‘The Producers’ in Berlin
In the U.S., a record 12 Tony Awards were bestowed on the stage version of Mel Brooks’ 1968 film comedy “The Producers.” So how will a show with a purposely in-bad-taste production number called “Springtime for Hitler” go over in Berlin? The German city is getting its first look at the 2001 show. Martin Sommerlatte dons Hitler garb for that big song-and-dance number. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)
Dancers dressed as Nazi SS officers perform the “Springtime for Hitler” number in Berlin’s Admiralspalast theater, which once was comandeered by the Nazis and given a designated box for Hitler. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)
The “Springtime for Hitler” number is part of a show within the show. It’s the nadir of a musical about Hitler, which the “Producers” title pair choose to stage because they assume it will be quickly hooted off the stage - thereby making them money, thanks to a creative con scheme. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)
Nothing German goes unparodied in the “Springtime for Hitler” number. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)
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Cornelius Obonya, left, and Andreas Bieber portray the producers, seen here cavorting with their secretary, played by Bettina Moench. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)
In a bold marketing move, the Admiralspalast theater in Berlin - home to “The Producers” - is festooned with imitation Nazi banners on which a pretzel has been substituted for the swastika. (John MacDougall / AFP/Getty Images)
