[Characters]

The Stevenage Lytton Players present The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Book by Larry King & Peter Masterson Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall 16th May to 19th May 2012 The Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage Director - Aimi Percival Musical Director - Chris Phelps Choreographers - Louise Airey Producer - Michelle Airey SLP Box Office:   01438 357407 GC Theatre Box Office:   01438 363200

The Stevenage Lytton Players Spring 2012 Musical Production is The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to be performed at the Gordon Craig Theatre.

Synopsis

This happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and state-wide 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. The rural community of Gilbert has long tolerated, secretly relished, and certainly patronized Miss Mona's cozy homelike bordello. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams-sponsored by an alumnus-frequented the Chicken Ranch until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focused his television cameras and righteous indignation on the institution.

Shy and Amber arrive at Chicken Ranch knowing full well what goes on there. They've been used, had hard luck, and are lonely. They confide to Miss Mona that they have never done anything professional but plead for the chance to get some money together for a fresh start. Mona is taken with their honesty, hires them on, and sees to their training. She can use the extra help for the upcoming Texas Aggies/ Longhorn football-game party. The alumni associates of each school traditionally treat the winners of the annual rivalry to a night of frolicking at the Ranch. Some important political and business leaders are involved, too. (Miss Mona always has the right people to call on for advice).

Things are pretty much as they have been for 58 years-until Melvin P. Thorpe, a Houston TV reporter and do-gooder, sets out to spoil everybody's fun. His Watchdog exposés do little to prompt Sheriff Dodd to close the Chicken Ranch. In fact, when Melvin visits the Ranch, Sheriff Dodd runs him off. It seems there is a romantic interest between the sheriff and Mona. In retaliation, Melvin raids the Ranch with his camera crew. The surprise visit proves embarrassing for all the above. Chicken Ranch is now too public to remain open in face of the state law against prostitution. Melvin P. Thorpe wins again. The girls ponder their futures as they await the bus from Amarillo. Mona and Sheriff Dodd pause for a moment of nostalgia before locking up after the girls have gone.

Audition Information

• Monday 23rd of January – General show discussion and music preparation – (Everyone who wants to be involved required).

• Wednesday 25th January – Group performance from music prepared on Monday. (Everyone who wants to be in the show). Solo songs will be prepared.

• Monday 30th January – Dance Workshop – Everyone.

• Wednesday 1st February – Solo music recap. (Only those who want the recap required.)

• Sunday 5th February – Closed Auditions (This will be organised by Time slots)

• Monday 6th February – Character Audition Workshop (Everyone who has auditioned for character roles)
  Cast will be announced Monday evening/Tuesday morning Via email and on the Lytton board.

• Wednesday 8th February – First Rehearsal – Everyone