The Producers

I have to admit that when I heard that DMTC’s production this year was to be “The Producers” I was very excited, this show is a favourite of mine I wasn’t disappointed.

With Mel Brooks' original aim of making "terrible things entertaining” The Producers was first conceived as a film in 1967 starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, it was later adapted into a musical for Broadway in 2001 and a film version of the musical was made  in 2006 starring Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick and Will Ferrell. While trying to balance the accounts for washed up Broadway producer Max Bialystock, Leo Bloom discovers a fail-safe way to get rich. They will trick Bialystock’s collection of little old ladies into investing in the worst show ever as it’s guaranteed to fail, there then follows a mix of extraordinary attempts to do this with the help of some chaotic characters.

The set and props for the show were superb, scenes transitioned seamlessly by staging action in front of the curtain as sets and costumes were changed behind which meant there was no hold up in the action. The lighting plot perfectly complimented the scenes and sound quality was good. The many costumes were authentic and looked great, from the suits to the over the top “Springtime” outfits every single person looked good.

The huge and talented ensemble energetically morphed into a variety of characters -  theatre goers, accountants, little old ladies, prisoners and even Stormtroopers – all played to perfection, with great singing too. The dancers from Kathleen Knox were a delight to watch, they are always perfectly presented and their skill is exemplary. Choreography throughout the show was well executed and so interesting to watch, the mirror in the “Busby Berkeley” effect "Springtime for Hitler” worked so well, Leo and Ulla’s duet “That Face” was enchanting and “Little Old Lady Land” absolutely wonderful – tap, zimmer frames and trampolines, what was there not to like!

The “Opening Night” number was beautifully sung by the 3 usherettes played by Jessica Newby, Catherine Finn and Natasha Angus, a great start to the show. As “Hold Me Touch Me” Shireen Gale showed her versatility and ability to play comedy, hilarious, I almost fell off my seat laughing when she popped up from behind the sofa. The other “Ladies” – Delia McNally, Anne Taylor and Enid Bilton-Gale – brilliant, every one of them a leading lady superstar! Steven Berry wowed with his vocals as the singing Stormtrooper in “Springtime for Hitler” and as the eccentric Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind, Steve Hill brought boundless enthusiasm and hilarity to the role, great fun, especially in “Der Guten Tag, hop Clop”, well done.

When Bialystock and Bloom find their director they find a cacophony of a production team to go with him all played hilariously by Chris Coates, Stewart Harland, Ed Turner (that costume!!) and Sarah Jackson. Chris Carr and Michael Taphouse as Roger De Bris and Carmen Ghia respectively were fabulous, their camp antics had the audience roaring, they were absolutely perfect in these roles and got every ounce of comedy from their scenes, fabulous. In typical Mel Brookes fashion there is a “blonde” and in this production it is Ulla the seductive Swedish secretary with dreams of stardom who was played by Jade Henderson. Jade had good vocals, great accent, and super dance skills and was the perfect partner to the reluctant Leo.

Bialystock and Bloom need to have strong chemistry for this show to truly work and this was abundant with Anthony Smith and Luke McGarey, their on stage camaraderie was palpable driving the show with energy and wit. Anthony was not only convincing as Bialystock but lived the character as if it were his own, his character was a perfect comic match for Luke who as Leo Bloom with his security blanket had such nervous energy throughout that it was difficult to see when he took a breath, his vocal performance was perfect. Highlights from these two performers were many but I particularly enjoyed “I Wanna be a Producer” where Luke was able to showcase all of his skills and “Betrayed” in which Anthony did a lightning fast re-cap of the entire show up to that point, such a talent and a role that was made for him to play. Both performers gave performances to be proud of and were a credit to the production team and themselves.

Music throughout the show was fabulous, the 19 piece orchestra were faultless and an absolutely perfect sound resounded from the pit. Congratulations to musical director Malcolm Moffat and his superb musicians.

This entire production was polished and well presented, congratulations to Director Fred Wharton, the entire company, production team and crew for bringing this outrageous and brilliant musical to life, I think you can tell that I loved it!

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.