Review: Springtime for Farmers Branch! The Firehouse Theatre Strikes Gold with Mel Brooks’ THE PRODUCERS

Photo: Jason Anderson/Pendleton Studio

The Producers

Book by: Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan

Lyrics by: Mel Brooks

Directed by: Caitlin Martelle

Music Directed by: Rebekah Prim

Choreographed by: Jessica Deskewies 

Produced by: Owen Beans/Firehouse Theatre

Audience Rating: R
Running Time: 2.5 hours with a 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
ASL Showing: 
Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: Adult humor and innuendo, occasional sound of bombs, satirical Nazi imagery/costuming, and occasional strong language.

Reviewed by Ellie Nunemaker

Some shows are fun. Some shows are ridiculous. The Producers is both in the best possible way. From the start, the musical throws you into the chaotic scheme of two producers (one of whom is a newly ex-accountant) who realize they could make more money with a flop than with a hit. What follows is a wildly over the top ride through greed, ego, and the absolute insanity of show business. It is loud, fast, and completely committed to the bit, which is exactly what makes it such a fun night at the theatre.

Director Caitlin Martelle has completely blown the DFW out of the water with this amazingly stacked cast of performers. The unstoppable trio of Martelle, Jessica Deskewies (Choreographer) and Rebekah Prim (Music Director) are prime examples of building a show in the most show-stopping way.

The Producers technical design team was also more than words can say, brilliant. The flashy beautiful costumes were done by Dayna Ray Dutton. The simple but very effective set (crowned by a golden wall) was done by Logan Uhtenwoldt. The sound design was done with such delicacy and brilliance by Michael Marbry and the stunning lighting design was done by Hank Baldree. This team absolutely highlighted Martelle’s vision in the most spectacular way, every single piece of this show made it so delightful and the entire team should be more than pleased with the outcome.

Martelle clearly had a distinct vision in the satirical moments of the show, as well as an astonishing balance between the satire of the show and the more tender moments. Many times, I found my heart fluttering such as when Ulla and Leo’s romance bloomed and when Leo and Max reunited, I found myself getting misty-eyed. All I can say to Martelle is BRAVO! You have made your directorial debut something NO ONE should miss. 

Deskewies has a true gift for choreographic instinct. Every piece of choreography was completely enrapturing, and I often found myself almost hypnotized, watching the performers bring Deskewies’ work to life on stage. Each number felt timeless and thoughtfully crafted. Some moments left me in stitches, while others made me smile and swoon.

Prim, as the music director, had the harmonies extremely tight. Every number sounded full and vibrant, and it was clear how intelligently Prim shaped the music to highlight each performer’s voice. Prim balanced the ensemble beautifully, making sure every singer had their moment while still creating one unified sound, which is an incredible feat itself that most music directors aspire to reach. 

The cast of The Producers is entirely overflowing with talent. The ensemble includes April Rose Bourg, Janie Carr, Breanna Duchatellier (also serving as Dance Captain), Lucas Haupert, Cam Hayes, Josh Hepola, Meghan MacLellan, Bryson Morlan, Juan Perez, Evan Taiclet and Hailey Wolfe. These people are the absolute backbone of this incredibly dance heavy and hilarious show. They make up characters such as the Usherettes, the accountants and my personal favorite, the Little Old Ladies. These VERY talented artists almost never leave this stage and do more than admirable work. Every single one of them brought such clever acting and uniqueness to each character they played and had this bright happy smiley aura that was perfectly crafted for this musical. These actors are showstopping and anyone in the DFW would be more than lucky to be alongside them onstage because they SHINE.

Doug Fowler and Toni Arroyo play the incomparable Roger Debris and Carmen Ghia. This duo brought such life to the stage and had such amazing chemistry with each other as well as every single other member of the cast. Fowler, who played a certain political figure toward the end of the show, was absolutely stunning and hysterical. I could not keep my eyes off the costuming (done immaculately by Dayna Ray Dutton) and manner in which Fowler absolutely “kept it gay.” Arroyo, behind their alluring manner and gorgeous voice, is also a marvelous dancer. Arroyo brought such a fun air to Carmen and was always on a 10, which kept a smile on my face every time Carmen was onstage.

Jacob Catalano, as Franz Liebkind, has an utterly magnetic air about him. Catalano finds the most shocking parts of the show and makes them something to laugh about until tears fill your eyes. Catalano is comedic gold and full of personality and I loved every moment of the "Der Guten Tag Hop Clop."

Savannah Decrow, as Ulla, was simply perfect. Decrow has the charisma and irresistible charm that no one in 1000 miles could turn away from. Decrow is an honest triple threat and had such palpable chemistry with both Leo and Max. Decrow brought one of my favorite songs of the night, “When you got it, Flaunt it” to the stage impeccably. Overall, Decrow expertly captured Ulla’s seductive nature, yet pure heart and even if I saw Decrow in every other show this year, I would still never get over her. 

Grant Hollowell and Micah B. Hardt are comedic geniuses. As Max and Leo, this duo absolutely KILLS and were unstoppable from the beginning of the Overture to the end of Bows. I would not be surprised if this duo were to get launched into a revival of The Producers tomorrow. They gave an extremely side-splitting performance together, and you would have thought they’ve been friends for years with the amount of chemistry they had. 

Micah B. Hardt, as Leo, has the most hilariously quirky demeanor. Hardt is quick on his feet and has comedy down pat while also having undeniable acting chops and a terrific voice. Hardt is a gem in this show, and I am more than ready to see where Hardt goes next from this marvelous musical.

Grant Hollowell is Max Bialystock, in more than just the sense of the character, he truly lives in Max’s world for 2.5 hours. The pure energy and talent it takes for someone to undertake this role is like nothing I have seen, but Hollowell did this flawlessly. Hollowell could have stayed on the stage the entire show (as he was only a few numbers away from doing) and I would have not complained because he gave a masterclass in comedy and I was a more than overjoyed observer. 

This is the hardest I have ever laughed in a show, and I was joined in laughter by every single person around me. Firehouse Theatre has truly found their footing in such a classic and confounding comedy. If I could come see this show every single weekend, I would. Every person in this show should be more than proud of how incredibly wonderful it is. Go out and see The Producers at Firehouse Theatre and you will surely not regret getting a night full of laughter! Continuing through March 29. Tickets available at thefirehousetheatre.com

Catch the magic while it’s live!!

Ellie