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The Ocala Civic Theatre is ready for its latest act. Its production of the famed Broadway musical, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” opens tonight.

The musical, which debuted in 1978, recounts the humorous story of a rustic bordello on a chicken ranch in fictional Gilbert, Texas, where girls trade services with clients in exchange for poultry.

The production, which runs until Sept. 30, features an expansive musical score, pulling from rock ‘n’ roll, Motown and country ballads. The Ocala Civic Theatre casted 25 characters for the performance and an onstage orchestral ensemble that will have the audience tapping its toes for the duration of the show.

“The title captivates your interest, for one thing, but it’s a great deal of fun,” said Melody Murphy, an administrative assistant at the theater who appears in the production as Miss Mona Stangley, the madam of the ranch.

She added, “It’s also got its emotional moments. I think people will come expecting one thing and I think they’ll be surprised with how many levels it has.”

For show times and ticket information, visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

George Pappas edited this story online.