Mel Brooks’ signature brand of screwball humor and impromptu song and dance is evident in nearly all of his comedy classics, from “Spaceballs” to “Blazing Saddles,” so it is no surprise that when Brooks decided to bring his film “The Producers” to Broadway, fans of his parody came with him. Which is perhaps why the latest iteration of this musical opened to a packed house at Capitol Theatre Tuesday night.
While Brook’s lyrical genius may not match the level of Andrew Lloyd Webber (creator of “The Phantom of the Opera”), the absolute absurdity of his story and zany and memorable characters keep audiences coming back to “The Producers.” Where the song and dance fall short, the narrative of the unethical producer Max Bialystock (played by David Johnson) and his easily corruptible accountant Leo Bloom (Richard Lafleur) finding out they can make more money on a Broadway flop than a hit picks up the slack.
While it can’t be easy to follow in the footsteps of the original Bialystock and Bloom (Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder), the chemistry between Johnson and Lafleur keeps the audience rooting for them despite their unethical intentions. Johnson in particular, with a voice like Brooks himself and a lovable personality, charms viewers even as he seduces blue-haired old ladies into financing a play about Hitler.
It’s the supporting cast, however, that ultimately steals the show. From German playwright Franz Liebkind (Thomas Slater) who adores only his pet pigeons and Hitler, to the towering blonde Swedish bombshell Ulla (Jessica Ernest), these ludicrous characters will tickle every funny bone in your body.
From the production team representing every type of theatrical stereotype known to man to the spacious silk-adorned penthouse of director Roger De Bris (John B Boss) strolling around in a wig and billowing sequined dress, there may not be a funnier collection of plays on any Broadway stage.
The best part of the production is the fact that the cast is clearly having a blast portraying these crazy characters, showing they don’t adhere to Brooks’ vision, but can enhance it as well. It’s the perfect reincarnation of these silly and preposterous characters. In addition to this, its fast-paced narrative fuels this maniacal musical and creates one heck of an entertaining ride viewers will want to see again and again.