The Producers

It is always a pleasure to visit Chester-le-street TG, an additional pleasure to see a youth production, and to top it off - a show that is fast becoming a favourite of mine.
From the opening quartet of the ‘usherettes’ singing ‘Opening Night’ to the appropriately named ‘Goodbye’ finale, the production impressed throughout – no more so than the somewhat beleaguered Broadway Producer Max Bialystock played with confidence and style by Adam Donald.  When nervy insecure accountant Leo Bloom arrives to do Max’s books, a throwaway comment that ‘you could make more money having a flop than a success’ sparks off a riotous explosion of laugh out loud moments. Leo, played with great charisma by Joe Coulson, was the yin to Max’s yang and led to great chemistry in their scenes together. No more so than in the opening office scene when the settee's leg collapsed and Joe and Adam worked the mishap into their acting - superb!  The eternal triangle was complete in the entrance of Ulla as the Swedish would-be Broadway star. Ulla was played by Emily Smith with a great panache which belied  her youthful age, having taking on the demanding role a few weeks earlier after an illness meant recasting. The three worked well together throughout.

Having identified a suitable ‘flop’ to stage, the two producers set out to obtain the rights from author Franz Liebkind, humorously caricatured in fine teutonic style by Alex Smith. Alex’s portrayal of the Hitler-obsessed, pigeon-loving playwright brought more humour to an already manic production.
In order to stage the ‘flop’ the ‘worst director and choreographer’ was sought – Roger Debris and Carmen Ghia as the flamboyant director with a penchant for dressing outrageously and his overly camp choreographer were played by Peter Lynn and Martyn Hampton-Matthews to great effect, and the ‘Keep It Gay’ production number was one of the (many) highlights of the production.  Now, to raise the cash for the ‘flop’ Max persuaded his entourage of ‘little old ladies’ led by ‘Hold Me, Touch Me’, ‘Lick Me, Bite Me’ and’ Kiss Me, Feel Me’ (the impressive Michaela Crawley, Sheralyn Allon and Emily Furmedge)  to part with their cheques.

Of course the whole venture is a great success and led to imprisonment for fraud tor Leo and Max.

Although some of the content is possibly not suitable for youngsters, Julie Dryden did a fine job of hitting the right balance and hiding the younger cast members in the more risqué scenes.

Staging, sound, lighting and costumes were up to normal high standards. Choreography by Catherine Smith, and Orchestra under the direction of Chinami Smith, were in capable hands

The whole production was ably benefitted by several minor, but intrinsic, roles of Irish policemen, usherettes, dancers, convicts etc. – well done to all, especial praise to the diminutive form of Aiden Crawley in a cameo role as the judge, and the stage crew for supplying a box for him to stand on to reach the lectern.
This was a splendid production from start to finish, capped off with the iconic silhouette of Max and Leo doffing their caps to Broadway.
Well I ‘doff my cap’ to this whole production for a wonderful night’s entertainment.  There are certain actors and  roles that simply ‘gel’ together, and I’m sure Joe, Adam, Emily, Alex, Peter and Martyn and the whole cast will know that they achieved a special moment  which they will remember for their whole lives - a well done CLS TG youth and graduates.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.