"The Producers" Opens Friday 4/29 -Farmington Players Barn April 29, 2011

The Farmington Players are pleased to present Mel Brook’s Broadway smash musical The Producers. Follow former Broadway giant Max Bialystock and Broadway producer wannabe Leo Bloom as they sing and dance their way through the greatest showbiz scam ever devisedraise a million dollars, put on a $100,000 sure-fire flop, and keep the rest.

Winner of 12 Tony Awards including Best Original Score and Best Musical, The Producers features modern musical classics such as “We Can Do It”, “Along Came Bialy”, “Keep It Gay”, “Springtime for Hitler” and “Prisoners of Love”.

This hilarious musical comedy stars Dorne Lefere of Metamora as Max Bialystock, and Jason Wilhoite of Commerce as Leo Bloom, both well known to regular audience members of the Farmington Players Barn Theater. The production is directed by Cynthia Tupper of Farmington Hills, whose husband Brian not only appears as part of the cast ensemble, he is also the Set Designer.

“I first fell in love with this show after seeing the original Broadway production [starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick]”, said Cynthia Tupper. “Only until the rigging was installed here [at the Barn] last year was it possible to consider doing a show this big.”

The size of the chorus numbers wasn’t the only challenge faced by members of this talented group. Dorne Lefere has played many musical leads, but this show has proven to be his most challenging.

“It’s definitely the most physical show I’ve ever done,” said Lefere. “It’s one thing to be moving constantly, but then to be singing at the same time is tremendously challenging.” He went on to say that the experience has been very special to him due in part to working with such a talented cast, but mostly because he will be celebrating his 35th wedding anniversary during the run of the show.

The Producers is sponsored by Weinstein Jewelers of Novi and Farmington Hills. Owner Gary Weinstein also appears in the show playing two roles  Mr. Marx and The Judge.

“I particularly like the role of Mr. Marx [Leo Bloom’s demanding boss],” said WeinsteinFar, “because it reminds me of how I used to be as a boss years ago until age and experience tempered my approach. I know some of my older employees will laugh when they see it!”

The Producers continues the Farmington Players’ 57-year tradition of producing compelling live performances, most recently in a new state-of-the art facility. “The Barn” shines as one of the most inviting community theaters in the Detroit area. It also serves as one of the best bargains in the region.

The Producers will be performed from April 29 through May 21. For more information on the Farmington Players or to purchase tickets, visit www.farmingtonplayers.org or call the box office at 248-553-2955.

Official Website: http://farmingtonplayers.org/