Cheno’s at the Chicken Ranch: Kristin Chenoweth Headlines All-Star The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas Reading

Hard candy Christmas came early! Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth will lead a private industry reading of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas on June 29. Rob Ashford is set to direct.

As previously reported, a Broadway revival of the Carol Hall, Larry L. King and Peter Masterson musical was eyeing a 2015 bow; Ashford was attached as director and choreographer at that time.

In addition to Chenoweth as Miss Mona Stangley, the all-star lineup also includes Christopher Sieber as Melvin P. Thorpe, Jennifer Holliday as Jewel, Kevin McKidd as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, James Naughton as Governor, Kerry Butler as Doatsey Mae, Heléne Yorke as Angel and Greg Hildreth as Mayor Rufus Poindexter.

Rounding out the cast are Jim Newman, Madeline Brewer, Bob Gaynor, Darius Nichols, Ryan Andes, Peter Benson, Jared Dixon, Aaron Finley, Anthony Sagaria, Sam Simahk, Alex Michael Stoll, Krystal Joy Brown, Kate Marilley, Morgan Weed, Erica Sweany, Anne Horak, Ashley Park, Anna Eilinsfeld and Syndee Winters.

The show, inspired by a true story, follows brothel owner Miss Mona as she fights to keep her establishment open when a local reporter exposes the illegal activity. The original production premiered in 1978 and brought Tonys to Henderson Forsythe and Carlin Glynn. The 1982 film adaptation stars Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.

As recently announced, Chenoweth will star in NBC’s upcoming Hairspray Live! as Velma von Tussle. She was Tony-nominated for her performances in On the Twentieth Century (her latest Broadway appearance) and Wicked, and won for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

While it may be a private event, you can get a taste of Cheno embracing her inner Dolly Parton below!