BROOKFIELD — Miss Mona’s house is open and business is brisk at The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Written by Carol Hall, Larry King, and Peter Masterson, the summer musical at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA) is a lively, foot-stomping, hand-clapping extravaganza. Under the direction of Craig David Rosen, this big musical production is excellently staged to accommodate the small space. Musical Director Sarah Fay has superbly showcased the vocal talents of this gifted cast.

The Chicken Ranch is located in a small town, yet it has a venerated reputation as a place where locals and visitors can find comfort of a certain kind. The women who reside at the ranch are under the tutelage and protection, of sorts, of Miss Mona (played by Beth Bonnabeau).

Miss Mona is a longtime resident of the home and has risen to become its madame. She sells her wares under the watchful and forgiving eye of Sherriff Ed Earl (Chris Fay).

The women are all of a like mind and enjoy the camaraderie and support of the home they have come to know, love, and depend on. Loudmouthed promoter of the Watch Dog News Melvin P. Thorpe (Eli Patton) has placed the Chicken Ranch in his cross hairs, provoking fear in the hearts and minds of the girls as well as local officials who can be found visiting on the regular.

On the evening the winning football team is treated to the delights of the house, Thorpe and his crew of outraged supporters break into the Chicken Ranch, exposing customers and services alike. The end for the Chicken Ranch is near.

The TBTA cast of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is large and uniformly very entertaining. All are to be commended for their sheer enthusiasm and skills.

Mention must go to Chris Fay as the tough guy with a heart. His Sherriff Ed Earl is in a constant state of sputtering outrage, yet when he sings “Good Old Girl,” he can melt a heart with his gorgeous voice and sincerity.

Stacey Snyder as Jewel — Miss Mona’s housekeeper and right-hand ma’am — is just perfection in her saucy, jazzy rendition of “Twenty Four Hours of Lovin.’” She rocks the house as she slinks her way out the door to see her man.

Righteous man on a mission Melvin P. Thorpe is a scene-stealer in the hands of the comedically endowed Eli Patton. He leaves nothing backstage as he travels through the audience and across the stage delivering his message of damnation.

Anya Caravella gives a terrific performance as diner waitress Doatsy Mae, who lives in the shadow of the ranch and yearns for some excitement and attention. Ms Caravella performs the ballad of Doatsy Mae beautifully.

As the watchful Miss Mona, Beth Bonnabeau is steady, maternal, and wise. She keeps her emotions out of her business and yet when reminiscing about a fleeting lost love, she subtly reveals her despondency and disappointment. Hers is a fine performance.

Kate Patton is authentic and sexy as the sassy hooker hiding her broken heart. She needs this job and plays it for all she’s worth, despite wanting nothing more than to go home.

Proving there are no small parts, Beth Brandon as the bible thumping member of Thorpe’s posse is hilarious with her broad antics and opposition to the lifestyle at the Ranch.

This is a well-done musical with lots of laughs. The very talented cast gives it their all, and it is a lot!

Don’t miss your chance for a visit to The Chicken Ranch, where the welcome is warm and the humor is well-served.

Performances continue through Saturday, July 20, with curtains on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm.

Tickets are $25 for adults or $20 for students and seniors. They may be purchased at the box office or online at [naviga:u]brookfieldtheatre.org[/naviga:u].

The theater is at 184 Whisconier Road (Route 25) in Brookfield Center, behind the library. Call 203-775-0023 or visit the website for additional information.