I laughed really hard!
What a treat. I had never seen the movies (neither the 1968 version nor the 2005 version) and I didn't know what this was about until Shalane's plan with her would-be boyfriend were nixed and I got to go instead. The Producers is a Mel Brooks creation and is just as hysterical as you would expect it to be if you are a Mel Brooks fan. His humor never goes out of style.
What's it About?
Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, a scheming theatrical producer and his mousy CPA, hit upon the perfect plan to embezzle a fortune: raise far more money than you need to produce a sure-fire Broadway flop and then (since no one will expect anything back), Max and Leo can pocket the difference. To do this, they need the ultimate bad play, which they find in the musical Springtime for Hitler, written by neo-Nazi playwright (and pigeon fancier) Franz Liebkind. Their plans come to naught and the duo is taken completely by surprise when their new production is hailed as a toast-of-the-town hit.
What the Above Doesn't Tell You
This should come as no shock to anyone who is familiar with Mel Brooks' work. There is a fair amount of distastefulness (the sort of behavior you might avoid in polite company and the sorts of things you would never discuss at work or church in today's hypersensitive, hyper-PC environment). For entertainment purposes, however, go Mel!
If you want to know way more about The Producers than you may ever want to know, then visit here. (I am amazed by the compilation of information about it at Wikipedia!)
Remember the Foris 2005 Pinot Noir Rogue Valley from the Wine, Food, Friends, and Theater post in early December?
Had it with dinner again last night--again at Bravo! before the play. Very disappointing, though. Re-reading that post, I realized I didn't really have much to say about the wine then (only that the eggplant-wine pairing was "lovely"). It didn't seem to have much flavor or texture to it. The food pairing (gorgonzola filet) improved it, but not much. Probably won't try that one again. The service was outstanding, however. We let our waiter know that we were on a schedule and wanted to be done by a specific time. He was more than attentive--and quite happy to serve so well. We were more than generous with his tip. The look on his face was priceless.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Broadway in Knoxville: The Producers
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3 comments:
Just to add, the plans with my would-be boyfriend were tentative at best when I bought the tickets. I figured it wouldn't last. I also knew you loved that kind of stuff, musicals and such, just like me. One more reason why we are such great friends! Yes, the musical was hysterical, however, man with big hair (yes a man) made it difficult for me to see. Sorry Christine for practically having to lean over into your seat just to see. I thought you would probably be much safer than the not so happy man sitting next to me. He looked like he was dragged there as well, just like the woman next to you.
Also, the waiter's name was Ryan and you did promise to contact Bravo's corporate office to say how phenomenal he was...I plan on asking for him next time. However, I have to say, I have never had anything but good service there before.
As for the Pinot, I think it could have been the bottle we got. It was much better last time, seemed vinegary when I smelled it this time. Hmm.
I do have to say this: musicals are not usually my first choice for entertainment. It could have something to do with all the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins on the big screen when I was very young. Or it may have something to do with the wasband forcing me to watch stuff like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers repeatedly. All that said, I do realize that 3 of the many plays we've seen in the past several months have been musicals and I have been highly entertained.
Wasband? I couldn't have laughed any harder...that is funny! What about ex-CS's or boyfriends that are crazy?
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