PHOTO CALL: Sherri L. Edelen Runs The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Signature

By Krissie Fullerton
August 29, 2012

A new DC-area revival of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas began performances Aug. 14 at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA. Helen Hayes Award winner Sherri L. Edelen is Miss Mona, who runs the infamous Chicken Ranch brothel, and Thomas Simpson is her love interest, Sheriff Earl Dodd.

Also cast are DC-area favorites Christopher Bloch (as morals advocate/journalist Melvin P. Thorpe), Erin Driscoll (Angel) and Nova Y. Payton (Jewel), plus Tracy Lynn Olivera, Madeline Botteri, Matt Conner, Dan Manning, Amy McWilliams, Stephen F. Schmidt, Jamie Eacker, Tamara Young, Maria Rizzo, Nora Palka, Nadia Harika and Brianne Camp, representing the people of Gilbert, TX. The buff Aggie boys — Texas football players blowing off steam at the Chicken Ranch — are played by Stephen Gregory Smith, Gannon O'Brien, Vincent Kempski, Davis Hasty, Benjamin Horen, David Jennings and Jay Adriel.

Inspired by real-life events, the country-flavored political musical satire is also infused with rueful songs about unrealized dreams, choices made, the passage of time and loves lost. "Hard Candy Christmas" is among its standout songs. The production also incorporates the song "A Friend to Me," which was added when Ann-Margret toured with the show in 2001.

Here's a look at the production:

View the Entire Photo Gallery The cast of The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas Photo by Scott Suchman

For more information, visit signature-theatre.org.