Speigel also noted that the question of how to advertise the show presented some obvious problems, not least of which is that the Nazi swastika is “banned in Germany as an unconstitutional symbol.” That led the producers of this version of the play, officially known as “The Producers — Frühling für Hitler,” to replace the swastika with a less-than-sinister pretzel in viral ads and on the large red banners hanging outside the theater in Berlin. The swastika, though, will be used on stage.I'm not sure how they came up with pretzels to replace the verboten swastika...
I've seen "The Producers" on stage and at the movies (twice...including the 1968 version with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder). The point being that you can't take Mel Brooks seriously. He's nutty...and sometimes hilarious in his offerings. In context, however, the holocaust was the very depth of evil and by association so was the Nazi Party. The question being asked shouldn't be whether ticket sales will be sustained. The question should be whether this showing is actually ethically in good taste. It's not...but then again, Mel Brooks has made a career out of something very opposite of good taste...and that's the point. He's Jewish, and at the very least, the presentation of "The Producers" in Germany does not forgive anyone, but is offers an olive branch of acceptance and acknowledgment.
That being said...the production will tank.
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