THE PRODUCERS Rehearsals Begin For Benefit Show At Jane Mallett Theatre 9/13

Rehearsals start next week for a fundraising, concert performance of The Producers for the Actors' Fund of Canada. One performance only will be held on Monday, September 13 at 8PM at the Jane Mallett Theatre, produced by Barrie's Talk is Free Theatre.

The Producers - a legendary musical from the twisted mind of Mel Brooks gets even more twisted. The story about two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop will be tackled by who's who of the arts world, ready to take their roles to a new height of artistry, but adding another dimension of satire to the proceedings.
The Toronto Star Theatre Critic Richard Ouzounian will star as Max Bialystock, the Globe and Mail Theatre Critic J. Kelly Nestruck will star as Leo Bloom and the National Post Theatre Critic Robert Cushman will play Franz Liebkind.

There will be a surprise appearances as Ulla. Cynthia Dale and Camilla Scott will play the Usherettes. Other roles will be tackled by Xtra! Arts and Entertainment Writer Serafin LaRiviere as Roger deBris, Theatre Producer Mitchell Marcus as Carmen Ghia, Theatre ProduceMarlene Smith as Touch-Me-Feel-Me, Theatre Producer Joan Mathers as Lick-Me-Bite-Me, Theatre Producer John McKellar as the Judge and Theatre Producer Aubrey Dan as Marks.

The following dignitaries are welcomed as members of the Nazi Chorus: Pat Bradley (Ontario Arts Council), local politician and Toronto council member Ken Chan, Tim Chapman (Theatre Ontario) Margo Charlton (Toronto Arts Council), arts supporter Mario Giampietri, Mallory Gilbert (Arts Consultant), John Goddard (Theatre Ontario), Sally Han (City of Toronto), Michael Jones (the Metcalf Foundation), Jacoba Knaapen (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts), Jane Marsland (Arts Consultant), Mathieu Maslard (Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund), William Moore (Arts Consultant), Kim Selody (Canada Council for the Arts), Kathleen Sharpe (Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund), Jini Stolk (The Creative Trust) and Lucy White (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres).

Other cast members include: Gabi Epstein, Justin Goodhand, Parris Greaves, Julie Lennick, Jono Logan, Andrew McAllister and Alicia Toner

The event will be directed by Adam Brazier, Musical Director is Mark Camilleri,
Designers are Akiva Romer Segal, Erika Conner, Gareth Crew and Emily Porter, Production Stage Manager is Larry Westlake, Associate Producers are Luke Brown and Mark Selby and the event is produced by Talk Is Free Theatre Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak.

"We're grateful for all the hard work that Arkady Spivak and Talk Is Free Theatre have put into organizing this tremendous fundraiser, as well as for everybody who has committed their time and energy to make this a great event," says Actors' Fund Executive Director David Hope. "The spirit of community that this fundraiser embodies is at the heart of the Actors' Fund, the community stepping up to help its most vulnerable members during their time of need. We're excited for this unique show that is sure to be remembered for years."

Tickets are $27, $50 and $125 (this category qualifies for VIP seating and admission to pre-performance reception starting at 6:30PM). Tickets are available at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts Box Office by phone (416) 366-7723, website www.stlc.com or in person at
27 Front St. East.

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