Broadway musical comedy The Producers set to open in Rochdale

Following the huge success, rave reviews and sell-out performances of Legally Blonde The Musical in October 2021, Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) are excited to announce their next production, 'The Producers'!

Tickets are now on sale for this hit Broadway musical comedy which is set to open at the magnificent Champness Hall in Rochdale Town Centre from 12th - 21st May 2022.

This laugh-out-loud all singing, all dancing comedy is the perfect remedy for those who have been longing for a night out at the theatre.

And what's more... it's right here on your doorstep! No city centre parking or expensive ticket prices, just a fantastic musical experience right here in Rochdale... and an upbeat, catchy soundtrack that is absolutely guaranteed to stick in your head!

RMTC Director, Jess Bray, commented:

"I can't believe we are back here again and getting ready for another exciting production with RMTC... I am still in shock at the talent we have in this cast. Our ensemble and supporting cast would not be out of place in a principal line up. Team that up with a production dream team, a very funny script and superb score... this is going to be a sensational show!"

The talented principal line up includes Mike Wignall as Max Bialystock, Zac Grenier as Leo Bloom, Annabelle Taylor as Ulla Inga...Svanson, Mike Twigg as Carmen Ghia, Ben Maguire as Franz Liebkind and Josh Hindle - who recently appeared as Michael Bublé on ITV's Starstruck - as Roger DeBris.

Combine the line-up with musical direction by Chris Addington, an impressive 12-piece orchestra, and choreography by Nikki Cooke, Director of Legacy Dance Academy, and this production will truly showcase the incredible talent we have locally.

Readers may be familiar with the film version of The Producers - Mel Brooks' classic 1967 cult comedy starring Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel, or more recently, the 2005 remake starring Will Ferrell, Matthew Broderick, Uma Thurman and Nathan Lane.

As a big Broadway musical, The Producers set the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humour, winning a record twelve Tony Awards.

So, what's the plot...? A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered, nervous accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby swindling their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit!

The show follows the antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they manoeuvre their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive "Springtime For Hitler"), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds.

At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.

With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (known for Annie and Hairspray) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers definitely isn't one to miss!

RMTC Chairman, Dan Killeen, commented:

"After the success of bringing musical theatre back to the centre of Rochdale last year with our production of 'Legally Blonde', I am delighted that we will be returning again to Champness Hall in May with 'The Producers'. We have managed to keep our brilliant production and technical team and all of the committee at RMTC are really excited about how this show is coming together.

"Once again we are working with some fantastic Rochdale companies including Storage World, Style Magazine, The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation and WhatsOccurrinRochdale. We are so grateful for all of their support and hope that the Rochdale community will get behind their local theatre company once again!"

RMTC are proud to announce Springhill Hospice as their charity partner for the year. Hospice mascot, Springy, recently called in to rehearsals to meet the cast and it turns out he's a bit of a thespian himself!

Springy will be attending opening night of The Producers, where £1 from every ticket will be donated to the hospice as well as a raffle, proceeds from their 200 Club and further fundraising events throughout 2022.

RMTC have also invited a number of Springhill Hospice staff to opening night as a token of appreciation for their efforts during the pandemic and the amazing service they continue to provide.

Jenna Kavanagh, Springhill Hospice Community Fundraiser commented:

"We are delighted to be partnering with RMTC as their chosen charity for the year. There are lots of brilliant fundraising initiatives ahead and with their abundance of enthusiasm we can’t wait to see what can be achieved. We would like to thank the company members for all their efforts so far and we can’t wait to see their upcoming production of The Producers!"

Finally, a night at the theatre wouldn't be complete without drinks and snacks! These will be provided at Champness Hall by The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation - the award winning team behind popular venues such as The Flying Horse Hotel and The Baum.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your family and friends together for a spectacular night of music and laughter and show your support for local theatre.

The Producers runs from 12th - 21st May 2022 at Champness Hall, Drake Street, Rochdale.

Tickets £16, available now at: www.whatsoccurrinrochdale.co.uk Other enquiries (inc disabled/wheelchair access): 01706 643543

Please visit rochdalemtc.co.uk and follow on social media to keep up to date with the latest news.