Methacton Community Theatre brings the insanity of Mel Brooks’ ‘Producers’ to life

Submitted photo Featured in "Springtime For Hitler" number in "The Producers" are Rob Frankel, left, Lindsay Zimmerman, Denis Wheeler, Renee Grant and Tim April.
Submitted photo Brett Kahn plays Leo, Suzanne Rainear plays Ulla and Steve Arcidiacono plays Max in Methacton Community Theatre's production of "The Producers."
Submitted photo Featured in the “Jailbirds” number in “The Producers” are Ken Olin, left,Becca Schiel, Tyreese Kadle, Kayla Smull, Denis Wheeler, Charlie Biegalski, Rob Frankel, Marissa Garcia, Jude Adams, Katie McCool.
Submitted photo The Folly Girls are Alisa Ambrose, left, Nicolette Adams, Suzanne Rainear (Ulla), Natalie Madeira, Evan McElhiney

By The Mercury | pottsmerc@pottsmerc.com

PUBLISHED: October 29, 2014 at 12:17 p.m. | UPDATED: September 24, 2021 at 3:58 a.m.

AUDUBON >> Methacton Community Theatre’s production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” opens Friday Nov. 7 at the Shannondell Performing Arts Center.

“The Producers,” with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, is based on the hit 1968 film and presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International. This hysterical Broadway award-winning production with its outrageous, in-your-face humor promises to take no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself to be an “equal opportunity offender!”

The plot is simple: A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway and bilk their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit and the antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the famously offensive “Springtime For Hitler”), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the heart of this insanely funny adventure is a moving emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.

The roles of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom are played by Steve Arcidiacono of Havertown and Brett Kahn of Phoenixville. Ulla is Suzanne Rainear of Harleysville with actors Evan McElhiney of Phoenixville as Carmen Ghia, Tom Blair of Perkiomenville as Roger Debris and Steve Carrasco of Stowe as Franz Liebkind. Adding to the hilarity is an ensemble cast of more than talented area thespians. All are supported supported by a full orchestra.

“The Producers” is directed by Deb Schrager of Elkins Park, with music direction under Tom Wexler of Abington and choreography by Sally Rothschild of Wayne.

Costuming is courtesy of Brenda Hunsberger of Collegeville aided by Sue Carney of North Coventry and Rose Marie Nin of Wayne.

All performances are at the Shannondell Performing Arts Center. Show dates are Friday and Saturday evenings, Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinee performances on Nov. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.

Regular Admission is $17.50. For seniors (62+) and studentS (11 and under) ticket prices are $14.25.

Tickets may be purchased in advance from MCT at www.methactoncommunitytheater.org or Ticket Leap at www.ticketleap.com.

The Shannondell Performing Arts Center is a handicapped accessible facility and is open to the public. All non-residents of Shannondell are required to park in the Giant parking lot on Egypt Road across from the entrance to Shannondell. A free shuttle service will be provided to transport patrons from the parking lot to the theater.

For more information visit www.methactoncommunitytheater.org/subpages/TheProducers.html, or email at info@methactoncommunitytheater.org or call 610-489-6449.