I know this forum is for Film and TV, and no so much theatre, but I had to post a review of this show. Put simply, it's easily the best stage production I've ever seen (though I'm by no means a theatre junkie). Philster and I went to see it last night and neither of us could find flaws within.
For those unfamiliar with Mel Brooks' original film or the recent big screen musical version, the story centres around a Broadway producer, Max Bialystock, and his accountant-cum-wannabe producer, Leo Bloom. They hatch a plot to produce the worst play ever, taking millions in investors' money, so that by virtue of creative accounting they'll make themselves rich. For this - they shoose a play that's a surefire flop - "Springtime for Hitler" by a crazy Neo-Nazi. They also choose very camp director, Roger DeBris, said to be among Broadway's worst. As you can probably guess, the plan doesn't go quite right.
In this show, Cory English play Max Bialystock with tremendous energy - it must have taken quite a lot for him to sing constantly in a theatre that was already overheating in the stalls. The part of Leo Bloom went to Joe Pasquale. I'd originally thought that his squeaky voice would mar the show somewhat, but it doesn't at all. Roger DeBris was played by Russ Abbot, who reminded me very much of Terence Stamp in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The humour was excellent, particularly when the odd cock-up or heckle manifested itself - the improvisation thereafter was priceless.
The sets were large, astonishingly well-detailed and there was a hell of a lot of them, and I certainly wasn't envying the Stage Manager's task. the lighting, which was just as prolific, complemented it perfectly.
The choreography was excellent, especially at those times where the stage was filled with people dancing away. There was one or two scenes that I wasn't sure were going to be easy on a stage, but they were done very well.
I've never been to a Broadway or West End show, but what I saw last night was what I always expected a good one to be like. I'd bet that there are plenty of shows in the West End at the moment that don't get close to this one. If you get a chance, go see it.
Philster
Well I have to agree with Oddbodd. This was a fantasic production. It's my first live theatre production I've been to and I'm glad this was my first.
There's nothing further I can add to what Oddbodd said. The best scene had to be the jail cell. Especially the adlib.
If you get a chance to see it on tour before it ends next year, GO!
Carl B Harrison
It sounds like you both had an amazing time, how far in advance did you have to book your tickets
oddbodd
Carl B Harrison wrote:
It sounds like you both had an amazing time, how far in advance did you have to book your tickets
It sounds like you both had an amazing time, how far in advance did you have to book your tickets 
