Producers preview (TH)

Article Originally Appeared in the Telegraph Herald

Play: "The Producers," musical comedy

Performers: The Heartland Festival at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Times/dates: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10; Wednesday, July 15; Sunday, July 19; Wednesday, July 22; Friday, July 31; Sunday, Aug. 2 and Wednesday, Aug. 5. 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26 and Aug. 9

Site: Center for the Arts, UW-P

Cost: $18 adults, $9 for students younger than 18; show is for mature audiences

synopsis

What it's about: Adapted from Mel Brooks' cult classic comedy film, the story centers on Max Bialystock (Paul Helm) and Leo Bloom (Joe Klinebriel), two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. But their show, "Springtime for Hitler," is an unexpected success.

Quotable: From director Vivienne Elborne, "If you're looking for thoughtful drama, this isn't it. It has Mel Brooks' zany humor at its heart."

"It's a large show to put on with a huge number of costumes and a large set with a lot of set changes."

"It's a different direction for Heartland. This is not a family show, but for adults, it's hilarious. It makes fun of every ethnic and social group, but it's very tastefully done."

"It's a huge team effort, on stage and behind the scenes. The audience will pick up on it."

Tidbits

* Except for the six principal characters, everyone else in the cast of 20 has at least four roles to play.

* The Broadway production starred Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.

* It opened on Broadway April 19, 2001 and ran for 2,502 performances, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards.

By Sandye Voight