Best bet for laughs: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

(Signature Theatre regular Sherri L. Edelen (Miss Mona, center) leads the cast of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” The political satire runs through Oct. 7. Photo: Scott Suchman.)

Arlington has a whorehouse in it, and it’s worth a visit.

Signature Theatre has transformed its MAX Theatre into the red-walled house of ill repute known as The Chicken Ranch for its rendition of the musical comedy “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”

Based on real-life events  this 1978 political satire follows a moralizing broadcaster’s campaign to shutter an infamous brothel that has been in operation for more than a century.

Artistic director Eric Schaeffer said in a statement that Signature intentionally opened its 23rd season with “Whorehouse” given the forthcoming elections. “On top of being wildly funny and very entertaining, the musical addresses such vital ideas as censorship, moral hypocrisy, and media sensationalism. It is very clear that ‘Whorehouse’ is as relevant today as it was in 1978 …”

The play is mostly set in and around Gilbert, Texas, an “incorporated sand trap,” in the words of Gilbert mayor/car salesman Rufus Poindexter (Matt Conner, who also plays Senator Wingwoah). Typical of elected officials in “Whorehouse,” Poindexter does not take a position until he knows the opinion of his constituency.

Helen Hayes award-winner and Signature regular Sherri L. Edelen shines as the strong-willed, likeable proprietor of The Chicken Ranch, Miss Mona Stanley. Songs throughout the show are fun, but Edelen’s “Bus from Amarillo” was one of my favorites.

Christopher Bloch plays the clip-on-bandana-wearing muckraker Melvin P. Thorpe. Thorpe is a man who has mastered the exploitative powers of live television but does not know how to wear a wig properly.

Thomas Adrian Simpson (Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd) has solid comic timing. Obscenities spew forth from the sheriff’s tongue like oil from a Dallas gusher, drawing gales of laughter from the audience. Typical: Dodd describes Thorpe as a “God-damn, wig-wearing, citified son of a bitch.”

Edelen and Simpson are seasoned actors. The pair remain in character exiting the stage even when Edelen loses her heel.

Even actors with small roles made the most of their time on stage. Tracy Lynn Olivera (the diner’s Doatsy Mae) captivated the audience with a fantastic rendition of the song named for her. I would have loved to hear Olivera sing more.

Set Designer Collin Ranney and lighting designer Colin K. Bills set the tone with a simple, functional, but sexy red set. Period ceiling fans extend into the house to help draw the audience into the world of The Chicken Ranch. Karma Camp choreographed fun dance numbers that are sassy and sexy without being vulgar. Who doesn’t enjoy a group shimmy?

“Whorehouse” is a breezy musical with a lot of laughs that succeeds largely on the strength of its near-perfect casting.

Catch the show before the authorities close it down.

To maximize your Signature experience, arrive early and enjoy a small bite from Ali’s Bar. Order Doatsy Mae’s Favorite Stuffed Mushrooms filled with sausage, onion and cheese served on a bed of greens. The only drawback is the greens don’t come with dressing. Catch a Friday performance to enjoy Club Blue after the show: DJ, drinks, dancing and partying with the cast.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is playing at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va., through Oct. 7. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $40. 703.573.7328.