DUBOIS – The Producers will open Oct. 13 and run through Oct. 21 on the Paul G. Reitz Stage at Cultural Resources Inc.
This Tony Award winner for Best Musical features two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich quick by overselling interests in a Broadway flop.
The show unexpectedly becomes a hit and hilarity ensues. Based on the 1967 Mel Brooks’ film of the same name, the satire, irreverence and in-your-face comedy make it a show to remember.
Director Lisa Rutherford, one of the Reitz Theater founders and past president of Cultural Resources Inc., leads this Reitz Theater Players’ production, which has proved to be a welcomed challenge.
“Mel Brooks wrote some complex music here, and the choreography is really stretching the actors … in more ways than one,” she laughs. “He also has created such a wild scenario. It requires some very specific and iconic things.
“The production values have to be right on the money. With the sets representing everything from a Nazi parade to a backstage Broadway show,” set designer James Neiger acknowledges.
“Any adjustments we have made have to do with the space it takes to store all of the set pieces. It’s elaborate.”
The production crew called out to its friends at Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST) for access to the many costumes needed.
Besides the specific costumes like uniforms that need decoration, one scene requires actors to change complete outfits an average of three times each. The Reitz Theater Players’ are grateful to all who stepped up to the plate, including a heartfelt thanks to CAST.
Under Rutherford’s direction, Reitz Theater Players’ production features Andy Benson (Leo Bloom) and Jason Valentine (Max Bialystock) alongside a talented cast, which includes residents from Clearfield, Jefferson, Clarion and Elk counties: Ashley Neiger, Thomas Evans, Jonathan Heid, Zach Coudriet, Timothy Weidow, Anthony Leonard, Brady Haines, Liam Levenduski, Beecher Klingensmilth, Darla Brunnquell, Jessica Mondi, Nikki Cherry, Dakota Ranukus, Perrin Chappell, Melissa Smith, Misti Bruner, Joe Sensor, Val Kucenski, Sara Zilhaver and Debbie Wirths.
CRI’s Board President, Debbie Wirths, who is making her stage debut in this production, raves about The Producers.
“We set our standards high and don’t back down … because we believe in the importance of community theater. The Producers is a big show, but our staff and volunteers know how to make it shine,” she said. “It will be one fun ride for our audiences!”
