How Much Do You Really Know About Mel Brooks?
Content Warning: This article contains potentially triggering subject matter including historical and ethnic trauma and genocide.
Those of a certain age (mostly people who will offer you a cup of tea and spin mundane yarns about the founding of the Kankakee Little Theater) remember the spectacular absurdity of characters like Rabbi Tuckman, President Skroob, Comicus, and Adolf Hitler.
You spit your tea across the room and say, “Wait…what?”
“You’ve never seen Spaceballs?”
“No…Spaceballs, what? I mean, you know…itler-hay.”
“Of course, one of my favorite comedic characters. You’ve got some tea on your chin…”
You wipe the dribble of tea away hastily, “Already, Dana? It’s just the second blog post and you’re already talking about Hitler?”
“I kind of have to. On September 20, 21, and 22, KVTA is presenting The Producers: A Mel Brooks Musical.”
I can see from the look on your face that maybe we started off on the wrong foot. Let’s wait just a few minutes to talk about Hitler. Let’s turn back to my initial list of characters. In case it turns out that you haven’t been around as long as KVTA, these characters are all famous for being portrayed by Mel Brooks. Actor, director, and writer of dripping satire, Brooks describes himself: “I'm one of the funniest and most entertaining writers I know.”
How did a short, bald, unattractive, Jewish man buck the stereotypes and become one of the most lauded satirists in the history of Hollywood? Brooks himself would say, “Humor is just another defense against the universe.” While just as comfortable lampooning classic monster movies or nearly any other movie trope, he often used his humor to broach difficult subjects, including racism. And when I say broach, what I actually mean is carefully line you up and then slap you in the face with it for 90 minutes. Don’t get me wrong, Brooks’ movies are definitely classics of the genre, but his style of comedy takes a little getting used to.
And now, let’s get back to Hitler. As a man of proud Jewish heritage, Brooks has never shied away from voicing his opinion on Jewish history and, most germane to this conversation, the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. Brooks fought as a combat engineer with the US Army in Europe during World War 2 alongside his three brothers; one of whom spent 19 months in a Nazi POW camp, pretending not to be Jewish. It is from this background that Brooks penned his first feature film, The Producers, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1968.
While not specifically about the historical Jewish condition, in The Producers, Brooks places plenty of emphasis on his Jewish experiences with his trademark self-deprecating humor. It is important to know that while Brooks certainly places the Holocaust in the appropriate historical context, he also leans heavily into the belief that laughter is the best medicine. He has said that his goal in life is to make everyone laugh at Hitler: it is the only reprisal that he has left.
In order to prepare you for this show, I need you to understand everything that Mel Brooks’ characters say or do that is written as a farcical way to deal with incredible tragedy and trauma, but can be perceived as insensitive, or even offensive. When you take your seat at LCC on September 20, 21, or 22, you must have the right mindset, or this production will blow right by you. There are a few simple steps that you can take in anticipation:
Satire is humorous exaggeration used to ridicule and criticize people’s stupidity or vices (especially regarding political or topical issues). By definition, some people will not agree with the points that the satire is making. However, it is incumbent on you not to take offense, even if you don’t agree. Satire is a valid form of showing your disagreement. Just don’t take it too seriously; it is just a joke.
Know your history. Understand what happened to the Jewish diaspora in Central Europe during World War II, in addition to the hundreds of years of marginalization and outright racism across the world. Know that healing takes different forms for different people. Celebrate the creativity that was born from agony. Empathize with them. Laugh with them.
If you haven’t experienced Mel Brooks before, consider taking some time to explore his works. While Blazing Saddles is arguably his best work, it is a tough first watch. Try one of his more recent films; Spaceballs or Robin Hood: Men in Tights are a good start.
Come to the theater ready to enjoy the show. Our cast and staff have been working so hard over the last few months. Show them how much you appreciate their work.
KVTA will present The Producers on September 20, 21, and 22 at Lincoln Cultural Center. Come ready to experience this amazing production. When you are in the audience, take a deep breath and remember that Brooks once said:
“Bad taste is simply saying the truth before it should be said.”
 | Dana James is very excited to see The Producers. He is preparing by forcing his children to watch approximately 10 hours of Mel Brooks movies. |
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