Review: The Producers

THE PRODUCERS – A HIT AT BIRTH

The farce musical directed by Neil Hardwick is such skilful theatre that I can promise that it will be a huge success. Making comedy is notoriously not easy, but following this performance, there seems to be no end to the laughter at all. In the auditorium, there was unbridled fun throughout the performance.

Mel Brooks received an Oscar for screenplay in 1968 for his debut film “Spring Is Dawning for Hitler“. In 2001, the musical premiered in New York and since then it has gone to full houses all over the world. Helsinki City Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary with this smash hit, which premiered recently.

The plot of the story is in its simplicity – how to make money on the flop. Everything from now on is hilarious joy with different characters and situations.

Neil Hardwick knows humor and has been praised as a director. This time, his genius as a director is revealed even more clearly. The running of this package with all its details is thanks to the director, who has the threads at his fingertips.

Of the actors, Esko Roine shines with both his expressiveness and his singing, especially in the prison number at the end. Antti Timonen sings excellently and dances well, and even the tap numbers are like Fred Astaire’s . Anna-Maija Tuokko charms as the wonderfully sweet Swedish blonde Ulla. In the role of a slightly resounding Nazi German, Risto Kaskilahti shines in his usual style. Santeri Kinnunen and Lari Halme surprise us as drag-style, feminine gays, while the audience howls with laughter.

Both Elina Kolehmainen’s costumes and Jyrki Seppä’s set design support this theatrical performance and provide an excellent setting for the visual fireworks of brilliant performances. The City Theatre can congratulate itself on this 100th anniversary production. Bravo and cheers and great applause came from the merits. An excellent performance overall.