"Producers" already producing

Even though we've just brought the curtain down on our February show, ACT's upcoming production of "The Producers" is getting a jump-start on rehearsals with preliminary choral and dance sessions. We had over 50 people audition for the show, and if you haven't already heard the cast list, here it is ...

Max Bialystock -- Jonathan O'Harrow
Leo Bloom -- Cody Jones
Ula -- Jamie Markel
Franz Liebkind -- Tom Liszka
Roger DeBris -- Mark Perehinec
Carmen Ghia -- Shawn Foster

Ensemble -- Joshua Barr*, Rodney Burkey*, Gigi Campbell, Marissa Carney*, Michael Depiro, Tom Ekstrand*, James Fyer*, Ellie Herbster, Mike Holzer, Claire Houser*, Shahid Ibrahim*, John Illar, Jen Jones*, Katie Kensinger, Jenelle Lockard, Shane Lynn*, Megan Marcaurelle, Michael McClure, Dawn McCrea, Maria Perehinec, Molly Riva, Douglas Rosenberry,* Floyd Rousel,* Courtney Sherkel, Crystal Shore,* Sarah Slep, Robert Smelley, Gina Volpe, Rich Volpe, Stevie Woodring*

* indicates first ACT mainstage show

"Producers" auditions January 31 and February 1

Auditions for ACT's production of the Mel Brooks musical "The Producers " will be 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, January 31 and February 1, in the Historic Mishler Theatre, located downtown at 1208 12th Avenue.

Based on the 1968 Mel Brooks film and cult classic, "The Producers" took Broadway by storm in 2001 and was an immediate hit ... nominated for 15 Tony Awards and winning 12, breaking the record previously set by "Hello Dolly" in the 1960s. Kate Kale Wolf is directing "The Producers" for ACT, with Brett P. Keith serving as Musical Director and Orchestra Conductor.

Auditionees are asked to prepare 16 to 32 bars of a Broadway song in a similar style to "The Producers" but not from the show itself. Bring music in the proper key for the accompanist. A brief dance sequence will be taught and brief line readings from the script will be provided at the auditions. Auditionees also should bring their calendars or schedules so they can complete a conflict sheet, as it's extremely important for the directors to know people's availability for the rehearsal period when casting the show.

The cast of "The Producers" includes two major male roles -- Max Bialystock, who has gone from being the King of the Great White Way to staging "the worst shows in town," and Leo Bloom, a nebbish of an accountant who dreams of becoming a successful Broadway producer. Together they concoct a scheme to bilk millions out of little old ladies by having them invest in a sure-fire flop, "Springtime for Hitler," only to have the plan fail when the show turns out to be a smash hit.

The show also has a myriad of supporting, featured and chorus roles, including Ulla, a blonde Swedish bombshell Max hires as a secretary/receptionist; Franz Liebkind, an eccentric German pigeon-keeper who wrote the script Max and Leo decide to produce; Roger DeBris, a flamboyant cross-dressing Broadway director, and his swishy assistant Carmen Ghia; theatre usherettes, Opening Night patrons, little old ladies, chorus girls, singing convicts and dancing Nazis. Because of the number and variety of roles in the show, it's possible for participants to be involved without major commitment or stage time if preferred, or to be cast in multiple roles throughout the show.

Rehearsals for "The Producers" will begin in mid-February and performances will be April 29 to May 2. For more information, call the ACT Administrative Office at 814-943-4357.