Review: Mallory Roelke brings a magnificent production of THE PRODUCERS at Grand Prairie Arts Council!

 

Photos by Mallory Roelke

The Producers

Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan

Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks

Directed by Mallory Roelke

Produced by Grand Prairie Arts Council

Audience Rating: M for exploitation of women, elderly and homosexuals and mature content

Running Time: 3 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable, but loud during some scenes

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Guns, gunshots, sexual content, lighting effects

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Unless you're relatively new to the world of Theatre, you're likely familiar with Mel Brooks' story, The Producers, where Max Bialystock (played here with a clever wit by Joshua Sherman) and Leo Bloom (played here with sheepish anxiety by Brent Burden) attempt to cheat the IRS and several elderly investors by producing a Broadway show that purposefully flops. Bialystock is a well-known Broadway producer in this play-within-a-play who meets up with Bloom, a boring accountant, with the hopes of one day becoming a producer, himself. Upon realizing they would make a fortune on this flip-flop production, they soon aim to produce it! But, what play should they choose to produce? Why, a comedy about Hitler, of course! Bialystock secures the play, the best possible director for the show, finances via his many elderly, female investors. As playwright Mel Brooks aims to poke fun of the Theatre Industry and "show biz" at its very core, you'll soon be shocked to see how actresses and homosexuals are greatly exploited in "the bizz". Likewise, the elderly investors are taken advantage of (in more ways than one,) much like any investor might be in a Ponzi scheme. Indeed, you'll be stunned by a great many things in this show! You might also be surprised by your very own self, when you're laughing! 

The chemistry between Sherman's Max Bialystock and Burden's Leo Bloom in this production is refreshingly authentic. As the principle roles, they are onstage, together or individually for a large majority of the show. And, given the length of the show, the physicality involved, dancing and singing, this is a huge undertaking. The close friendship between the two men is one of great importance-- it may make or break the show! Sherman and Burden were up to the challenge and have executed it beautifully! Excellent performances are also given by Ben Meaders as Franz Liebkin,  Jacob Rivera-Sanchez as Carmen Ghia, AJ Martinez as Roger De Bris, Victoria Eggleston as Ulla, Lauren Kirkpatrick as Hold Me-Touch Me and Danny Gallagher as Mr. Marks/Sergeant.

Director Mallory Roelke has likewise accomplished a magnificent production, both within the intimate scenes and the large ensemble numbers, which boasts a very large cast, including the talented Whitney Morris*. Choreographer Kayla Starr Bryan, Assistant Choreographer Brianna Seanor and Dance Captain Meghan MacLellan lead the cast in their numerous dance numbers, on a large and small scale, including delightful tap numbers. 

Roelke skillfully makes use of a large projection screen, displaying beautiful scenic backgrounds and aiding in smooth scene transitions. Scene changes operate like a well-oiled machine, allowing this 3 hour production to feel as if the show has only just began. 

The Producers runs for one more weekend through June 30. Tickets can be found at artsgp.org

Want to know more? Continue reading the Extended Review for this production!

* indicates Dallas Theatre Journal Access Artist

Enjoy!

Natalie Shaw