The Producers is a musical adventure which follows a neurotic, anxious accountant and his extravagant producer ally as they attempt to open a new show on Broadway, close it the same night and run off to Rio with the proceeds. They find a show which will offend almost everyone, entitled Springtime for Hitler, and begin casting with a myriad of eccentric, amusing and slightly ridiculous characters. The ensuing chaos is entertaining, hilarious and full of fun. 

 

This production comes from the University of Oxford Student Company DEM Productions and, although technically an amateur production, it was anything but amateur in its slick, fast-paced and very witty retelling of this hilarious story. 

 

Jack Herlihy played Max Bialystock (the Broadway producer) extremely well and had a very good singing voice. His exuberance and enthusiasm really brought the part to life. Stephen Hyde, playing Leo Bloom (the accountant), excellently portrayed a nervous, worried character who develops into a more confident man by the end of the show. Eleanor Shaw, playing Ulla, had an impressive voice and seems very talented. The other main characters, played by James Skinner, Philip Rigley and Alexander Wickens, were also excellently portrayed and extremely funny.

 

The cast was ably assisted by the chorus line and dancers. It was particularly clever how the scene changed with continuing musical accompaniment from the orchestra. Indeed, the music throughout from the orchestra was excellent and very well conducted.

 

The whole evening flew by in a whirl of wit, hilarity and exceptional singing from the entire cast. Full of cutting one-liners, entertaining choreography and fabulous dancing, The Producers was an absolutely amazing show and one which everyone should see as soon as possible.