Toronto The Producers is "beauty"!

[sheekala]

Posted: 11/26/03 at 9:00am

Spent the weekend in Toronto and checked in on The Producers which is playing at the beautiful Canon Theater(which was once the Pantages/Elgin where the Phantom haunted for years) and what a blast I had at the production. With all the hoopla regarding Matthew and Nathan returning it was interesting to see a production of the show moments after the creative team set it loose on Canadian audiences. As many of you know I kind of work in production so I've seen the show in it's many forms, both good and "bad", I'm happy to report that this production is the best I've seen since the Chicago preview period of the OBC, it's that good. Sean Cullen as Max is a wonder, he is the first Bialystock to NOT ape or copy Nathan, yet has all the same manic energy. He seems to be channeling both Zero and Jackie Gleason with a bit of Belushi thrown in for good measure. What would a great Max be without a great Leo? Michael Therriault makes a timid,handsome wreck of a Bloom, but has the same quiet dignity of Wilder, can you tell I loved these guys?! The entire company does a swell job and all the jokes landed on point, special kudos to Sarah Cornell as Ulla, she played the role here for a spell and is a joy in the role, I think my favorite Ulla ever,honest. This production again reminded me of what I loved about the show in the first place(and musical comedy in general), and it's love story of Max and Leo is as magical as ever, if some of you didn't get tickets for the "Return" maybe you should hop a flight up North and see a great version(without BIG stars,just great comic actors) that delivers on every level.It'll be cheaper! Hey, whadda ya know, I'm a SHILL for something and I LOVE IT!

Updated On: 11/26/03 at 09:00 AM