The
A
Mel Brooks
Musical
Book by MEL BROOKS and THOMAS MEEHAN
Music and Lyrics by
MEL BROOKS
Original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman
By special arrangement with StudioCanal
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe)
An Israel Musicals production
The Team
Director:
Assistant Director:
Musical Director:
Choreographer:
Stage Manager:
Set Design:
Sets:
Props:
Stage Staff:
Costumes:
Makeup:
Lighting:
Sound:
Ticketing:
Marketing and PR:
Yisrael Lutnick
Malka Abrahams
Haim Tukachinsky
Avichai Barlinski
Tammy Paul
Yisrael Lutnick
Elazar Brandt, Gabi Falk, Rose Goldman
Rose Goldman, Pnina Falk, Yisrael Lutnick
Krina Brandt, Daniel Fox, Rose Goldman
Lea Toren
Karen Feldman, Avital Kagan
Eytan Tadmor
Elias Ishta
Amy Lutnick and Brandel Falk
Hila Komem Otzar Tarbut, Yehuda Koren
The Cast (in order of appearance)
Usherette, Officer O'Houllihan
Usherette, Peasant girl, chorus
Max Bialystock
Leo Bloom
Hold Me - Touch Me, chorus
Mr. Marks, Judge Maxwell, chorus
Franz Liebkind
Carmen Ghia
Roger DeBris
Bryan, Jack Lapidus, chorus
Kevin, Jason Green, chorus
Scott, Donald Dinsmore, Stormtrooper, Chorus
Shirley Markowitz, chorus
Ulla
Hagar Nabatti
Avital Kagan
Howard Schechter
Shai Amoyal
Meirav Peleg
Yisrael Levitt
David Kilimnick
Erez Kantor
Dale David Boccaccio Honor
Yisrael Lutnick
Charles B. Davies
Kfir Levy
Shir Zehavi
Meital Segal
The Musicians
Flute: Yael Ha-Cohen
Trumpet: Benny Fein
Drums: Assaf Kasimov
Violin: Hanan Levin
Bass: Meron Sroya
Piano: Haim Tukachinsky
The Musical Numbers
1.
Overture
The Orchestra
2.
Opening Night
Usherettes, company
3.
The King of Old Broadway
Max, company
4.
We Can Do It
Max, Leo
5.
I Wanna Be a Producer
Leo, company
6.
We Can Do It (reprise)
Max, Leo
7.
In Old Bavaria
Franz
8.
Guten Tag Hop Clop
Franz, Max, Leo
9.
Keep It Gay
Roger, Carmen and their staff
10.
When You Got It, Flaunt It
Ulla
11.
Along Came Bialy
Max
12.
Act One Finale
Company
-----------------------Intermission----------------------13.
Entr'acte
The Orchestra
14.
That Face
Leo, Ulla, Max
15.
Auditions
Bryan, Scott, company
16.
Haben Sie Gehoert
Jason, Franz
17.
It's Bad Luck To Say Good Luck
Roger, Carmen, Franz, Leo, Max
18.
Springtime For Hitler
Peasants, Stormtrooper, Roger,
company
19.
Where Did We Go Right
Max, Leo
20.
That Face (reprise)
Leo, Ulla
21.
Betrayed
Max
22.
Till Him
Leo, Max, company
23.
Prisoners of Love
Men, company
24.
The Producers
Max, Leo, company
About The Cast:
Shai Amoyal (Leo Bloom) After years of being an aspiring musician, Shai's decided to take the
leap into the acting world, formerly in the lead role of the musical First Date. When not on stage,
Shai's a co-founder of a production company – Capricia Productions – that makes video games for
music albums.
Avichai Binyamin Barlinski (Choreographer, swing) was born in South Africa. He began his
dance training at age 6 at the local dance studio and graduated from the Johannesburg Performing
Arts School. He then studied at the University of Cape Town Ballet School graduating with a
Complete Certificate in Performing Arts & the Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal Award. He
started his professional career with Cape Town City Ballet and danced both soloist and principle
roles, performing in South Africa, Botswana, London and Israel.
His training and expertise included Classical Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Spanish,
Latin/Ballroom, Classical Greek, National Folk Dance and Drama. He has conducted workshops
for various age groups at international conferences and seminars.
Avichai retired from the professional stage but continued appearing as a guest artist for the
Johannesburg & Port Elizabeth Youth Ballet. He choreographed, directed, staged and danced with
his own dance company in Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa. In the 2000 production of
"Manon" at the State Theater Opera House, Pretoria, South Africa he was asked to be the Assistant
& Rehearsal Manager to the Director of the production - Leonard Prinsloo. In February 2010 he
moved to Israel and since 2011 has performed and choreographed for various Musical Theater
Companies in Jerusalem.
C.B. Davies (Kevin, swing) studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Terry Schreiber
Studios, and in the conservatory at Michael Howard Studios in NYC. Past roles include "The
Mouse That Roared" (Beston), "Picnic" (Howard), "Remember My Name" (Hans Schmidt), "Next
To Normal" (Henry), "Spring Awakening" (Hanschen). He is excited to be a part of such a
challenging and funny show as The Producers and to be playing so many different characters all in
one performance. He recently co-produced a concept album for Broadway Records of a new
musical "Song of Solomon" and co-produced "There's nothing like a...Musical!!" with his wife and
parents for ESRA in Modiin where they sang tunes from Broadway musicals and more . When he is
not writing, reading, or playing games he is dreaming of the chance to bring more English theater to
Israel and will be pursuing a Masters in Education. He wants to thank his wife Dena for all of her
support, breakfast, lunch, and dinner...and for being there for the production as well. A huge thank
you to his grandparents, parents, and family for all of their support. To the awesome cast and
production team, Break a leg ;)
Dale David Boccaccio Honor (Roger De Bris) of Jerusalem made Aliyah from Denver, Colorado
in 2009. He is a writer, editor, events planner and poet. He has been part of the entertainment
industry for over 30 years (stage and TV actor, singer, dancer, model, puppeteer and lead singer for
many bands in the rock/pop/R&B genres). His last role on television was in the Israeli hit show
"Blue Natali" (YES). Dale David has performed dozens of roles on stage including: WEST SIDE
STORY (Bernardo), THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (The Pirate King), HOW TO SUCCEED IN
BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (J. Pierpont Finch), RENT (Paul, Mr. Jefferson,
Seasons of Love soloist), THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (Dr. Pinch), BAREFOOT IN THE PARK
(Victor Velasco), ARSENIC-THE MUSICAL! (Jonathan Brewster), THE MIRACLE WORKER
(Captain Arthur Keller), MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Tyler) and Israel Musicals' 1776 (Judge
James Wilson). His original short plays "THE VETERAN", "THE MOOD RING", "SCARED AND
SCARRED", "RAGGEDY OREO" and "BURIED ALIVE" have been performed on stage in Israel.
THE PRODUCERS (Roger De Bris) is Dale David's second production with Israel Musicals.
Avital Kagan (swing) Has been on the stage many times, although she is still just in her teens. This
is Avital's fourth production with Israel Musicals.
Erez Kantor (Carmen Ghia) Erez is a professional actor who works with many theatre companies
and productions, from Shakespeare to .. Mel Brooks. He is pleased to be in his first production with
Israel Musicals.
David Kilimnick (Franz), known as Jerusalem's Comedian, and dubbed Israel 's "father of Anglo
comedy" by the Jerusalem Post, is now joining the theater. David is now representing Israel in the
Semi-Finals of the 'Funniest Person in the World' competition, David also opened and runs
Jerusalem's comedy club, the Off The Wall Comedy Basement in Jerusalem (the first of its kind).
He has performed and written many one-man shows dedicated to life in Israel (the creator and
performer of The Aliyah Monologues, Find Me A Wife, Uncle 'D', Religious Manifesto and more).
David has also appeared on Israel's comedy network, Tzchok MeAvodah, starred on Jerusalem
HaDashot, and has been hailed by the tough Israeli media as a "rising star" who possesses
"Seinfeldian charm" when he takes to the stage.The rabbi turned comedian now brings his comedic
talents to his role as a Nazi. An international performer and Winner of the inaugural Stage One
Monologue Competition. After years of stand-up comedy and film work, this is David's premier
with an ensemble. Now David is a thespian.
Yisrael Levitt (Marks, swing) a family physician by day, is appearing in his 7th production for
Israel Musicals. He has appeared in numerous plays and musicals for The Hillel Theater Workshop,
TACT, the Old Barn Theater in Orot, The Ashqelon Players and for Stage 80 in his native
Manchester as well as playing a British soldier in the critically acclaimed movie "The Little
Traitor".
Kfir Levy (Stormtrooper, swing) is an actor, tenor singer and a vocal teacher. Plays at the
CAMERI Theater in HAIR, KAZABLAN, and in the new BILLY ELLIOT production. In 'Israel
musicals' productions, Kfir played the role of Che in EVITA, and in the show HISTORY OF
BROADWAY. Beyond musical theater, Kfir also played in Brecht's opera "Der Jasager", and the
operetta "The Merry Widow". He's a member of the Gary Bertini Israeli Choir, sang with the Israeli
Philharmonic and the Camerata Orchestra and worked with world leading conductors such as;
Zubin Mehta, Asher Fisch and Vladimir Yurovsky. Kfir Started his musical training as a classical
pianist, holds a B.A. in music at The Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, vocally trained by Mr.
Yaniv Baruch. Studied acting with the actress Dina Doron, and with the movie director Shahar
Rozen. Also studies ballet dancing at the Pure Dancing Studio.
Yisrael Lutnick (Director, swing) is appearing in multiple roles in this, his favorite comedy. He
has been seen on stage in Capital Musical Theatre's Any Dream Will Do (Joseph), in JEST's The
Disputation (Pablo), in Israel Musicals' shows Man of La Mancha (Don Quixote), 1776 (John
Adams), CATS (Gus), Evita (Juan Peron), Seussical (Mayor of Who) and Peter Pan (Captain Hook).
His one-man shows Frankly Sinatra and Rosenblatt & Gershwin have been performed in New York,
the Catskills, and across Israel. Yisrael founded Israel Musicals with the production of his own
musical, If I Could Rewrite The World. He has recorded two albums of original music, Hamakor
and Gesharim. It has been a delight working with this cast and crew, and a real treat to put on such a
brilliant comedy. Yisrael thanks his wife Amy for incalculable assistance in every aspect of this
production.
Hagar Nabatti (Usherette, swing) A trained opera singer and voice teacher, Hagar is pleased to
make her debut with Israel Musicals.
Meirav Peleg (Hold-Me-Touch-Me, swing) is an actress, singer and dancer. She is a graduate of
"The Academy of Performing Arts" in Tel Aviv. She has taken part in a variety of plays and
musicals such as "Good", "Women talking Women", "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-theMoon Marigolds", "My sweet dragon " and more.She has sung in a variety of vocal ensembles such
as "Opbeat" (The official vocal ensemble of the open university) and "Shakespeare Ensemble"
directed by prof. Avra ham Oz.
Howard Schechter (Max Bialystock) American born, Actor, Writer and Director. He has been
living in Israel since 2011. A native New Yorker, Mr. Schechter began his Stage career in 1974
playing the lead role in the Obie Award winning play "Moonchildren" at the Theater de Lys. He
went on to play in Tennessee Williams' "Summer and Smoke" with the Roundabout Theater
Company. He then starred in Jean Erdman's Obie Award winning extravaganza "The Coach with the
Six Insides" based on Finnegan's Wake and produced by Joseph Campbell at the Theater of the
Open Eye. His performance at The San Diego Repertory Theater as Ricky Roma in David Mamet's
Pulitzer Prize winning "Glen Gary, Glen Ross" garnered a DramaLogue Award for Outstanding
Actor. Once again Mr. Schechter won a DramaLogue award for his portrayal of Mr. Wagner in the
Los Angeles Theater Center Production of Raymond J. Barry's 'Once in Doubt' winner of the Drama
Critic's Circle Award for Playwriting. While in Hollywood Mr. Schechter was featured in many
Emmy Award winning TV shows including Murder She Wrote, Hill St. Blues, Moonlighting, Lucy
and Desi: Before the Laughter, McGyver and Seinfeld. On film he has appeared in "Hair" "Between
the Lines", the cult hit "Smithereens" and Seventh Avenue.
Since moving to Israel he has appeared on Stage at Bet Avichai in "Daniel Ortega and Those Yom
Kippur Blues" and "The Last Confession of Eddie Carmichael Cohen". In 2012 he was presented
with a "Distinguished Artist" award by Israel's Ministry of Culture. On TV he starred as Arthur
Rothstein (and Akhenaton!!) in the final season of "New York" for the YES network and appeared
in the international feature film "Felafel Atomi". Mr. Schechter just completed a starring role in an
historic run at The Khan of the White Donkey. The play called "The High School" by Arnold Perl
was included in Sfat's Klezmer Festival. The first time a theatrical piece has been included in the
renowned annual Festival. The play is based on Sholom Aleichem's "Gymnasia" and was produced
by The Tsfat Theater. Mr. Schechter serves as the Artistic Producer.
This spring he will be Producing and Directing the new American hit play "Foreclosure or Yelling at
Women Walking Their Dogs" in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as part of his "Broadway in Israel" project.
Howard Schechter appears courtesy of Broadway in Israel. Jewcer.org/project/Broadway-in-Israel
Meital Segal (Ulla) A professional actress and singer, Meital has performed in many productions
and was a member of the international singing troupe, The Voca People. This is her second
production with Israel Musicals.
Shir Zehavi (Shirley Markowitz, swing) Shir makes her debut on the Israel Musicals stage
playing multiple roles in this show. She is a professional actress living in Tel Aviv.
A Commentary on The Producers
What is this play, this masterful musical comedy, really about? Why did it win
so many Tonys, and why was it not considered offensive to all of the types of
people who get parodied in its scenes and songs? I believe there are three
main ideas that come out of this play.
1. Friendship. By far this is the prominent theme of the show. When Max
Bialystock is friendless at the beginning of the story, he is unable to produce a
successful Broadway show. When he meets, and befriends, Leo Bloom, he is
unable to produce a flop! The touching song, "Till Him," expresses the
transformative power of a real friendship.
2. Fanaticism. Some people have expressed reservations about the
portrayal of the most evil man of modern times, Hitler, in a comedic work. The
author, Mel Brooks, did it intentionally. In the spirit of a good Purim play, Hitler,
like Haman, gets mocked, and therefore, defanged.
The character in the play who best exemplifies this process is Franz Liebkind,
the nutcase Nazi who wrote Springtime for Hitler, and then tried to kill the
producers and the actors when he felt that the production was insulting to his
fuhrer. Sadly, this kind of fanaticism really exists, and it is fueled by people
taking themselves so seriously that they become the only person who
matters. They feel they must bend the world to their "superior" race, religion
or philosophy.
Mel Brooks makes us laugh at everyone, so we will all learn some humility
and stop the madness. When someone does come along who tries to force
the world to bend, we can take away his power over us by knocking him down
to size.
3. Laughter. There is plenty of it in this play. Laughter is therapeutic. When
directed at the types of people we know, it only makes them dearer to us.
When directed at wicked folks, it takes their power over us away.
We, at Israel Musicals, always believe in fighting terror with laughter. It is for
this reason that we have chosen to present this laughter-filled show. We wish
you enjoyment, laughter, and friendship!
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www.israel-theatre.com
Thank you for your attendance and support