Posted on Thu, Jan. 29, 2004

'Whorehouse' sweet-talks audience with joyous staging

One of the most delightful surprises of the season is Roberta McDonald's sparkling production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at Sarasota's Players Theatre. You will forget you're at a community theater. There is professionalism in every nook and cranny on the stage, from McDonald's fast-paced, joyous, warm-hearted staging to Charlene Clark's miraculous, ingenious choreography, with showstoppers galore. The cast is incredibly gifted and proficient.

Larry L. King and Peter Masterson's book is the true tale of The Chicken Ranch, a brothel that flourished for more than 130 years in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. It is a warm and loving look at a group of good-hearted rogues and eccentrics who we get to know and care about. Even the villains are fun.

Personable Shane McDonough leads the proceedings with a charming narrative that segues into a full stage opening, "20 Fans," introducing the "girls," some customers and the Madam, Miss Mona (Dina LaVee Wilson). Wilson is spectacular in the role, with an easy command of the stage and a superb voice. Her radiance illuminates the evening. She shows her brassiness in "A Lil' Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place" and tenderness in "Girl, You're a Woman" with the gifted Elizabeth Rinchich as the new girl, Shy. It is sweet and gentle, as is much of the show. Charmia Dixon sings up a storm in "Twenty-Four Hours of Lovin'," stunningly danced by the girls in Clark's smashing choreography.

One delight follows another: Don Walker's ingratiating performance as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, with a strongly sung "Good Old Girl" backed by a male septet; Rachael Esta Horn as the sassy Doatsey Mae, singing with vocal sophistication; Greg Kehrer's wonderfully outrageous Governor in the satirical "Sidestep" with the cast going in and out of stylish freezes; and the beautiful, poignant "Hard Candy Christmas" with standout work from Rinchich and the gorgeous Julianne Randolph.

Act I contains two mind-boggling numbers of dazzling ingenuity. The "Angelette March" for three dancers with two life-size puppets attached to their sides, legs dangling in a Rockette-style number that is a coup de theater, and very funny.

The second number, "The Aggie Song," is the great showstopper of this, or any other season. Clark has taken six untrained dancers and turned them into foot-stomping, hand-clapping maniacs. The football team comes roaring into the locker room to celebrate its victory with a joyously athletic series of intricate footwork and complicated patterns. These young Baryshnikovs-in-training are Kent Errol Allen, Brandon Deets, Nathon Deets, Erik Lurz, Jan-Alexander Tijmes and Travis Wilbur, and they should be given Most Valuable Player awards.

Technical contributions are first-rate: Carla Miller's attractive, multilevel set; Cassandra Mockosher's colorful, inventive costumes, especially Melvin's glitzy evangelist; and Benjamin J. Williams' efficient lighting.

Joyce Valentine's musical direction was thorough and effective, with excellent choral work and a sense of style. Carol Hall's multifaceted score came through with vivid personality.

There is corny wit and wisdom in this show that might help us through the difficult times in which we live. It presents the premise that humor and laughter can serve as a life preserver - not a bad idea. Other highlights include the shadow play from the upstairs bedrooms, the flashlights in the dark on the TV show, Trisolini and Walker's wonderfully dynamic scene in Act I, Wilson and Dixon's superb "No Lies" duet and Wilson's moving, beautifully sung finale, "Anything Is Possible."

The sloppy diction of a few supporting players was the only drawback to an evening of thoroughly enjoyable theater. McDonald and her colleagues have created a miracle at The Players.

WHAT: "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"

• WHO: The Players of Sarasota

• WHERE: 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

• WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Feb. 1

• TICKETS: $19 adults, $10 students

• BOX OFFICE: 365-2494