Penned by Larry King and Peter Masterson (story and book) with music and lyrics by Texas-born Carol Hall, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS is based on a true story about the infamous Chicken Ranch – located, of course, in Texas. It seems that the kind-hearted madam would allow the good ol’ boy guests to settle the account with chickens when they happened to be short on cash. The musical comedy premiered off-Broadway in 1978, quickly moving on to Broadway, where the show ran from 1978 to 1982 for 1,584 performances. In 1979, the production won two Tony awards for best featured actor and best featured actress, as well as three Drama Desk awards for outstanding director, lyrics, and music. In 1982, the show was adapted to a film of the same title starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. In 2025, The Morgan-Wixson Theatre proudly presents THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS.
Jazz McIlwain, One of the Girls – Photo by Randi Roberts
The La Grange Chicken Ranch has been around since 1905 and is currently owned and operated by Miss Mona (Bouket Fingerhut), a lady who takes good care of her girls, is on good terms with local sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (David Callender), and is well-respected throughout the community. That is, until Houston TV personality Melvin P. Thorpe (Richard Rosales) takes aim at the scandalous high-profile brothel which is purportedly destroying the close-knit little town of Gilbert. Finally, the bombastic, sparkly red-shoed fellow (based on 70s TV personality Marvin Zindler) causes such a ruckus that the local politicos – most of whom are Miss Mona’s regular customers – force the sheriff to close the establishment down in 1973, the result of a significant clash between morality, individual freedom, and conservative values, the right to privacy, and personal choices.
Cast of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS – Photo by Randi Roberts
Skillfully helmed by Kristie Mattsson with music direction by Abby Carlson, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS stays true to its roots with the 2+ hour production and 16 musical numbers. Its cast of 34 keep the joint jumping with shuck-the-corn, thigh-slapping song and dance choreographed by Niko Montelibano. Kristie Mattsson’s set design and costumes are eye-catching and in perfect tune with the tale. Jeanne Valleroy’s lighting and sound flood the theater with a joyful beat. By today’s standards, the show may be a bit long – but it makes sure that you leave the theater smiling – and maybe even humming and tapping a toe or two.
Kyrsten V. Williams and Bouket Fingerhut – Photo by Randi Roberts
This is a snappy, enjoyable excursion into some Texas history which is entertaining and a great diversion for any stresses engendered by the current political and economic environment. The production should also appeal to folks who are drawn to musicals and perhaps even crave the opportunity to see a full-length and very popular stage production of a 1970s era musical comedy.
Richard Rosales – Photo by Randi Roberts
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS runs through April 6, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Morgan-Wixson Theatre is located at 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405. Tickets are $28 ($23 for students and seniors). For information and reservations, call 310-828-7519, email the box office, or go online.
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