AURORA | On its surface, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” seems like an unlikely candidate for one of Broadway’s longest running shows.
The 1979 musical penned by Larry King, Peter Masterson and Carol Hall doesn’t follow the prudent course of “Oklahoma!,” “Les Miserables” or other durable stage staples. What’s more, the bawdy tale about the demise of one of the oldest brothels in Texas also owes a lot to the music and pop culture trends of the late ‘70s. In the wrong hands, it runs the risk of feeling dated.
But as the Vintage Theatre’s current production of “Whorehouse” demonstrates, the musical has its own zany and unique charm. There’s a reason this show drew scores of theatergoers over the course of countless revivals, and this production gets to its heart. Director Deb Flomberg balances camp and sincerity in her management of a strong cast of 22 actors. Set Designer Shaun Albrechtsons and Stage Manager Ryan Mattingly make full use of the spacious main stage in the Jeffrey Nickelson Auditorium. Music Director Hunter Hall and a six-piece orchestra bring a vibrancy and immediacy to Carol Hall’s score.
All of these touches help revive the show’s original appeal. But most impressively, this production drills down to the heart of the characters. Amid all of the off-color jokes, innuendos and raunchy tunes, the Vintage production of “Whorehouse” remains rooted in characters. And those characters never come off as cartoonish or shallow. Thanks to a set of powerful performances and tasteful direction, these personalities have power and depth. It makes up for the occasional kitsch of the score and the dated feel of some gags.
The show kicks off when Angel (Rachelle Wood) and Shy (Lauren Cora Marsh) arrive at a well-known brothel in the fictional town of Gilbert, Texas. Even Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Scott Bellot) accepts the brothel as just another legitimate business in town. That’s thanks in large part to the professionalism of the proprietor, Miss Mona Stangley (played with consistent verve by Boni McIntyre). Angel and Shy become the newest employees of a no-nonsense crew of professionals.
But that business dynamic doesn’t sit well with TV preacher Melvin P. Thorpe (Chris Gallegos). He’s bent on shutting the place down, and after he belts out the high-octane warning tune “Texas Has a Whorehouse in It,” he mobilizes his troupe of loyal followers to put an end to the local institution. The town is split, and the growing bad publicity forces the Texas governor to take a stand. Mona and her girls find themselves facing the prospect of kicking off a new life and a new lifestyle.
Based on a true story of the infamous “Chicken Ranch,” King and Masterson’s story veers between sincerity and silliness. The Vintage crew handle both elements with a like amount of gusto. As Mona, McIntyre is straightforward and uncompromising; as Angel and Shy, Wood and Marsh are just as earnest. These performances give the bawdy theme of the show an anchor in character and sympathy. As Jewell, one of the crew at Mona’s house, Lisa Young is a standout. Her vocal delivery on “24 Hours of Lovin’” is a highlight of the show; Young recalls similarly powerful moments in past productions with the Phamaly Theatre Company and other local troupes. Gallegos is hilarious as the bumbling crusader Melvin P. Thorpe; in key scenes, he runs the length of the stage and ventures into the audience, lending the show the feel of a revival meeting.
Such performances and careful touches make the show work. There’s still a vintage feel to this comedy, but Flomberg, the cast and the crew bring out its compelling core.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”
Runs through May 5, Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets start at $25.
Information: 303-856-7830 or vintagetheatre.com.
Reach reporter Adam Goldstein at agoldstein@aurorasentinel.com or 720-449-9707