BWW Interviews: Woodlawn Theatre Presents THE PRODUCERS

Coming to the Woodlawn Theatre from April 5-May 5 is The Producers. San Antonio legend Vivienne Elborne directs this uproarious comedy starring Greg Hinojosa (Woodlawn's Artistic Director) as down-and-out producer Max Bialystock, Walter Songer as Max's timid accountant Leo Bloom and Paige Blend as Ulla, the Swedish bombshell that Bialystock and Bloom hire as their receptionist. Most recently, Hinojosa appeared in Neil Simon's romantic comedy 'Chapter 2' produced in Woodlawn Theatre's Black Box and directed by Mrs. Elborne. The 'Bloom' to Hinojosa's 'Bialystock', Walter Songer returns to the Woodlawn stage after being featured as Malcolm McGregor in 'The Full Monty'. And Paige Blend was most recently seen in The Playhouse's world premiere of 'Roads Courageous'.

In speaking to some of the cast members, I asked them about working in this production. "It is a really fun role being Ulla and I enjoy being at the Woodlawn with Greg actually onstage. I love working with Vivian. I've trained with her before but I've never done a show with her. She runs a tight ship and is so professional and makes everyone feel very prepared for what they have to do. And Paige also told me, "My boyfriend is Chris Berry who's playing Roger which is hilarious to see him in that role."

Walter Songer says of the cast, "I've worked with the majority of them before in previous productions here, at San Pedro Playhouse, Cameo Theatre and all over town. It's great. It's a family. So when you stumble, they've got your back. If something absolutely breaks down, you have everyone there. It's a great feeling; a safety net. Greg and I did A Funny Thing Happened together and then Psycho Beach Party. It's great to be back onstage opposite him. There's that trust. It really is just a blast to get up there and play with him."

Greg Hinojosa not only stars in the production but he also acts as artistic director. "As artistic director, I don't have a lot of opportunity to perform onstage. So this will be my first time onstage in this theater since I've taken on the role of artistic director. Vivian is absolutely wonderful. I've known her for maybe 15 years. She, in my opinion, is the best director that there is. We've had a long history working together. Walter and I have worked in 3 or 4 productions together opposite one and other. We have a great rapport."

Based on the hit 1968 film of the same name, this Mel Brooks masterpiece chronicles the hilarious adventures of washed-up Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his mild-mannered accountant Leo Bloom, as they scheme to get rich quick by producing the most notorious flop in the history of showbiz. What they don't know is that after all their hard work, the musical ends up being a smash hit! It's a comic tour-de-force that spoofs the big, old-fashioned Broadway musical while paying tribute to it at the same time. The classic score contains such gems as "I Wanna Be A Producer," "When You Got It, Flaunt It," "Springtime for Hitler," and "Prisoners of Love." With a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, THE PRODUCERS will have audiences laughing out loud.

The show will run April 5 - May 5, with performances Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm, and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.WoodlawnTheatre.com, or by calling our box office at 210-267-8388 .You can check out their Facebook: facebook.com/WoodlawnTheatricals or Twitter: @WoodlawnTheatre Hashtag: #TheProducersSA.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sherry Wehner