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A tall man wearing military-regalia, sporting a strong German accent, and holding a gun, storms into the office of the Broadway producer Max Bialystock. He accuses the producer and his much younger, cowardly partner Leo Bloom, that the price they’ll pay for putting on a show that makes fun of Hitler is their life. Max, hands shaking in front of his face, urges the man to kill the actors instead. It is their fault after all, for acting in such a way that would disrespect the German dictator. Killing the actors would solve Bialystock’s biggest problem, too: that his show was an unexpected hit.
The Producers follows Max Bialystock, a once-upon-a-time big Broadway producer who now only produces flops, and Leo Bloom, a young accountant who secretly dreams of becoming a producer. The two decide to partner up to produce an awful musical that is sure to fail in order to embezzle as much money as possible and become rich. The two are as different as they come: Max is overly confident, charming, and dishonest, while Leo is awkward, anxious, and lacks social skills.
When Bialystock decides to raise 2 million dollars by sleeping with every rich, lonely old lady in New York City, a musical number ensues where an ensemble of actors with walkers and gray wigs, dance around the stage chasing Max, while singing about their wide array of sexual fantasies. In contrast, Leo Bloom completely closes up when Ulla, a beautiful Swedish actress, walks into the office asking for a chance to audition. He takes out a blue blanket and rubs his face in it compulsively.
To ensure that their Broadway show is a guaranteed failure, they must choose a play, director, and actors, that are sure to be as horrible as they come. They start by choosing the play. Max sits at the desk, while Leo lays on the floor besides him, reading play after play, until they find a show called Springtime for Hitler. The title speaks for itself. When it comes to choosing a director, they visit the home of the flamboyantly upbeat Roger De Bris, who sings a song about making this World War II musical less of a bummer. Finally, they cast the most uncoordinated dancers and off-pitch singers.
Fast forward to opening night…
Music Theater Works Brings on the Spectacle
Various set changes take us from location to location, and a painted backdrop shows the New York City skyline. Surrounding the stage is a string of bright lights that shine as the orchestra saturates the space with music, while the large ensemble dances and sings on stage.
This show is perfect for those who enjoy musical comedies full of spectacle.
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CAST:
Max Bialystock: Thomas M. Shea
Leo Bloom: David Geinosky
Ulla: Kelsey MacDonald
Franz Liebkind: Sam Nachison
Roger de Bris: Steve McDonagh
Carmen Ghia: Eustace J. Williams
Ensemble: Andrew John Baker
Ensemble: David Blakeman
Ensemble: Anna Brown
Ensemble: Jack Bowes
Ensemble: Alexander Christie
Ensemble: Renée Dwyer
Ensemble: Erol Ibrahimovic
Ensemble: Lacey Jack
Ensemble: Nick Johnson
Ensemble: Katie Kotila
Ensemble: Rachel Livingston
Ensemble: Kelly Lohrenz
Ensemble: Ethan Lupp
Ensemble: Justin Payton Nelson
Ensemble: Caitlyn Porayko
Ensemble: Palash Ranjit
Ensemble: Melody Rowland
Ensemble: Karylin Veres
Ensemble: Alex Villasenor
Swing: Alex Iacobucci
Swing: Jenny Couch
Understudy: Timothy Wolf
CREATIVE TEAM:
Director: L. Walter Stearns
Music Director: Eugene Dizon
Choreographer: Darryl K. Clark
Scenic Designer: Jonathan Berg-Einhorn
Lighting Designer: Andrew Meyers
Costume Designer: Rachel M. Sypniewski
Sound Designer: Matthew R. Chase
Production Manager: Chris Chase
Company Manager: Jennifer King Russell
Stage Manager: Allison Gonzales
Hair, Wig, and Makeup Designer: Keith Ryan
Props Designer: Noah Elman
Fight Choreographer: Nick Sandys
Intimacy Choreographer: Amber Wuttke
Dramaturg: Anita Silvert
Dialect Coach: August Rain Stamper
Assistant Music Director: Aaron Kahn
Assistant Choreographer: Nick Johnson
Assistant Costume Designer: Kristen Brinati
Assistant Stage Manager: Anna Vu
Master Electrician/Lighting Programmer: Chelsea Lynn
Scene Shop Technical Director: Will Hughes
Production Sound Engineer: Forrest Gregor
Music Intern: Contessa Loveless
Music Contractor: Linda Madonia
Second Assistant Stage Manager: Lily Landoch
Run Crew: Blue Dupuis
Run Crew: Ethan Colish
Rail Operator: Caleb Woodring
Wardrobe Run Crew: Kristen Brinati
Wardrobe Run Crew: Lauren Talsma
Light Board Operator: Ethan McIntosh
Spotlight Operator: Alon Stotter
Spotlight Operator: Riley Woods
Head Audio/A1: Vija Lapp
A2: Eric Brown
WHEN:
August 10 - August 20, 2023
Sundays - 2pm
Wednesdays - 1pm
Thursdays - 7.30pm
Fridays - 8pm
Saturdays - 2pm, 8pm
WHERE:
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie
9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
TICKETS:
$ 39 +
For more information and tickets visit the MUSIC THEATER WORKS website.
PHOTO: Brett Beiner Photography
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.
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About the Author: Madalena Martins
Madalena is a young writer and actress based in Chicago. She was born and raised in Lisbon (Portugal- the home of soccer and custard tarts) then moved to Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and finally made it to the United States! Her international background resulted in a deep love for languages, cultures, travelling, and food. She is also a lover of theatre, cinema, music, and literature. In her free time, she enjoys writing, going to the beach, doing improv comedy and sketches with friends, talking to strangers, and suffocating her dog with love.
Besides this, she is interested in climate activism, feminism, and queer studies, and is interested in the intersections between these fields.
