The Catskill Chronicle

Review by J. A. Di Bello, photos by Jonathan Charles Fox

FORESTBURGH, NY (July 18, 2014) – “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” opened Tuesday night at the Forestburgh Playhouse, complete with a powerful lot of hooten, hollerin’ and good ol’ down-home foot stompin’!

The unmatchable, gracious Loretta Swit filled the title role of Miss Mona, the infamous madam of the Chicken Ranch brothel in Texas, with the charm and finesse of a true-born West Texas looker. She confidently commanded the stage with a strong hand, makin’ it clear right off, to the delight of the nearly-full house audience, that this was not Miss Mona’s first rodeo and the cast and crew were fixin’ tuh present an evening of hilarity and mature mischief. And, sure’nuff, there were no disappointments!

The plot of this adventure in musical theatre is grounded in a true tale of an illegal brothel that operated unopposed in La Grange, Texas from 1907 to 1973, when the blatant hypocrisy of its existence became a political burden to local and state politicians. The events were detailed in a book by Larry King and Peter Masterson with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, and a Broadway opening in 1973.

The exposition begins quite naturally and effectively with Hunter Brown, as Bandleader, effectively delivers his monologue. He is soon joined by the girls and others as they boast of the 20 fans that embellish the Chicken Ranch’s otherwise simple accommodations. It is, after all, “just a little bitty pissant country place.”

Two attractive and talented members of the cast introduce the complication, as Angel and Shy approach and offer their services to the Ranch. Chiara Trentalange’s portrayal is particularly impressive as she convincingly displays an outward bravado masking her character’s true nature. Accompanying Angel is the adorably awkward Shy, depicted by Kerstin Anderson, a promising, young actor whose facial expressions, posture and, in this instance, costume accurately demonstrate the loneliness experienced by an individual with similar circumstances.

Another radiant actor with the ability to vocalize and hold the stage is Abbey Sieralowski, who this summer is making her debut at Forestburgh. Her soulful, heartfelt delivery of “Doatsey Mae” reflects a needed tender, aesthetic vocal appeal. Know now Doatsey Mae “ain’t as simple as she seems.” And while referencing the tender, attention is drawn once again to Chiara Trentalange who near the end of the second act is positioned in the warmest spot of the stage, downstage right, as she leads “Hard Candy Christmas” with a gorgeous and sensitive voice. She is joined by Miss Mona’s attractive and titillating girls, each a standout: Marissa Girgus, Liane Zielinski, Marina Laurendi, Caitlin Hamm, Missy Marion.

Chris Van Cleave, a singer/songwriter and veteran of stage brings to life a sensitive and strong Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd. He is comfortable in the role and his confidence and use of Texas colloquialisms appears to facilitate the events as they unfold on stage. His rendition of “Good Old Girl” is as gentle and needed as a spring rain on a West Texas prairie

Joy Lynn Jacobs spirited portrayal of Jewel is a gem, as Joy’s intense and heartfelt delivery of “Twenty-Four Hours of Lovin’” sends shivers of excitement clear on out to the parking lot

Although the audience is encouraged to root against Melvin P. Thorpe and the rest of his watchdog gang, and their efforts to close down the Chicken Ranch, David Titus presents this hilarious caricature without unneeded excess. He applies just the right amount of battiness and nuttiness to appropriately hold the stage.

Alex Drost is a double standout in this production. He is a stunning and remarkable dancer as he nearly brings the house down as the double-talking Governor in the hilarious “Sidestep” He is also a member of the Aggie football team in the locker room dance as the team prepares for a victory celebration at the Miss Mona’s. It is the football team, consisting of Alex, Tommy Betz, Caleb Funk, Aaron Miller, Nathanial Riccio and Alex Petersen who energize a cheering audience in the memorable, sensational, boot-stompin’ victory dance!

Further, it is the assembled ensemble of young performers and its remarkable singing and the extraordinary dancing abilities that cause this production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” to be unforgettable. They are with each performance a more cohesive and unified whole. And subsequently, laurels are also in order for the show’s director and choreographer Dann Dunn and Musical Director Henry Lewers. Their joint efforts bind diversified talents into a recognizable whole, which when all is said and done creates good theatre.

The show has a bit of a racy nature, despite the singing of “there’s nothin’ dirty goin’ on,” but after all “This ain’t no junior prom, ya know.” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” runs at the Forestburgh Playhouse through Sunday, July 27^th. Big hat: lots of cattle!

Ticket info is available at http://www.fbplayhouse.org or call 845-794-1194.