The Producers
at South County High School

Reviewed on May 9, 2014

Ellie Milewski
Lee High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

"Where did we go right?" Well, if you are a member of the South County Theater Department, you went right when getting involved with their production of "The Producers."

The musical first opened on Broadway in 2001 and went on to win a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. Based on a 1968 film of the same name, "The Producers" follows the story of Max Bialystock, the former king of Broadway, and Leopold Bloom, a lonely accountant who dreams of being a producer. Together the two develop a scheme aimed at making themselves rich. With the help of a former Nazi playwright, some eager old women and a flamboyant production team, Max and Leo begin the job of producing the worst flop on Broadway and it looks like they just might pull it off. On Friday night, South County Theater did pull it off – not a flop, but an impressive show full of marvelous individual and group performances.

Cameron Powell as the neurotic Leopold Bloom, and Ethan Schulze as the greedy Max Bialystock, were a perfect team on stage. Schulze captured his manipulative, yet likable, character well. He commanded the stage with energy in every scene and his comedic line delivery received laughs throughout the night. Powell was wonderful as the unsure Leopold Bloom. His voice was powerful and especially stood out in the number, "I Wanna Be A Producer." His character growth throughout the show was exciting to watch and he was able to transform Leo from a sad accountant into a confident producer with ease and believability. Schulze and Powell were always at their best when on stage together. Their characters' opposite personalities made them quite the dynamic duo.

To make a Broadway flop, two scheming producers are not enough. First, they need a terrible script. Jack Gereski, as former Nazi and playwright Franz Liebkind, was exceptional. When the curtain first opened on Gereski grinning in his German war helmet, the audience doubled over in laughter. His facial expressions were dramatic and perfectly outrageous. His German accent was delightful and he delivered his lines with vigor. In every scene, Gereski surprised the audience with an impressive vocal performance and hilarious facial expressions
Cara Bachman was a delight as Max and Leo's secretary/receptionist Ulla. Her charming smile not only won over the men, but the audience as well. Bachman added liveliness to her scenes whether she was front and center or just in the crowd. Her opening song, "When You Got It, Flaunt It" was truly impressive. She ran around the stage, jumping on desks and couches while belting out powerful, beautiful notes. Bachman was vivacious and a highlight of the show.

Many of the best moments in this show were when the entire cast was on stage. The finale of act one, "Along Came Bialy", and the absurd "Springtime for Hitler" at the beginning of Act II, both had the crowd cheering. The dance ensemble had great stage presence and was able to move well, whether dressed as old women with walkers or as show girls in sparkling dresses.

South County High School's production of "The Producers" was excellent. A combination of lively dancing, engaged performers, pleasing vocals, and infectious enthusiasm made this show a success. South County showed off their talent with this production. And as Ulla would say, "When you got it, flaunt it." And they did!

Marielle Burt
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

Peppy show tunes, leggy dancers, sequined dresses, flashing lights, and -- Nazis? Only comedic genius Mel Brooks could marry razzmatazz Broadway with fascist goose-steppers to create the zany brainchild that is "The Producers." Amplifying Brooks's comic brilliance, South County High School's rendition is a bold, bawdy, bizarre, and altogether blissful experience.

A stage adaptation of Brooks's 1968 film of the same name, "The Producers" premiered on Broadway in 2001. The book is by slapstick virtuosos Brooks and Thomas Meehan with music and lyrics also by Brooks (as if acting, directing, and producing were not sufficient displays of his talent, Brooks is also a heralded lyricist.) The show follows Max Bialystock, the slightly sleazy and very broke Broadway producer and his nimrod account, Leopold Bloom as they team up for a great showbiz scam. Their goal: to produce a show that is guaranteed to flop so they can steal their investors' money and make a killing. Their show: an absurd and offensive musical salute to Adolf Hitler entitled, "Springtime for Hitler." Their production team: a drag queen and his flamboyant crew of glitter-loving gays. Brimming with vaudeville inside jokes and endless ribald lines, "The Producers" is an intoxicating guilty-pleasure.

As the leading con men, Ethan Schulze (Bialystock) and Cameron Powell (Bloom) were a hilarious pair, never missing a beat in their fast-paced dialogue. Powell was especially entertaining in his awkward flirtations with his va-va-voom vixen secretary, Ulla (Cara Bachman.) His dorky nervousness provided a hysterical contrast with Bachman's airheaded eroticism, yet the two somehow developed a genuine chemistry. Bachman also demonstrated her vocal prowess in her appropriately inappropriate solo, "When You've Got It, Flaunt It."

The eccentric Nazi author of "Springtime for Hitler," Jack Gereski (Franz Liebkind) was a standout performer. Clad in lederhosen and an overexcited grin, he pranced about the stage, pirouetting and yodeling in honor of the most despised man in history. Gereski was not only a dexterous comedian, but also an incredible vocalist; he maintained both a rich tone and a thick German accent in all of his songs.

The different ensemble groups were a source of infinite hilarity. Playing burlesque showgirls in one scene and little-old ladies in the next, the female cast members demonstrated an incredible range. The ensemble of production designers shone in the number "Keep it Gay," as they strutted across the stage with stupendous sassiness. Among them, the high-pitched giggles and frilly physicality of Cole Miles's (Carmen Ghia) making him an instant audience favorite.

The technical elements provided clever touches throughout the production. Sound effects allowed for humorous moments when Jack Gereski (Franz Liebkind ) tumbled in the wings breaking his leg, and later his other leg. The lighting was also effective and enhanced unique moments such as striking red sidelights and a dim stage, creating an intense atmosphere when Bialystock was trapped in jail. The running crew was professional, juggling complicated scene changes with apparent ease; the team changed backdrops, set pieces, and props, without missing a cue.

Though Bialystock and Bloom aim to produce a flop, they led the cast of South County High School in a triumphant success! Doing justice to Mel Brooks' masterpiece, "The Producers" left the audience clutching their sides and massaging their cheeks from a night of endless laughter.

Gavin Moore
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

"When you've got it, flaunt it!" The dedicated cast and crew at South County High School certainly flaunted immense talent, commitment and skill in their infectious and appropriately offensive production of The Producers, a side-splitting comedy featuring singing pigeons, elderly nymphomaniacs and tap-dancing Nazis.

Based on Mel Brooks' 1968 film of the same name, The Producers was written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan as a dark comedy satire. The Broadway production opened in 2001 to huge success, winning 12 Tony Awards. Set in New York City, the uproarious musical follows once-successful producer Max Bialystock and downtrodden accountant Leopold Bloom on their journey to produce a surefire Broadway flop. As the duo realizes they could theoretically make more money with a flop than with a hit, they embark on a rollercoaster ride to find and produce the worst show ever, encountering a host of eccentric and fanatical characters.

Ethan Schulze imbued the demanding role of Broadway veteran Max Bialystock with superb enthusiasm and a commanding stage presence, showcasing notable vocal talent and comedic timing. As timid accountant-turned-producer Leopold Bloom, Cameron Powell displayed fantastic commitment, making excellent use of a prop blanket during his character's manic panic attacks and presenting phenomenal tenor vocals in all his songs, his first being "I Wanna Be a Producer." The fraternity between Powell and Schulze was undeniably powerful and served as a foundation for the rest of the production. Cara Bachman sizzled as the ditzy bombshell Ulla, mastering a difficult Swedish accent and showcasing her incredible belting prowess in the song "When You Got It, Flaunt It."

Several strong supporting actors greatly added to the fervor and hilarity of the show. Jack Gereski terrifically portrayed enthusiastic neo-Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind, proving to be excellent at both physical and spoken comedy. Gereski's over-the-top facial expressions and intense dedication to a German accent brought freshness to the character, and he also demonstrated powerful vocal ability. Kyle McKnight played saucy and sassy director Roger DeBris with aplomb, especially in his portrayal of Adolf Hitler in "Springtime for Hitler." While DeBris' fabulous assistant Carmen Ghia, depicted by Cole Miles, mastered everything from hilarious vocal inflections to priceless hip-swaying to dramatically slow exits. The ensemble of the Production Team quickly became an audience favorite, garnering hysterical laughter and thunderous applause in "Keep It Gay." As one of the usherettes and elderly ladies, Kathy Oh stood out from amongst the large cast through her incredible dance ability, from jazzy numbers to lengthy tap-dance sequences.

The production was also supported by stellar technical aspects. Stunning set design was impeccable, whether the scene was taking place in a run down house or in front of a Broadway theater. These detailed, large set pieces were able to work in conjunction with brilliant lighting effects which varied from bombastic and showy for large ensemble numbers to dim, top-down lighting for Bialystock's scene in Sing-Sing prison. A fantastic stage crew was able to handle the difficult task of maneuvering the numerous set pieces with ease, creating swift and silent scene changes. The pit orchestra never missed a beat, and though there were occasional sound issues during the show, the cast and crew handled these situations masterfully, ensuring that the flow of the show was not broken.

Though Leo and Max set out to produce the worst show imaginable, South County High School's hysterical production was anything but. Heralded by soaring vocals, charismatic energy and fervent hilarity, the talented cast and crew of The Producers truly succeeded in presenting audience members with a truly uproarious and entertaining night of theater.

Sarah Mandell
West Potomac High School
Submitted for publication to Lorton Valley Star

"I wanna be a producer!" sings the charmingly flustered Leopold Bloom at South County High Schools theatrical production of The Producers. Leo declares his intentions and thus began his and his partner Max's cockamamie scheme to get rich off of a flopped musical that brought rip-roaring laughter throughout the crowded theater Friday night.

The Producers is a musical that Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan adapted from Mel Brooks film The Producers made in 1968. The lyrics and music were both written by Mel Brooks and were arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman. The musical starring Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane opened in April 2001, won 12 Tony Awards and ran for 2,502 performances before spawning a 2005 movie version of the musical, starring the same actors.

The musical begins with a formerly successful Broadway producer once again failing to create another hit on the stage. His accountant comes over to do his books and thus begins an adventure of the two producers attempting to create the worst show and make as much money as they can off of their scheme. The show relies on uses of different stereotypes, accents, show business jokes and physical humor to create memorable comedic moments throughout the production.

The enthusiastic cast of South County high school shined through with highly interactive facial expressions and energetic dancing. The consistent sound of Leopold Bloom (Cameron Powell) rose high above the crowd as it intermingled with his love interest Ulla (Cara Bachman). Their chemistry throughout the dancing and acting was believable and realistically bumbling. Max Bialystock (Ethan Schulze) and Leo played off of each other with their quick timing and hilarious facial expressions that created a winning pair of friends.

With an abundance of charisma and a riveting performance, Franz Liebkind (Jack Gereski) created a whimsical and obsessive character that had the audience entertained and cackling at his over-the-top renditions of Der Gutten Tag Hop-Clop and Have You Ever Heard the German Band. The compelling and ridiculous antics of Carmen Ghia (Cole Miles) were an unbelievable combination of the genuine and the absurd inviting playgoers to practically double over in mirth.

The lighting design by Gillian Schuneman was really well done, illuminating the stage and creating multiple different feelings of the scenes through the many changes. With the scenes at Max Bialystock's office having a much more intimate feel, to the glamour of the Home of Roger DeBris. Under the professional directing of the stage manager, Alison Sall, the quick set changes were quiet and efficiently done.

The entire production of The Producers by South County High School was captivating and enjoyable to watch. Through the quick set changes, which kept the musical flowing, to the intelligent and appealing acting choices, the show was well done. With actors putting all into their roles, their antics shone and created a very entertaining show.

Ryan Goff
South Lakes High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com- CH/Lorton/Oakton

The world of show business, as many know, is rife with corruption, greed, and skintight spandex. Nowhere is this more evident than in the hit musical The Producers, which was performed majestically by South County High School.

The Producers, based on the 1968 film of the same name, opened in 2001, winning 12 Tony Awards and gaining a successful film adaptation. It is the story of two Broadway producers who scheme to get rich by producing a massive flop, and keeping the money used to produce it. Their plan quickly gets out of hand, resulting in hilarious consequences. South County performed this complicated show with an incredible amount of energy.

Leading the show was Cameron Powell, who fully enveloped himself in the role of Leopold Bloom, a neurotic accountant who secretly dreams of becoming a Broadway producer. His astounding vocal talent and stage presence was very evident in every scene in which he appears. Also leading the production was Ethan Schulze, who performs admirably as Max Bialystock, the has-been Broadway producer who sets the scheme into motion. The two have great chemistry and comic timing, often building off of each others comedic beats.

The production also featured an extraordinary supporting cast and ensemble. The most prominent of the expansive cast were Jack Gereski, playing the neo-nazi playwright Franz, and Cara Bachman, playing Ulla, the Swedish secretary/love interest. Gereski stole every scene he was in with his hilarious facial expressions, comedic timing, and consistent German accent. Bachman exhibited fantastic vocal and acting ability in what is certainly a challenging role. Also of note was the "Production Team" ensemble, who made the audience constantly laugh out loud in their performance of the song "Keep It Gay". While there were issues with the volume in several ensemble numbers, the whole cast kept the energy up throughout the show.

The technical elements of the production were generally strong. The lighting fit the atmosphere and tone of each scene, and all scene changes ran quickly and efficiently. Despite some intermittent microphone issues, the entire crew showed obvious commitment and effort. Additionally, the large pit orchestra was very impressive, constantly staying in sync with the vocalists and dancers.

The show as a whole was very well executed due to strong leading and supporting performances, as well as impressive technical elements. South County perfectly captured the spirit of the original musical, while adding it's own dramatic flourish.

Grace Duah
West Springfield HS
Submitted for publication to Connection

The season is almost over and as they say, save the best for last! South County's production of the Producers got it, and boy did they flaunt it! With laugh out loud humor and hilarious characters, South County's production kept it snappy, happy, and most importantly, kept it gay!
Originally a 1968 Mel Brooks motion picture of the same name, The Producers premiered on the stage in 2001 and was an instant hit; garnering a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards in the same year. Set in the late 1950s New York, hot-shot producer Max Bialystock is on his last legs with the flop of the century. Soon his troubles appear resolved when the unstable accountant Leopold Bloom walks in and gives him the idea of a lifetime. Make a flop and walk away with the profits—a win-win! Only, trouble ensues when the producers find themselves with an abundance of singing Hitlers and a hit on their hands.

Ethan Schulze settled into the role of loud and crass hot-shot producer Max Bialystock comfortably—not quite a second skin, but like a well-tailored suit. He played off the rest of the cast spectacularly and was a constant pleasure to watch. Cameron Powell as the unstable, OCD prone, accountant Leopold Bloom shined bright. From his fabulous vocals to his goofy quirks, he proved magnetic. Cara Bachman as Ulla was a stunner, with her graceful physicality to stunning vocals, she commanded the stage.
The real show stopper was Jack Gereski as the Hitler adoring German playwright Franz Liebkind. From the moment the curtain opened on him he was captivating. He was completely committed to a point where you no longer saw Jack Gereski, but only Franz Liebkind: a slightly off his rocker former Nazi party member. As well as Gereski, Kyle McKnight and Cole Miles as Roger Debris and Carmen Ghia, respectively, were standouts. They both had magnificent characterization, and even when not the center of attention, they stayed firmly in character. They found the truth in their characters and no longer were actors playing people, but people living out their daily, if not odd, routines.
The ensemble itself was great. They all were constantly engaged and made consistent strong choices that shown through. Although they could have been louder vocally, they all still managed to make the absolute most of their stage time, especially ensemble members like Kathy Oh.
The lighting was fitting and the use of various reds and blue made the stage pop. There were a few difficulties with sound but the cast and crew managed admirably. The orchestra was fantastic! Their cues were always on the nail and despite issues with them overpowering the actors at times, they still played beautifully and fluidly.
South County High School's production of the Producers had everything: lowlife producers, drag queens, raunchy little old ladies, and best of all a plethora of singing and dancing Hitlers. Where did they go right? The answer is just about everywhere.

Rosie Brock
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Dancing with a neo-Nazi, forming a Congo line led by a man dressed in drag, and hiring a secretary keen on daily 11 am sex—all in a day's work for Bialystock and Bloom of The Producers. South County High School's production of this amusing musical proved to be a highly enjoyable performance.

The Producers is the musical adapted from the 1968 film by Mel Brooks. Brooks and Thomas Meehan translated the cinematic hit into a stage version, which eventually won an astounding 12 Tony Awards. The plot centers on the con-artist/ Broadway producer, Max Bialystock, and his freshly corrupted accomplice, Leopold Bloom. Scheming to profit off producing an utter disaster of a show, the duo select the musical "Springtime for Hitler" in hopes that producing such an offensive production will help them achieve their delightfully shady plan. The show continues with a series of comically shocking twists and turns, deriving the vast majority of its humor from eccentric characters, ridiculous encounters, and finely rhymed wit.

Overall, the show was infused with vitality through consistent cast commitment and energy. The entire cast was engaged throughout and contributed to creating the passionate, humorous tone of the production.

Portraying the accountant-turned-producer, Leopold Bloom, (Cameron Powell) crafted a memorable performance via both his naturalistic presence, as well as his vocal ability. Powell portrayed the transformation of the originally neurotic Bloom through his movement and vocal inflection. Additionally, Powell's voice was rich and blended well during duets with other characters, while also remaining strong when on its own. Ethan Schulze, who played Bialystock, also offered an engaging performance due to his comic sensibilities throughout.

Cara Bachman, who played the blonde Swedish bombshell, Ulla, was a true standout. An incredibly talented vocalist, Bachman was able to carry her own numbers with absolute ease, as was evident in Act I's "When You Got It, Flaunt It." Yet another highlight of the show and an audience favorite was the fantastically entertaining Jack Gereski (Franz). Playing the fanatical neo-Nazi, Franz Liebkind, Gereski employed a flawless German accent, which never wavered-not even during his dance and song numbers. Equally as notable of Gereski's performance was his impeccable comedic timing, animated facial expression, and exaggerated physicality. All combined, these strengths allowed Gereski to mold a character that immediately captivated the audience.

Sets and costumes for the production were both stellar. All costuming was extremely relevant to the period, contributed to characterization, and remained true to Brooks' original aesthetic. The costuming of the featured dancers ensemble was a prime example of costuming strength; appearing in a number of showgirl outfits that were as decadent as the show itself.

South County High School's production of The Producers was a thoroughly entertaining romp, which was truly impressive in its overall presentation and talent showcased.