A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Full-Length Musical, Comedy  /  14w, 13m

Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall
Based on a story by Larry L. King

Carol Hall's bawdy-but-wholesome crowd-pleaser skewers pretension, celebrates life and touches the heartstrings. This raucous, red-blooded, hilarious musical comedy about a "Lil Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place" took Broadway by storm and continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    14w, 13m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 1978 Drama Desk Awards: Outstanding Lyrics & Outstanding Music
    Nominee! 1979 Tony® Awards: Best Musical & Best Book of a Musical
    Nominee! 1981 Olivier Award, Best New Musical

Details

Summary
This happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and statewide political side-stepping 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 that Puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution.
History
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was first presented on Broadway by Universal Pictures, at the 46th Street Theatre in New York City on June 19, 1978. It was directed by Peter Masterson and Tommy Tune and ran in its original production for 1,580 performances.
Keywords
Performing Groups

RIO GRANDE BAND (2-part, Singing Roles)
COWBOYS (Range: T/B)
FARMER (Range: F3-D4 + Ensemble Singing)
SHY KID
MISS WULLA JEAN
TRAVELING SALESMAN
SLICK DUDE
CHOIR
AMBER
SHY
JEWEL (Range: E3-G5)
MONA STANGLEY (Range: Eb3-E5)
THE GIRLS AT MISS MONA'S (Range: G3-E5, sopranos F#5)- Linda Lou, Dawn, Ginger, Beatrice, Taddy Jo, Ruby Rae, Eloise, Durla  
ANGEL (Range: Bb3-Bb4)
LEROY SLINEY 
THE DOGETTES (Range: SATB)
MELVIN P. THORPE (Bb2-F4) and the MELVIN THORPE SINGERS (SATB)
SOUNDMAN
STAGE MANAGER
SHERIFF ED EARL DODD (G2-F4)
CAMERAMAN
SCRUGGS
MAYOR RUFUS POINDEXTER
EDSEL MACKEY
DOATSEY MAE (G3-C5)
TOWNSPEOPLE
T.V. ANNOUNCER
ANGELETTE IMOGENE CHARLENE
ANGELETTES
T.V. COLORMAN
SENATOR WINGWOAH
AGGIES (T/B Range: B2-C4, tenors F#4) - #21, #71, #11, #1 the Ukrainian Placekicker, #17, #7, #12 (specialty dance), #77
PHOTOGRAPHERS
REPORTERS - #1, #2, #3
GOVERNOR (Range: A2-D4) and the GOVERNOR'S AIDE

Also includes extras

  • Time Period 1970s, 1930s
  • Setting The action takes place in the State of Texas.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Elaborate/High-Volume Costumes, Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Local Celebrity Cameo
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Gun Shots
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes
    • Nudity/Partial Nudity

Media

“Utterly charming, lively and genial.” – New York Daily News

“A font of fun and friendliness, engagingly rich in regional nostalgia and spiced with delicate bawdry. The country and western score is a delight.” – Time

“Best Broadway musical of the season.” – WABC-TV

“Humorous and good-natured.” – New York Post

Music

Music Samples

  • Musical Style Classic Broadway, Country/Western
  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Orchestra Size Medium
  • Chorus Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
25   Vocal Books
1   Piano-Conductor (rehearsal & stick conductor)

1   Reed – Tenor Saxophone & Piccolo
1   Trumpet
1   Trombone
1   Drums
1   Guitar 1 – Pedal Steel
1   Guitar 2 – Rhythm
1   Violin – doubles Viola
1   Bass
25   Vocal Books
1   Piano-Conductor (rehearsal & performance)
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Authors

Author

Peter Masterson

Carol Hall

Carol Hall

Carol Hall's first recorded song was a lullaby called “Jenny Rebecca,” initially recorded by Mabel Mercer and then by Barbra Streisand. Subsequently, her songs were performed by Tony Bennett, Barbara Cook, Chita Rivera, Reba McIntyre, Cyndi Lauper, RuPaul, Steven Lutvak, Fred ...

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Author

Larry L. King

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