When Mel Brooks released his film The Producers back in 1968, the satirical comedy was met with mixed reviews. It was only when he reimagined the film as a stage musical more than 30 years later that he struck gold. The story follows two men as they cook the books to cash in on a musical play about Adolf Hitler which was destined to be a flop.

After previews in Chicago in early 2001, the musical went to Broadway where it was an instant hit. The original cast featured Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the main roles, and in recent years, the show has toured the country with different actors.

The latest production here in town runs through June 26 at the Mercury Theater Chicago. Bill Larkin, Allison Sill and Matt Crowle, three actors in the current cast, join the Morning Shift to belt out some tunes. We also talk with director Walter Stearns.