Theater Reviews

Jan 29, 2005 - "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at Reno's Pioneer Center has seen better days

By Jack Neal

Smutty or naughty? That is the question.

"Texas has a whorehouse in it!" That's one of do-gooder Melvin P. Thorpe's best lines in his attempt to shut down Miss Mona's Chicken Ranch pleasure palace. The fun in the production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" that opened Friday (1/28/05) at Reno's Pioneer Center doesn't quite stop there, but it comes close.

One of the problems with this Park Avenue Group presentation is that the show's Melvin P. Thorpe (Aaron Fuksa) doesn't know how to deliver that line or any of the other choice ones he's been given; and that's just symptomatic of what's haywire with the show.

The direction, by Jeffrey B. Moss, misses the point of this delightful and naughty little musical. "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is about a collection of very warm and human - and sometimes very funny - people with hearts of gold. Moss tarnishes that gold by emphasizing the prurient (given the material, that's easy) rather than accentuating the positive (those hearts of gold).

The exuberance and joy of the best "Best Little Whorehouse's in Texas" is missing. The fabulous dance number that should be rambunctiously staged for the Aggie football team after its big season-ending victory doesn't come off with youthful vitality and anticipation. The boys get to go to the Chicken Ranch for winning and that gleeful anticipation through dance and song should make the musical soar into the realm of memorable stage moments. It does not.

Connie Shafer's pedestrian choreography doesn't help. The original show, circa 1976, was choreographed and co-directed by the inventive Tommy Tune. Pizzazz and dance discipline were what gave the original wings. The lack of either makes what could be terrific just as pedestrian and Shafer's choreography. Drab, too, are the set and costumes. Ladies of the night don't have to look chic, but their clothes do have to fit.

Other than Moss's dreary pacing (many scenes are interminably long) there are many players who could be first-rate given something creative to do and something to do it with; such as furniture and set decorations to brighten the environment and inspire performances.

As Miss Mona, the madam of the piece, country singer Tori Lynn Palazola is wonderfully cast and just as wonderfully believable. Miss Mona is a sweetheart and so is Miss Palazola. That she sings Carol Hall's songs with assurance and soul is the icing that could make this "Best Little Whorehouse's" cake very entertaining. As Miss Mona's love interest, the foul-mouthed Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, actor Gary Kimble could be perfection. Alas, he is a victim of the production's sluggish timing and that makes many of his moments on stage tiresome, rather than shocking (lots of vulgar lines) laugh getters.

"Sidestep," that fabulosuly satirical song about politicians and truth, was - in the very capable hands of Thomas Taylor Poarch as the Governor of Texas - everything it should be; smooth, slippery and funny. Jewell, Miss Mona's sidekick at the ranch, is managed with just the right personal magnetism by Meme. Also noteable as the show's only legitimate waitress is Sarah Madej (Doatsy Mae). Madej sings well and makes the most of her time behind the counter and in the spotlight.

Two of Miss Mona's girls, who are somewhat more prominent than the others, are worthy of mention. Angie Blocher (Shy) and Mellissa D'Amico (Angel) both acquit themselves nicely.

The show's six-piece band under the direction of Nathan Hurwitz is excellent and provides solid support for the show's singers and dancers. If only those gallant and gifted singers and dancers had been given solid direction and dazzling choreography, this "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" could be knockout entertainment.

"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," with book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson and lyrics and music by Carol Hall, can be seen at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada, Friday (1/28/05) at 8 p.m., Saturday (1/29/05) at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday (1/30/05) at 2 and 7 p.m. For information call 775-686-6600.