The Tater Patch Players enlisted the help of a play selection committee last year to read and recommend plays to the Board of Directors. After researching the possibilities, The Producers was presented and approved for production by the board. Even though the play is not the normal traditional show that our audiences are accustomed to, it is an excellent show with great music and lots of satire. The winner of 12 Tony Awards, the play, although slightly PG 13 rated, is a hit. The Tater Patch family has discovered a large following of the show in both young and old. For anyone wishing to suggest a play that they would like to be staged, please visit our Web site at www.taterpatchplayers.com and tell us what you want to see.
The Tater Patch Production of The Producers is a hit because of its main characters, Max Bialystock, Leo Bloom, Roger DeBris and Ulla. When Max and Leo, with the help of Roger and Ulla, produce Springtime for Hitler, Broadway is stunned and amazed at the spectacle.
Andy Fowler plays Max, a Broadway producer who has just closed a flop on opening night. We find out very quickly how the audience can turn from loving the producer to despising him, all because of one show. Fowler has been seen on the Tater Patch stage as Li’l Abner, Snoopy and several other leading roles. This is the most demanding role that he has played and has mastered the part. Max is down and out, but determined to come back and “be on top again”.
Leo Bloom is a cowardly accountant that wants to be a Broadway producer. Played by Andy Kippenhan, Leo discovers that more money can be made with a flop than a hit so he works side by side with Max to produce a big Broadway flop. Kippenhan is well known on the stage as Evil Eye Fleagle in Li’l Abner. With several other shows under his belt, Kippenhan provides us with a very entertaining character as he we follow his progress from a depressed accountant to a successful man.
Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yonsen Tallen Hallen Svaden-Swanson (and this is just her first name) is a Swedish show girl that learned the ropes at a very young age. Needless to say, her presence causes quite a stir. Ulla is played by Kelsea Beck of Cherokee County. Kelsea is new to the Tater Patch stage, but has appeared in many productions. She is sure to delight you with her singing and dancing as much as she does Leo and Max.
Roger DeBris is the director of Springtime for Hitler. Roger is played by Alex Nawrocki who has been seen on the Tater Patch stage as General Bullmoose in Li’l Abner and the stage manager in Our Town. Roger is a gay man that is always surrounded by his production team. A twisted turn of events puts Roger center stage instead of behind the scenes.
There are laughs at every turn in this show. Expect the unexpected as you watch this satire by Mel Brooks. The songs are great, the plot even better. We hope you will come out and enjoy the show. The Producers will be staged at the Pickens High School Auditorium on July 10, 11, 16, 17 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and July 12 at 2. Tickets are $15 adult and $10 student at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased at a discount at Jasper Drugs, Community Bank of Pickens County or on line at www.taterpatchplayers.org
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| PHOTO BY JEFF WARREN |
| The cast of The Producers the latest from local theatre group, the Tater Patch Players, will continue through this weekend. |
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