A return to THE PRODUCERS

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 2/11/04 at 7:51pm

My friend Greg treated me to THE PRODUCERS this afternoon. I was fortunate to have seen N&M three times the first go-round, and I'm pleased to say they are every bit as bright and funny as before. But there are some changes. Nathan is far less frantic and he doesn't pummel through the role as before. He seems to be savoring it, knowing he doesn't have to geshrei to get the big laughs. He's surpassed himself. I wonder if both Nathan & Matthew have taken voice lessons in the past two years as both sounded very different. Nathan's voice is darker and lower (and he's very careful in the 'money' notes in 'BETRAYED') while Matthews is considerably stronger and less nasal and whiny - which to me made for a more appealing Leo. Gary also has taken a differing approach - Roger DeBris is now less mincing (and actually kind of butch) while bellowing and stomping across the stage in his 'Chrysler Building Dress'. Angie Schworer makes the most out of Ullas thick Norweigan accent (though I still miss Cady) and John Tracey Egan is a fine Franz and Roger Bart is unchanged (which is to say perfect) as Carmen Ghia. Don't think there were many ad-libs, but there were new and nifty mentions of Alfred Lunt, Olsen & Johnson and 'Hellzapoppin''.

I noticed also that Brad Oscar got a pic and bio in the Playbill even though he is now only Nathan's stand-in.

Updated On: 2/11/04 at 07:51 PM

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 2/11/04 at 8:08pm

Awesome! Can't wait to see it in March!

[alterego]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 7:53am

MasterLcz what does geshrei mean? I've never heard this word before and it's not in my concise Oxford Dictionary.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 8:10am

I have probably misspelled it, alter. I've seen it 'Gershrey' and 'Guessrei' and 'gershrei'.

It's a Yiddish word meaning to screetch/holler/shrill/yell (preferably all at once).

[magruder]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 8:11am

Geshrei is a Yiddish word for expressing yourself loudly (usually with a complaint). If you've ever heard the opening song for "Woman of the Year," one of the lyrics reads, "Give a big geshrei, let her know you're here."

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 8:38am

I've been both lucky and blessed to have been back a few times since the "boys" return, like a good merlot they have gotten even better if possible with time, one performance I sat in the first row, I was laughing so hard I swear I broke Matthew Broderick up at one point, having seen it a number of times with many different combinations of leads, the current line up is comedy bliss..and right you are Master, they seem t osavor being back and are not rushing things at all, they are singing wonderfully, giving real depth and warmth to the characters, "Till Him" is the most romantic moment on Broadway and a true love song to friendship. Bravo to The Producers!

[Belasco07]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 9:53am

I am so insanely excited to see the show at the end of Feb. I have seen it a couple times, but NEVER with Nathan and Matthew... and there is still a little bit of fear I will get an understudy! I can imagine how fufilling it must be: witnessing musical comedy greatness.

[CaTheatreGirl]

Posted: 2/12/04 at 10:13am

I'm reminded of my first time to see The Producers in June 2001. I was so worried there'd be an understudy that I ran over to the theater a few hours earlier to see if there were any signs posted. There wasn't and that was my first of many enjoyable times to see the show. Think positive and good luck! (By the way, if the worst happens, both standbys are terrific and enjoyable -- Brad Oscar and Roger Bart! After Nathan and Matthew, these two guys are my next favorites.)