LAS VEGAS - Since his teenage days as an actor in New York City, theater and music have been a passion for a part-time Bemus Point resident William ''Bill'' Freyd.
This passion has led Freyd to produce ''The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,'' a vintage Broadway show, in a vintage Las Vegas showroom, at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The production will open Saturday.
Based on the book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, the musical is a true story of the legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch. The original Broadway production of ''The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas'' debuted in 1978. It was nominated for seven Tony Awards and won two. In 1982, it was adapted into a major motion picture starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
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“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” produced by William Freyd of Bemus Point, will open at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Submitted photo
Freyd's production will be one of the few current Broadway musicals in Las Vegas. It is the only one in the downtown Las Vegas entertainment district, near the Fremont Street Experience.
A member of Screen Actors Guild, Freyd has performed frequently in New York and Las Vegas as an actor. In recent years, his Las Vegas acting credits include ''South Pacific,'' ''Annie,'' ''Hello Dolly,'' ''Annie Get Your Gun'' and ''Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.''
In 2005, Freyd turned to producing shows in Las Vegas. With two partners, he founded SFS Entertainment, which has previously produced community-based Broadway musicals: ''A Chorus Line,'' ''Cabaret'' and ''The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.''
Freyd's ''day job'' for many years has been operating two national fundraising companies, along with his wife, Diane Jones Carlson, who is originally from Jamestown. Their current fundraising consulting company, 1-2-1 Philanthropic Services, serves non-profits across the country.
In addition to his ''day job'' and his ''night job,'' Freyd has been actively involved with the Las Vegas Philharmonic during the past five years. He is currently president of the philharmonic, which opened March 24 at Las Vegas' new Smith Center for the Performing Arts with Mahler's Symphony No.2-Resurrection.
Tickets start at $59.95 for general admission and may be obtained by calling the Plaza Hotel & Casino box office, 800-793-9332, or online at www.plazahotelcasino.com.
Freyd and his wife bought their home in Bemus Point in 2010. They also maintain a Las Vegas residence.