The Producers

There is a song in Mel Brooks’ comedy musical titled “Where Did We Go Right?”  I doubt that’s what The Production Company is asking. Directors Andrew Hallsworth and Dean Bryant carefully considered the look and feel of the show, resulting in an engaging and sophisticated interpretation of the Tony Award winning show, resulting in a standing ovation.

The plot is deliciously hilarious.  In a meeting with bored accountant Leo Bloom, disgraced Broadway Producer Max Bialystock learns that he could make more money from producing an unsuccessful musical than a successful one.  The pair embark on buying the worst play every written (from Franz Liekind, an Adolf Elizabeth Hitler worshipper), and hiring the worst director in town (OTT camp Roger De Bris), to ensure an early closure.  Budding Swedish thespian and singer Ulla joins the office of newly formed Bialystock and Bloom, and the production of “Springtime for Hitler” begins.

Max Bialystock is played to perfection by Wayne Scott Kermond. Brent Hill and Christie Whelan-Browne are likeable as Leo Bloom and Ulla respectively, but the standouts are Mitchell Butel as Roger De Bris and Rohan Browne as Roger’s assistant (and arguably, partner) Carmen Ghia.  Every character is hilarious, with the cast finding opportunities to maximise expressive elements.  It sounds good too; the quality of singing throughout the show is high. 

Every department worked together, committing to produce the best possible result.  Lighting by Paul Jackson and Robert Cuddon was excellent, with sharp use of spot and experimentation with colour. Audio by System Sound was clear, and Costume Design by Kim Bishop was spot on for each character. Kudos for the manipulation of the ladies’ beige-coloured showgirls costumes (in “I Wanna Be a Producer”) to later become birds. 

“I Wanna Be a Producer” was a show-stopper.  Its energy and choreography made this song, and “Keep It Gay”, highlights.  “Betrayed”, usually an audience favourite, was sadly over ad-libbed by Kermond.   

The placement of the band on stage, and the small portable set pieces, took a couple of numbers to get used to. It was an odd sensation, witnessing the female conductor (Musical Director Vanessa Scammell) rising and thus indicating that a number was due to commence.  The band didn’t detract though; rather they filled up the otherwise thin stage and kept the set minimalist.

The Producers is a multi-Tony Award winning shows for many reasons, and this truly magnificent, local, production at the Arts Centre Melbourne did it proud.

Tammy Shmerling

Images: Christie Whelan-Browne and Mitchell Butel; Brent Hill, Christie Whelan-Browne and Wayne Scott Kermond & Wayne Scott Kermond, Brent Hill and Christie Whelan-Browne. Photographer: Jeff Busby.