Producers Win at the Maverick

Fullerton’s Maverick Theatre mounts a rather accomplished production of Mel Brook’s The Producers, directed by Brian Newell. Despite the limitations of their small performance space, the cast and crew produced a magical show equally spirited to a full Broadway production – easily transitioning from theatre, to office, to East Side apartment, to courtroom and beyond.

When Max Bialystock, an infamous Broadway producer, teams up with his mousy accountant, Leo Bloom, they soon realize that a play that flops could, theoretically, make a fortune. With a little creative accounting, Max and Leo endeavor to collect an excessive amount of money from their backers and produce a show certain to fail on opening night, leaving them with $2 million to spend. They set out to over sell the shares of their next show, Springtime for Hilter, a surefire flop meant to offend and horrify as many theatre patrons as possible. They hire a nutcase German playwright, persuade the worst director in town to join the team, and gain finances from a string of promiscuous old ladies. With all the pawns in place what could possibly go wrong?

Shaun-Michael McNamara delivers a fantastically funny Leo Bloom, in a character that can easily lead the best of actors into a contrived performance. McNamara proves neurotically amusing and sincere.

Rick Franklin's Max Bialystock begins with vigor, but loses steam toward the end of the play – struggling to keep up with his youthful cast mates. Yet, one can appreciate his fight for success.

Kalinda Gray's seductive Ulla, shines through with her perfect sense of comedic timing, sparkling appearance and strong vocals (even through the filter of her humorous Swedish accent).

David Chorley’s delivers a mantic, escaped Nazi playwright, Franz Liebkind. Among his pigeon companions, his quirky mannerisms and thick accent are the perfect combination of hilarious and frightening.

The Maverick Theatre’s talented ensemble of standout performers creates a thoroughly enjoyable production, with laugh-out-loud qualities. One thing is for sure, audiences will leave the theatre with a smile on their face.

The Producers is presented by Maverick Theater, 110 E. Walnut Ave., Fullerton, (714) 526-7070; http://www.mavericktheater.com/. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 & 8 p.m. Through Aug. 1. $15-$25.