Barn Theatre's THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS Opens Tonight

They say everything is bigger in Texas and it's certainly true of the sassy, spirited musical THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS opening at the Barn Theatre tonight, June 24!

This fun, feisty musical tells the story of the real-life "Chicken Ranch", a Texas brothel that's been in "business" for 130 years. It's business as usual for Miss Mona Stangley (played by Barn favorite Penelope Alex), a classy yet brassy madam with a heart of gold, until the puritanical consumer watchdog, Melvin P. Thorpe (Barn favorite Eric Parker), thrusts the Chicken Ranch into the spotlight, wanting to close it down. The hot-headed, trigger-happy town Sheriff (Guest Star Robert Newman) tries to protect Miss Mona but the Governor (played by Bruce Hammond) side-steps the issue and the town is up in arms. Rounding out the cast are Barn regulars Kevin Robert White as Mayor Rufus Poindexter, Patrick Hunter as Senator J.T. Wingwoah, Charlie King as Narrator/Edsel, and first-year apprentice Eli Brickey as Doatsey Mae, the wise-cracking waitress. Featuring "A Lil' Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place," "Twenty-Four Hours of Lovin'," "Hard Candy Christmas," "The Aggie Song," this foot-stompin' country western score will have you dancing in your seat! Contains some mature language and adult situations.

The original Broadway production of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS debuted in 1978. Written by Larry L. King and Pete Masterson. Directed by Peter Masterson and Tommy Tune, the Broadway show was nominated for seven, and won two Tony Awards. In 1982, it was adapted into a major motion picture starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. At one time there were 10 Barnies in the Broadway cast of WHOREHOUSE including Barn favorites - Becky Ann Baker (Gelke) as Ruby Rae (Original cast member), Barbara Marineau as Doatsey Mae, John Newton as the Sheriff, Robin Haynes as an Aggie, and Edwina Lewis as Jewel.

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS is directed by Hans Friedrichs. Michael Wilson Morgan is the Costume Designer. Set Design is by Kerith Parashak with Scenic Artistry by Amy Larink and Properties by Bethany Edlund. Lighting Designer is Paul Collins, with Sam Silva as Sound Designer. Nick Hoovler is the Technical Director.

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS plays June 24 - July 6. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 8:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Check out the renovated Rehearsal Shed Lounge! Stop in before the main stage show, at intermission, and after the show for refreshments, snacks, wings, nachos, and Plainwell ice cream; as well as free, after-the-show entertainment.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $35.00 for all performances. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. Group rates available. New this season - Kids Prices $25.00 Kids 12 and under. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Tickets may now be purchased on the internet or on your smart phone via PayPal at www.barntheatre.com. To reserve tickets at the Box Office, Call today: (269) 731-4121.