"The Producers" Brings Big Broadway Laughs to Carrollwood

When comedy mastermind Mel Brooks first conceived the character of Broadway producer Max Bialystock for The Producers, he already knew Max well. Brooks once worked as an assistant for a wily real-life producer who embodied everything Max would come to be.

“He lived in the office,” remembered Brooks in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “He washed out his shorts, he did his shirt, he hung everything out on a line. And little old ladies would actually come up to his office — he would make love to them, the last fling they’d ever have on a cracked leather couch. They’d make out a check and they’d say ‘What’s the name of the play? Who should I make it out to?’ He’d always say, ‘The name of the play is cash.’ And they’d make it out to cash."

Now, more than fifty years later, old Max is still going strong, embedded in pop culture lore by the iconic original film, starring Zero Mostel, and the more recent smash hit musical movie and Broadway blockbuster, starring Nathan Lane.

Local audiences are in for a treat as Carrollwood Players Theatre presents the hilarious story of two scheming producers trying to open the worst show in history, on purpose! In the role of Max, Tampa actor Constantine Kryiakou is a larger than life presence on the stage, achieving a funny, electric performance worthy of every little old lady's admiration.

And a huge part of the funny factor is Alexander Genaro Garcia's sidesplitting take on Max's mousy accountant sidekick, Leo Bloom. The antics of these two performers are alone worth the price of admission.

Add in bombshell Swedish secretary Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson (Chelsie Camaro Smith) and a bevy of other colorful characters including Broadway star Roger "keep it gay" De Bris (Ryan Bintz), and this local production promises a powerhouse evening of laughs and fun featuring some of the area's top talent.

Kyriakou makes the case for why community theatre is so much fun for actors and audiences alike. "These performers are the most supportive, fun, collaborative people."

And it shows in this production.

Audiences can expect a lot of fun from the ensemble performers, too. Each undertakes multiple costume changes to play numerous roles, from German storm troopers to little old ladies with walkers.

Executive Producer Victoria Richards said "this show is nonstop fun and laughs. Expect toe tapping and showstopping numbers with the best mix of humor, romance, and purpose," with Executive Producer Zach "Hippie" Griswold adding, "It's timeless, irreverent comedy."

The Producers opens at Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL, 33618, Friday, September 6th, with 11 performances through September 28th. Performances are on Fridays at Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $28 for adults, and $25 for students, seniors and military/veterans with ID. Groups of ten or more tickets purchased together for the same performance are $24 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased online, and Carrollwood Players is one of the few area theatres that doesn't charge transaction fees for online ticket purchases.