During a five-month stretch, Noah Aberlin will have traveled over 14,000 miles visiting 14 states and four Canadian provinces, some for only one night. Aberlin, a member of the chorus and assistant stage manager for the forthcoming show, "The Producers," doesn't see much of those cities - usually a hotel and the theater, and, if he's lucky, a late-night dining venue.
Muncie is one of those one-night stands.
The show that won more Tony Awards than any other show in Broadway history - 12 in all - comes to Muncie audiences at 7:30 p.m., Thursday at Emens Auditorium.
Based on Mel Brooks' Academy-Award winning 1968 film of the same name, "The Producers" is the story of broke theatrical producer Max Bialystock and an unassuming yet talented accountant Leo Bloom coming together to produce what they are sure is to be a failure on Broadway. This failure, "Springtime for Hitler," proves to be a success even with a swastika-yielding, cross-dressing Hitler.
The productions' 2005 big-screen success and its continued success on Broadway creates a demand for consistency between all the productions. Both the Broadway show and the movie had the same director, Susan Stroman. The director of this production, Nigel West, holds true to her vision.
"Susan is pretty strict with her show," Aberlin said. "Our director, Nigel West, ensures that everything, specifically the timing and individuality of our Leo and Max, follows those original ideas."
Many of the elements in the original Broadway production are included with this tour, but there are some exceptions. The level of experience of the performers and crew, size of the orchestra and some set pieces distinguish this touring show from Broadway or the show that came to Indianapolis a few years ago.
What is known in the industry as a "bus-and-truck tour," this show takes five semitrailers and two charter buses from city to city performing the show, said Bob Myers, director of Emens Auditorium. The size of this show makes it one of the largest to arrive at Emens in years. Muncie is considered a tertiary market for touring productions because of the low number of shows the auditorium is able to sustain for each production.
"We have a unique market location. When we book shows we have to think about what has been or is coming to Indianapolis; it has been a few years since 'The Producers' was in Indy," Myers said. "This show costs about $5,000 more than other shows. We buy the top-of-the-line productions, keeping in mind the price sensitivity of this area."
Myers hopes the fact that "The Producers" is generally widely known will help with ticket sales.
"Although Emens is subsidized by student fees, 'The Producers' is an expensive show, so there is a $20 charge for students," Myers said. "Our mission is to bring a diverse variety of productions to complement our academic audience. We have a large group of theater and musical theater majors."
Myers says the show is selling well, but good seats are still available in all categories.
According to Jacobson, being able to bring a show that is so similar to its original production allows Broadway to come to audiences that may never have a chance to really experience it.
"People don't often have the money to go to Broadway shows in New York City or the time and money to travel to other markets to see shows they've heard of," Jacobson said.
The cost, size and resources involved in putting this show on the Muncie stage, coupled with the theme of this show, is not without risk. The outrageous references to Hitler and Nazi Germany can lead to dramatic responses from audiences, particularly older audiences not expecting this style of humor.
"Sometimes audiences don't get the humor," Aberlin said. "But that's why we do theater - to open eyes up to the world and expand people's ideas."
Catch the show
WHEN7:30 p.m.
WHEREEmens Auditorium
COST$20 for Ball State students
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
