ACP to heat up as 'Whorehouse' takes stage 9/6/2009 12:34 AM By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
It's risque business on the Aiken Community Playhouse (ACP) stage as righteous indignation and garter belts clash.
"This is probably going to be one of the best shows of the year," said Anthony Tantillo, assistant production manager for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." "It is something everybody in Aiken is going to want to see."
"I have been submitting the show for years. I saw the movie when I was a kid," said Director Bradley Watts. "My first love was Dolly Parton. The movie and play are very different. The movie is very Dolly-ized, and while it is still amazing, the play is better. It has a big following due to the movie. I have always said, 'If Dolly could do it, then there ain't nothing wrong with it.'"
Audiences are warned that the play, while based on a true story, does contain mature themes, some strong language and is not recommended for children.
The play offers a happy-go-lucky view of a small town vice and statewide political side-stepping. It recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas.
Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona's cozy bordello until the Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution.
"As a director, I thought the time was right in Aiken for a show like this to come about. It is time to put it out there," said Watts. "I've cleaned it up and toned it down quite a bit while staying true to the script."
"This production is a holdover from the '50-'60s-era musical comedies. It's a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of a small Texas town with its dirty and silly little secret. It is a funny collection of great characters, songs and dances," said Helene Fitch, assistant director.
With a cast of more than 40, the production is high-energy and features many local Aiken stars as well as introduces new faces to the ACP stage.
"When I was younger, I played different roles. Now, the parts in my age range are quite different. I went from playing Maria in 'The Sound of Music' to playing a murderer in 'Sweeney Todd' and a madame in this play," said ACP veteran Betsy Wilson-Mahoney. "I am enjoying it, it's silly-funny. It is kind of sad because not one of those girls came into this profession because they chose it. I feel the real theme of the play is that everybody wants a home and a mother and love."
"I played the sheriff 14 years ago in Augusta," said Russell Snow. "It is like doing it for the first time with a different director and cast. It is a lot of fun. There are some really good people in the cast, and everyone has an important role. There is a lot of really great singing. The audience should expect to have a good time with the Aggies and the girls."
"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" even has the men trying on different shoes. Paul Wilson, who plays Melvin P. Thorpe, a puritanical preacher determined to expose the Chicken Ranch for what it is, said he was experiencing life inside cowboy boots.
"It must be what wearing high heels feels like," laughed Wilson. "I knew I wanted to be Melvin early on because he presented a challenge to me. It's my first solo; I have sung in the chorus before but I wanted to branch out and expand."
Recently on break from a year-long international tour with Feld Entertainment's production of "Disney Live!," Warren Sain stepped in as the choreographer, as well as an actor. The Edgefield native has been involved with the entertainment industry for the past 14 years and has proven to be an outstanding asset to the production.
"I decided to come back to my hometown to be around my family who inspire me...This has been a really great experience. Everybody here is wonderful. I don't make friends, I make family," said Sain.
"Warren's choreography has opened whole new vistas for the ACP. There is dancing in this show like playhouse audiences have never seen before," said Wilson. "He is very talented and disciplined, and he has taught us a whole new way to act."
"The play is about accepting people and things for what they are and who they are," said Watts. "I have never seen a production of the play where it wasn't successful. Whorehouses are a part of history; they did exist. Ultimately its just like the song says, 'There's nothing dirty going on.'"
"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" opens on Friday at 8 p.m. with performances to follow on Sept. 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 20 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are available by contacting the ACP box office at 648-1438, in person at 126 Newberry St. S.W. or online at www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Want to Go?
What? Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
When? Sept. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 20 at 3 p.m.
Where? Aiken Community Playhouse, 126 Newberry St. S.W.
Tickets: 648-1438
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