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Stephanie Blair | Staff Writer<\/span><\/p>\n On March 1, the \u201cnicest little whorehouse you ever did see\u201d will be open to the public at Rice Auditorium. Under the direction of dance professor Sharon Oberst, actors and techs have been preparing Western\u2019s production of \u201cBest Little Whorehouse in Texas,\u201d a Tony Award-winning musical best known for the 1982 film adaptation.<\/span><\/p>\n The show, both wild and western, tells the story of conservative ideals battling it out against a century of tradition in Texas. After popular television personality Melvin P. Thrope, portrayed by junior BFA acting major Nicholas Hulscher, condemns a whorehouse, the town goes into a frenzy. Some trying to close it, others fighting to keep it open.<\/span><\/p>\n At the center of the conflict is brothel-owner Miss Mona \u2014 the iconic role portrayed by Dolly Parton in 1982, here played by Lindsay Spear \u2014 and the abiding Sheriff Dodd, who regular attendees of Western theater will recognize as senior BFA acting major Gabriel Elmore. It seems like a simple plot, but the two-hour long production tackles a number of themes.<\/span><\/p>\n “This show is much more than it presents itself to be. There are societal overtones to it which I believe are still prevalent today,\u201d said Elmore. \u201cThe deep-seated tragedy of watching something unfold before your very eyes, knowing damn well that there’s nothing you can do to stop it, is something which isn’t addressed in everyday life.”<\/span><\/p>\n The musical is still primarily a comedy, however, and a mature one, at that. Parents who are unfamiliar with the show may wish to see it before bringing their children. On the doors of Rice Auditorium, signs can be found warning of adult themes, including alcohol use, strong language and mild sexual content, in stereotypical Texan language: “Howdy y’all! This here show has some cussin’ and some rootin’ tootin’ shootin’ in it. There’s a piddlin’ of hop juice an a tad bit of spoonin’ and carryin on.”<\/span><\/p>\n From the 26-person cast to the box office workers, the set builders to the costume crew, the amount of work put into the production gives the show a feeling of authenticity and passion in every detail.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI love musicals, and it’s been wonderful to have a chance to get to know some people and create some really gorgeous music with them,\u201d said Hulscher. \u201cA lot of work went into this show from a lot of different people, and I really hope anyone who comes to the show can see how much effort was put into it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Elmore echoed that sentiment, saying: \u201cThe amount of work that the ensemble has to put into a show like this is obscenely difficult, and every second counts. To watch them push themselves past what they thought possible is a wonderfully beautiful experience.”<\/span><\/p>\n The show opens on March 1, and continues through the week until Saturday with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4 will have a matinee at 2 p.m. and then the schedule returns to normal, with March 7 through 10 at 7:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n