The Producers - The Ziegfeld Theater

This is the first in a series of "catch up" reviews over the past several months I have neglected these reviews. Many many wonderful performances happened in Utah that I witnessed and must make mention, so several following reviews will be briefer and simpler than usual as I catch up to the present.

Mel Brooks' The Producers redefined and perfected the musical comedy in 2001. Winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, the show is full of wit, satire, and outrageous surrealist comedy. The show single-handedly revived the concept of musical comedy and no other show has matched the exceptionally high bar it set.

At the former site of the Country Club Theater in Ogden, the newly remodeled Ziegfeld Theater brought this comedic masterpiece to their stage. Clearly on a meager budget, the "Zig's" production of The Producers not only exceeded expectations, but raised the bar on what local community theater is capable of.

Standout performances by Cameron Kapetanov as Max Bialystock Daniel Pack as Leo Bloom really made this show a success. With the comedic source material, each had the timing and personality to shine. Kapetanov in particular stole the show with a masterful sense of comedy, wit, and commitment to never let it go too far to be annoying, yet kept the audience rolling in their seats.

This particular performance noted a standout and stand-in performance by Rick Rea (Director) as Franz Liebkind. As in the narrative of the show, Rea became a real-life Roger De Bris taking this part last minute and performing it with such ease and hilarity, I found it hard to believe it could be any better by someone who had been rehearsing the part for months.

With a set on a budget, the design was clever and seamless. All accolades are deserved for this wonderful performance that raises the bar for community theater across the state. The Producers played from August 1st through September 6 2014.