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‘BLWIT’ is rollicking good time
By Stephanie ottey
When “Magic Mike” has a solid hold on box office sales and E.L. James’s “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy is scorching all competition on The New York Times best-seller list, it’s clear that audiences are looking for a little bit of naughty in their entertainment selections nowadays. Right on time, The New Castle Playhouse is satisfying that craving in local theater with its newly opened production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
Written by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” made its Broadway debut in 1978 under the direction of Masterson and Tommy Tune. Four years later, a film adaptation starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton arrived on the scene and became one of the most successful movie musicals of the ’80s.
Based on real-life events, the story is simple. Miss Mona Stangley runs a whorehouse in Texas. Although it is as clean and upstanding as a brothel can be, a local sensationalist TV news anchor by the name of Melvin P. Thorpe targets the raunchy establishment and aims to have it shut down.
The script is uproariously funny at times but has no real artistic or moral value to offer. Characters are barely developed, and relationships are too casual to matter. Carol Hall’s musical score is rather bland as well. Although the Dolly Parton hit “Hard Candy Christmas” comes from the show, none of the other songs are catchy enough to be remembered.
That being said, director Michael Cavalier embraces the fluff and raunch of “BLWIT,” and gives his audience a rollicking good time.
Bright, colorful costumes and a malleable, solid set make the show very visually appealing.
Julia Garda’s choreography adds a great deal to that appeal as well. Garda delivers dance numbers that are humorous, sexy and wildly entertaining. Her tap- dancing football players are irresistible and unforgettable in “The Aggie Song” as is Hans Kraus’ footwork in “The Sidestep.” These big dance numbers make the show fun.
The ensemble also is vocally solid. Music director Cindy Cotherman maintains a nice blend of voices throughout. “The Dogettes” is one of the best barbershop quartets to be heard recently, and audiences are left wanting to hear more from them.
Individual performers stand out amid the large ensemble as well.
Mandy Mays is a fierce vocalist, making Jewel a memorable character.
Tina Grieg is a calm and steady Miss Mona, and Anthony Geramita is a hysterically foul-mouthed Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd. When Geramita teams up with The Aggies in “Good Old Girl” the audience is taken.
Neal Edman makes the “villainous” Melvin P. Thorpe loveable and tears the house down in “Texas Has A Whorehouse In It.”
Anyone looking for a night of live theater with a few gunshots, a slew of good dirty jokes, and a handful of harlots should check out “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Thankfully, you only have to hop the border into Pennsylvania to get there.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” runs through July 29th on the Augustine Auditorium stage. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and July 26 with matinees at 2 p.m. Sundays. The New Castle Playhouse is at 202 E. Long St. New Castle, Pa. For ticket information, call 724-654-3437.