Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Presents THE PRODUCERS 7/25 Thru 8/9

Fort Wayne Civic Theatre presents the Civic Theatre Premiere of Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS, July 25 through August 9, 2009 at the Arts United Center.

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony® Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night.

The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive "Springtime For Hitler"), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender!" Rated (R)

Guest Directed by Harvey Cocks! An all-star cast including Indiana's NewsCenter anchor Melissa Long as Ulla!

Starring Brad Beauchamp as Max Bialystock, Bob Ahlersmeyer as Leo Bloom, Melissa Long as Ulla, Richard Marchbanks as Roger DeBris, Gary Lanier as Carmen Ghia, Jim Matusik as Franz Liebkind, and Kasey Connolly as Hold Me/Touch Me, Chorus.

Box Office is at the Arts United Center starting July 13, 2009

Tickets are $24. Adults, $16. Age 23 and under, and $20. Sunday Senior Matinees.

Call the Box Office: 260 424.5220, Bus Office: 260 422.8641, or visit online at www.fwcivic.org.