When You Got, Flaunt It

The Producers

Remarkably BrightSide Theatre has done it again! Naperville’s only live professional theatre brings its 14th season of magical main stage productions to a close with a musical comedy classic by Mel Brooks. And if you’ve never treated yourself to an evening at BrightSide Theatre, this hilarious show would be the perfect production with which to begin and see what you’ve been missing. Following BrightSide’s recent delightful production of PRIVATE LIVES, producing Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass has followed it up with this beautifully embellished almost intimate, slightly scaled-down production of THE PRODUCERS. But Cass’ production is an absolute gut buster and, with respect to lavish sets and special effects, illustrates the old adage that “Less is More.” And you know what they always say—and as Ulla sings in Act I—“When You Got It, Flaunt It!”

And Flaunt It, they do! Following a Chicago pre-Broadway tryout, and going on to Broadway and winning a record-breaking twelve Tony Awards, Mel Brooks’ hit musical is adapted from his own highly popular film of the same name. The theatrical musical’s also a nonstop laugh riot. It tells the story of two producers, Max Bialystock and his  accountant Leo Bloom, who conspire to make their fortune by overselling shares to a guaranteed Broadway flop. However, when the show, entitled “Springtime for Hitler,” turns out to be an unexpected hit, Bialystock’s first in years, the IRS goes after them and trouble and comedy ensues. Filled with fast-paced, back-to-back laughs and delightfully catchy musical numbers, this show demands a polished production to succeed. And succeed it certainly does. BrightSide’s production is polished so brightly it sparkles and shines like Times Square.

Mr. Cass’ talented and tireless eighteen member cast, most of whom play multiple roles throughout, give the audience more than their money’s worth. This production hits the ground running and never slows down. With smooth, speedy costume changes (thanks to designer Cheryl Newman’s colorful costumes and wigs), this clever company continually transforms itself while the show’s breakneck pace and comic timing never loses steam. The same can be said of the production’s modest, but fluid scenic design which, because of a well-rehearsed cast acting and doubling as stage crew, manages to change locales in mere seconds. In other words, there’s not a moment of downtime in this expertly directed show.

The talented cast is led by Scott Kelley, a dynamo of spirit, spunk and schtick. His Max Bialystock, a role created in the film by Zero Mostel, and portrayed on Broadway by Nathan Lane, is truly “The King of Broadway.” Seen previously at  BrightSide in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and DEATHTRAP, Mr. Kelley makes easy work of a highly demanding role. All of his scenes and songs, performed with nonstop, gatling gun intensity, are well executed, with his tour de force number in Act II being Scott’s finest moment. “Betrayed” is a remarkable musical recap of the entire show and is simply show-stopping.

Mr. Kelley is matched, note for note and scene for scene, by Michael Metcalf’s splendid and spot-on portrayal of Leo Bloom, an accountant-turned theatrical producer. The handsome Mr. Metcalf has previously entertained audiences in BrightSide’s productions of CHESS IN CONCERT and JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. He also played the lead in JERSEY BOYS at Mercury Theater and has also been featured in several Music Theater Works’ productions. Michael has a charming, smooth style and an incredibly trained voice. His Leo Bloom, while seething with sublimated enthusiasm, provides a cool and calm contrast to Mr. Kelley’s hyperactive Max Bialystock. Duets like “We Can Do It,” “I Wanna Be a Producer” and “Till Him” stand out because, as a musical comedy team, this pair of actors are simply sensational.

The dynamic duo are ably supported by the lovely Amelia Tam as Ulla, the Swedish blond bombshell who charms everyone. The statuesque Ms. Tam has a smile that absolutely lights up the  entire stage. Her seemingly innocent, yet sensuous, “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” is a real showstopper. Veteran actor John Boss is extremely funny as effeminate, over-the-top director, Roger DeBris (“Keep It Gay”), ably accompanied by his lascivious assistant, Carmen Ghia, played with steamy relish by Michael John Lynch. Mr. Boss surely shines when he steps into the role of the Fuhrer, playing him effeminately in the big, splashy company production number, “Springtime for Hitler.” Strong actor/singer Myles Mattsey is absolutely hysterical as German playwright Franz Liebkind. His audition piece, “Haben Sie gehort das deutsche Band” and his bizarre song-and-dance number with Max and Leo, “Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop,” are playful and priceless.

An orchestra made up of eight impressive, highly-skilled musicians is ably led by Conductor, Musical Director and keyboardist, Phil Videckis. The musical combo features violin, bass, brass, woodwinds and percussion, all nicely balanced and providing a rousing accompaniment for Brooks’ catchy musical score. The choreography by Mary Grace Martens is sassy and spunky while paying campy tribute to a dozen other musical theatre classics and styles.

With finesse and a flourish, this final production of BrightSide’s 14th season showcase’s Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass’ many talents. Working with a large, talented company on the comparatively small thrust stage of Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, Mr Cass has staged, guided and perfected a finely produced, hilarious presentation of Mel Brooks’ musical satire. Filled with clever dialogue, unrestrained profanity, titillating characters, adult humor, catchy songs and snappy choreography, all performed by a terrifically talent cast, BrightSide’s latest offering is a winner, proving that If You Got It, Flaunt It! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 12-28 by BrightSide Theatre, performed at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-447-8497 or by going to www.brightsidetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos courtesy of CM Stage Photography