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salem community theatre Superb ‘Producers’ cast takes opening-night glitches in stride
By Eric McCrea
salem
“The Producers” is one of those rare movies that was turned into a Broadway musical, and then into a movie musical. This classic from America’s one-man Monty Python, Mel Brooks, tells the tale of the debauched producer, Max Bialystock (played by Chuck Peery III) who schemes with his young accountant, Leo Bloom (Donny Wolford) to make a boatload of money on a surefire flop. They find an extremely offensive script, an over-the-top director, and sit back to plan their Brazilian retirement.
It’s hinted in the show that it’s bad luck to say “good luck” in a theater. One gets the feeling that a cast member might have made that mistake on opening night in Salem, or worse yet, they may have accidentally mentioned “that Scottish play.” There are many theater superstitions that could be blamed for the myriad disastrous events on stage that night.
Microphone and sound issues are not uncommon at the Salem Community Theatre, but they were especially harsh that night. Unfortunately, that was the least-blatant tragedy. Not long into the show, a curtain was caught on a piece of scenery, tearing a large, very noticeable hole. Wolford had an obvious issue with one of his props, and the doors seemed to be a challenge for everyone. Even pieces of the set seemed to be cursed by the stage gods.
Somehow, through all of this, the incredibly talented cast managed to keep the show going and roll with the punches that are inherent in live theater. In a way, the rocky technical mishaps perfectly fit the story about a duo trying to put on “the worst show ever,” and became something comically magical.
Peery and Wolford were impeccable together. In the occasional scene when they were separated, they were still great, but there was a tiny speck of something missing. Peery nailed every nuance of Nathan Lane’s depiction of Max, while Wolford leaned more toward Gene Wilder’s Leo. The unexpected combination was brilliant.
Playing the voluptuously blonde love interest Ulla, Kathie Steeb belted like a star. Her accent was charming and amusing, giving her castmates much to work with.
In the role of the flamboyant director, David El’Hatton is fabulous, to say the least. As always, he’s a born entertainer, in any skin.
El’Hatton is perfectly complemented by his sibilant assistant and partner, Carmen Ghia, played by Matt Molloy. He shines, making you wonder what he’ll do next.
Every show needs a villain, and “The Producers” has dictator-loving Christopher Hager in the role of Franz Liebkind. Hager has an explosive energy that impeccably fits the part.
At every step, the cast has great comedic timing aided by a great ensemble. They executed Joanna Andrei’s choreography with enthusiasm and cohesion, especially in numbers such as “Keep It Gay” and “Along Came Bialy.”
Director Tyler Stouffer conquered a difficult show, and although it didn’t exactly go off without a hitch, he should be proud of the professionalism that he instilled in his cast.
“The Producers” runs today and next Sunday at 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. For reservations, call The Salem Community Theatre at 330-332-9688.