A night of Nazis, accents, profanity and wit came to Penn State last night.
Found in the form of the entertainingly offensive musical, “The Producers” opened 7:30 p.m. Thursday night in Schwab Auditorium.
The two-act play containing 31 musical numbers was originally composed by Mel Brooks and was brought to Penn State by the Penn State Thespians in accordance with director Michael Dodds.
In his first production with The Thespians, Johnny Falconi (sophomore-film and video production) played once-famous Broadway producer Max Bialystock alongside his costar Patrick Kelly (senior-marketing), who played public accountant Leo Bloom in the comedic production.
The eccentric pair --brought the laughs Thursday night but not without the aid of the other 20 cast members.
“The Producers” is a satirical musical about Bialystock and Bloom and how the two realize that by producing a “flop” play “under the right circumstances,” they can make more money than with a hit.
Together, with a team of others, the duo bring to life “Springtime for Hitler,” a play Bialystock describes as “practically a love letter to Hitler.” Yet, even with the selection of the wrong play, the wrong director and the wrong actors, the play becomes a success.
Production Manager, Victoria Brahm called the play “something unique in comedy” and a play with humor that students will enjoy.
Brahm (junior-management) said the cast and crew only rehearsed for six weeks before opening night, but the audience saw no difference.
Jacquelyn Gamble said she didn’t know what to expect from the performance but called the play comical.
“I don’t know if it was modified [from the original script] for college students, but I think it’s really funny,” Gamble (freshman-management) said.
With the help of the Thespians production staff, executive board, cast, crew and orchestra the play came to live.
The musical is the first major performance of the season for the Thespians and was also the first show Carly Harris saw at Penn State.
“It’s really good,” Harris (freshman-marketing) said. “This is only the second month we’ve been here. I didn’t think the quality [of the show] would be this good.”
Though the play contains vulgar elements and allusions, audience member Becky Mapes was not offended.
Mapes (junior-early childhood education) said she didn’t know what to expect originally but said everyone in the production did a good job.
“I came to support,” Gamble said, “and I’m really impressed with the quality.”
“The Producers” is showing again at 7:30 tonight and at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. Tickets are $5 with student ID and $10 for general admission.
