Cast Announced for Hayes’ Production of THE PRODUCERS
Mel Brooks’ comedic genius effortlessly bridges the generational divide, eliciting belly laughs from practically everyone in the room. Perhaps it’s the brilliant blend of audacity and absurdity, or maybe it’s the not-so-subtle poke at the very fabric of what’s considered “acceptable” in musical theatre. Regardless, THE PRODUCERS has cemented itself in the mind of millions as a gleeful romp guaranteed to shake up any stage it graces.
Now, the curtains are about to rise on an all-new Australian production at Hayes Theatre Co—presented by Joshua Robson Productions—and, judging by early buzz, it promises to reignite that signature Mel Brooks mayhem for a new generation of theatregoers.
If you’re curious why THE PRODUCERS remains such a beloved fixture in theatrical circles, one need look no further than the stats: the original Broadway production not only scooped up a staggering 12 Tony Awards, but it also inspired legions of fans to revisit comedic theatre in droves. Brooks took a bold gamble by turning his cult-classic 1967 film into a stage show, and the payoff was gargantuan. Why? Because THE PRODUCERS pokes fun at everything: pretentious directors, gullible investors, questionable taste, and, most scandalously, taboo historical references that defy polite dinner-table conversation.
When it’s done right, THE PRODUCERS is like a comedic avalanche—unstoppable, outrageous, and exhilarating. With the production set to open on 29 March at Hayes Theatre Co, the time has never been better to see how this comedic behemoth has been reimagined in a more intimate venue. Tickets are already on sale at hayestheatre.com.au, so be prepared to snap them up quickly if you fancy an evening of tap-dancing flops, questionable investors, and a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Meet The Cast & Creative Team
At the heart of this Hayes Theatre Co production are two actors ready to step into some very sizeable comedic shoes. Anton Berezin, whose credits include THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and EVITA, takes on the role of Max Bialystock—the down-on-his-luck Broadway producer with an appetite for questionable business practices. Meanwhile, Des Flanagan (fresh from MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL) will play Leo Bloom, the timid accountant whose dreams of showbiz success unwittingly unleash a Broadway con of epic proportions. Expect comedic sparks to fly as these two navigate the chaotic world of fraudulent theatrical productions, armed only with Bloom’s spreadsheets and Bialystock’s knack for charming (or fleecing) little old ladies.
Photo by James Reiser
Adding glamour to the mix is newcomer Alexandra Cashmere as Ulla, the Swedish bombshell with talents that stretch far beyond making coffee. Then there’s the delightfully flamboyant Roger De Bris, played by Blake Erickson (TINA THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL), a director whose personal style is the epitome of camp excess. Keep an eye out for Jordan Shea, an accomplished playwright, taking on the role of Franz Liebkind, the show’s lovably oddball writer with a penchant for praising the Reich. Rounding out the zany ensemble is Mikey Sakinofsky as Carmen Ghia, plus Wendy-Lee Purdy, recently seen in HELLO DOLLY! at the London Palladium, as the incorrigible Hold-Me-Touch-Me.
Behind the scenes, Julia Robertson (METROPOLIS) takes the directorial helm, describing THE PRODUCERS as “a group therapy session where no one has to talk about their feelings, and instead everyone collectively agrees that an outrageously camp, singing, tap-dancing Hitler is the best way to deal with existential dread.” That testament alone suggests we’re in for a wild ride. Choreographer Shannon Burns (RIDE THE CYCLONE) will ensure the dance sequences sparkle with comedic brilliance, while Osibi Akerejola makes their mark as music director. With a creative roster that includes set designer Nick Fry, lighting designer Ryan McDonald, and costume designer Benedict Janeczko-Taylor, this production promises a visual and musical feast that stays true to Mel Brooks’ original mania.
Mel Brooks: The Master Of Musical Mayhem
You can’t talk about THE PRODUCERS without marvelling at the mind behind the madness: Mel Brooks. This comedic icon has spent decades courting controversy and laughter, from his send-ups of Westerns in BLAZING SADDLES to his parody of horror in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Yet it’s THE PRODUCERS that arguably gave him the most mainstream acclaim. The genius lies in Brooks’ fearless approach to comedic boundaries, a trait that’s ever-present in numbers like Springtime for Hitler—a tune both infamous and adored for its brazen cheek.
That brand of high-risk humour might appear shocking, but Brooks wields it like a scalpel, slicing through societal taboos to reveal our collective follies. Indeed, it’s that ability to laugh at the things we aren’t supposed to laugh at that lends THE PRODUCERS a peculiar, irresistible charm. And if you think Hitler gags could never be funny, well, prepare to have your preconceptions challenged.
The smallest detail can make or break a comedic musical. In a production as frenetic as THE PRODUCERS, every bead of sweat, chorus line, and comedic beat must land with precision. Hayes Theatre Co’s intimate setting offers a golden opportunity to engage with audiences on a personal level, letting the comedic fervour wash right up to the front row. Far from the grandiosity of a cavernous Broadway stage, the close quarters can magnify every gag and highlight every subtle expression.
That intimacy also allows the show’s deeper themes—like greed, desperation, and moral flexibility—to resonate in a way that can be surprisingly thought-provoking. After all, while we’re laughing at Bialystock and Bloom’s questionable ethics, we might also be questioning our own capacity for moral compromise in the pursuit of a quick buck. It’s comedic reflection at its finest.
An Outrageous Legacy
What might surprise some newcomers is how THE PRODUCERS has always lived on the edge of acceptable taste. The storyline essentially celebrates a scheme to produce the worst musical imaginable—a show guaranteed to flop—only to watch it become a runaway success. This twist both affirms and satirises the timeless adage, “In showbiz, there’s no such thing as bad publicity.”
But the comedic bravado doesn’t stop there. The show brazenly lampoons a certain historical menace through an unforgettably gaudy musical-within-a-musical. Audience members might find themselves wrestling with the comedic portrayal of fascist imagery. Then again, that’s precisely the point: Brooks uses humour to disarm taboo, mocking tyrants into irrelevance. THE PRODUCERS has always been about pushing boundaries, delighting in the nerve-jangling tension of a joke that taps into our darkest cultural memories. If you’re game, be prepared for a comedic rollercoaster that might leave you gasping between fits of laughter.
Expect Adult Humour—And Then Some
Of course, with great comedic freedom comes the potential for raised eyebrows. So consider yourself forewarned: THE PRODUCERS brims with adult language, provocative themes, and racy innuendos. Nazi references and swastikas abound, making this far from the typical family-friendly fare. If you’re attending, brace yourself for bawdy jokes and cheeky sight gags that poke fun at everything society usually deems off-limits.
That said, Mel Brooks has always believed in humour as a form of liberation—an escapade that deflates the pomp and power of the unspeakable. Director Julia Robertson is keenly aware of the tightrope the show walks, emphasising that it’s all in the name of comedic catharsis. For those with an open mind (and perhaps a taste for the outrageous), the payoff is an evening of riotous laughter.
To see THE PRODUCERS in such an intimate space is a rare treat—a chance to experience a comedic masterpiece in a venue that thrives on up-close and personal storytelling. While the show’s premise might seem ludicrous, its track record speaks volumes. From the unhinged premise of scheming con artists to the unexpected success of their tasteless musical, THE PRODUCERS remains a testament to the audacity of comedic theatre.
Looking for an antidote to the everyday grind? A dash of irreverence? A reason to belly-laugh so hard you might worry about your seatmate’s comfort? Then hurry along to Hayes Theatre Co.
Because, at the end of the day, Mel Brooks’ comedic defiance is a reminder that theatre isn’t just about polished decorum or safe storylines. It’s about making us gasp, giggle, and—occasionally—challenge our own boundaries. So why not answer the call of Bialystock and Bloom, and march straight into the comedic mayhem of THE PRODUCERS? You might just discover that, in the midst of swindling investors and staging offensive musicals, there’s a kind of liberating hilarity that only the boldest of shows can offer.
SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point
Season: 29 March – 27 April
Times: Tue-Sat 7.30pm, Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm
Price: From $89 Adult, $85 Concession, $75 Preview
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au | (02) 8065 7337
