By Russ Tarby
Contributing Writer
Central New York Playhouse has a hit on its hands.
Its summertime showcase — an outrageously romping rendition of “The Producers” — entertains from count-off to coda. Director Dustin Czarny briskly moves his large but talented cast through any number of histrionics from seductions to sedition, from romantic kissing trysts to gymnastic dance spectacles, from casting couch antics to carefully choreographed Nazi Party rallies, and a little bit of jailhouse rock.
Mel Brooks’ musical-based-on-a-movie tells the story of a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant who brainstorm a scheme to bilk their backers (all “little old ladies”) by producing the biggest flop in theatrical history.
While Josh Mele and Cole Laventure — the two lead actors who portray Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom — turn in terrific performances and solid singing, three supporting players somehow manage to steal the show.
Most notably, actor Christopher James Lupia literally tears up the scenery as the cross-dressing director Roger DeBris, especially on numbers such as “Keep It Gay.”
Similarly, Eric Feldstein demonstrates his affinity for comedy as the aging Nazi sympathizer and pigeon-keeper Franz Leibkind. Attired in ragged lederhosen and a German helmet, Feldstein interacts with his well-animated birds reminiscing about his days “In Old Bavaria” before schuhplattlering with Max and Leo on one of the show’s highlight tunes, “Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop.” In Act 2, Feldstein’s Franz incongruously flashes jazz hands to embellish “Haben Sie Gehort Das Deutsche Band?” Hilarious!
Franz is honored to have his play, “Springtime for Hitler,” chosen to be produced by Max and Leo — who plan for it to flop — and he’s further thrilled to be cast as the Fuhrer before he breaks a leg on opening night.
That’s when Lupia really rules as Roger fills in as the mustachioed dictator, a self-described “hotsy totsy Nazi.” With the entire company gathering around him, Roger cavorts across the stage leading them on “Springtime for Hitler,” ending in a daring dance line shaped like a swastika (kudos to choreographer Lauren Puente).
Although Lupia and Feldstein revel in their offbeat roles, actress Calico Yaworski might be even better. The blonde with the 1,000-watt smile makes an audacious CNY Playhouse debut as Ulla, an aspiring Swedish showgirl who agrees to work as the producers’ secretary.
Ulla charms both Max and Leo as well as the CNY Playhouse audiences on tunes such as “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” and “That Face.” Yaworksi is a human sparkplug. She brought some serious pizazz to the proceedings.
Director Czarny wisely allowed these three to take it to the limit, and laughter inevitably ensues.
Musical Director Abel Searor helmed an eight-piece pit band located off stage-right, and the musicians discreetly and deliberately avoided overpowering the onstage singers. The quality music, the enthusiastic dancing and especially the in-your-face humor of “The Producers” add up to a maniacal and memorable night of theater.
“The Producers,” produced by Kate Crawford, runs at 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 18, 19 and 20, at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, and at 8 p.m. July 25, 26 and 27, at CNY Playhouse, located near the Macy’s entrance at on the second level of ShoppingTown Mall. Tickets cost $28 on Thursday and $30 on Friday and Saturday; cnyplayhouse.org; 315-885-8960.
