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THEATRICAL THROWBACK THURSDAY: We Can Do It! THE PRODUCERS Becomes The Hit Of The New Century

By: Apr. 23, 2015
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Today we are commemorating the anniversary of the Broadway opening of THE PRODUCERS.

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Springtime For Hitler

Once every decade or so comes along a gargantuan hit of such epic proportions that it often manages to redefine how the public at large perceives what musicals and theatre can be. Although the screen-to-stage adaptation of Mel Brooks's Academy Award-winning THE PRODUCERS did not reinvent the wheel as far as theatrical daringness and innovative artistry is concerned, it certainly cemented itself as the quintessential throwback to the Golden Age of Broadway - more or less, the perfect musical comedy. Shepherded by Brooks himself, who wrote the score (with ample assistance by master arranger Glen Kelly), along with a book by Brooks and famed musical comedy librettist Thomas Meehan, the original Broadway production was aided immeasurably by the sharp, smart and spectacular choreography and direction by multi-award-winning helmer Susan Stroman. With perhaps her career apotheosis outside of similar Tony Award-winning Best Musical CONTACT only a few years before - itself more of a dance piece than a traditional musical, as Broadway babies are innately aware - THE PRODUCERS managed to not only win over audiences in such a significant way as to begin the oft-bemoaned trend of premium seating - that is, prime seats in the theater priced exponentially higher than the rest - but also snag the most Tony Awards of any musical in history. Yes, ever.

Telling the hilarious tale of a down on his luck theatrical showman named Max Bialystock and the demure accountant who helps him hatch the ultimate showbiz swindle - that is, intentionally produce the worst musical possible with the desired intention that it flops quickly and loses its entire original investment; padding the books with oodles of extra cash and checks all the while - THE PRODUCERS effortlessly emanated that absolutely unmistakable glow of being a surefire smash from seemingly its very first preview on Broadway following a successful out of town tryout in Chicago in the months leading up its mainstage bow. Ably abetted by Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar Nathan Lane in the leading role, the palpable rapport between Lane and the Hollywood portrayer of the nebbishy accountant named Leo Bloom who together formed the core of the show's strongest moments, Matthew Broderick, a buzz-worthy partnership for the ages was born in the pairing of the unlikely compatriots in crime as depicted in the show. Plus, eventual Tony-winner Cady Huffman added immeasurably to the va-va-voom sex quotient of the proceedings, as well, as Swedish secretary Ulla. The rest of the astonishingly impressive original cast followed suit - Gary Beach, Roger Bart and Brad Oscar, foremost of all.

The showstopper of showstoppers realized in "Springtime For Hitler" may be the moment everybody walks away from THE PRODUCERS humming, but it was the impossible to predict lightning in a bottle nature of THE PRODUCERS and the way it struck the zeitgeist of the entire country in a unique way that makes it a classic for not only the modern age, but for all time.

So, now, let's go back to 2001 and see why THE PRODUCERS is the hit of all hits.

As a special bonus, view the entire Tony Awards broadcast, hosted by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.


What is your absolute favorite element of the original Broadway production of THE PRODUCERS? Furthermore, who would you ideally like to see headline a revival of the show some season soon - after all, it has been nearly a decade and a half already since the devious duo of the title made their big move (and paid all too dearly for it).




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