Spotlight On: Johanna Milani
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented production team of The Producers. Get to know Johanna Milani who is in the director of our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi beautiful people! I’m Johanna, and I’m the director of this wonderful show.
What is the story about , and why do you think it’s important for audiences to see it?
The Producers is about a producer (shocker) who is down on his luck putting on flop after flop. He meets an accountant with a dream and together they create a scheme that will allow them to retire in Rio. But first they need to pull off the biggest Broadway flop in history. Add in some german pigeons, horny old ladies, and lots of dancing and you’ve got yourself a show! As long as you keep it gay of course.
So basically it’s a show about following your dreams! And not getting caught…
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
What do you find most compelling or interesting about your character?
Since I’m not actually in the show, just directing it, I can’t really answer this question. However, I will say that this whole production has been so extremely rewarding. We took on an enormous show and we are making magic happen on that stage! One of the most interesting parts of tackling this show was figuring out all of the different locations. We have intricate set changes that would not possible without the help of our cast, and each and every one of them are stepping up and helping to make our vision a reality. It is so rewarding to work with a cast and production team that cares as deeply as I do about the success of this production. Their dedication radiates off of all of them when they are on that stage.
I have noticed that when it comes to shows at CTC, this is the trend. We bring in people who love doing theatre and work so hard to put on quality productions for the public.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
As the director I had the tough, but fun, job of bringing something new to this production. It’s an iconic, extremely well known piece. Between the original movie, and the Broadway show, I had to figure out how to pay homage to the show audiences expect, while putting our own spin on it. What helped is that I have an amazing cast. All have them have just been willing to go along with some of my crazy ideas. They have all bonded and they trust each other, and me, which makes it easier to try new things.
Who in the show is most like their character?
That’s a tough one. I don’t know if I would say anyone is exactly like their character, but everyone has put a piece of themselves into their character.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
Our goal is to have audiences leave with a smile on their face, humming the music, and thinking about when they can come back to see the show again!
“The Producers” opened on May 2nd and runs through May 11th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“For all its daring, Brooks’s show is ultimately a nostalgic throwback to vaudeville and a testament to male friendship.” — The Guardian
“With more belly laughs per minute than any new musical in years, Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” reminds us in grand, politically incorrect style that Broadway never rewards wimps.” — Variety
“It’s the type of musical people say they pray for; a gleeful return to the good old days of undemanding musical comedy with laughs, pretty girls, laughs, a couple of catchy songs, laughs, soon to be legendary performances by some of the best talents of the Broadway stage, laughs, and . . . well . . . lots and lots of laughs.” — Talkin’ Broadway
