Review: You're Gonna Wanna See THE PRODUCERS!

This is something you're gonna wanna see! THE PRODUCERS, a Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical masterpiece of mayhem, has opened at the Omaha Community Playhouse. In typical Mel Brooks fashion, it sweeps you off into a tornadic whirlwind of slapstick, clever innuendos, and just plain foolishness. But even a piece as good as this would not be as funny as it's meant to be without the right cast and crew to pull it off. This bunch does.

The story, if you haven't heard it a hundred times, centers on Max Bialystock, a washed up Hollywood producer who cannot produce a good musical to save his life. He supports his failed projects with a steady stream of contributions from aging widows who receive his favors in return. In walks Leopold Bloom, a reticent accountant, whose secret desire is to become a producer and wear a producer's hat, casting off his unhappy accountant visor. Max hires the not-quite-willing Leo to cook the books, and they stumble upon a foolproof plan to make millions by producing the worst show in town and absconding with the money they raise. The only thing they have to do is to find the worst script, worst director, and worst actors possible.

Jim McKain masters the role of Bialystock. He is brash and reckless, without scruples, and yet remains likeable. With a nearly flawless performance, he hits it over the top with "Betrayed," a condensed reenactment of the entire show...the funniest bit revolving around the intermission. His vocals are impressive. His acting is impeccable, delivering clever lines such as "The reviews come out a lot quicker when the critics leave at intermission," so that we don't miss a single joke.

McKain is supported by funny guy Steve Krambeck (never forgotten for his role in The Candy Project's GUTENBERG, THE MUSICAL). Krambeck presents the shy accountant Leopold Bloom with an awkward innocence and an attachment to his blue blanket. Their good-natured bantering, "Shut up, I'm having a rhetorical conversation," keeps the laughs coming. Krambeck proves that there is "more to him than there is to him" by pulling out strong vocals in his "I Wanna Be a Producer" number.

Adding love interest is Swedish wannabe starlet, Ulla (short for her unpronounceable long name), sweetly played by young Lindsey Ussery. Ussery looks the part with blonde beauty and earns the role with her equally beautiful voice.

Mike Palmreuter as the lederhosen-wearing, pigeon-keeping, Nazi scriptwriter Franz Liebkind is hilarious! His antics bring some of the biggest laughs, simply because they are so ludicrous. Palmreuter, McKain, and Krambeck are delightfully ridiculous when they dance the "Der Guten Tag Hop Chop."

Ryan Pivonka, as gay director Roger DeBris, is as fabulous as his glittery gown. He may look like the Chrysler Building, but he is no sissy in the vocal department. He can shake the rafters. His assistant, the flamboyant Carmen Guia played by Zach Kloppenborg, is a stitch because of his exaggerated movements and speech. The two of them are just silly fun as they 'keep it gay.'

Jim Boggess leads a fine orchestra, supporting a top shelf ensemble. There are some amazing voices and great dancers. One who caught my attention is Brooke Fencl as the aging Kiss Me-Feel Me for her onstage personality.

Melanie Walters' creative choreography in combination with Jim Othuse's always stellar set designs work to make some of the best scenes in the show. The cleverness of the grannies dancing with their walkers is enhanced by the lovely set. "Springtime for Hitler" is big stage fantastic, providing the perfect combination of terrific chorography, set design, and talent. It evokes a feeling of 42ND STREET, so no wonder Bialystock is having trouble producing the worst show! Darin Kuehler goes one step further to animate the pigeons, making you laugh, but wonder at the same time how he makes this possible.

Amanda Fehlner's costumes range from sleek leather bodysuits, to Pivonka's tear-away outfit, to old lady blue and white dresses, to Ulla's elegant swirling dress...they all are very well done.

Director Jeff Horger has a hit on his hands. I have no negative criticism and I definitely wasn't inclined to leave at intermission. This is big. This is fun. This is wildly entertaining. This could be the best 'worst' musical produced in Omaha.

Photo Credit: Colin Conces

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