FINAL rehearsals are now taking place for the Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society's (IODS) production of The Producers.

FINAL rehearsals are now taking place for the Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society's (IODS) production of The Producers.

Supported and followed behind the scenes by The Evening Star, auditions for the production began in January and curtain goes up on June 17 at Ipswich's Regent Theatre.

Director James Hayward said: "We've been rehearsing since February and the cast have worked extremely hard. We are now at the polishing stage, and I'm convinced we've got a fantastic show.

"This is an ingenious piece of musical theatre that has won a record breaking number of awards on both sides of the Atlantic. It has lots of comedy, great music and brilliant performances."

The Producers tells the story of failing theatre producer Max and former accountant Leo who concoct a plan to raise two million dollars for a theatrical production that must fail.

To be sure of a flop, they choose a musical with cheerful numbers about Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.

After the failure of the show, Max and Leo will take the surplus cash and go to Rio but unfortunately for them, the production is a rip-roaring success.

The cast of 30 includes regular IODS performers Roger Jackaman in the role of Max, Paul Stone in the role of Leo and Sharna Simmons as their sexy Swedish blonde receptionist Ulla.

Mr Hayward added: "We've got glamorous show girls, camp Nazis, show stopping dance routines, old biddies tapping with Zimmer frames, and flamboyant storm troopers. This is a show like no other and the audience can expect a unique spectacle and plenty of laughs."

The show is choreographed by David Hockley. Mike Wren is musical director.

IODS chairman Rod Lay said: "The Producers is going to be a brilliant show and we are delighted to be able to bring The Producers to the amateur stage in East Anglia for the first time."

The Producers will be performed at the Regent from June 17 to 20. Tickets are �16 and �14 and are available from the Ipswich Regent box office on 01473 433100.

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