Essays - The Producers

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A few days ago I was lucky enough to get a last minute free ticket from friend Louise Owen (who is one of 4 violinists in the orchestra) to the dress rehearsal of Mel Brooks "the Producers". Therefore I have seen this show even before the real reviewers.

I have to say, it was a blast and a half. The entire cast (headed by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick) is terrific, and it is basically at the pace of a laugh a minute throughout. Apparently all the music is written by Mel himself, and I found it to be loads of fun, and at no point trying to be deep or serious, which is, in my opinion, a grave error of other Broadway shows. There is only one soppy Broadway-style song near the end which is very sweet, and not saccharine-like, as in other shows. Also, the cast (and most especially Nathan Lane) sings very well. I was surprised. The woman who plays Ülla, the Swedish girl (they apparently had not quite finished the program printing so I don't know her name) was particularly impressive - great singing, dancing, and she is NOT skin and bones, which is nice.

The irreverency of this show is somehow fantastic - (but this comes from someone who is not German, gay, Jewish, Irish, or Swedish - the main groups that are poked fun at throughout). I cannot imagine, though, anyone actually getting offended (with the possible exception of extremely nationalistic Germans) because all the jokes are made with such panache, and are in Mel's inimitable style. Even the old jokes and slapstick bits seem not to be outdated.

Certainly the highlight is "Springtime for Hitler", an amazing and innovative production of a very funny song. Also, just the fact that this; a movie about Broadway producers, is now produced on Broadway, adds even more hilarity to the whole thing. Throughout the show the audience went wild, and I would recommend it extremely highly to anyone who wants a rip-roaring good time.

The only slight lag is a speaking scene near the beginning between the two principals, which I found went on a little too long, but it did not really detract from the whole.

I am amazed by the talent of this funny guy - to be such a comedic voice and also to write such enjoyable music. I saw Mel Brooks in the audience that night and was very disapponted he didn't take a bow.

It is apparently very hard to get tickets (we heard it is sold out until the fall) but it would be worth the wait...

Lara

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