The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at TLP

Timber Lake Playhouse started out their season with a foot stomping, spirited, boot-scootin’ musical. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is funny, well choreographed, and has plenty of pleasing music. A large cast, including many returning players from last year, gave a rousing performance.

The Chicken House in Texas is an institution. It's been there as long as people remember. The gun toting Miss Mona toils as mother hen and mentor to the fallen girls in her care. For most of the girls, this is the best life they've ever known and they have no decent place to go. She tells the girls, “Men are not all bad just 92% bad”. Miss Mona reminds the girls they are not whores, the men not Johns, and they aren't on the street doing tricks. So what's the harm? But when the local evangelist goes on T.V. to expose the house of ill repute, it disrupts what has been an institution in the Texas countryside. Then the local politicians get involved while the Sheriff strives dismally to halt the fire storm about to overtake the ranch.

Now most stories are about good and evil deep down. Who's the good and who's the evil? The evangelist and the church ladies that want to see the Chicken House removed or Miss Mona and the girls that are doing a service to the community. They keep the local cowboys entertained and the local college football team uses the girls to celebrate their victory. So who's good, who's evil? You can’t help but support the girls at the Chicken Ranch.

Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, played by returning member Courtney Crouse, sings pleasant ballads, while everything is falling apart around him. Leading actress and singers Miss Mona (Cassandra Marie Nuss) and Jewel (Wynter Spears) from the Chicken Ranch reminded me of the talented Katherine McPhee and LaKisha Jones from the last two American Idol seasons, lots of talent. I enjoyed the bluesy 24 Hours of Lovin' from Jewel and the girls. Jeremy Day stirs up the stage as the evangelist and provides a comedic caricature of Melvin P. Thorpe. There were plenty more outstanding supporting performances but too many to name.

I have two favorite scenes. The Aggie Song at the end of the first act, where the Texas football team is getting ready to go to the Chicken House to celebrate. Director James Beaudry choreographed the rowdy and raucous scene. I also have to acknowledge Doatsy Mae played by Samantha Joy Dubina who we all agreed stole the show with her plain-Jane coffee serving waitress at the local diner. She put that extra “character” into her acting.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is definitely an adult show and I would not bring any children to the show. For a fun adult evening drive up 78 to Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll from now through June 10. Visit their web site for more information.

(by Barb Benson, Guest Columnist)