100 Years of Laughs with Mel Brooks
He's alive! Sunday, June 28th marks the 100th birthday of the comedy icon Mel Brooks. The EGOT-winning writer, director and actor has set the standard for musical comedy and parody while unapologetically pushing the envelope. As we celebrate Brooks' centennial milestone, we're highlighting his contributions to the MTI catalog. These diabolical, madcap shows are emblematic of Brooks' genius and the depth of his wit.
The Producers
Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. On Broadway, The Producers was a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record-setting twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender!"
A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit!
The Producers went from screen to stage to screen again in 2005, starring original Broadway leads Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane.
Young Frankenstein
Brooks and Meehan reunited to create Young Frankenstein, the monster musical comedy adaptation of his 1974 horror parody film. Combining all the of panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added, Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven good entertainment.
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. When he creates a creature that rivals his grandfather's work, the monster inevitably escapes and hilarity ensues.
Young Frankenstein (West End Version) is also available, featuring two new songs and revised dialogue.
Archy & Mehitabel
In a deserted office, a cockroach dives headfirst onto the keys of a typewriter, pouring out the ruminations of his soul. (Yes, you read that correctly) It's "archy" (he's too small to hold down the shift key), poet, philosopher, moralist and futile worshipper of "mehitabel," the alley cat. This bizarre, highly original musical takes us into the streets of the big city as archy tries hopelessly to bring the "toujours gai" mehitabel off the back fence and into a respectable home as a housecat.
A true gem of the golden age, Archy & Mehitabel is a show not to be overlooked.
Happy 100th, Mel! A century looks good on you.
