Today we are commemorating the anniversary of the Broadway opening of THE PRODUCERS.
Springtime For Hitler Once every decade or so comes along a gargantuan hit of such epic proportions that it often manages to redefine how the public at large perceives what musicals and theatre can be. Although the screen-to-stage adaptation of Mel Brooks's Academy Award-winning THE PRODUCERS did not reinvent the wheel as far as theatrical daringness and innovative artistry is concerned, it certainly cemented itself as the quintessential throwback to the Golden Age of Broadway - more or less, the perfect musical comedy. Shepherded by Brooks himself, who wrote the score (with ample assistance by master arranger Glen Kelly), along with a book by Brooks and famed musical comedy librettist Thomas Meehan, the original Broadway production was aided immeasurably by the sharp, smart and spectacular choreography and direction by multi-award-winning helmer Susan Stroman. With perhaps her career apotheosis outside of similar Tony Award-winning Best Musical CONTACT only a few years before - itself more of a dance piece than a traditional musical, as Broadway babies are innately aware - THE PRODUCERS managed to not only win over audiences in such a significant way as to begin the oft-bemoaned trend of premium seating - that is, prime seats in the theater priced exponentially higher than the rest - but also snag the most Tony Awards of any musical in history. Yes, ever.
As a special bonus, view the entire Tony Awards broadcast, hosted by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.
What is your absolute favorite element of the original Broadway production of THE PRODUCERS? Furthermore, who would you ideally like to see headline a revival of the show some season soon - after all, it has been nearly a decade and a half already since the devious duo of the title made their big move (and paid all too dearly for it).
Videos