The Collegian

Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Scene

"Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" truly revealed to be crowd pleasing and very appealing to the eye.

Now, to be fair and honest this was indeed a musical and even though the start wasn't as great as it could have been, there was enough effort and charisma from the cast to keep you in your seat.

To say this was inappropriate for small children is putting it mildly, but to suggest rambunctious teenagers should avert their eyes, well that is just plain ludicrous.

This musical is about women who choose to use everything attributed to them at birth by any means necessary.

The play takes place in the early '70s in a small Texas town where Miss Mona runs a bordello called the Chicken Ranch and believe me you're getting more than just a few good clucks.

Now before you start to panic and wonder why on earth would one want to be subjected to such a scene, that's just it, it's a great scene to take in.

Not only are the town folk aware of the "sinsation" taking place, but also have come accustom to the nightly events and have, for the most part, accepted Miss Mona and her girls.

Everything is fine until Watchdog, a mainstream TV personality, focuses his attention on Miss Mona and her girls and now the pressure is really on.

Not only had the town come to turn their heads to Miss Mona's affairs, so had the political officials. With the press coming down hard on the senator, mayor, and sheriff it seems the only way to avert the negative attention away from the town is, simply, to shut Miss Mona down.

With the town not wanting to be ruined by the antics of Miss Mona and the girls, and unwilling to stand up and to fight against Watchdog, it was time for the Chicken Ranch and its inhabitants to move on.

More than just a silly show, "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is something that really has spark. Don't be fooled by the name and miss out on such a sweet performance; not only is there character but there's much laughter to be had.

Even though the show was off to a bad start due mostly to sound adjustment, it quickly made up with the laughs and the stand out performances of Maria Johnston as Jewel and Lin Taylor as Miss Mona.

I say, go see the show and bring a friend, have yourself a good time because you will definitely be getting your money's worth.

"Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" can be seen at the Stockton Civic Theatre through September 30 under the direction of Jim Coleman. All shows begin at 8 p.m. with a run time of two hours.

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