The Greenwood Little Theatre opened its 60th season with a bang.
“The Producers,” directed by Paul Brown, opened Thursday evening in front of a packed house at the W. M. Whittington Playhouse.
The show delighted the large audience, producing roars of laughter and cheers throughout.
The biggest stars were the leading men of the “The Producers,” Cham Trotter as fading Broadway producer Max Bialystock and Will Perkins as accountant Leo Bloom. Trotter and Perkins brilliantly captivated the audience with their complementary comedy, acting and singing.
Based on the 1968 film, the Mel Brooks musical is about Bialystock and Bloom, who set out to produce a Broadway flop because hypothetically the two could make more money with a show that closes after the first night than a show that’s a hit. Together, they set out to produce the worst musical ever to hit Broadway, with the worst script, the worst director and the worst cast they can find.
Trotter and Perkins were in sync throughout the musical — from the moment they meet to their final duet together. Perkins playing the mousy accountant who dreams of being a Broadway producer and Trotter as the experienced, yet struggling, show business veteran are a perfect pair.
Additionally, Trotter’s “The King of Old Broadway” and Perkins’ “I Wanna Be a Producer” were delightful performances.
Shannon Melton gives a charming performance as the beautiful Ulla, a Swedish dancer and singer looking for a part in Bialystock and Bloom’s hopeful flop. The producers decide, however, to give her a job as their secretary.
Melton not only wowed the audience with her looks and faux-Swedish accent; she also did so with her solo “When You Got It, Flaunt It,” belting out the fun lyrics.
Steve Iwanski’s performance as Franz Liebkind, a former Nazi who continues to admire Adolf Hitler, was another highlight of the play. With a German accent and eccentric dance moves, Iwanski pulls off a perfect rendition of the quirky character.
Another star performance was by Cameron Abel as the flamboyant Roger DeBris, who is described by Max Bialystock as the worst director to have ever lived. Kyle Lemere also gives a lively performance as Carmen Ghia, Roger De Bris' “common-law assistant,” particularly with his impromptu ballet-like leaps.
Forrest Hodge, Ted MacIntosh, Elaine Tharpe, Seth Wheatley, Cameron Griffin, Tom Weldon, Kenny Paschall and Freda MacIntosh also give outstanding performances in supporting roles.
Also stars of the night were Brown on the piano, Ray Smithee playing the keyboard and synthesizer and Ben Arnold playing all of the percussion.
“The Producers” is a visual treat with great singers, music, costumes and set decor and design.
The musical showcases highly talented local people and displays why the Greenwood Little Theatre is the second-longest-running community theater in the state.
Reserved seating, tickets and GLT memberships are available at www.greenwoodlittletheatre.com.
“The Producers” includes adult content and situations, so parental guidance is advised.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
