Texas Annie: The Legend of the Moan Ranger
Written by Jenn Howd & Roz Mihalko. Lyrics by Jenn Howd, Roz Mihalko, and John Woods. Music by John Woods, Stephen Goers, Roz Mihalko, and Jenn Howd; Directed by Maggie Perrino.
UNDER St. Marks | 94 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
April 8th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 18th
Theatre festivals are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.
The FRIGID Festival reflects approximately 65 shows will run in rep at 5 different venues. Shows will run a bit under an hour. There will be one-acts and bits of longer works in progress; dramas, comedies and musicals
I read the press release, but I didn’t expect this. I had an idea of what this One Act could be, but little did I know, I was in for an hour of pure sexual acceptance and liberation. I have never felt so comfortable in a room full of strangers before. Why? Because laughter is the way the heart is set free.
Texas Annie: The Legend of the Moan Ranger is a one-hour satire musical that opens up the Under St. Marks Theatre to freedom. From the moment I sat in the back row, I felt a part of the Texas Annie cast.
The show, one of the many included in the NYC Fringe Festival, includes audience participation. You’re prompted with a warm welcome to this vibrant world, instructed to throw a “yeehaw” or “oh, my” in reaction to the action. Phrases are shown upon the screen for you to scream.
This is a unique show that features an ensemble cast playing multiple roles, projected images and videos for location and emotional purposes, and a puppet. I wont give away what kind of puppet it is, but its presence completes the piece of this satire energy-filled production.
If you’re not comfortable with cleverly written innuendos, puns, sex toys, or body liberation from the clutches of religion and the law, this might not be to your taste. But I will tell you, it’s worth a try. The characters are lovable, and discuss very real emotions of shame, guilt, suppression, and ultimately suffering in order to even attempt to feel pleasure.
It should be noted that Texas Annie has a full concept album. The music explores different genres from country, to power ballads, to more. It’s available on streaming services for your enjoyment.
This soundtrack enhances our story’s predicament: it’s illegal to own or sell sex toys in Texas. Annie becomes Texas’s vigilante hero on the run from the law, delivering goodies to those promised, and opens up some minds (and bodies) along the way.
It’s an hour of laughter you’ll be happy to have. I know I needed it. Oh! Please be prepared for some surprises. You may go home *not* empty handed.
Get your tickets to this fun, laughable show here: http://www.frigid.nyc/
Review by Amanda Montoni
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on April 10th, 2025. All rights reserved.