THE PRODUCERS
Vintage Theatre: Sept 12 – Oct 11
Dear reader, please know right up front that this review is going to be a long list of accolades for a production that is in this reviewer’s not so humble opinion, absolutely flawless!
Mel Brooks’ Broadway production of “The Producers” achieved an unparallelled success in 2001 by receiving twelve out of fifteen nominations. The most awarded musical in Broadway history, it won Tony Awards in all those categories including Best Musical.
Brooks would certainly be proud of the Vintage Theatre production which successfully skewers the Fuehrer with a satirical brilliance making anyone who buys a ticket see this heinous dictator mocked and turned into a real laughingstock.
The show is directed by the maestro of all directors in this part of the country, Bernie Cardell. For that reason alone, this show will command a huge audience.
Cardell has cast the show impeccably! His pacing is that of a breathtaking full gallop!
Austin Terrell is a sensational choice as the delightfully unethical producer, Max Bialystock. This actor, who was one of the mainstays of the Victorian Theatre a decade or so ago, is finally back on the Denver stage. And he is better than ever! This actor is able to carry the intense hysteria of this delicious charlatan to the never-ending razor’s edge of a nervous breakdown magnificently! For two hours plus he commands the stage with comedic acting and vocal talents few can match.
Andy Ray is a new star in the Denver theatrical firmament who portrays Bialystock’s compatriot in his naughty, bawdy escapades. Ray has the voice of an angel. This charismatic actor is a triple threat whose singing of “That Face,” “I Want to be a Producer” and “Til Him” is utterly enchanting! His is a name that one will search out in every program hereafter.
As love interest Ulla, the deliciously sexy Helen Anne Horecky seduces us with a sparkling comedic genius that defies description. She is simply scrumptious! Her singing, dancing and acting are intoxicating.
Kris Graves is deliriously funny as Roger De Bris, the superbly over-the-top – and gayest- director in town. Stepping into the role of the Fuhrer in “Springtime for Hitler,” his performance brings down the house.
Evan Marquez is unforgettably hysterical as the pigeon-loving, Fuhrer fan, Franz Liebkind.
Lucas Barta is an exceptional Carmen Ghia!
The ensemble is comprised of animated upbeat talents unmatched in any musical theatre production in memory.
The choreographic art of Adrianne Hampton mesmerizes us, delivering dance moves that keep our eyes constantly in motion following her glorious design.
Brandon Bill’s well-appointed set design, which is aided in no small part by Bernie Richard’s art and Katie Simonson’s lighting design, strikes the exact right notes to make the actors pop! Simonson’s lighting gives us a chroma key fantasia of primary colors that appears to have been poured directly from the can.
From Ulla’s sexy wardrobe to the apparel of ”the hotsy totsy Nazis,” the costume design of Sa’Daiveon Newell is eye-popping indeed!
THIS IS THAT PRODUCTION THAT ANY SERIOUS LOVER OF MUSICAL THEATRE MUST SEE THIS YEAR! RUN TO GET TICKETS!
For tickets call the box office at 303-856-7830 or go online at info@vintagetheatre.org
