Theatre Workshop of Owensboro is opening its 2025-26 season this weekend with Mel Brooks’ hit musical “The Producers,” a comedy that TWO Executive Director Calli Whitmore said is packed with laughs and big performances.
“The show is all about two businessmen who are actually trying to write a flop on Broadway, and it actually becomes a very big success,” Whitmore said. “It has a lot of comedy in it and is going to be a really funny musical.”
Director Kayla Kelley said “The Producers” stays true to Mel Brooks’ sharp satire.
“It’s about these two main characters, Max Bialystok and Leo Bloom. Max is the king of Broadway, but every show he does has been failing,” Kelley said. “When his accountant discovers he could make more money with a flop than a hit, they hatch a scheme to find the worst script, director, and cast possible. In the end, it turns out to be a giant hit. It’s chaos, and it’s beautiful.”
Kelley praised the cast, noting that Benjamin Carl Everly and Forest Calhoun carry much of the show.
“They are on stage like 95 percent of the time, and they are just killing it,” she said. “The acting has been solid from the beginning, and everything’s coming together — the music, the dancing, everything.”
Performances will be at the Empress Theatre at 418 Frederica Street. Showtimes are set for 7:30 p.m. on September 5-6 and 12-13, with matinees at 2 p.m. on September 7 and 14. Tickets are $21, which includes a $1 ticketing fee.
For tickets and more information, visit theatreworkshop.org.
Whitmore said the season opener sets the tone for a strong lineup that promises a mix of comedy and drama for audiences. Following “The Producers,” TWO will present “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in October, directed by Dr. Shelley Howard. In November, auditions are scheduled for “12 Angry Jurors,” a youth production featuring high school and college freshmen actors.
“We’re really excited for this to be our season opener,” she said. “We have a lot of good people in the show, and of course, an amazing crew. We’re very excited to see this musical comedy on our stage.”
