Photo Flash: San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon Presents THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

San Francisco's 42nd Street Moon (Daren A.C. Carollo and Daniel Thomas, Co-Executive Directors) has announced the full cast and creative team for the opening production of its 2018-2019 season, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (nominated for seven Tony Awards). THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS features a book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, and music and lyrics by Carol Hall. 42nd Street Moon's production runs from October 3 - 21, 2018 and will perform at San Francisco's Gateway Theatre (formerly the Eureka Theatre). The press opening will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets range from $30 - $75 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (415) 255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org.

42nd Street Moon's production of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS will be directed and choreographed by Christina Lazo (making her Moon debut), with Music Direction by Dave Dobrusky.

The cast of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS will feature Michael Barrett Austin* as "Senator/Rufus," Taylor Bartolucci as "Doatsey/Mae/Ensemble," Mike Birr* as "Aggie/Ensemble," Patrick Brewer as "Aggie/Ensemble," Doris Bumpus as "Jewel/Ensemble," Andrea Dennison-Laufer as "Ginger/Ensemble," Yuliya Eydelmant as "Mona's Girl/Ensemble," Ashley Garlick as "Angel/Ensemble," Madison Genovese as "Shy/Ensemble," Carlos Guerrero as "Aggie/Ensemble," Matt Hammons as "Bandleader/Edsel Mackey/Aggie," Cameron LaBrie as "Aggie/Ensemble," Catrina Manahan as "Immogene/Mona's Girl/Ensemble," Dyan McBride* as "Mona," Anne Norland as "Mona's Girl/Ensemble," DC Scarpelli as "Melvin," Brian Watson* as "Governor/CJ Scruggs" and Michael Ray Wisely* as "Sheriff."

In addition to Ms. Lazo and Mr. Dobrusky, the creative team will include Brian Watson as Scenic Designer, Tammy Berlin as Costume Designer, Michael Palumbo as Lighting Designer, Taylor Bartolucci

as Props Designer, Lauren Howry* as Assistant Stage Manager and Alicia Lerner* as Stage Manager.

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

"What we love about THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS," said Co-Executive Directors Daren A.C. Carollo and Daniel Thomas, "is its heart - something that often gets overlooked in the rollicking humor and energy of the show. It's a surprisingly sentimental story, and there's a message about family - you never know where you'll find yours - and the strong bonds of friendship. After all of the outrageousness and laughter, you'll get misty-eyed as the story of Miss Mona and her girls unfolds. It's definitely not for the whole family, but it's a down-home evening of fun for the parents after they drop their kids at the babysitter's."

"I am thrilled to be at 42nd Street Moon," said director Christina Lazo, "working with this amazing cast and team on THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS! The show, which originally opened in 1978, is filled with boot stomping music, and down home, country humor. All the while, it also makes a poignant commentary on the effect of media and sensationalism in our society and the choices we make. Based on the true events of The Chicken Ranch, the show is going to be a rollicking good time!"

Irreverent, fun, and surprisingly sentimental, the true story of Texas' Chicken Ranch brothel comes to life in this 1979 country and western musical. Miss Mona's "establishment" has operated for decades with a turned eye from the local Sheriff, entertaining politicians, celebrities and even the local college football teams. But when a television moral crusader sets his sights on shutting down the Ranch, chaos ensues all the way up to the Governor's office! Nominated for seven Tony Awards including "Best Musical," THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS is a down-home treat!

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS runs about two hours and fifteen minutes, including one intermission.

42nd Street Moon's 2018-2019 season will continue with DAMES AT SEA (November 28 - December 16, 2018), FIORELLO! (February 27 - March 17, 2019), 110 IN THE SHADE (April 24 - May 12, 2019), ONCE (June 12 - 30, 2019) and THE OLDEST LIVING CATER WAITER (performances begin June 23, 2019). Subscriptions and more information about 42nd Street Moon are available online at www.42ndstmoon.org.Tickets to THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS may be purchased online at www.42ndstmoon.org or by calling the Box Office at (415) 255-8207 (Tues. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.).

42nd Street Moon celebrates and preserves the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre. The organization contributes to its evolution and continuing vitality by presenting intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. Through productions, educational programs, and community outreach, 42nd Street Moon is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage. For more information, visit: www.42ndstmoon.org.

Photo Credit: Ben Krantz Studio