Is Ann Arbor Civic Theatre staging “The Producers” in hopes that the show will fail miserably, and that the company will thus get to pocket the money of numerous investors?

Well, no. Far from it. But this premise lies at the heart of the hit show, which broke box-office and Tony Award records on Broadway in 2001, when the show won a prize in all 12 of its nominated categories. (It received 15 total nominations, but there were multiple nominees in some contests).

“I loved its irreverent humor,” said director Wendy Sielaff. “I enjoy shows that are a little bit off the wall, and I’d seen this in New York and thought, ‘Boy, if this ever becomes available, I’d love to do it.’”

The original Broadway production, of course, starred super-duo Nathan Lane as Max Bialystock and Matthew Broderick as Leo Bloom. Adapted from Mel Brooks’ 1968 (non-musical) movie, the stage show featured a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan; lyrics by Brooks; and music by Brooks and Glen Kelly.

Famously, the show that Bloom and Bialystock peg for certain failure is an earnest Nazi musical titled “Springtime for Hitler.” But when the unexpected happens, Leo and Max’s plans are thwarted.

“It’s a huge show with tons of costume changes, as well as set and scene changes, and it all has to be just as choreographed as the dances,” said Sielaff.

Sielaff’s 30-plus-person cast uses more than 80 costumes (including showgirl costumes, outrageous headgear, drag queen ensembles, etc.) for the show. This has made costumer Nancy Rydzewski’s job challenging, but fortunately, in many cases, the company has managed to borrow already built costumes from other area theaters.

Regardless, Sielaff believes that dealing with the logistical hurdles of a big, ambitious show is ultimately worth the payoff in laughs.

“People often come to the theater with so many woes and troubles,” said Sielaff. “Sometimes you just want to have a good time.”

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.

“The Producers”
Who: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.
What: Tony Award-winning musical about two scheming producers who convince tons of investors to invest in a Hitler musical that’s sure to fail - or is it?
Where: Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave.
When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10-Saturday, Sept. 12; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 (one weekend only).
How much: $20 ($17 for seniors, $12 for students). For Thursday night’s performance, all seats are $15.
Info: 734-971-2228 or Ann Arbor Civic Theatre web site.