Production History

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas ran November 28–December 20, 2003, at Stage Center, 400 W. Sheridan Avenue, during Season 20 (2003–2004), CST’s twentieth-anniversary season. The revival returned to a musical CST had successfully presented in 1988. In the original production material, Rhonda Clark recalled that earlier staging as a major hit. The 2003 record documents a large ensemble with extensive doubling and a six-piece live band.

CST Connections

Pat Tweed, who played Miss Mona in CST’s 1988 production, returned as assistant to the director for this revival. Ellen Webster played Mona in 2003.
Terry Veal appeared in both productions; his 2003 role is confirmed as Melvin P. Thorpe, while his 1988 role remains unidentified.
Steve Vann played Gene Glimmer in Side Man earlier in 2003.
Charlie Dickerson played George Fox in Romance in D earlier that year.
Emily Etherton previously played Josie Hines in Proposals (1999) and stage-managed The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged) (2002).
Ellen Webster and Elyse Angelo participated in Six Women with Brain Death (2000), as performer and percussionist, respectively.
Jason Hunt and Bart Varner later played bass and percussion, respectively, for Six Women with Brain Death (2005).

Press and Photography

“Checking In” — The Oklahoman, November 21, 2003, supplied advance-coverage source.
“10 in Town & 10 Around” — The Oklahoman, December 5, 2003, contemporary entertainment listing; its identification as a full production review is unverified.
“Carpenter Square Auditions” — The Oklahoman, September 12, 2003, supplied source for auditions reportedly held September 14.

Acknowledgments

Opening-night sponsors: WorkMed Benefits Services; Associated Underwriters Insurance.

Special thanks: Pollard Theatre; Dis Guy’s Costumes; Jeffrey Meeks; Joe Long; Terry Hicks; Classen School of Advanced Studies Theatre Department; Oklahoma Children’s Theatre; UCO College of Arts Media & Design; Nick Backes; Jennifer White; Katie Thompson; Gregory Moore and Gregory’s Sporting Goods, Del City.

Licensing

The original CST record credits licensing through Music Theatre International.

THEATRE UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Paul James