Smash-hit musical ‘The Producers’ is coming to Riverside Theatres in response to overwhelming demand after a sold-out season at Hayes Theatre Co. in Sydney.
Writer and actor Jordan Shea plays a key role in the hugely successful show, and he attributes this success to the production’s ability to radiate joy.
“Every night you could count the number of smiles and the grins. The show has that biting satire that we all love and it’s super accessible,” Shea said.
“It’s gone off, and we’ve been fortunate enough to have an exceptional ensemble to support a really joyous and happy show.”
The plot has been described as comedic chaos.
“‘The Producers’ is about a dodgy Broadway producer called Max Bialystock who decides to partner with a mousy accountant called Leo Bloom. Together, they decide that a show can actually make more money if it’s a flop than if it’s a hit,” Shea explained.
This begins the character’s journey to find the worst play ever written, along with the worst director in town.
“The worst play ever written is called ‘Springtime for Hitler’ which is written by my character Franz Liebkind. However, the show actually ends up being a major success, which has a disastrous effect on them,” Shea described.
“The play is about them mounting the show, the success of that show, and how they navigate their friendship.”
This is the first musical Shea has performed in for a decade, and he’s enjoying playing the character of Franz.
“He’s a bumbling nutcase who loves pigeons and has some very extremist political views,” Shea stated.
“The best thing about him though is that I believe he’s very loveable but also quite psychotic at the same time and just wants to see his play done.
“He’s kind of like a child, and that’s been great fun to play.”
The playwright considers it an honour to perform the musical at Riverside Theatres.
“There’s such history there. Major musicals have played there over the years and Riverside is an extension of any tour or major event,” Shea exclaimed.
“It’s obviously going to close soon for major refurbishments, so I think it’s a real privilege to do the show in the current building.”
See ‘The Producers’ at Riverside Theatres from May 13 to 16. Tickets start at $79 and you can book online at https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/the-producers/.
Ally Hall joined the team 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She is a graduate of the University of South Australia.