THEATER

Next Wharton show comes packed with talent

By Lamont E. Clegg

Ann-Margret

It’s not often that the arrival of new house of ill-repute brings as much excitement and anticipation to a community as the ‘Chicken Ranch’ coming to East Lansing. But it’s also not often that house comes complete with a
two-time Oscar nominee, six-time Emmy nominee, and five-time Golden Globe winner.
In her theatrical debut, Ann-Margret heads the cast of "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas," coming to Wharton Center for Performing Arts Oct. 9-14.

Margret stars as Miss Mona Stangley, madam of the Chicken Ranch, in the raucous, high-stepping musical comedy which began its initial four-year Broadway run in 1978. And, of course, many people are familiar with the
film version which starred Dolly Parton and Bert Reynolds. This new version, with new music written for Margret and new costumes designed for her, began its 42-city tour in January.

Co-starring in the production is Gary Sandy, best known for his portrayal of station manager Andy Travis in the classic sit-com "WKRP in Cincinnati."
Sandy, who plays Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, has nothing but good things to say about Margret.
"She is the consummate professional and one of the nicest people in the world," Sandy said about co-star. "She’s incredible."
Sandy is also enthusiastic about playing Sheriff Dodd. "It’s a great role. It’s one of the best parts I’ve ever had the chance to play."

Gary Sandy

That may have come as a bit of a surprise to him because he had never seen a production of the musical, nor had he seen the movie version. He said once he read the script he knew he wanted to play this character.

Since the musical is based on real people and events, Sandy admits he learned as much as he could about Sheriff T.J. Flournoy, upon whom his character is based. Known as the "cussin’ sheriff," Flournoy’s personality gave Sandy quite a bit of inspiration. "This guy really had an edge. You didn’t know what he was going to do," commented Sandy.

Based on what he has learned about Flournoy, Sandy said he plays Ed Earl as "funny, dangerous, romantic, and sexy. And then he is surprised to be a little sentimental in the end."

Despite being almost 25 years old, the show has remained popular and relevant because it’s really about hypocrisy. "There’s this brothel across town that the politicians put down, but sneak in for its services," explained Sandy.

A show about a whorehouse may have some worried about its appropriateness, but Sandy acknowledges it really is basically harmless. "You’re not going to see anything you don’t see in a Victoria’s Secret window. But I probably wouldn’t bring your 6-year-old," he suggested.
Sandy promises fun to all who come on down to the chicken ranch. "It’s a good time with a lot of dancing and a lot of singing."

"The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" opens Oct. 9 in Wharton Center’s Great Hall with 7:30 p.m. curtain times Tuesday through Thursday. Friday’s performance begins at 8 p.m., with a Saturday matinee starting at 2 p.m., and an evening show at 8. The show closes Oct. 14 after a 2 p.m. matinee and a 7 p.m. evening performance.

Ticket prices range from $30.50 to $50 and can be reserved by calling the Wharton Center box office at (517) 432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.