The Producers

The Producers – Nervous accountant Leo Bloom, secretly dreams of becoming a producer, is sent by his boss to audit the books of once King of Broadway, Max Bialystock. ‘Funny Boy’ was a terrible flop, but he vows to return. Together they scheme to get rich quick by overselling interests in another flop. They need the worst play, the worst director, to raise two million dollars from sponsors (old ladies requiring sexual favours) hire the worst actors, open on Broadway, close quickly, take the money and run!  Complications arise when it instantly becomes a success.  FAOS really got immersed in the story and all the various facets of the story were enhanced brilliantly.  The well-developed humour, the sustained accents, and the dynamic caricature of queens and Nazis all together created a vibrant production.

I was disappointed that the audience did not clap the opening of the tabs as the scenery was simple but stunning.  The scene changes were relatively simple and the use of back projection to highlight the scene was very good even though once the lights came up the picture faded – this did not affect the enjoyment.  The use of minimalist scenery and props was very effective and the ‘pigeons’ performed well..  Every scene and group of characters were well dressed from the opening girls to the super gold dancers’ costumes through to the ‘old ladies’ and so on throughout the production.  It wasn’t only the girls that came in for the focus of attention the men had their moments with glamorous dresses to high heeled boots.  The attention to detail was evident. 

The orchestra supported the singers well and certainly created the right mood.  The delivery of the songs was very good, with good diction and interpretation.

The FAOS production of The Producers was so full of life, enthusiasm and talent despite the heat.  Congratulations on making it all look so effortless!  This production does not have many principal parts for ladies however the chorus has to be multi-talented to present all the singing and dancing to such a high standard.  Every single small role was executed very well and made an important contribution to the quality of the show.

Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yansen….. , very effectively played by Dawn Stephens,  was the quintessential Swedish blonde who was obviously very good at painting.  Tony Siddall played the part of the ‘worst’ director on Broadway, Roger De Bris, whether in a dress or more conventionally attired he owned the role throughout. He was very ably assisted by Owen White as Carmen Ghia his ‘common law assistant’ The playwright of “Springtime for Hitler”, Franz Liebkind, creatively acted by Matthew Chapman, together with his pigeons, captured the imagination of the audience. Franz breaks his leg on opening night and director Roger takes over.  He is so bad the audience mistake it for satire and it’s a huge success. Franz tries to shoot everyone, breaks his other leg trying to escape, Roger and Carmen hide, the police ensue, Leo the apologetic accountant/wannabe producer which was superbly played by Tony Carpenter with just the right mannerisms, runs off with Ulla and Max is sent to jail. Max Bialystock is the lead character and the original “down on his luck” Broadway producer.  Rob Wilson maintained the character throughout and developed a persona that that was so credible.  His physical acting was very well timed with that of Bloom.  Leo now married to Ulla returns pleading Max’s case. They get five years and together write a new musical. Pardoned by the Governor Leo and Max do become “the Kings of Broadway” and walk off into the sunset.

Once again FAOS have surpassed themselves – the production was of a very high standard, the high quality of the dancing added an extra sparkle to the evening and comments could be heard as to a positive comparison with professional performances. Director Sue Sampson and MD Steven Bean should feel very proud of what they have achieved.

Well done the whole FAOS team.

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