Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

I had never before seen The Producers. I’ve always heard great things about the story, just never had (took?) the chance to enjoy it. So when Angela Lakin of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center offered a pair of tickets to opening night last night, I jumped on the chance.  And I’m glad I did.  It was all I’ve heard and more.

First of all, Mel Brooks is simply genius. I’ve always liked his work, and this is no exception. The script keeps you laughing from the opening number all the way through to the last line. Originally a movie in 1968, Brooks rewrote it as a broadway play in 2001. Which was made into a movie in 2005.

The story revolves around two theatrical producers who think they can get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. To ensure it’s a flop, they choose the worst script, worst director, and hire the worst actors. Of course, nothing goes as planned, and the show (Springtime for Hitler) turns out to be a huge successful hit. The script calls for terrible accents, caricatures of various nationalities as well as sexual orientation, references to a few Mel Brooks productions and other insider jokes.

The current touring production (Producers on Tour) stars Austin Owen and Jason Simon as The Producers.  In his first national tour, Austin does a nifty job portraying the accountant turned producer Leo Bloom.  Jason’s turn as long-time producer Max Bialystock is over-the-top, which is good for the character, but it seems that Jason gets winded at some points, and could use a bit more focus on the clarity of his voice both in song and speaking.  All of the actors turn in fine performances, but John West is outstanding as Carmen Ghia, the gay “common-law assistant” to Roger De Bris, the horrible, gay director.  West easily steals the scenes he is in, and damn near steals the show.  You’ll also want to watch for the final scene in the first act:  Little Old Lady Land.  You just cannot properly picture two dozen old ladies with walkers in a highly choreographed and memorable dance number.

Wifey loved the sets and direction, and the play runs about two hours and 40 minutes - it feels like under 2 hours - including intermission.

If you are like me, and somehow have avoided this story for 39 years, I highly recommend you clear a spot sometime this week or weekend, and go see The Producers at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.  You will miss out if you wait - the tour leaves TBPAC on Sunday.