Musical Theater Works presents its 150th production of The Producers: A Mel Brooks Musical

Musical Theater Works celebrates its 43rd season with its 150th musical production. The Producers: A Mel Brooks Musical will run through August 20 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

The Producers is a comedy musical written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan that won twelve Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2001. The show is directed by L. Walter Stearns, and musical direction by Eugene Dizon.

It all starts with the unlikely partnership of Bialystock and Bloom. One is a washed-up Broadway producer, and the other has always dreamed of becoming a producer. Their plan is to make $2 million dollars if they produce the worst show ever. How could they not fail? 

Comic veteran Mel Brooks adapted the Broadway show from his 1967 movie, The Producers, magically weaving gags and gimmicks through the whole show. These moments will have the audience laughing at the edge of their seats. Some highlights include the director Roger de Bris sitting on the edge of the stage addressing the audience along with the adorable, sweet old ladies tap dancing with their walkers.

This production contains outrageous, in-your-face humor. Mel Brooks turns a historical moment from World War 2 into the most excellent satirical comedy ever.It comes out big and never backs down and sets the standard for big musical performances.

The Producers cast includes Thomas M. Shea (Max Bialystock); David Geinosky (Leo Bloom); Kelsey MacDonald (Ulla); Sam Nachison (Franz Liebkind); Steve McDonagh (Roger de Bris) and Eustace J. Williams (Carmen Ghia). Every actor delivers a brilliant performance from start to finish. In a limited run, the show is a must-see for all; it provides big laughs at every scene.

The performance schedule is Wednesday, August 16, at 1 p.m., Thursday, August 17, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 20, at 2 p.m. with a Saturday matinee, August 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $39 to $106, with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300