Cast members of Meridian Little Theatre's production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," are (front from left) Claudia Dillard, Mayor Cheri Barry, and Leigh Anne Whittle. In back (from left) are Amy Poole, Allen Hunt, Frank Coleman, Scott Causey and Katy Cottles.

    Cheri Barry, Frank Coleman and Allan Hunt have the three leading roles in Meridian Little Theatre’s Tony Award winning production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

    The majority of roles have been cast, according to director Jimmy Pigford. The musical will be the first production of the 2011-2012 season. It will be presented Oct. 6-12 in the MLT Playhouse on Mississippi Highway 39 North.

    “MLT is very fortunate to have Mayor Cheri Barry take time to participate in the musical. She is very involved in the city’s art projects and a firm believer in Meridian’s cultural growth,” Pigford said.

    Coleman has the role of Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, the tough and mean, but likeable, sheriff who has a soft spot for Miss Mona, played by Barry. Coleman is reviving the role that he played for MLT in 1992.

    Allen Hunt received the role of Melvin P. Thorpe, the eccentric TV broadcaster who exposes the Chicken Ranch. Hunt co-starred in the hit musical “Hairspray” in MLT’s last May production.

    Amy Poole has been cast as Doatsey Mae, a waitress who “wasn’t born Yesterday” and who works at the Texas Twinkle Café. Benny Eggler will be the governor of Texas, a sneaky politician who oozes his way through a press conference with a song and soft-shoe routine aptly called “The Sidestep,” that’s a real show-stopper.

    The fun role of Senator Wingwoah went to Scott Causey. Townspeople  include  Michael Edwards as the Mayor, Brad Hampton as Edsel and Scott Stevens as the reporter.

    Featured roles include Angel, to be played by Leigh Anne Whittle, and Shy portrayed by Katy Cottles. Claudia Dillard, a new comer to the stage, has the role of Jewel, Miss Mona’s second in command.

    Miss Mona’s girls will be portrayed by Amiee’ Lay, Liza Hannington, Jena Hayes, Jessica Daniels, McCall Phillips, Andrea Alonso, Haley Merrill, Jamie Henderson.

    The Aggie football team/Cowboys include: Hunter Braddock, Jacob Williams, Colton Tinsley, Cameron Coleman, Will Hayes, Joshua Myers, and Richard Myers.

    Melvin P. Thorpe Doggette’s and townspeople: Alanna Hall, Sarah Beth Boutwell, Shannon Wright, Stephanie Womack, Angelia Austin, Letitia Johnson, Regan Harwell, Marianne Todd, Connie Bishop, Kay Poole, and Laura Ethridge.

    Cheerleaders will be Alanna Hall, Laura Ethridge and Sarah Beth Boutwell.

    “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is a title to reckon with, while the show is surprisingly inoffensive,” Pigford said. It’s full of fun, gusto and is a good-natured musical full of tuneful songs and entertaining dances.

    Carol Merrill is the choreographer with David Benson as vocal director.

    The production will be staged on Oct. 6-12. For a season membership call the MLT box office Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at (601) 482-6371. Individual guest tickets go on sale Sept. 15.