“How could a producer make more money with a flop than a hit?” is the key question asked by Broadway producer Max Bialystock early in the first act.
In reality it’s a question that is totally irrelevant for Nottingham Operatic Society whose opening night performance of The Producers is a resounding success.
The musical, which was comedy legend Mel Brooks’ directorial debut back in 1968, shines in a thoroughly entertaining production directed and choreographed by Lisa Lee.
Max, played superbly by Simon Theobold, is on a downward spiral after his latest play flops spectacularly. By any means, Max should be an easy character to loathe. He’s greedy, corrupt, and finances his plays by talking little old ladies into parting with their money (and their underwear). Yet Theobold brings a unique charm to the sleazy character which means you can’t help but root for the guy.
Enter Leo Bloom; a hapless accountant with dreams of stardom played with endearing bashfulness by Mark Coffey-Bainbridge. The unlikely pair hatch a cunning plan when they discover when they could make millions producing a flop and pocket the extra cash.
All they have to do is find the worst play known to man, hire the world’s worst director and cast some equally terrible actors. They’ll split the money and head to Rio. Easy, right?
Predictably what follows is a series of hilarious hijinks.
The play they choose, ‘Springtime for Hitler,” is penned by an ex-Nazi with a penchant for anti-Semitic pigeons. It’s hard to believe that a musical with such a title could be considered anything other than a farce.
The introduction of Leo’s Swedish love interest and leading woman, Ulla, played with impeccable comedic timing by Amanda Bruce, only adds to the sheer ridiculousness of the plan.
Flamboyant director, Roger De Bris, helms the production. He graciously accepts with a show-stopping rendition of ‘Keep it Gay’ which is both over the top and fabulous. I take a moment to look around the theatre towards the end of this number and am delighted to say I wasn’t the only audience member with a huge grin on my face.
It doesn’t take a genius to see why this musical has stood the test of time and remains popular with modern audiences. In short: it’s hilarious.
The Producers really does have it all. There are scenes that will tug at your heartstrings and others that will make you laugh raucously. I assure you, you haven’t seen it all until you’ve watched 30-odd pensioners energetically Cossack dance with the aid of Zimmer frames.
The staging is impressive, the choreography is flawless and the ensemble numbers are a pleasure to watch. The cast looked polished and confident in their performances. As well they should be.
If you like your musicals brash, droll and verging on the edge of being un-PC then The Producers is certainly for you.
The Producers is showing at Nottingham Theatre Royal from 25-29th October. Tickets available from £10. www.trch.co.uk
Review by Laura Somers
