Fort Peck Summer Theatre stages the musical July 10-26
Fort Peck Summer Theatre continues its 46th season with “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” a lively musical based on the true story of the legendary brothel known as The Chicken Ranch in Gilbert, Texas. It operated from 1840-1973, until a crusading, Houston radio commentator Melvin P. Thorpe (played by Morgan Phelps) forced it to shut its doors.
Audience favorite Shannon McMillan, whose Fort Peck credits include Roxie in “Chicago,” Penny in “Hairspray” and Rusty in “Footloose,” stars as Miss Mona, a role immortalized on screen by Dolly Parton. In her time away from Fort Peck, McMillan’s diverse resume includes headlining as a vocalist on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Matthew Whitfield tackles the role portrayed on screen by Burt Reynolds, as Sheriff Ed Earl.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is a directed and choreographed by Fort Peck Artistic Director Andy Meyers, with musical direction by Luree Green-Chappell. Quinn Vaira serves as assistant director.
The large cast also features Becky Johnson, Chanel Bragg, Brittany Brook, Lily Helland, Taylor Caprara, Chae Clearwood, Megan Wiltshire, Ellen Walstad, Rachel Lynn Pewitt, Hailey Stone, Dan Hance and Jon Svingen, as well as a live band.
The Aggie’s Football Team, which is challenged with the musical’s famous seven-minute dance break (and includes many local actors making their FPST debuts) features Jacoby Collins, Nick Dirkes, Joe Doney, Daniel Dunn, Chaz Gordon, Ethan Henry, John Knispel, Jamie Parnell, Noah Schleimer and Harlan Taylor.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, July 10-26. For tickets and information, call the Fort Peck Summer Theatre Box Office at 406-526-9943 or visit www.fortpecktheatre.org.
The 2015 season continues with: Disney’s “Tarzan,” July 31-Aug,16; and “Steel Magnolias,” Aug. 21-Sept. 6.