“The Producers” (2005)

The Producers

Grade: B+

The 2005 version of The Producers, Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of his own 1967 comedy film, a screwball satire about a failing Jewish Broadway producer scheming to get rich quick via Springtime for Hitler, is driven by Nathan Lane’s lead performance as Max Bialystock. The Tony-winning Lane is at his zany, explosive, comedic best, with every action perfectly timed and controlled — solo number “Betrayed” deserves a standing ovation. The rest of the songs, too, all penned by Brooks, are catchy showstoppers in a classic-sounding style, with clever lyrics and committed performances from the talented ensemble; plenty of laughs. And let’s not forget director Susan Stroman, who also helmed the 2001 Broadway production, warmly conveying a colorful, comfortable, old-fashioned showbiz aesthetic. Contributions across the board.

It all makes for a fun, faithful, lighthearted reproduction — maybe not as satirical or meaningful as the ’67 original, but still fine entertainment, worth the price of admission just to see Lane’s acting genius. However, the Broadway price of admission is much more expensive, and valuable, than the movie ticket.