Chicken Ranch saga offers laughs aplenty

THEATER REVIEW

Wednesday, June 09, 2004
BY BARBARA TRAININ BLANK

For The Patriot-News

No liquor. No other drugs. "Nothing dirty going on." Sounds like an ideal teen party.

Actually, it's the glossed-over description of the facility at the heart of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," Theatre Harrisburg's final production for the 2003-04 season.

Miss Mona, who runs the Chicken Ranch, has a heart of gold and lots of rules. Customers are "guests," and the atmosphere is, well, almost wholesome. But then, a holier-than-thou radio personality wants the place closed, and the local politicians are forced to comply.

The original 1977 Broadway show was followed in 1982 by a movie version starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.

It's based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel, known as the Chicken Ranch, that operated from the 1840s to 1973.

Though it aspires to deal with such serious themes as the evil of sexual hypocrisy, the play has a thin plot and presents a sanitized account of prostitution.

The music is pleasant, without distinction, and the language is quite a bit more raw than Miss Mona would allow.

That said, there's nothing wrong with Theatre Harrisburg's production, directed by Thomas G. Hostetter -- except possibly a few quirks of amplification (such as seeing the wires on the shirtless backs of a dancing football team).

You'll enjoy vivacious -- and better -- performances, impressive dancing and strong singing. Plus, beautiful costumes (not always scanty) by designer Paul R. Foltz and that memorable tender moment between the sheriff and the madam who loves him.

Amy Corl wonderfully conveys Miss Mona's good heart, practicality and largely unspoken feelings for the sheriff. She sings "Girl, You're A Woman" with style and feeling.

With a right-on-target Southern drawl and swagger, David M. Fisher embraces the part of the dimwitted, trigger-happy sheriff who's fond of the status quo.

It's always rewarding to see Rick Stevens, a powerful actor who certainly has the charisma and bluster of crusader Melvin Thorpe. Yet the part is thanklessly small.

Darcel Garnett-Lee doesn't have much chance to show dramatic skills as Jewel, Mona's right-hand lady. But she does get to dance and sing up a storm in her throaty style.

M. Jon Whitson sings well as Edsel Mackey, the journalist covering the story/narrator, as does Susan Bogart, a virtuous waitress who sometimes longs for the life of Miss Mona.

John Beck is funny as a senator caught with his pants down. Randy Romine does an equally comic turn as the governor, who describes his evasive politics as "The Sidestep."

The leggy ladies of the Chicken Ranch are Jessica Dubbs, Melia Tucker, Callie Alvanitakis, Julie Anderson, Lydia Graeff, Anne Masorti, Sarah Grierson and Allison Spayd.

New to the establishment are Tamara Heagy, as Angel, and Emma Monismith, as Shy.

George H. Diehl leads the band and Steven L. Flom is the choreographer.