The Edinburgh Fringe is renowned for challenging and unexpected theatre and Texas Annie: The Legend of the Moan Ranger certainly falls into that category. Based on a true story that sounds almost too ridiculous to be real, this new musical takes inspiration from the bizarre fact that, under an old Texas law, you could own more guns than sex toys, while owning six or more sex toys could make you a criminal. The law may no longer be in place, but that hasn’t stopped the creators from turning this strange slice of history into a camp and cheeky musical. It’s exactly the kind of wonderfully bonkers premise that feels right at home at the Fringe.
Annie is a shy young woman who works in her grandmother Virginia Gina’s sex-toy shop. When Governor Killjoy outlaws sex toys, the shop is raided and destroyed by his Texas Ranger enforcer, Wolf Johnson. Believing her grandmother has died, Annie flees with a car full of illegal sex toys and receives some rather unusual guidance from Rainbow, her grandmother’s girlfriend, whose spirit possesses a Fleshlight. Encouraged by Rainbow, Annie becomes the Moan Ranger and sets off across Texas to deliver sex toys to those in need. With all the typical stereotypes of a Wild West, guns, cactus, snakes it’s a show that, as you can imagine, really doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The show, written by Jenn Howd and Roz Mihalko and directed by Maggie Perrino, puts sexual expression front and centre and certainly doesn’t hold back. With double-ended dildos literally flying across the stage and coming dangerously close to audience members, it’s safe to say this is unlike anything you’re likely to have seen before. As ludicrous as the musical is though, its message is surprisingly clear. In just an hour, it explores themes of sexual expression, sexuality and identity, tackling each with plenty of humour and energy without ever feeling overly preachy.
Whilst there is comedy aplenty, coming thick and fast throughout, the real strength of Texas Annie lies in its cast and original score. Songs such as ‘Sex Toys & Texas’ and ‘Dildos Are The Devil’s Tools’ perfectly capture the show’s ridiculous, campy energy, while giving the cast plenty of opportunity to shine. All five performers bring an impressive amount of energy to the stage, often multi-rolling at lightning speed. A quick wig change here, a completely new character there, and they fully embrace the chaos. Every character is played with huge, over-the-top energy, which suits the show’s larger-than-life musical comedy style perfectly.
This show is definitely divisive, and it won’t be for everyone. There are certainly areas where a fuller production could help Texas Annie: The Legend of the Moan Ranger reach its full potential, but the foundations are already there. With more room to grow, it can easily find a much bigger audience and build a real following. It’s ridiculous and completely bonkers but there’s clearly something here worth playing with.
★★★★
Gifted ticket in exchange for an honest review.