BWW Reviews: THE PRODUCERS Delivers Laughs

THE PRODUCERS at Virginia Samford Theatre is a fast paced, hilarious production. While THE PRODUCERS is a fan favorite and as such cannot be messed with too much, Roy Hudson and Carl Dean manage to put a few personal touches in their direction and choreography. Don't worry, all of the funny bits are in there including the iconic Little Old Ladies dance handled by The Sugar Babies, a local dance group featuring more mature dancers who stole the show several times during the evening.

Tyler Spindler, as Leo Bloom, is certainly the star of the show. A recent graduate of the University of Alabama, Spindler is full of boyish charm and good looks and as the shy accountant turned producer, he is funny, endearing and quirky. He makes a great partner for Barry Austin as Max Bialystock, a jaded, unethical producer who lures Bloom into a "get rich quick" scheme that backfires. These two have a relationship that is fun to watch on stage.

For me, the other stand out in this play is Chuck Duck as Carmen Ghia. Every time he was on stage my eyes went straight to him. He is the perfect mix of gay prissiness and gender crossing sex appeal. The scene in which the producers try to persuade Ghia's partner Roger DeBris, played by Clint Pridgeon to perfection, to direct their new show is definitely a highlight for me. Full of over the top characters including the "Village People", this scene is worth the price of admission.

The sets are elaborate and have to be changed often. The stage crew does a good job of making these transitions quickly and quietly, while songs are finishing downstage from the activity. What could be totally distracting really isn't, so kudos to the stage crew.

There is some foul language and sexual content, so you might want to leave the kiddos at home, but overall THE PRODUCERS is a strong production you will want to see. It is wrong in all of the right places and has a cast of many; all talented and enthusiastic. I love a show that uses lots of talent from the community, people of all ages, genders, sizes, shapes and colors. The whole production makes for a fun night out.

THE PRODUCERS continues at VST through February 8. Call 205-251-1206 or www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org for more information and tickets.

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