The Producers Star Marc Antolin on Satirizing Fascism
The Producers, currently playing on the West End, uses musical comedy to satirize fascism.
Making fun of fascism is the best way to deal with it
Performer Marc Antolin, who plays Leo Bloom, notes that the musical features an abundance of satirical references to fascism, including swastikas, a giant Nazi Bratwurst, and stormtroopers.
According to Antolin, the goal is to laugh at fascism, making its proponents the "butt of the joke".
- A giant Nazi Bratwurst
- A chorus line of stormtroopers goose-stepping hysterically
- A Sieg Heil-ing baby in a fascistically decorated pram
- An aviary of antisemitic pigeons
Antolin references a quote from Mel Brooks:
sometimes to make fun of these things is the best way to deal with it
Author's summary: The Producers uses satire to tackle fascism.