Spotlight On: Kim Saltzman

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented production team of The Producers. Get to know Kim Saltzman who is in the choreographer as well as one of the performers in our production!

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, I’m Kim Saltzman. I am currently an occupational therapist, Dancer/Performer, ABT certified Dance Instructor, and residential choreographer for CTC. Recently, I have had the honors of not only choreographing Producers for an incredibly talented cast, but also get to join them on stage as part of the dance ensemble 🙂 I am truly looking forward to sharing this show with all of our patrons both new and returning!

What is the story about , and why do you think it’s important for audiences to see it?

The storyline itself is simple: an unlucky Broadway producer and his quirky accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history for financial gain. The audience gets to go on the journey with Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way through the process of producing a musical and ultimately paying the consequences

However, at its core under the humor and glam that Mel Brooks created, is a story about friendship, love and being accepted for who you truly are. All concepts that every audience member can relate to and understand.

What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?

When I’m not at the theatre, i am busy teaching dance to various ages in various styles including ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary, working at Milani’s Bakery and running my own small craft business Emerlee Creations; making and selling candles and sensory tools. My all time favorite activity outside theatre is spending time with my family and best friends relaxing on the floor playing board games!

What do you find most compelling or interesting about your character?

As choreographer and Performer, i love the diversity of all the characters I have the opportunity to bring to life including a young chorus girl to a spicy old lady all being portrayed through a diverse range of dance styles (Fosse, Ballet, Body percussion, Tap, Contemporary, and stylized movements). The never stop moving musical that challenges every cast member both on and off stage!

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

This musical has been infused with the incredible direction and creativity of our beautifully supportive and loving director Johanna taking risks and creative liberties to enhance the already amazing Mel brooks musical that we all love! Johanna’s vision and ability to make that vision a reality is a true once in a lifetime opportunity to see pushing boundaries and taking risks that only enhance the story and comedy built within the script. You will have to come see the show to know what I am talking about 🙂

Who in the show is most like their character?

I believe that every cast member can relate to some aspect of their character and many moments are enhanced by the actors bringing their own personal experiences and talents to create a unique variation of a story that so many know and love. Even for characters that at a superficial level are polar opposites of the actors true identity; at a deeper level there is always something that is relatable.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

“Mr. Bialystock, I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone with a spine.”

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

I cannot predict what the audience will take away however I hope they can feel the amount of love that this cast and production team has poured into this show. I hope they were able to laugh, cry and gain a few hours away from the real world making memories they can remember for a life time. And of course I hope they walk away saying they want to come back and see it 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