Review: THE PRODUCERS at Schenectady Light Opera Company

A musical formed by the geniuses of Mel Brooks, Nathan Lane, and Matthew Broderick would no doubt be a comedic masterpiece, and that is exactly what The Producers is. This critically acclaimed musical opened on Broadway in 2001 and broke the limit for the most Tony Award wins with 12, though Hamilton will most likely take that title soon. Schenectady Light Opera Company has taken a swing at putting on a production of this loved show this past week and, much like with the Broadway production, they have knocked it out of the park.

The Producer's tells the story of Max Bialystock, a down on his luck producer who seems to ruin every show he touches. Upon meeting with his accountant, Leo Bloom, the two devise a scheme to make a great deal of money from producing a flop. But, as expected, things do not go according to plan.

In the role of Max is Eric Shovah, a seasoned performer who does well at embracing the comedic role. What Shovah lacks is the aggressive side or edge needed in many parts in the show, often seeming as if his emotional level stayed consistent throughout the almost three hour production. By his side is Brendan Brierley as Leo who fully embodies the character and delivers a hilarious performance. Unfortunately, the two seem to lack chemistry onstage, making scenes involving only them a little dry.

What the two leading men lack is made up for by the many outstanding featured actors. Elizabeth Sherwood-Mack as Hold-me Touch-me delivers one of the funniest moments of the show early in the first act, though her performance only lasts a few minutes. Michael Camelo and Joshua Rafael DeMarco are hysterical as the duo of Carmen and Roger, constantly demanding laughs and commanding attention each time they step on stage. And in the role of Franz Leibkind is Marc Christopher, yet another extremely comedic performer whose beautiful and powerful voice does a great job at singing through the score by Brooks.

Heather-Liz Copps steps, or flaunts, into the role of Ulla, doing a beautiful job, especially as she was fighting with inflamed vocal chords on opening night.

The choreography by Abby Todd is clean and appealing, specifically during the tap numbers in which featured dancers including Anna Fernandez and Jordan Fyvie shine.

All in all, the production, directed by Suzanne H. Rayome, is very well done and most certainly a crowd pleaser. If you're looking for a sure fun and a little risqué night, head over to SLOC to catch The Producers before it closes this Sunday.

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