. Season Benefactor McNeil and Company is joined for this production by show sponsors Cayuga Radio Group and the Syracuse New Times, show partner Economy Paving, and show friend Hage Real Estate. Parking is free, and the theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned. Tickets may be purchased at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland, by calling 800-427-6160 or online at www.cortlandrep.org. For more information about any of CRT’s shows or programming, please visit www.cortlandrep.org.
J.J. Hobbs as Miss Mona and Scott Wakefield as Sherriff Ed Earl Dodd surrounded by the dancin' and singin' Aggie football team.
J.J. Hobbs as Miss Mona and the dancin’ and singin’ Aggie Football team.
J.J. Hobbs as Miss Mona and Scott Wakefield as Sherriff Ed Earl Dodd.