Spring Break
'Producers' finds huge success on Walnut Street
Lydia Hryshchyshyn
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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The success of the "The Producers" really stems from the chemistry between the two male leads, Max Bialystock (Ben Lipitz) and Leo Bloom (Ben Dibble). Bialystock is a down and out Broadway producer who hasn't had a profitable show in years. Bloom is a timid accountant dreaming of a life as a producer. Their chance meeting stems a far-fetched plan to create a flop show and make millions of dollars. Lipitz's commendable performance as Bialystock truly makes the show enjoyable. His commanding presence carries along every number and more often than not was the reason for the audience's laughter. His foil played by Dibble is everything Bloom should be and their banter was always perfect.
Ulla (Amy Bodnar), the Swedish sexpot Bialystock and Bloom hire as their receptionist and female lead, takes on the ridiculous role with ease and a certain amount of self deprecation. She adds the perfect female presence to a show heavy in strong male roles.
In "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" the audience meets Franz Liebkind (Jeffrey Coon) whose Nazi loving antics are as inappropriate as they are hilarious. Franz is the writer of a show sure to fail miserably, Springtime for Hitler. The set includes a very clever birdhouse that is a filled with robotic pigeons. The pigeons' dance along with Franz and this unexpected twist kept the audience laughing long after the song ended. The spectacle was complemented by Bialystock and Bloom's failed attempt to perform the hop-clop.
In order to create the perfect flop, Bialystock and Bloom need the most perfectly disastrous director they can find. This takes shape as Roger (Jeremy Webb), a flamboyantly gay Broadway producer who creates shows full of showgirls and flash. "Keep it Gay" introduces Roger's entire creative team representing a variety of gay stereotypes. A notable performance came from Roger's assistant Carmen (Robert McClure) whose antics add a whole new level of comedy to the scenes. The scenes with Roger and Carmen were by far some of the funniest of the show.
The cast was always spot on with effortless choreography and stunning costuming. While the show revolves heavily around the leads, many of the most effective numbers were such due to the strength of the ensemble. "Along Came Bialy" included a stage filled with identically dresses old ladies tap dancing with walkers. Such ridiculous visuals are certainly what "The Producers" is about.
The blockbuster hit would not have been complete with out a production value to match its outstanding cast. The over the top sets added the perfect amount of flash and gaudiness expected of the show. The costumes were well thought out, and characters changes were seamless. The over all appearance was highly appropriate and often full of surprises. Anyone who has seen a number of shows at the WST can attest to their consistent strength in production.
"The Producers" is very well known and the Walnut Street Theatre delivered a top-notch version of the hilarious musical. The audience was engaged for every moment of the three-hour show and left wanting more. The show has an extended run through July 19. More information can be found at walnutstreettheatre.org.
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