Diablo Light Opera Company Presents THE PRODUCERS 2/13 - 3/15

DLOC’s (Diablo Light Opera Company’s) 50th anniversary season continues in high gear February 13 with the East Bay premiere of “ The Producers,” the Mel Brooks zany Broadway mega-hit musical that won the most Tony Awards ever.

Including the outrageous “Springtime for Hitler,” one of the show’s big production numbers, “The Producers” is based on Brooks’ 1968 classic cult comedy film.

DLOC’s production will be presented for 20 performances, from February 13 through March 15, 2009, in the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Tickets ($34-$43) are on sale at the center ticket office: (925) 943-7469, www.dloc.org

“It’s one of our most ambitious and exciting shows in our five-decades of presenting musicals,” said Daren A. C. Carollo, DLOC artistic director.  “We are one of only10 theater companies in the country that have been granted the rights to produce this show in 2009, and we’re giving it our all to make it an unforgettable production and an uplifting experience in these stressful times.”

Known for its in-your-face humor, “The Producers” traces the hijinks of a down-on-his-luck theatrical producer and his mousy accountant sidekick who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. Complications arise when the show unexpectedly turns out to be successful.

Heading the cast of 28 is Marcus Klinger as the producer Max Bialystock, Ryan Drummond as the mousy sidekick accountant Leo Bloom, and Ginny Wehrmeister as the Swedish bombshell Ulla Swanson. All have performed for many years in shows throughout the Bay Area.

“The Producers” will be directed by Ryan Weible, who earned a Shellie Award last January for his direction of DLOC’s  production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

“DLOC will present a fresh, inventive, and creative production full of things never before seen in any other production (keeping, of course, some ‘priceless’ and expected highlights intact),” says Weible.

The assistant director is Derek Collard, DLOC’s director of creative development.

Mark Hanson, a familiar face in the pit for many Bay Area and national touring theater companies, will direct a 15-piece orchestra.

Jacob Brent, who appeared for many years as Mr. Mistoffelees in “Cats” on Broadway as well as in the West End and film versions of the show, is choreographing the show. He promises a “fresh eye” for “Springtime for Hitler,” one of the show’s hilarious production numbers, and the mirthful number involving nursing home residents dancing with walkers.

Lighting design is by Kurt Landisman, recipient of numerous awards, including 14 from the Bay Area Critics Circle alone for his work in theater, ballet, and opera.

The costume designer is Melissa Paterson, assisted by Carol Edlinger and Michael Berg.   Costumes, from the Las Vegas production of “The Producers,” were originally designed by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long.

Set design is by Andy Scrimger.  Georgia Taylor Benedict is stage manager.

Opening on Broadway in 2001, “The Producers” played 2,502 performances. The show garnered 12 Tony Awards, including best musical, breaking the 37-year record held by “Hello, Dolly!”  That show, which will be presented by DLOC June 5 through June 28, earned 10 Tonys.

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