Songs of the Double-wide

Grab a foldin' lawn chair, a six-pack of Natty Light and some chicken-fried whatever because the first national tour of The Great American Trailer Park Musical opens tonight in McKinney. Described as "South Park meets Desperate Housewives," the off-Broadway musical production promises adulterers, agoraphobes and pink flamingos galore. Sure, you could save a trip to McKinney by turning on the ol' tube and chugging a few cold ones whilst watching some TiVo'd Jerry Springer re-runs. But how often do you get the chance to go to a redneck musical? Not exactly subtle in humor, the musical features songs such as "Road Kill" and "This Side of the Tracks" and characters named Duke, Pickles and Lin (short for Linoleum because she was born on the kitchen floor...Get it?). But we are talking trailer-park musical here. The action unbuttons as runaway stripper Pippi arrives at Armadillo Acres, touted as "Florida's most exclusive mobile home community." While hiding out in the trailer park from Duke, her homicidal, permanent-marker-sniffing boyfriend, Pippi gets tangled up in a love triangle between beer-bellied schlub Norbert and his agoraphobic wife. Soap opera drama ensues, and then Duke shows up with his markers and a gun. Tickets are $24.50 to $37. The show starts today with performances through Sunday, May 25. Showtimes vary; for schedule and ticket information call 214-544-4630 or visit mckinneyperformingartscenter.org.
Wed., May 21, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Thu., May 22, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., May 23, 8 p.m.; Sat., May 24, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., May 25, 2 & 7:30 p.m., 2008