Photo Flash: Foothills Theatre Presents THE PRODUCERS

Based on Brooks' 1968 film of the same name, THE PRODUCERS follows two theater producers who plan to get rich quick by overselling investments in a Broadway show that's a sure-fire flop: a sentimental ode to Der Furher, "Springtime for Hitler!" But before they know it, their goose-stepping should-be disaster becomes an unforeseeable megahit, "heiled" by all. USA Today called the show the "most raucous good time to be had," and the New York Times declared "It's fast, fierce, shameless, vulgar and altogether blissful." THE PRODUCERS pokes fun at a variety of stereotypes, from outrageous Swedish, German, and Irish accents to caricatures of Nazis and gays, as well as various inside jokes from theatre in this larger-than-life, madcap comedy. The original Broadway cast starred Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, who won the Tony for Best Actor in the role. The show immediately became a monster success, featuring iconic comical songs including "I Wanna Be a Producer," "Keep it Gay," and "Springtime for Hitler."

The vibrant cast of THE PRODUCERS includes professional, New York-based actor and San Jose native Gary DeMattei (co-founder and producing director of Theatre on San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose) as the irrepressible Max Bialystock. DeMattei's other credits include the titular role in Foothill's Fiorello, Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Saratoga Drama Group and various roles at TheatreWorks, Theatre West and American Musical Theatre of San Jose. Tim Reynolds, fresh from his role as Dr. Parker in Foothill's most recent production of Bat Boy, will play the nebbish producer-wannabe Leo Bloom. He has played the role of Bobby in Company at Foothill Music Theatre, and roles at TheatreWorks and Broadway By the Bay. The production also boasts up-and-coming starlet Brittany Ogle (Broadway By the Bay, American Musical Theater of San Jose) as the undulating secretary Ulla, Ray Joseph (New York Theatre Ensemble, Foothill Theatre Summerfest, San Jose Civic Light Opera) as hack director Roger DeBris, Sean Patrick Murtagh (TheatreWorks, 42nd Street Moon, Broadway By the Bay) as Carmen Ghia, Roger's fabulous, territorial assistant and Ken Boswell (Busbarn Stage Company, City Lights Theatre Co.) as histrionic, World War II-loving Franz Leibkind.

Foothill Music Theatre, under the artistic direction of Jay Manley, has won Bay Area Theatre Critics' Circle Awards for Outstanding Production, Outstanding Ensemble Production, and Best Direction, among others. The company has also garnered numerous Dean Goodman Choice Awards, awards from the Los Angeles-based Drama-Logue, and kudos from myriad Bay Area critics for its sharp, handsomely mounted productions of Annie Get Your Gun, Brigadoon, Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Showboat, West Side Story, Carousel, Oklahoma! and other classic musicals.

Smithwick Theatre at Foothill College
12345 El Monte Rd (El Monte exit West, off Hwy 280), Los Altos Hills

Parking in Student Parking Lot 1 or Lot 5 for no-stairs access. A $2 parking permit is required at all performance times. At all Sunday matinees, a shuttle bus will operate from parking lot 1 to the top of the campus at 10-minute intervals.

TICKETS: $26 General Admission; $24 Seniors (65 and over); $18 Students. For more information, please visit www.foothillmusicals.com. Tickets also available by phone at: (650) 949- 7360.

Photo credit: David Allen