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 a plethora of satirical elements, including swastikas, a giant Nazi Bratwurst, and stormtroopers, all intended to ridicule fascist ideology.
- 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 emphasizes that fascists are the "butt of the joke", and that laughing at fascism is a way to deal with it, citing Mel Brooks' quote:
sometimes to make fun of these things is the best way to deal with it
Author's summary: The Producers uses satire to combat fascism.