The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

The lives of those involved in the so-called ‘world’s oldest profession’ form the basis of Allegro’s production of the relatively unknown musical, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Written by Larry L. King, Peter Masterson and Carol Hall, this revival directed by Janice Bruce reveals that the somewhat controversial show is as relevant as it was when it was written, and the music is just as catchy.

Set in the fictional town of Gillbert in the 1970s, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas charts the fortunes of the Chicken Ranch, a brothel that’s been in the area since the 1890s. But when ambitious television reporter Melvin P. Thorpe (Lech Boron) begins a moral crusade to have the whorehouse closed down, the proprietor Miss Mona (Mel Sherwood) must face a difficult decision, should she shut down the Chicken Ranch, or continue trading in the face of growing public protest?

Originally written and performed in 1978, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was based upon the real life story of the closure of a similar brothel in La Grange, Texas. Although immortalised in celluloid in the 1982 film version starring Dolly Parton, this musical has been seldom performed in the 30 years since its inception. Although the subject matter is still considered by many to be taboo, the characters of the prostitutes aren’t, unlike in more modern plays, written as victims. Instead they are strong, independent and likeable young women who aren’t viewed with pity or disgust, but with warmth and respect.

This message of tolerance is a refreshing and enlightening one, as the real villains of the show turn out to be Thorpe and his followers, as their decision to rid their town of ‘sin’ only reveals their lack of consideration and understanding. While a few first night nerves may have unsettled a couple of the cast members, Bruce’s production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a highly entertaining and thoughtful show. It reveals that our thoughts on prostitution have changed little over the last few decades and highlights a need for the some-what contradictory views on those selling sex and those buying sex to be readdressed.