The Producers is based on the 1968 hit Mel Brooks film of the same name.

Producer Max Bialystock "used to be the king" of Broadway but now churns out flop after flop.

Desperate to get back on top he meets timid accountant Leo Bloom who tells Max he could "make more money with a flop than with a hit".

Leo has always dreamed of becoming a Broadway producer and gets swept up in Max's enthusiasm to find the worst script, the worst director, the worst cast and raise $2 million from sex starved widows to finance it.

Their plan is to take the money and head to Rio when the show closes after one performance.

New to the role of director of the production is Daniel Parlevliet who chose one of musical theatre's most difficult productions.

"For my first show I wanted to choose a show I knew really well and was excited about," Parlevliet says.

"When I find a show I really enjoy, such as The Producers, I like to research it and find out all I can and what I learnt about the show made me even more excited to direct it."

Parlevliet has been involved with Players for more than a decade.

"I have been with The Players Theatre for 12 years participating in various aspects such as acting, sound, lighting, set building and stage management.

"I have also been working at the Glasshouse for the past five years on the various touring shows that come through the venue, so I felt directing was the next logical step in the progression of my experience."

In the role of Max is Rob Doyle, who returns to Players after a few years.

It has been a big challenge for Doyle, who many have said is remarkably like Zero Mostel who played the movie role.

Slimey, underhanded, double-crossing, corrupt, and cheating are just a few of the descriptives that plague his character, but he manages to be so loveable.

New to the theatre company is Mark Morabito, who is by no means new to the stage.

He is a seasoned performer who has professional experience and is an asset to the theatre.

Morabito has nailed the character of Bloom and has a wonderful voice.

Flaunting her "stuff" in the role of Ulla is the talented Simone Berry who is relishing the chance to play the cheeky Swedish bombshell who wins Leo's heart.

Against all odds the musical chosen by Bialystock & Bloom to flop does the exact opposite.

The gay romp "Springtime for Hitler" is a smash with amazing singing and dance sequences, gorgeous and somewhat naughty costumes, and a spoof of Hitler played by Roger De Bris, who is played by Adrian Davis.

The producers are not only pursued by the playwright Franz Liebkind (Christopher Phillips), who tries to kill them, but also by the police who discover their double set of accounting books.

Max is hauled off to jail while Ulla and Leo head to Rio but, in a touching courtroom scene, the pair return and Leo sings a song praising Max.

The show-stopping finale to act one is just a taste of what is to come in act two.

"I am most proud of my cast, band and crew," Parlevliet says.

"They have all worked so hard to bring my vision to life and have been so willing to do what I ask no matter how ridiculous."

Musical director Ben Simon has brought together a great band and Sarah Morabito has honed the vocal harmonies of the entire cast.

"As a first time director I have learnt a variety of things. The biggest thing I have learnt is the many different ways you need to be able to communicate your vision to the different departments you need to work with."

vickii.byram@fairfaxmedia.com.au