Asheville Community Theatre opens "The Producers" in newly renovated Mainstage auditorium

The “gorgeously silly” Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers is the newest production on the Asheville Community Theatre stage. And everything but the stage is new in the theatre. From the seating to the lighting and sound equipment to the carpet and the aisles, the Mainstage at Asheville Community Theatre has been completely updated. And what better show to re-open the space than one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time? The Producers opens August 18, 2017 and runs through September 10, 2017 with performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm. Two Thursday evening performance have been added on August 31 and September 7 – both at 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $15-$30 and are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, over the phone at 828-254-1320, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office. 

 

In the musical, a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to make millions by producing what could be the most notorious flop in history. They find the worst play ever written (the gloriously offensive “Springtime For Hitler”), raise two million dollars, and plan to run away to Rio with the money! Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The original Broadway production of The Producers swept the Tony Awards and still holds the record for the most Tony Awards won in a single ceremony in 2002.

Asheville Community Theatre’s production of The Producers is directed by Jerry Crouch with music direction by Lynda Shuler. Jerry Crouch was thrilled to be asked to direct. “What a great honor to be directing this legendary musical masterpiece from Mel Brooks!” said Crouch. “Where else can you see a swishing dancing Hitler ... Grannies in a walker dance routine ... all packed together in a nifty dynamite Broadway gift prize?” 

The Producers will be the first performance held in the newly renovated Mainstage theatre. To celebrate, ACT is hosting a Red Carpet Cocktail Party on Opening Night – Friday, August 18. The preshow party will begin at 6:00 pm and will feature signature cocktails and appetizers by Sovereign Remedies. Guests will be the first audience in the renovated theatre for the performance at 7:30 pm. Intermission will feature wine, champagne and dessert. Tickets for this gala event are $100.

“This is truly our biggest premiere in 45 years,” said Susan Harper, Executive Director of Asheville Community Theatre. “We’re so pleased and proud to have completed this phase of our renovation and expansion on budget and on time, and we couldn’t be more excited to show everyone the changes!”

For more information about The Producers or about Asheville Community Theatre, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.