THE PRODUCERS @ THE WELK

“The Producers”: The Premiere Pair Serve Up a Spirited Performance

Words by Kristen Fogle

From the duo that brought you Edna and Wilbur Turnblad in “Hairspray” last summer at Moonlight (earning Noel nods for both and a win for Edna), Premiere Productions’ Randall Hickman and Douglas Davis are back—this time as another great twosome—in “The Producers” at the Welk Theatre. The owners of Vista’s Broadway and Off-Broadway Theatres tackle Max Bialystock (Hickman) and Leo Bloom (Davis) with gusto, and if audience reaction thus far is any indicator, we may see more awards headed their way for these performances.

“The Producers,” which of course opened on Broadway in 2001 to rave reviews and starred Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, is a hit with many, and Premiere does the play justice. Adding some of that Randy and Doug flair is probably just what the story of Max and Leo’s rise to the top—and fall to the bottom—needed to make this the funniest musical I’ve seen in San Diego in a while.

Hickman shines in larger than life roles and Bialystock is no exception. This role really works for him particularly, because despite Max’s lesser qualities (like having relations with the elderly for monetary gain, and such), there is a bit of Bialystock in him as he has spent (with Davis) many years producing some of the best theater in the county. Not to mention Hickman gets to showcase those dynamite pipes and is allowed free reign to really hit us with the witticisms full force. And Davis, who has played mousy parts in the past, really charms us with the adorable Bloom, especially in “I Wanna Be a Producer,” where we get to see depth to the nebbish accountant who spends his days “bored.” (Davis also has an incredible voice and is a pretty swell dancer, as well.)

And on that note—though I’ve been told much of the dancing has been handed down from the movie/Broadway production, I’d never know, and so I credit the talented Ray Limon with the captivating choreography I witnessed. (By the way, stay tuned for more Limon. When I interviewed Barbara Epstein, creator of “A5678”—on stage at the Welk in May—she basically credited him with reviving her show in San Diego, and he is set to choreograph that one as well.)

Back to the actors…Notable in particular, and giving Hickman and Douglas a run for their money as the funniest duo up there, are Bob Himlin as Roger DeBris and Conor Tibbs as Carmen Gia. DeBris was an absolute riot in “Springtime for Hitler,” and Tibbs had me giggling ridiculously with his facial expressions and well timed gags. Tracey Ray Reynolds played fun, flirty Ulla, and sold it on the accent, but perhaps was a bit too PG for the vivacious sex kitten Ulla. I also enjoyed Devin Collins as brutish Franz Liebkind, and again, the ensemble, who produced endless chuckle-dom, particularly in their scenes as DeBris’ entourage and as serenading/dancing grannies.

It’s not a perfect production, what with some wobbly set walls and places where the timing isn’t quite right yet, but it is one of the most fun musicals I’ve seen in a while. Perhaps the best compliment I can give is that even with “The Producers” running almost three hours, I was still left wanting more. Cheers for Premiere, as they have succeeded in opening their mini-season at the Welk with a truly spirited performance.

Next up for Premiere’s adult audiences is the comedy “I Take This Man” at the Broadway Theatre March 23 and “Too Old For the Chorus (But Not Too Old To Be a Star),” a musical revue, back at the Welk on June 14.

“The Producers”

Welk Resort Theatre

3/8-3/25

8860 Lawrence Welk Drive

Escondido, CA 92026

888-802-7469

www.welktheatersandiego.com