The Producers to hit Ipswich stage

Showgirls Amy Clayton and Kelly Tye with Brendan Dieckmann, who plays Leo Bloom in the Ipswich Musical Theatre production of The Producers.

Claudia Baxter

THE movie classic that became a Broadway sensation and won a record-breaking 12 Tony awards will soon grace the Ipswich stage.

The Producers tells the story of Max Bialystock, a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer, and Leo Bloom, a nerdy young accountant, who together concoct a scheme to raise millions of dollars by deliberately staging a show that will flop.

But something goes wrong and the show is a gigantic hit.

The show was originally adapted by the legendary comic Mel Brooks.

Ipswich Musical Theatre Company artistic director Brenda Ryan said the production represented a new direction for the company.

“It is the first time we have produced something that has not included children,” Ms Ryan said.

Ms Ryan said cast members had travelled from as far away as Toowoomba and Brisbane, as well as Ipswich, to take part.

Among those set to perform at the Ipswich Civic Centre in September is 23-year-old Brendan Dieckmann as Leo.

The Redbank Plains resident said: “Leo’s compulsions made it a fun role to take on”.

Mr Dieckmann said he had been taking tips from his on screen namesake Matthew Broderick, who took on the role of Leo in the 2005 film version.

“I have channelled a little bit of Matt,” he said.

“He appeared both in the stage version and the movie.

“The movie helps with learning and getting into the role in your head.”

For Bruce Edwards, taking on the role of the “slimy, sleazy producer” Max Bialystock had been fun.

“It has been good,” he said.

“It is all about trying to get myself into that mindset.”

The show can be seen on Saturday, September 11 and 18, at 7.30pm and on Sunday, September 12, at 2pm.

TRIVIA

• With the exception of Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman in the 2005 movie, all the lead actors originated their roles in the Broadway production.
• Nicole Kidman was originally considered as a possible Ulla. Matthew Broderick allegedly offered her the role while they were filming The Stepford Wives. Kidman backed out because of too much work.