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When the
leading lady of Hull based theatre company One Off Productions was forced
to pull out of their latest show , The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas
through ill health, producer Jonathan Parker knew exactly who to call for
help, Vicki Michelle. A major role to fill and with time of the essence,
could she provide a solution to their dilemma? Her response was instant.
“Are you saying you want me to do this?” she questioned. Could she? Would
she? There was just one small problem, work schedules meant Vicki couldn’t
be available for rehearsals until just one week before the opening night,
an amazing ask of anyone. Following a meeting in London with Vicki two
days later, it was agreed, she would take over the lead role of Mona
Stangley.
The
musical is based on the story by Larry L King with music and lyrics by
Carol Hall and inspired by the real life shenanigans that took place at
the Texan brothel known as The Chicken Ranch between the mid 1880’s and
1970’s. The Chicken Ranch was so called because the girls accepted payment
in poultry from their clients during the depression. At the opening of the
show, the story picks up in the final weeks of the ranches existence. The
girls operate under the watchful eye of Miss Mona Stangley, a former
‘working girl’ who has inherited the establishment from its previous
proprietor in her Will. With strict rules, principles and apparently
certain high standards, preferring to call her girls sales staff, Miss
Mona casts a metaphorical protective arm around her adopted family
brilliantly reflected in Vicki’s strength of presence on stage.
In a
performance resolute throughout, she perfectly depicts ‘the tart with a
heart’ with an unwavering, calming air of authority, gentle poignancy and
unfaltering Texan accent. The singing voice, also strong, copes well with
the demanding vocal gear changes mid song and back to back renditions.
Miss Mona’s own love interest comes in the form of local Sheriff, Ed Earl
Dodd. In exchange for the odd favour, he keeps things running smoothly for
all concerned not least the highly eminent political figures that enjoy
the benefits of the ranch. Caring, slightly forgetful and somewhat clumsy
in his efforts to maintain the status quo, the role is convincingly and
humorously played by Richard Gorton, providing an ideal contrast to the
order brought by Miss Mona. All is peace and harmony until Melvin P.
Thorpe, a self righteous investigative broadcaster arrives on the scene.
Gloating at the success of his recent crusades to rid the world of wrong
doing and deprivation, he conspires to shut the whorehouse down by
broadcasting his unscrupulous findings on television. Despite Ed Earl’s
best efforts and Miss Mona’s continued optimism, the State Governor
ultimately issues the order for closure in fear of his own involvement
being discovered.
The show
draws to an end with a final tear jerking scene in which Miss Mona is
forced into dismissing her girls, losing her home, livelihood and watching
the man she loves walk out of her life forever. Cue spotlight centre stage
and an emotional, additional solo of the Dolly Parton hit ‘I Will Always
Love You’ as Mona sits alone and reflects. However, not wanting to leave
the audience on a low, the company made the decision on this occasion, to
adopt the alternative ending used in the film version of the story made
famous by said Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. Just when all seems
completely lost, absent minded Sheriff Ed returns having remembered what
it was he had forgotten, Miss Mona. In a production bursting with energy,
the forty strong supporting cast provide a highly polished, enthusiastic
and accomplished performance obviously relishing every minute on stage.
Worthy of special mention are Samantha Hardcastle as Doatsey Mae, Emma
Burgess as Angel, Russ Fallon as Melvin P. Thorpe, Trevor Lilley as the
Senator and Rachel Broxham as Jewel, with Sam Leverick as Shy and Angela
Prescott’s dynamic portrayal as the cheerleader providing some delightful
cameo moments. The lighting design of Marcus Heald and Tony Jennings does
much to enhance the changing moods while the lively choreography of Julie
Long has the audience all but joining in with a dosey doe up and down the
aisles. Musical Director Jacqui Thompson undoubtedly brings out the best
from her performers while Producer/Director Jonathan Parker ensures a
production worthy of gracing any professional stage.
The
spirited reaction of the audience heralded a resounding success resulting
in delight all round. Said Mr Parker later “It was a great show and Vicki
was simply fantastic, I can’t thank her enough for stepping in. She was an
instant hit with the rest of the cast who are predominantly amateur. Apart
from being a lovely lady, she is a great and versatile actress and
completely right for the part.’ In reply Vicki said “It was a great part
and Jonathan is lovely to work with so I just had to say yes but it was a
lot to learn in a week! The cast were really great and they all gave 200%
I’ve been really impressed. Everyone has been so nice to me and helpful.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself and am glad it turned out so well.”
Reviews
The Hull Daily Mail - by
Matt Holden
 A very pro-fessional
performance
Michelle brought a
certain presence to the performance, she was strong throughout
in her role of Miss Mona Stangley.......
Note: Top left
photo - Courtesy of Yorkshire Post Newspaper |
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