‘Whorehouse’ response at Aladdin bodes well for genre

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 5, 2002 | 9:36 a.m.

If you are fortunate enough to secure tickets for "Best Little Whorehouse In Texas," at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts through Sunday, you will be able to enjoy the definitive Miss Mona, Ann-Margret, too long away from these parts.

Gary Sandy was just right as the tough-talking, sometimes soft-headed Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, Mona's protector and secret heart, in a show caught earlier this week.

Rob Donohue stood out in his larger-than life portrayal of TV "Watch Dog" Melvin F. Thorpe. It is his television show, broadcast 100 miles from the Chicken Ranch, in Houston, that causes its closure and the bittersweet parting of Miss Mona and the sheriff ... The musical is based on a true story, and the original "Watch Dog" still has a television program in Houston.

This was the largest and the most responsive audience we have witnessed for a Broadway musical in a Las Vegas venue, auguring well as positive word-of-mouth should result in possible new attendance records for this genre. "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is a period-piece, faithfully depicting its place and time without appearing dated. It was a hoot.

Avery Sommers deserved her featured billing as Miss Mona's confidante and auxiliary house mother. Roxie Lucas, as Doatsie Mae, a wise-cracking waitress, was another winner in her first-act featured number. There was a brief prologue and an ensemble opener, "20 Fans," which set the scene and mood for what was to follow.

"Country Place" featured Miss Mona and the Girls, who told the brothel's story. This was followed by Miss Mona singing "Girl You're a Woman," comforting Shy (Jan Celeste Little), naive, applying for a position there. Melvin P. Thorpe entered the scene. "The Aggie Song" set up Miss Mona's "Bus From Amarillo," the first-act finale, telling her personal story.

Act II had the Governor, Senator and other elected officials doing "The Side Step," succumbing to pressure, disavowing the Ranch, and leaving the good sheriff no alternative. Sandy, as the sheriff, made his point very nicely with "Good Old Girl" which led to the closing and departure of Miss Mona and the girls.

Carol Hall, who wrote the music and lyrics for the show, topped herself with a next-to-closing ballad, "A Friend to Me," written especially for Ann-Margret, and sung with such feeling, it made the story complete. There was also a rousing finale with the entire attractive and talented ensemble.

Ann-Margret, Sandy and the cast were having a good time throughout. So was the audience.