When You Got It, Flaunt It

The Producers – Paramount Theatre

Glitzy, spectacular and filled with unstoppable laughs! That just about sums up Paramount’s new, high octane production. Out in Aurora, there’s a Broadway calibre presentation of Mel Brooks’ musical theatre adaptation of his popular 1967 film, that’s well worth the commute from Chicago. The movie originally starred Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. In Jim Corti’s fantastic, kaleidoscope of comedy, song and dance, he’s give audiences two dynamic new stars and a multitalented, energetic, 28-member company, many of whom play multiple roles, who award theatergoers with more than their money’s worth.

Following a pre-Broadway Chicago tryout, and winning a record-breaking twelve Tony Awards back in 2001, Mel Brooks’ hit musical, adapted with assistance by Thomas Meehan, is a nonstop laugh riot. It tells the story of two New York theatrical producers, the histrionic-given Max Bialystock and his shy accountant Leo Bloom. They’re just a couple of guys conspiring to make their fortune by overselling shares in a guaranteed Broadway flop and then pocket the profits. However, when the show turns out to be an unexpected hit, Bialystock’s first in years, the IRS goes after the fellas and trouble (and comedy) ensues. Filled with fast-paced dialogue, unstoppable comedy and delightful, catchy musical numbers, this show demands an over-the-top production in order to succeed. 

And succeed it does! The curtain rises on a stage filled with a multitude of eye-popping, colorful, mobile settings, by the talented scenic designer, William Boles. They’re enhanced by  an array of clever, humorous projections, from the wizardry of Mike Tutaj, and a sparkling lighting design, courtesy of the incomparable Jesse Klug. Add to this Jordan Ross’ splashy, sequin-studded costumes and Katie Cordts’ whimsical makeup, hair and wig creations, which allow the cast to easily transform themselves from character to character. Visually, there’s never a dull moment in this dazzlingly directed and produced show.

And that’s just the beginning. Great credit goes to Jim Corti for his typical sharp, supercharged direction. This production hits the ground running and never loses its steam. Mr. Corti mines every comic opportunity as well as a few heartfelt moments. Each line, sight gag and piece of schtick is for the audience’s enjoyment. No laugh has been left behind. For theatergoers who’ve seen this show more than once, there’s also a few new surprises. The first act finale entitled, “Along Came Bialy,” fondly subtitled “Little Old Lady Land,” is brilliantly transformed into a high-diving Esther Williams spectacle. Another excellent element in this production is how it focuses on the deep friendship between the two lead characters. So often directors play the rivalry between Bialystock and Bloom, causing the last quarter of this musical to feel dishonest and unmotivated. In Jim Corti’s production, amidst all the glitz and glamor, we have a story about two devoted friends, partners who really like and care about each other. Despite financial difficulties and romantic obstacles that cause some friction, the musical is, after all, a buddy story. 

Musical maestro Tom Vendafreddo has directed the cast with his customary skill and sensitivity. Not only attentive to the musical score, Mr. Vendafreddo has made sure diction and interpretation are treated equally. In addition, he also conducts the show’s wonderful, rich-sounding pit orchestra, keeping a perfect balance between singer and musician. And Jeff Award-winning  Brenda Didier supplies an abundance of supercharged, incredibly energetic, often comic choreography, that adds a great deal to this high-spirited production. She’s truly added the appropriate Broadway pizzazz to the Paramount production.

The cast is led by Blake Hammond, a veteran star of Broadway, Off-Broadway and National Tours. This terrific character actor, who’s making his Paramount debut as Max Bialystock, oozes with spirit, spunk and schtick, and possesses magnificent musical talent, as well. This rubber-faced actor has previously dazzled audiences playing leading roles in “Something Rotten” and “Cinderella.” However, Hammond’s Max Bialystock, a role created on Broadway by Nathan Lane, is truly triumphant, and he becomes a comical “King of Broadway.” The actor makes easy work of this very demanding role. All of Mr. Hammond’s book scenes and musical numbers are performed with nonstop, gatling gun intensity and energy. However, his tour de force is the unbelievable second act musical recap of the entire show, entitled “Betrayed.” 

Mr. Hammond is perfectly matched by the outstanding Jake Morrissy. He creates an absolute side-splitting Leo Bloom, a jumpy, nerdy, girl-shy accountant, who still carries around his little blue blanky, for security. Despite his humdrum job, Bloom harbors a secret dream of becoming a theatrical producer. This boyishly handsome triple threat gives 100% in every song, dance and comic opportunity. Cancelling out memories of Matthew Broderick from the Broadway cast, Mr. Morrissy absolutely makes this role all his own. In fact, the role seems to have been created expressly to fit his talents. The actor has charisma, a pleasing voice and an abundance of choreographic skill. His Leo Bloom, while seething with sublimated enthusiasm, provides a nice, calm contrast to Mr. Hammond’s bombastic Bialystock. Numbers like “We Can Do It,” “That Face,” “Til Him” and the showstopping “I Wanna Be a Producer,” backed by a bevy of leggy chorus girls, all stand out. At Paramount is a musical comedy team who are sensational and unstoppable.

This dynamic duo is ably supported by a gifted ensemble. New to the Chicago area, enticing Elyse Collier plays Ulla, the Swedish blond bombshell, who makes both Bialystock and Bloom her unwitting “Prisoners of love.” Ms. Collier is a lovely, leggy beauty with a smile that lights up the stage. Her innocent, yet sensuous “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” is not only funny, but beautifully sung, as are all of Ms. Collier’s numbers.
 Handsome, wily Sean Blake is appropriately flamboyant, fabulous and funny as effeminate director, Roger DeBris (“Keep It Gay”). Mr. Blake almost steals the show when he’s forced to step in as an effeminate Fuhrer in the splashy, “Springtime for Hitler.” He’s ably assisted by his lascivious, sibilant assistant, Carmen Ghia, played with steamy, catlike cunning by the lissome Adam Fane. Ron E. Rains, known for his wonderful work at the Goodman, Steppenwolf and Chicago Shakespeare, is hysterical as German playwright Franz Liebkind. His audition piece, “Haben Sie gehort das deutsche Band” and his trio with Max and Leo, “Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop,” are both pricelessly playful, as are his scene-stealing pigeons.

The entire ensemble of talented singers and dancers are all skilled, sassy and spunky, especially while paying campy homage to other classic musicals. Besides the wild abandon of the opening number, “King of Broadway,” and the hilarious company of Little Old Ladies kicking up their heels in “Along Came Bialy,” the jewel of the show, “Springtime for Hitler,” because it’s gorgeous, grandiose and filled with grins.
Jim Corti’s sensational version of Mel Brooks’ comic classic is one more magnificent production for the Paramount Theatre. While offering a few new twists of its own, it replicates the polish and splendor of the original Broadway production. The show offers a gifted group of triple-threats, directed with flash and affection, and supported by an equally talented team of behind-the-scenes artists. Filled with clever dialogue, unrestrained naughtiness, politically incorrect plot points, titillating characters, plenty of adult humor, lots of catchy songs and snappy choreography, all performed by a terrifically talented cast, Paramount’s latest offering is a real winner. This production is undeniable proof that “When You Got It, Flaunt It.”  

Highly Recommended 

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 6-March 17 by Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 630-896-6666 or by going to www.paramountaurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.