The Producers

Mel Brooks’ The Producers (the musical which won the most Tony Awards of all time) is a super-polished, pristine and delightful affair brimming with A-List performances and production values only a long-standing behemoth like QMT and director Nathaniel Currie can achieve.

The Producers follows the turbulent life of down-and-out Broadway producer, Max Bialystock (Tony Campbell), who believes his fortune is about to change after a chance meeting with a subdued young accountant, Leo Bloom (Ray Gillmore). Together they hatch a hairbrained get-rich-quick scheme focused on producing the worst show Broadway has ever seen while conning financial backers out of millions of dollars. However, these plans quickly unravel as their show-within-a-show, “Springtime for Hitler”, becomes a critically acclaimed hit and thrusts them into a hilarious predicament.

Tony Campbell (Max) and Ray Gillmore (Leo) form an endearingly amusing duo as the mismatched pair who, despite everything, take the best from each other and form a steadfast friendship. Campbell is no stranger to the stage, in fact, in this production he is right at home. With comedic timing, pitch-perfect vocals, and an execution of this complex character only he can deliver – it was a true stand-out performance of the show. Gillmore, as Leo, is the perfect ying to Max’s yang, and - together – the hilarity of the show is tied in a perfect bow! Justin Byron Philp is the king of spoof with his outrageous turn as the overzealous Franz Liebkind, while Kate Retzki as Ulla does a fantastic send-up of an innocent femme fatale.

Taking the stage by storm with his colossal energy is Steve Beck in a truly unforgettable performance as Roger De Bris. Beck delivers a bodacious stage director oozing with charisma and flaunting his inimitable outlandish style. Fawning over every word is his devoted sidekick, Carmen Ghia, played with subtle comedic aplomb by Jo Burnett. The crowning touch to this bedazzling display is the dynamite ensemble of fabulously versatile actors who sing, dance, and play the plethora of zany characters it takes to tell this uproarious story.

In addition to the lead roles, the energised and talented ensemble helped serve up this layered comedic feast. They brought down the house with spot-on comedic timing and dynamic comedy through imaginative portrayals of downtrodden accountants, swooning showgirls, sexually frustrated widows, overly enthusiastic German citizens and more. 

The vital and vibrant elements of the production are on display from the start; they include an exuberant dance ensemble (terrific choreography by Julianne Burke), who cast naughty come-hither glances while tapping and twirling about the stage! Lit by Tom Dodds, the set serves as Bialystock’s musty office digs, only to be convincingly transformed into a stage for a variety of spectacles. Josh Cathcart’s sound punches up the comedy, while a live 19-person band, led by the brilliant musical director Benjamin Tubb-Hearne, furnishes a dynamite baseline for the show’s dynamic song-and-dance.

The show concluded to thunderous applause from an audience who spent the better part of the last two hours laughing their heads off. The season is (unfortunately) limited, so book your seats and don’t miss out!

Mel Newton

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