For an evening of escapist entertainment that will put a song in your heart and a spring in your step, there’s one must-see production this season: THE PRODUCERS, presented by St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook in the fabulous outdoor Cranbrook Greek Theatre.
St. Dunstan’s is delighted to be the first local group to present Mel Brooks’ smash-hit musical comedy, THE PRODUCERS. Winner of a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, THE PRODUCERS tells the hilarious and zany story of Max Bialystock (portrayed by Mitch Master) and Leo Bloom (Patrick Kilbourn), two theatre producers who cook up a crazy scheme to get rich by overselling interest in a Broadway flop — mostly to little old ladies. But when their production, Springtime for Hitler, becomes an unexpected hit, countless madcap complications arise.
Adapted by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan from Brooks’ 1968 film of the same name, THE PRODUCERS features music and lyrics by Brooks. Anyone who enjoys a great Mel Brooks gag, accessible good-natured humor, and plenty of memorable music and lavish production numbers will be thrilled by St. Dunstan’s presentation of THE PRODUCERS — especially in the unique setting of the Greek Theatre.
“It’s such a wonderful space to present a show in, and audiences love coming out to see a show in the Greek on a beautiful early summer evening,” says Jeff Davison, who is co-directing the production with Anthony Marsalese. “We have an incredible cast and crew that’s putting together a really spectacular production.”
In addition to Bialystock and Bloom, the show’s nutty cast of characters includes Ulla (Kendall Doman), a Swedish bombshell and would-be star; Roger de Bris (Gary Jones), a pretentious, flamboyantly gay director; Carmen Ghia (Jeff Weiner), Roger’s equally over-the-top “assistant”; Franz Liebkind (Raymond Filipek), a Hitler fanatic and author of the supposedly worst play ever written, Springtime for Hitler. The cast also features a bevy of dancing boys and beauties, an assortment of oddball characters — and a show-stopping troupe of dancing little old ladies led by Betsy Todd, Fran Hayes and Sandra Prokopp.
The highly hummable music and lively dance numbers are being created by music director Marty Mandelbaum and choreographer Valerie Mould, and run the gamut from sweeping showgirl extravaganzas to perky tap-dancing routines — and everything in between. The lavish visual design of the show uses the expansive Greek Theatre stage to its best advantage, as conceived by set designer Monika Essen, whose other credits include set and costume designs for Michigan Opera Theatre and Performance Network; costume designer Roz Basherian; lighting designer Obie Burch; and hair/makeup designers Rachel Biber and Taylor Gray.
“This show is so much fun because there’s something for everyone to laugh at or be entertained by,” says co-director Marsalese. “There’s huge song-and-dance numbers, great jokes and even the occasional tender moment. We think this show really will appeal to everyone, and we’re very proud that St. Dunstan’s is the first local group bringing the production to our area.”
THE PRODUCERS is sponsored by Health Alliance Plan, La Tete hair products and Primary Syn hair color.
On opening night, May 29, St. Dunstan’s is hosting a very special fundraising event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, which includes a private pre-party with hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beer and wine, plus a ticket to the show with VIP seating. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit St. Dunstan’s, a non-profit volunteer organization, and $30 of each ticket purchased is tax-deductible.
*Contains some mild adult language/situations. Advance reservations are strongly suggested.
