Douglas Choral Union’s latest production will be The Producers.

The popular musical comedy, based on the Academy Award-winning Mel Brooks’ film, will run from May 6 to 20 at the Gaiety Theatre Douglas.

The show tells the story of has-been New York producer Max Bialystock and his downtrodden accountant Leopold Bloom who hatch a plan to raise millions of dollars and put on the biggest flop in Broadway history before taking off to Rio with the cash.

The cast includes Simon Fletcher as Max, David Dawson as Leopold, Lisa Kreisky as secretary and showgirl Ulla, David Artus as director Roger de Bris and Mark Dougherty as Carmen Ghia.

The musical debuted on Broadway in 2001 and ran until 2007, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. It opened in London’s West End in 2004 and has since enjoyed two successful UK tours.

As part of its support for the Isle of Man production, which includes sponsorship of Mike Bonner’s role as playwright Franz Liebkind, the Steam Packet will be assisting with transport costs of bringing sets, lighting, costumes and other equipment to the island.

The Steam Packet was also invited to nominate a charity to conduct a bucket collection after the performance on May 9 and has chosen Beach Buddies, which works tirelessly to clean the island’s coast.

DCU chairman Tony Jones said: ’With show-stopping numbers and riotous characters, this production will be like nothing the Isle of Man has ever seen before. The DCU is delighted to have been given the opportunity to perform this fantastic show, the first time it has been staged in the island.

’Preparing for the Gaiety stage has been a real team effort involving the inspirational production team, the talented and dedicated cast and all those working hard behind the scenes. I am sure this will pay off and audiences will enjoy the show as much as we will enjoy performing it.

’We would like to thank the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its support as a sponsor of The Producers. The generosity of our sponsors makes it possible to produce such fantastic shows and provide invaluable support in helping to maintain the exceptionally high standard of theatre in the Isle of Man.’

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’The Isle of Man enjoys a rich and diverse cultural scene and we are pleased to be able to help support this when we can. The Producers is an acclaimed musical comedy and with the experienced and talented team from DCU behind it, the show is bound to delight audiences.

’I’m also pleased that we have been able to help Beach Buddies to raise funds to assist the charity with its ongoing work to improve our coastline and marine environment.’

Tickets are available now from www.villagaiety.com

by Julie Blackburn

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