Uptown Players Open THE PRODUCERS, 8/24

Uptown Players continues its 2012 season with the musical comedy, The Producers, at the Kalita Humphreys Theater from August 24 – September 15, 2012.

With a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, The Producers opened on Broadway on April 19, 2001 to rave reviews, and is the recipient of the most Tony Awards in Broadway history (12, including Best Musical). Based on Mel Brooks' Academy Award-winning 1968 film of the same name, the show tells the story of down-on-his-luck theatrical producer, Max Bialystock (B. J. Cleveland) and Leo Bloom (Brian Hathaway) a mousy accountant. Together, with the help of their flamboyant director, Roger DeBris (Brad Jackson), they hatch the ultimate scam: to raise more money, than they need for a sure-fire Broadway flop and pocket the difference. Their "sure-fire" theatrical fiasco? None other than the musical "Springtime for Hitler!"

The cast includes Mikey Abrams, Michael Albee, Jonathan Bragg, Kellie Carroll, B. J. Cleveland, Caitlin Darby, Peter DiCesare, Emily Ford, Brian Hathaway, Whitney Hennen, Brad Jackson, Ivan Jasso, Mary Jerome, Art Kedzierski, Tony Martin, Kelly McCain, Thomas Renner, Calvin Roberts, Ashton McKay Shawver, Jennie Titiryn, Shannon Walsh and Lisa Ward.

The production is under the direction of Michael Serrecchia, with music direction by Scott A. Eckert and choreography by Michael Serrecchia and Megan Kelly-Bates. The production will feature original scenic design elements by Robin Wagner and original costume design by William Ivey Long (both Tony Award winners for their respective work). Scenic design adaptation by Rodney Dobbs, and costume design adaptation by Suzi Cranford, with lighting design by Jason Foster.

The Producers runs August 24 through September 15, 2012, with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. (no performance August 26 or September 6). Performances will take place at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd at Blackburn, Dallas TX 75219.  Tickets are $30-$50 and can be purchased online at www.uptownplayers.org or by phone at 214-219-2718.