THE PRODUCERS

Muses

The Producers, Saturday 16 April 2022, 7.30pm

I have been following the build up to this production closely over the last few months and did take note that ticket sales were slow and know at one point it was quite concerning for the Production Team, that said I was so pleased to see the theatre busy the night I watched as this production deserved nothing less. It was evident from the outset that the Company had a strong connection as the show was very tight nit, with great camaraderie between all.

‘The Producers’ would not be my ‘go to’ Musical, but I must say I enjoyed this production from start to finish. Your Director did a good job at capturing some funny moments all of which was fully supported with the Audience reactions. Sometimes some of the gags could have been squeezed a little more for a better reaction as did feel that they were delivered a bit too quickly and maybe going over the heads of some, but I do appreciate that you need to maintain the pace of the show. At times during the performance I did need to remind myself that I was watching an ‘amateur’ production as some of your Principal characters would not have been out of place on a Westend/Broadway stage.

Both Max and Leo offered very convincing characters, with Max being loud, arrogant and a bit intimidating and Leo timid and quite shy. Overall, with both Actors came great rapport! The majority of your scenes had good pace and you both delivered your script with full commitment and understanding to the lines you delivered. I did feel a little ‘Lull’ with some of the script in some of Max’s office scenes, but do take on board you are a little restricted when delivering chunks of script in a continuous period. Leo’s vocals particularly stood out for me and it was evident that this was a character that the Actor in question gave his heart and soul in portraying, so well done!

Ulla, or shall I say Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson (wow that was a mouthful to say) I loved your character and your portrayal of this young Swedish Actress and especially loved your onstage relationship with Leo, if I didn’t know different I would have been convinced that you were in fact from Sweden so well done on playing your character precise to the script in hand.

Now for me and I am sure for the rest of the audience also, the star of the evening (sorry I feel bad for pinpointing one person, but I couldn’t stop myself) must be awarded to Roger De Bris – WOW, what an Actor and what a showstopper number ‘Springtime for Hitler’ was. I was mesmerised with your performance, you stole the show every time you graced your presence on the stage, a massive well done to you, an absolute treat and a golden nugget for your Production Team!!

The musical numbers and dance arrangements were appropriately eccentric in keeping with the humour and diversity of the script. Overall the dance routines were executed to a good standard with a good array of costumes used to showcase performers in their varying character roles. 

Tap numbers were particularly well thought through and brought a traditional feel to the show. The larger ensemble routines brought a good intensity which offered a pleasant contrast to some of the longer duet/solo numbers that were considerably less demanding from a choreography point of view.  The ‘Granny’ routine was a particular highlight and the use of walking frames added a wonderful touch of humour and percussion.

From a choreography perspective, some of the larger ensemble numbers may have benefited from the range of stage heights available being used more actively, for example during one of the dance numbers the show girls were stood for a long period of time on the raised platform without any movement which if executed would have enhanced the dancing on floor level and overall visual for this number, in return adding to the spectacle.

All in all every single person whether a Principal or ensemble gave strong dedicated performances throughout, so well done to you all, you all deserve credit for making the show a success.

I have left this to the end, but will briefly touch on it, I did feel one of the only elements that could have been improved with this production was the lighting plot throughout. I felt at times that the stage should have been lit more effectively and with a bit more thought, this is only my view, but I do feel lighting is a crucial part to a production and did feel a little underwhelmed with this.

The set was basic but what you did have was effective, with use of props working well throughout. The red tabs of the theatre certainly helped with the grand feel of a ‘show within a show’ so that was a bonus for utilising what is already available at the theatre. Costumes for this production were spot on and well thought out so well done to your wardrobe. Finally massive congratulations to your MD, Richard Lennox who once again mastered the vocal arrangements and led the orchestra perfectly.

All in all this was an enjoyable production from start to finish so congratulations to all involved.

P.s on a side note and for future productions, I am aware that some of the Production team were performing, but it would have been a nice touch to catch up with a member of MUSES before the show or in the interval, just a nice touch and good to have a quick chat, face to face. That said, this is not an issue, just more personal and maybe something to consider for future.

Disclaimer

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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