Mary

As a child of holocaust survivors, who saw Mel brooks on 60 minutes, and saw the movie, I can honestly say I'm happy for his success, and can understand why its such a hit, but I personally don't think I could howl with the laughter the play is suppose to induce. I loved the movie Life is beautiful, and thats a holocaust comedy, but something about the Producers just bothers my sensibilities.

ann

Howard and Mary,
Thanks for your thoughtful answers to my question. Sounds like it is not the show for everyone, though you wouldn't know it from reading the reviews. I will watch the Tony Awards on TV, though --
a great way to get a taste of what's on Broadway, and maybe to get a clearer idea of this show's sensibilities.
Best,
Ann

L

What is interesting, I believe, is why this remake is so popular ... why did it come along now, and why have people responded so enthusiastically. Mel Brooks is hardly a household name these days. He didn't sell us on this production. Why the popularity, and why now? What need it this responding to? Did you see the recent New Yorker cover? The title was furor on Broadway. Why the furor?

M

L,

If you are tired of reading posts about the Producers here is a suggestion - if you see a post with Producers in the title just skip it.

Personally, I am tired of reading about your obsession with wearing black. Get over yourself dude. Ciao right back at ya!

M

L

Well, M, your advice was a bit over the top ... that I should get over myself? Wow, sounds like it's kinda that kinda day for you. Sorry, but perhaps tomorrow will be better. It happens to all of us, so you have my best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to civility. BTW, care to tackle any of my questions about this huge response to Producers? I'd be genuinely interested if you have some other thoughts. Ciao

M

L,

I would be delighted to tackle your question about the huge response to the Producers. It is a huge conspiracy in the press and the theater community to aggravate the heck out of you...I think you were targeted because they don't like people who insist on wearing black all the time.

I am having a great day by the way but thanks for your concern. Ciao baby.

M

L

Hey, M, too bad, a wasted opportunity to communicate. Your thoughts might have been interesting, you never know. But, LOL, lets be real, just for a moment. Black just looks better in NYC, and many other places as well. If one is a plaid person, well, doesn't make them a bad person. So, take it easy, guy, and here's hoping the rest of your day goes a bit better. Hope our paths will cross more happily down the road on the flipside. Ciao.

Howard

Getting back to the subject at hand--sorry about that L & M! (Hey, you two ought to go into the cigarette business! I'm really dating myself with that comment!)
Anyway, the reason why The Producers is such a hit is simple: It's a tremendously entertaining show. I really don't think there's any deeply psychological reason for its success now, I really don't.
Incidentally, Ann, while the show does ridicule Hitler to a delightful extreme, Mel Brooks has not spared his scathing satirical pen when it comes others. Jews and gays are indeed butts of his humor. And I find that to be a very interesting point, since, except for tourists, Jews and gays are probably the two biggest supporters of the theater in NY! And, both groups are indeed supporting this show!

L

Thanks, Howard, for those thoughts. Yes, I do get the L&M reference ... but I'm not Big Tobacco. LOL. It is surprising to me, given the subject matter, that Producers has been such a major hit ... the Post covered the 15 nominations big time today. They loved it. Not my cup of tea this season. Anyway, will not take up more of your time. Ciao.

Philip

L: In response to your question of why is this so popular, I would like to give my thoughts. Broadway is desperate for an American based hit. What we have on Broadway falls into four categories (with a few exceptions): revival, children's show, musicalization/adaptation of movie and British import. Because of the dynamics of Broadway, nobody wants to take a chance on a show that may not be a hit. The Producers is a success because everyone knows the movie, Mel Brooks and Nathan Lane. However, shows like this make for a very dull theater season. When you look at Broadway's past, you marvel at how wonderful a season could be.

Howard

Aus contraire, Philip. The Producers has made this a most exciting season. I can't remember the last show that caused this much excitement--not even The Lion King.
And, in general, it's been a very good season on Broadway, especially if you look at the list of non-musicals that have been produced.

Tony

L, You are rapidly approaching Rex's status as most ubiquitous and least enlightening.

Fred

Are those your 2 words for the day?