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SARASOTA -- From the opening notes to the final curtain, a sense of confidence and good humor pervades the Players Theatre's production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."
Audiences don't always know what to expect in community theaters, but this musical, directed with flair by Roberta MacDonald, quickly puts you at ease. And once Dina LaVee Wilson arrives on stage as the madam, Miss Mona, you can settle back and roll with the jokes and a humorously emotional story.
"Whorehouse," based on a true story, is about a crusading TV reporter/evangelist who tries to bring glory to himself by shining his Watchdog spotlight on the Chicken Ranch, which had operated for more than 100 years in a small town.
While the musical has stirred controversy in some cities because of its title, it's pretty innocent, aside from a little canoodling and angry outbursts from a sheriff who spews insults in language far stronger than "dad gum."
The only thing dirty going on is the hypocrisy of politicians who publicly condemn the place, yet patronize it.
Wilson, who has been off the stage for more than two years, returns to a role she played at the Players about eight years ago. She inhabits Miss Mona with ease and comfort. Her voice is big and brassy and she puts up a tough front to cover up her tender insides.
She gets great support all around, from the young men who play the boot-dancing Texas A&M football players to the women working at the Chicken Ranch, who manage to sing and dance with the kind of enthusiasm that keeps guests coming back for more.
Charlene Clark's choreography throbs with sexuality and youthful vitality, as well as cleverness.
Bob Trisolini sparkles as the reporter Melvin P. Thorpe, who shimmies and jumps for joy at the prospect of winning another case. Greg Kehrer has fun as the governor, who tries to "Sidestep" his way around expressing a specific point of view about the Chicken Ranch.
Charmia Dixon is a joy to listen to as Mona's friend, Jewel, who packs a lot of punch in the gospel-inflected "Twenty Four Hours of Lovin'" and the duet "No Lies." Melanie Souza is sassy as the plain waitress Doatsey Mae, who reveals another side in a song about her life.
Best of all is Don Walker, who plays Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd with such conviction that it's hard to believe he's an actor playing the role. And after all his blustery cussing, he shows a sweet side in the touching "She's a Good Ole Girl."
Musical director Joyce Valentine leads a fine orchestra that provides the right kind of support down to the fiddle.
Cassandra Mockosher's costumes have a touch of class mixed with trash, and Carla Miller's set of a two-story entry way to the Chicken Ranch, with its red velvet touches, sets a good tone for the show.
Last modified: January 25. 2004 12:00AM