By Dianne Johnson

Full of fun and mayhem The Producers is a stunning performance, now playing at the Waterfront Playhouse.

Written by Mel Brooks, this musical production is extraordinary entertainment with superb acting. None other than the talented Danny Weathers skillfully directs the nineteen-member cast. Winner of 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Producers is a laugh-out loud delight to behold. Penny Leto and Carolyn Cooper expertly choreograph the eleven-ensemble cast, for 16 song and dance numbers.

Max Bialystock is a down and out Broadway producer trying to figure out how stay in business. To his surprise in walks a mild mannered accountant, Leo Bloom, a man who has always wanted to be a producer. Tom Luna and David Perlman play Max and Leo. Their interactions are hilarious, full of angst and slapstick. They decide to design a Broadway show sure to flop with a truly horrible script and inept director. The theory is if the play flops, they can keep all the money from the investors, who are rich horny little old ladies. Ulla is the beguiling ingénue who charms Leo’s socks off and ends up with a starring role in Max’s latest show. David Black is delightful as Roger DeBris, the Director of the show Max and Leo are banking on being a flop. Jeffrey Harwell is absolutely adorable as Carmen Ghia, Roger’s able assistant.   Dave Bootle displays gleeful energy in his debut with the Waterfront as Franz Liebkind. His portrayal as the somewhat cuckoo Hitler lover is incredibly entertaining as he joyfully delivers his lines. Marjorie Paul-Shook is a fabulous talent who has a knack for putting a smile on your face before she even says a word. Marjorie’s acting is outstanding as she portrays a wide range of roles from tramp to a butch lighting designer, and rich little old lady to a dancing queen with a giant sausage on her head. J.B. McLendon is spot on as Mr. Marks the oppressive boss.

The ensemble is composed of eleven talented young singers and dancers. They are: Kim Bergman, Carolyn Cooper, Marc Crow, Lawrence Dandridge, Rhett Kalman, Matthew Kennedy, Jessica Miano Kruel, Kyla Piscopink, Christopher Tanner, Susannah Wells and Kelsey Wilson. My favorite scene involves little old ladies and their walkers who sing and dance perfectly to the music. Michael Fauss directs four musicians who play beautifully in a really small space. Michael Boyer does an amazing job designing multiple sets and Ruth Cahoon sews her fingers off as the costume coordinator. Trish Manly has her work cut out for her with the many set and costume changes. As the production’s stage manager, she and her team have to be exact in their timing and movements of equipment and scenery. Carmen Rodriguez is also busy deftly managing all of the props for the show.

The Producers is now playing at The Waterfront Playhouse through March 26^th. For tickets call the box office at: 305-294-5015 or go on-line at: https://www.waterfrontplayhouse.org/season