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Just when The Ten Commandments have been moved from the courthouse in Montgomery, it seemed like Alabama couldn't get much worse...until "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" storms the main stage at The Renaissance Theatre in Huntsville.  This musical tells the true story of a little Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch--so named because, during the Depression, customers were allowed to pay with poultry.  The Chicken Ranch operated from the 1840s to 1973 when it was finally shut down by the efforts of a crusading Houston radio commentator (Melvin P. Thorpe) and his conservative audience.

In spite of the protection of the local sheriff (Deputy Fred: "It was the nicest little whorehouse you ever saw!"), Miss Mona, the proprietress of the Chicken Ranch, is thrown out onto the street along with all of her girls, even as Melvin P. Thorpe receives a commendation from the Governor for his services to the state of Texas.  You might remember the movie with Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.  Some of the great numbers in this musical include "Hard Candy Christmas," "There's Nothing Dirty Going On" and, of course, "Texas Has a Whorehouse in It."

This is a fun play to see with lots of energy and enthusiasm displayed.  Be forewarned:  it is not for the faint of heart.  There is strong language (boy, can that sheriff swear!) and, of course, adult situations.  But if you can overlook this and just sit back and enjoy the mayhem, you're sure to have a great time at the theatre for The Renaissance Theatre's production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

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"Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" 

 ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com

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