The Producers - Original Cast (CD 2001)

With all the hype surrounding Mel Brooks' runaway hit, "The Producers," I curiously purchased the CD, fearing a letdown. Lesson to be learned - never prejudge. The CD is a sheer delight, with musical numbers so well constructed that the story is easily imagined, even without the help of a plot outline.

On first hearing, several numbers stand out, such as the title song from the producers' intentionally tasteless musical, "Springtime for Hitler"; or the first act finale in which producer Max (Nathan Lane) trades sexual attention for checks in "little old lady land"; or the "Keep It Gay" number in which Max manipulates the worst director on Broadway into directing his play. However, on further hearings, it becomes clear that all of the numbers are winners in their own rights. Each one has a wit and charm that make it difficult to say, "this one is better."

Mel Brooks wrote the tunes. He treats us to a variety of musical styles: Ziegfeld Follies, lush Broadway showstopper, tango, love ballad, bump and grind, ethnic melody, etc. For die-hard Broadway musical fans, you may hear similarities to "Fiddler on the Roof" in Max's opening number. For opera buffs, listen closely and you'll even hear strains of Wagner's "Siegfried" during one number.

Mel Brooks wrote the lyrics. Herein lies the ultimate fun of the recording. There's nothing subtle about Brooks' style - never has been. And he holds true to it here. The words are witty, sarcastic, unflattering and downright hysterical. No serious moment goes by without some joke, however slight. Never mind ethnic group, sexual preference, occupation, age or tradition - all are fair targets for Brooks' searing wit.

Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick do wonderful jobs of creating the characters through their voices. The supporting cast is also superb. Broderick does an admirable job of letting us hear his transformation from the shy neurotic accountant into a confident and worldly producer. Lane handles the music, fast-paced lyrics and zany character of Max with remarkable style. His "Betrayed" number, during which he recaps the entire plot (including intermission) in a matter of seconds, is pure bravado.

The recording itself is well-done, including snippets of dialog sufficient enough to help the listener make sense of the plot.

The plot, by the way, involves the producers' (Lane and Broderick) scheme to produce the worst play on Broadway, and abscond with the backers' millions after the flop immediately closes. But guess what happens?

And just when you think it's all over, there's an epilogue, which, I imagine, is sung after curtain calls in the theater. In it, the cast tells the audience there's no more, and they should "get lost...get out." Can you think of a better ending from Mel Brooks?

Since I can't afford the $200 to $1000+ per ticket cost or the long wait to see Lane and Broderick, the CD will have to suffice until the show hits road tours. No matter - good things come to those who wait.