The Producers (2010)

For 20 years, the MTC and MBA have put on an annual fundraiser showcasing the talents and energy of lawyers, judges, professors and students. Under the guidance of the professionals, MBA members have been treading the boards, strutting their stuff and sweetly (and perhaps sometimes with spice) singing and dancing, thrilling the spectators with a different perspective of their colleagues, friends or family. Comedies and musicals are usually popular, and this year the show blended both with The Producers by Mel Brooks. This baudy rendition of double entendres and physical comedy poked fun at everyone and especially the National Socialist fascist, Adolf “Elizabeth” Hitler.  Paul Cooper brilliantly played the Hitler groupie with wit, superb energy, booming voice and pure aplomb of comedic timing. With excellent physical and emotive display, Danny Gunn seamlessly played the hapless, cautious and innocent accountant lured into this exotic, exciting world of showbiz. Evan Roitenberg played the scheming producer and shameless gigalo with impressive physicality and hilarity. Hayley Main’s brilliant voice and dance was spectacular; she played the beautiful Swedish secretary and wannabe star that brings the accountant out of his shell. Suffice to say, space restrictions prevent me from writing about everyone, but the rest of the cast were equally tremendous; the music, set and costuming (including the volume of changes) was equally excellent.  I attended with 10 other people, some family, some friends, some in law, some not. Everybody enjoyed themselves, laughed out loud and had so much fun throughout. Bravo! 

I was honoured to represent the MBA and present a $5000 cheque to the MTC. In twenty years, we have increasingly raised more and more, and are now well over 3/4 of a million dollars to date. It's a great relationship! If you haven't attended a production, make sure you diarize it for next year!

Anthony (Tony) J. Kavanagh

President, Manitoba Bar Association 

The Cast