In Full Bloom

4/27-5/9

Back in 2001, Mel Brooks’ The Producers snagged a dozen of the little gilded trophies known as Tony Awards. It was a cinch, then, that the tour would be a bonanza. The show comes to the Music Hall (301 West 13th Street) starting Tuesday. Not appearing in Kansas City, however, are the show’s indelible leading men, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, who will re-create their roles onscreen. The circle is almost complete: The 1968 movie about third-string producers staging a purposely bad Nazi musical became a hit musical and soon will be a movie again.

You’d think that actors stepping into the shoes of Lane and Broderick would be a tad intimidated. Not Andy Taylor, who plays Leo Bloom (Broderick’s part). “It’s an advantage, a blessing really, to not be as well-known as those guys,” Taylor says.

He adds that, in contrast to its star-vehicle status on Broadway, the musical is invigorated by the touring ensemble. He delicately adds that some past players seemed to be doing one-man shows, with the emphasis on getting extraneous laughs to the detriment of the show. “You try to seize the play and keep it moving,” he says. “You don’t want to get too drunk on your own perfume.” For tickets, call 816-931-3330. — Steve Walker

Battle Field
KJHK takes it to the stage.

4/22 & 4/24

For people who are interested in the local music scene’s cutting edge but lack the time or the commitment to really find it, KJHK 90.7’s Farmer’s Ball battle of the bands separates the power-chord wheat from the three-chord chaff. During round two at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, and at the finals at 9 p.m. Saturday, eight bands from Lawrence and KC compete at the Jackpot Saloon (943 Massachusetts in Lawrence). Competitors Thursday include hip-hopper Left E. Grove, singer-songwriter outfit Andy Graham and the Moment Band, Ghosty/[Blue] descendent Jonathan Nagel and a five-piece chicken dinner called Pejuta. On Saturday, Thursday’s winner faces the winning band from Wednesday night to compete for 20 free hours of studio time at the Get Up Kids’ Black Lodge Recording; creative differences not included. Tickets cost $3. Check www.kjhk.org for more information. —Christopher Sebela