Theater Review: 'The Producers' at Connecticut Theatre Company

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

Connecticut Theatre Company is proclaiming “We Can Do It” by producing an ambitious production of “The Producers: A Mel Brooks Musical.” Performances run at The Repertory Theatre in New Britain through May 11.

Because Mel Brooks wrote the cheeky music and lyrics and co-wrote the hysterical book with Thomas Meehan, this is a musical full of low-brow comedy that makes for a show with so much for everyone to enjoy. Director Johanna Milani advises that the audience is “plunged into a world where the most audacious schemes are hatched with a wink and a nudge.” Milani notes that this show, one that she loves, “gleefully skewers everything from Broadway conventions to historical sensitivities” as Bialstock and Bloom set out to intentionally produce the “worst play ever.”

The director adds that the musical offers a surprising heart. “Beneath the layers of farce and Mel Brook’s signature wit lies a story about unlikely friendships, the pursuit of dreams (however misguided) and the unexpected power of believing in something–even if that something is spectacularly terrible.” I was grateful to be invited to be part of the final dress rehearsal audience.

Chuck Stango is a joy to watch in the role of the producer Max Bialystock. As Stango’s biggest fan, I smiled every time he entered the stage or reacted to a scene partner. Taking part in his 56th production, Stango need not have worried that he is too old for this role. His rendition of “Betrayed” is impressive on all counts.

WestConn graduate Cole Urso is a delight in the role of his partner Leo Bloom. As Max notices in the second act, Bloom can indeed sing, very well, in fact (“Til Him.”) Urso, who earned a BFA at WestConn and has performed on the Disney Cruise Line, is a triple threat that has great comedic chemistry with Stango and lots of physical comedy to perform.

Playwright Franz Liebkind is brought to life by Charles Forte in his first CTC production. Tullio Milani is hysterical in the role of director/actor Roger DeBris, under the expert direction of his wife. He is perfectly paired with Liam Welsh as the flamboyant Carmen Ghia (“Keep it Gay”) in his first CTC show that marks his first show since graduating from Southern Connecticut State University.

Kudos to Sara Courtemanche for tackling the sensuous and funny role of the very Swedish Ulla (“When You’ve Got It Flaunt It.”) This talented performer, a graduate of CCSU, has over 15 years of stage experience and it shows.

The large ensemble is filled with talented community theater performers that step up to play the hilarious supporting roles, many of them appearing on this stage for the first time.

Milani, who holds an MAT in Education from CCSU and understudied the role of Leona in Ivoryton Playhouse’s “Mystic Pizza,” gleefully directs the cast members that fully embrace their broad characters. A few of the highlights include the Act 1 Finale, the campy spectacle of “Springtime for Hitler,” and all of the show business inside jokes for those that pay attention. The cast performs with recorded musical tracks under the musical direction of Hartt School graduate Alexis Hartman. Kim Saltzman, working on her sixth CTC show and also part of the ensemble, designed the ambitious choreography that the dancers carry off beautifully. The director and Saltman also served as the costume designers and prop masters. The scheming producers peruse an actual copy of “The Citizens News,” and yes, there are pigeon puppets “In Old Bavaria.”

Tullio Milani stepped up from his role to design the impressively large set that rotates via the hands of the cast members. This is the most complicated set to grace the Repertory Theatre stage and scene changes are accomplished surprisingly quickly for the most part. Lighting designer Brionna Ingraham in her CTC debut includes some searchlights to bring us to Broadway.

“It’s Opening Night” for “The Producers” and the cast is ready, “Never Say Good Luck on Opening Night.” The joyful comedy, with plenty of opportunities to indiscriminately offend, is full of laughs and fabulous performances by everyone in the cast.

Following this joy-filled production of “The Producers” at CTC will be “The Wedding Singer,” “Escape to Margaritaville,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” The Repertory Theatre is located at 23 Norden Street with parking available on nearby side streets. Tickets at ConnecticutTheatreCompany.org