|
News
10/07/09 - Daily Republic's Review of SCT's The Producers
Big, gaudy, hilarious and kinda naughty
By Tony Wade | Daily Republic correspondent | October 06, 2009 00:23
FAIRFIELD, CA – Ideally I like to attend a local theatrical production I'm going to review knowing absolutely nothing about it.With Solano College Theatre's 'The Producers' this wasn't the case as I had seen Mel Brooks' 1968 movie a number of years ago. I also had sneak peeks at some of the SCT costumes from the dozens of backstage photos posted by cast member Molly Millett on Facebook.
The legendary Brooks ('Spaceballs' and 'Blazing Saddles') adapted 'The Producers' into a stage musical in 2001. It was wildly successful and the Broadway production starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick earned a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and was made into a 2005 film.
Even though I knew the plot and had gotten some sneak peeks, I was still completely blown away. SCT's version was big, gaudy, hilarious and kinda naughty. I pride myself on having a rather large vocabulary, but during a couple of incredible numbers all I could do was turn to my wife and stupidly mouth, 'Wow!'
If you know nothing about the play and like me would prefer to keep the slate clean before seeing it, stop reading now. It's better to experience it live than in newsprint. Just check out the times in the review box, note that I gave it 3.5 stars out of four, and be on your merry way.
Otherwise, read on.
A brief synopsis: failed theatrical director Max Bialystock (Edward Hightower) consults with his accountant Leo Bloom (Brian Herndon) after a bombed Broadway show. Bloom discovers that under the right circumstances, a director could actually make more money if a show bombed than if it was a hit.
Bialystock then conceives a plan to find the worst play ever written, hire the worst director, raise $2 million, hire the worst actors and take their $2 million and go to Rio de Janeiro.
Hightower and Herndon are fabulous in their roles and together are pure magic. Their intensity, comedic timing and attention to detail are spot on.
The pair soon find the worst play ever: 'Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp With Eva and Adolf at Berchtesgaden' written by fanatical Nazi Franz Liebkind (in German 'love child').
Craig G. Neibaur was frenetic and side-splittingly hilarious as the Nazi playwright. Do we have to make him wait until next September to give him his Arty Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical?
Bialystock and Bloom's worst director was flamboyant homosexual Roger DeBris (Peter Del Fiorentino) who, with his 'common law assistant' Carmen Ghia (Cristhian Ayvar), agree to direct the play as long as the subject matter is lightened up a little. So they sing 'Keep it Gay.'
Bialystock raises the $2 million by 'hookin' up' with several older women who write him checks for sexual favors. Jessica Knudsen delivered her part as Swedish blonde bombshell Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson -- or just Ulla -- with equal parts sexiness and silliness.
The cast was rounded out by a large ensemble featuring local theatrical luminaries such as Staci Arriaga (who also served as assistant choreographer), John Rivard, Kat McFadden, Kristin Martin, Michael Doppe, Chekara Brooks, among others.
A few highlights of the eye-popping musical numbers:
'I Wanna Be a Producer' where Leo indulges his dream of abandoning his boring bean-counting profession for Broadway glory was delightful. The bevy of scantily-clad beauties and the huge illuminated 'BLOOM' sign (reminiscent of the KISS logo) accompanying the number made it spectacular.
'Along Came Bialy' featured an expertly choreographed dance routine with the older ladies Bialystock seduced swirling and striding atop walkers.
'Springtime for Hitler' offered hilarious lyrics, an enormous Nazi-themed stage, and showgirl costumes decorated with German staples like beer, sausage and pretzels. Need I say more?
Everything about this show was right. The sets were dynamic, the lighting and special effects superb, the costumes terrific and the choreography was gripping. Also compelling was the music provided by a 15-piece band lead by venerable multiple-Arty winner Joseph Anderson.
'The Producers' was fast-paced, feverishly funny and absolutely flawless. Hats off to director Ken Sonkin.
Brooks' farce pokes fun at everybody and typically is refreshingly politically incorrect. You gotta see this show.
Reach Fairfield freelance writer Tony Wade at getthelowdown@sbcglobal.net.
Review
'The Producers'
7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday-Saturday, and
Oct. 15-17
2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Solano College Theatre, 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield
$20 adults, $17 seniors and military, and $13 students with valid identification.
864-7100
www.solanocollegetheatre.org
3.5 stars (our of four)
Last Updated: October 13, 2009
Questions/Comments for SCC? Please contact us.