Next Show:

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

When:
August 2012

Where:
Shirley Burke Theatre Parkdale

Director:
David Higgins

Musical Director:
Emma McGeorge

Choreographer:
Kim Annette

Overview

Our next show is The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to be directed by David Higgins. There will be an information night to be held at the Aspendale Gardens Community Centre, 103-105 Kearney Drive, Aspendale Gardens on Wednesday 16th November 2011 at 7:30pm

Click here to download the Information Pack.

Auditions will be held at the same venue on Wednesday 23rd, Thursday 24th and Friday 25th of November between 7:00pm and 10:00pm each evening.
Audition requirements will be given out at the information night. All other enquiries can be directed to Chris Egan on 9580 8415.

Synopsis

Best Little Whorehouse in Texas made its New York debut in 1977 with a run of 1,703 performances – longer than shows as successful as “Guys and Dolls”, “Cabaret” or “Jesus Christ Superstar”.

It is based on the true story of a “pleasure palace” which existed from the 1850s called “The Chicken Ranch”, so called because when times were tough the local farmers were allowed to pay for services with poultry! Now run by the no-nonsense Miss Mona, The Chicken Ranch is just a nice old country place doing its bit for the community of Gilbert and not hurting anybody.

That is until it comes under the scrutiny of Melvin P Thorpe, TV evangelist loosely disguised as an investigative reporter. He vows to close it down. The appeal of the musical led to the making of a successful movie starring Dolly Parton as Miss Mona and Burt Reynolds as the Sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd. The music is a blend of country, pop and gospel, there’s an abundance of colourful characters ( and colourful language) and as for dance – a good hoe-down is had by all.

Set in Texas in the 1970’s you could say that “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is a moralistic tale about old fashioned country traditions struggling to survive in a media infested cesspit.

[From the Director - Read in a full Texas drawl]
This hayer folks is the true… weeell; true ‘nough, story about a sweet little ole’ Texas Brothel (yup, that’s Texas with a capital ‘T’ and Brothel with a capital ‘Be seeing ya’ll whin ya’ll gitst hayer!’) that operated illegally from the 1840s till 1963. A traditional stomping ground for local boys, politicians, football teams and the good ole’ sheriff; the Chicken Ranch (as it was known) was an accepted part of the Texan landscape. Till the one day, when this here god-fearin’ no-good—son of a do-gooder TV feller, had to git up on that there TV-box, crusadin’ and singin’ up a stink-storm ‘bout how they were a reg’lar whorehouse, rart hayer in Texas!

The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas is based on a true story. It's filled with action, humour, brilliant characters, terrific dances, great songs and moments of heartfelt drama. It's a dynamic show that audiences love and we intend to make it a show you'll love to be a part of.

NOTE: The show contains strong language and sexual references. This is not a show for children.

Audition Requirements

Auditionees are to perform one song – either from the show or of their own choice. Sheet music must be provided for the accompanist in the correct key; backing tracks are acceptable with no lead vocals.

Arrive early enough to fill in the appropriate forms and talk through your song with the audition pianist.

A short dialogue excerpt will also need to be performed.

For the dance audition: Easy to move in clothing (no jeans) and footwear may either be jazz shoes, jazz sneakers or running shoes. Please also bring a drink bottle just in case.

Bring an appropriate one page biog, showing shows performed including name of show, company, role(s) and year. Please also bring a current postcard size colour photo (it doesn't have to be a 10x8 glossy!).

Click here to download the Audition Form. Fill it out and bring it with you to save time at the audition.

Cast Descriptions and Requirements

Role	Age/Gender	Description
Mona Stangley	Female 35-55	Madam of the Chicken ranch (Alto)
Sheriff Earl Dodd	Male 35-55	‘Old time’ local sheriff (Baritone)
Melvin P. Thorp	Male 30-55	Preaching Newsman (Baritone)
Mayor Rufus Poindexter	Male 35-65	Mayor of the town (Spoken)
Senator Wingwoah	Male 35-65	Local Senator (Spoken)
C.J. Scruggs	Male 35-65	Local businessman (Tenor)
Angel	Female 22-35	City Hooker (Mezzo)
Shy	Female 18-27	Farmgirl/Hooker (Mezzo)
Jewel	Female 30-55	Housekeeper [featured solo] (Mezzo)
Doasty Mae	Female 30-55	Waitress [featured solo] (Alto)
Band Leader	Male/Female 25-55	Narrator/Singer (Spoken)
Edsel Mackey	Male/Female 25-55	Newspaper Editor (Spoken)
Governor	Male 45-65	Governor of Texas [featured solo] (Baritone)
Amber	Female 18-30
Imogene Charlene	Female 18-22	Cheerleader (Spoken)
TV Sports Presenter	Male 25-55	(Spoken)
Girls of Chicken Ranch	Female 18-35	Linda Lou, Dawn, Ginger, Beatrice, Taddy Jo, Durla, Ruby Rae, Eloise
The Aggies	Male 18-35	Ensemble, College Football team