Studio Theatre of Bath will present the Mel Brooks musical comedy "The Producers" Oct. 10-20 at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath.

Once called “the King of Broadway,” theater producer Max Bialystock has had a string of flops, all funded by “lonely little old lady investors” that gladly write him checks in return for “favors.” His latest Broadway show is so bad that it closes after one night. Mousy accountant Leo Bloom arrives the next day to audit Max's books and discovers that under the right circumstances “a producer can make more money with a flop than a hit.”  Max proposes a scheme to raise $2 million (“There's a lot of little old ladies out there!”) and produce the worst play ever written so that they can take their money and move to Rio. Everything seems to be going well, except for one problem: the show turns out to be a smash hit.

Bursting at the seams with Mel Brooks’ signature brand of twisted comedy made famous in classic films such as “Blazing Saddles,” “Spaceballs” and “Young Frankenstein,” “The Producers” originally opened on Broadway in 2001 and ran for over 2,500 performances, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards.

This production is directed by John Willey, with music direction by Courtney Babbidge, and choreography by Ashley Steeves.

 

The cast is large, featuring dozens of regional stage veterans, and highlighted by dancers from the Resurgence Dance Company. There are over 165 costumes, coordinated by a team of costumers under the direction of Cathy Matero.

This show contains some adult language and situations. Performances are Oct. 10-12 and 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

 

Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 at the door and can be purchased through the Chocolate Church box office in person, online or by calling (207) 442-8455. The Chocolate Church Arts Center is located at 804 Washington St. in Bath.

One of the Midcoast's oldest active community theater groups, Studio Theatre of Bath has produced nearly 140 major productions since 1979. For more information visit studiotheatreofbath.com or call (207) 350-6225.