Pauline Adamek
The Norris Center for the Performing Arts presents Mel Brooks’ outrageously funny smash hit musical, “The Producers,” September 20 – October 6. Based on the classic film of the same name, the irreverent, zany show is one of the most popular musicals in Broadway history, winning a record twelve Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“The Producers” follows the hilarious adventures of washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his mild-mannered accountant Leo Bloom, as they scheme to get rich by overselling interests in what is sure to be the most notorious flop in the history of show business. They find the worst play ever written, hire a lead actor and director with no talent, and then wait for the bad reviews. But things go awry when the show becomes a huge hit. With the uproarious show within a show, “Springtime for Hitler,” “The Producers” skewers the absurdities of show business even as it delivers a heartfelt tale of the friendship that develops between the two would-be con artists.
“The Producers” features a book by comic genius Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Hairspray), and music and lyrics by Mel Brooks. catchy score includes such showstoppers as “I Wanna Be A Producer,” “When You Got It, Flaunt It,” and the infamous “Springtime for Hitler.”
The original production opened in 2001, starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, and immediately became a Broadway phenomenon. Today, “The Producers” still holds the distinction of winning more Tony awards than any other show in history. The musical ran on Broadway for six years, breaking all box office records.
The Norris Theatre production features a 15-piece orchestra and a cast of 22 actors. It is produced by James Gruessing and directed and choreographed by Mathhew J. Vargo, with musical direction by Daniel Thomas. Principal cast members include Nick Santa Maria (Max Bialystock), Marc Baron Ginsburg (Leo Bloom), Elaine Hayhurst (Ulla), Ken Prescott (Roger DeBris), Jon Wailin (Carmen Ghia) and James Gruessing (Franz Liebkind).
Performance times for the September 20 – October 6 run of “The Producers” are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
The Producers
Norris Center for the Performing Arts
27570 Norris Center Drive,
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(on Palos Verdes Peninsula)
Dates:
Sept. 20-22 & 27-29; Oct. 4-6, 2013
Show times:
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $45.00
$25.00 for children, and discounted group tickets are available.
The show contains mature humor and adult language and is not recommended for children under 12 years.
Box Office: (310) 544-0403 or purchase online here.
Producer: James Gruessing
Director: Matthew J. Vargo
Musical Director: Daniel Thomas
Principal Cast: Nick Santa Maria* (Max Bialystock), Marc Baron Ginsburg* (Leo Bloom), Elaine Hayhurst (Ulla), Ken Prescott* (Roger DeBris), Jon Wailin* (Carmen Ghia) and James Gruessing (Franz Liebkind).
*Member of Actors Equity Association.
Description: “The Producers, “Mel Brooks’ outrageously funny smash hit musical comedy, won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. Based on the movie of the same name, the musical follows a washed up theatre producer and his accountant, who scheme to get rich by creating a Broadway flop, but unexpectedly find themselves with a hit show on their hands.
About Norris Center for the Performing Arts: Established in 1983, the nonprofit Norris Center for the Performing Arts produces and presents a full season of professional, live theatre performances each year. The Norris Center is comprised of three facilities; the 450-seat Norris Theatre, the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion, and a new dedicated education building that houses its acclaimed performing arts education program. The Norris Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in the South Bay area of Los Angeles.
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Brian Sonia-Wallace
