Photo Flash: Mercury Theater Chicago Celebrates Opening Night of THE PRODUCERS

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, presents the award winning musical comedy sensation THE PRODUCERS, from April 14 to June 26, 2016. It is truly a "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. The production will be led by Jeff-Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), and Brigitte Ditmars (Choreography). Scroll down to see photos from the company's opening night celebration!

A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! At the core of the insanely funny adventure is the surprising journey of two very different men who become friends. THE PRODUCERS skewer Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender!"

The Mel Brooks musical comedy THE PRODUCERS was first staged in Chicago in 2000 and later opened on Broadway in 2001 to rave reviews. It is the recipient of the most Tony Awards in Broadway history (12, including Best Musical). Hailed as one of, if not the funniest Broadway musicals of all time, THE PRODUCERS spoofs the big, old-fashioned Broadway musical while paying tribute to it at the same time. THE PRODUCERS features a riotous mix of eccentric characters and show-stopping songs including "I Wanna Be a Producer," "When You Got It, Flaunt It," "Prisoners of Love" and of course "Springtime for Hitler".

Written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, THE PRODUCERS features Jeff-Award winning comedians Bill Larkin as Max Bialystock and Matt Crowle as Leo Bloom with Mel Brooks favorite Allison Sill as the leading lady Ulla. Rounding out the cast for this hilarious romp will be Harter Clingman (Franz Liebkind), Jason Richards (Roger De Bris), Sawyer Smith (Carmen Ghia) with Joe Capstick, Brian Elliott, Dan Gold, Katie Hunter, Leah Morrow, Melissa Reinertson, Steven Spanopoulos, Ryan Stajmiger, Stephanie Wohar and Tyler Austin Wright. The scenic design is by Jeffrey D. Kimec with costume design by Frances Maggio, lighting design by Nick Belley and sound design by Mike Ross. The production stage manager is Kristi J. Martens with assistance by Daniel J. Hanson.

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel box of a theater in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of its guests from the moment they arrive with valet service and dining at its adjoining new restaurant Grassroots, neighborhood eatery featuring simple, yet delicious farm to table comfort food, in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The performance schedule for THE PRODUCERS is Wednesdays at 8pm, Thursdays at 3pm and 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.

Individual tickets range from $30-$65, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

Photos Courtesy of Mercury Theater Chicago