Pioneer Theatre's 'The Producers' solid
The phrase "Broadway quality" is tossed around a lot these days. In fact, Pioneer Theatre Company uses it as its slogan, "Broadway quality theater."
As the overture to "The Producers" began on opening night, I was delighted to feel the chills I get every time I see a Broadway show.
PTC's 20-member orchestra was money well spent — they sound great.
Based on the film of the same name, "The Producers," which won more Tonys than any musical in history, is about a Broadway producer who teams up with his accountant, plots to produce a flop and then runs off with the extra dough.
And I think you're going to like it — if you like Mel Brooks and his brand of humor.
The bold and brazen Max Bialystock is played by Kevin C. Loomis. He lives up to a role that requires wonderful comedic timing and tremendous focus, as Max is on stage in almost every scene, and nearly perfect diction. Loomis must go home exhausted at the end of the night. With some uncanny Nathan Lane-isms, Loomis really shines during "Betrayed," his monster song late in Act II.
The leggy, Swedish blonde, Ulla, is Elizabeth Clinard. She certainly looks the part, but when it was time for "Ulla belt" (meaning, belt out her big show-stopping notes) I just didn't feel like there was much sound coming out of the petite blonde. But Ulla only belts once in the show, so that's fairly minor.
Audience favorite and PTC regular Max Robinson is wonderful as the off-kilter playwright Franz Liebkind.
The play really picks up when Dale Hensley and Scott Barnhardt enter. With their over-the-top portrayal of gay partners who direct "Springtime for Hitler," they're fantastic scene-stealers and two of my favorite performances.
Opening night brings its own level of excitement and adrenaline, which was the only thing that may have gotten in the way. The show is fast-paced on its own, but the energy of the cast almost brought the pacing to a frenetic level.
At times I felt like everyone needed to take one deep breath and begin again. A few of the jokes needed one extra beat, and a few times the laughter hadn't died down before the cast was plowing ahead.
As expected, the PTC sets, designed by George Maxwell, are stunning. Some of them, like Roger De Bris' apartment, are so beautiful it's a shame they're only used once.
K.L. Alberts' imaginative costumes and Patti D'Beck's clever choreography add to a very solid production.
Sensitivity rating: One use of the f-word, lots of sexual innuendo, suggestive dialogue and situations, and playfully poking fun at just about everyone.
E-MAIL: ehansen@desnews.com
Recent comments
I thought Ulla was certainly a highpoint of the show. When I saw...
David | April 29, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.
It was everything I'd hoped for! The sets and costumes were so...
Anonymous | April 29, 2008 at 12:14 p.m.
I'm looking forward to seeing this production. From Ms. Hansen...
Shelby | April 29, 2008 at 10:23 a.m.
