BB Mann and The Producers team up for charity

COURTESY PHOTO Max Bialystock, a failing producer, and his cohort, Leo Bloom, plan to show the worst play on Broadway to get rich. It almost works. The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and 'The Producers the new Mel Brooks musical' has offered eight local charities the opportunity to receive as much as $20,000 from the sale of tickets purchased to any of the musical's eight performances; which are sponsored locally by Bank of America.

"This is a very exciting opportunity for the Mann Hall and the community," said Scott Saxon, general manager for the Hall, "one of my goals when I came to Fort Myers is to have the theatre more involved in the community; and by working with the producers of 'The Producers,' we have a way to do that."

The concept is simple - for every ticket purchased for a particular charity's performance, 25 percent of the ticket price will be given to that charity. All a person needs to do to support their favorite charity - and see Broadway's most award-winning musical - is call the box office, pick the performance and mention the password "DONATE;" or go online and purchase tickets using the same password.

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Producer Max Bialystock tries to con theathergoers in the stage version of Mel Brooks' hit movie 'The Producers.' "Everyone wins, the charity, the community and the theatre," Saxon said.

The following is a list of the eight charities involved and their performance:

Lee Memorial Foundation -Tuesday, June 19 United Way-Wednesday, June 20

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools-Thursday, June 21

Edison College Foundation-Friday, June 22 Boy Scouts -Saturday, June 23rd at 2 p.m. Chico's Charities-Saturday, June 23rd at 8 p.m.

American Red Cross-Sunday, June 24th at 1p.m.

Alliance for the Arts-Sunday, June 24th at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Box Office, by calling 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah. com.

If you go

>> What: The Producers the new Mel Brooks musical

>> When: Tuesday, June 19 through Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 22 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 23 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, June 24 at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

>> Where: The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, on the campus of Edison College, Fort Myers >> Cost: $50 - $85 >> Information: Call 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com