The Producers

The story of The Producers is a comical yet cynical observation of the ambitious and, exploitative side of the entertainment business and revolves around two theatre producers, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom who realise they can make a great deal of money by deliberately staging a very bad musical which only lasts for the opening night on Broadway!

There wasn’t one weak link amongst the six main characters and each held the audience in the palm of their hand. Comedy timing, facial expressions and singing were all fabulous. Each of them should be proud of their portrayals.

The show requires a fantastic Max Bialystock to hold it all together, and Craig Spence performed it with perfection. His comic timing was flawless. The show also requires a great relationship between Max and Leo, and Michael McLean held the part of Leo together superbly, as the angst-ridden wannabee producer, both of them delivering their musical numbers with professional ease. Both Craig and Michael, with very little off-stage time, gave first class performances which exuded energy and superb facial expressions. I particularly liked Michael’s relationship with his baby-blue comfort blanket whenever he was worried!

There was also a great relationship as a trio with Ulla, played brilliantly by Ann-Marie Miller.  She danced magnificently, sang well, held the Swedish accent and oozed the appropriate sex appeal to build a great character.

Jon Brown as Franz Liebkind, a somewhat OTT member of the Nazi party, showed good understanding of the comedy aspect of his role and kept the audience in stitches with his routines as the domineering yet gullible ex fanatic soldier of the Nazi regime.

As “the worst Director on Broadway” the colourful Roger DeBris is hired to direct their show, and was played with wonderful flamboyance by Andrew Butchart with Logan Booth as his equally flamboyant assistant Carmen Ghia.

The cast was completed by so many supporting characters, it is impossible to mention each and every one. One example which demonstrates the talent of each of the cameo roles was the opening number “It’s Opening Night” headed up by Usherettes, Brogan Orkney and Ashleigh Butchart. Well sung and well-danced!

Technically, the show ran very smoothly. Already a long show, the durations of scene changes, of which there were many, were cut to a minimum by clever use of down-stage left and right areas masked by a simple drape, concealing another two scenic areas.

Lighting was well-designed and operated – noting that I could see everyone when required!  Sound, too, was well operated and maintained a good balance between band and singers.

The Production Team of Director, Nigel Orkney, Musical Director, Peter Thomson and Choreographer, Jane Duffy should all feel proud of themselves for producing results as seen tonight. Well done!

Many thanks to Markinch Musical Society for inviting us along, and for the hospitality shown throughout!

 

 

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