Hunter Foster is Leo Bloom

[TheTruth2]

Posted: 6/16/04 at 9:05pm

My Review for THE PRODUCERS
By Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Starring Brad Oscar and Hunter Foster
June 14th Performance, 7PM

Sitting in the exact same seat I sat in three years ago when I first saw THE PRODUCERS, the orchetra began the overture to the musical that won more accolades than any other musical in history. Having seen the show seven times (in many productions throughought the country), I had a lot to compare to. However, I think comparing performances is the root of all evil.

Ray Wills (an understudy to Nathan Lane, then to Brad Oscar--now in WONDERFUL TOWN), brought out the worst in Max Bialystock. That's not a bad thing. It was a great direction to go. Lewis J. Stadlen acted the part. I personally feel that when you are on a stage performing theatre, you must always be an actor first. Mr. Stadlen was brilliant. Needless to say, when I finally got to see Nathan Lane live, during his return engagement, I was thrilled... before the show. Not saying he wasn't wonderful. It was clear that this role was written for him, but still, seeing Max played as a character--nearly a cartoon version (after having seen him done realistically)--I quickly grew tired of Nathan providing the same delivery on every line. I looked forward to the so-called "eleven o'clock number," BETRAYED. I was completely let down. Nathan seemed to perform the number with an attitude of, "I can't wait until this song is over, the show is done, and I can get to Angus McIndoe for a steak!" Also, the ending was changed (to save poor Nathan's $100,000 a week vocal chords, and was very unimpressive and just plain rediculous.

And then there's Brad Oscar. From a swing and standby to a Tony Nominated Featured Actor to the star of the hottest ticket on Broadway (during his original run as Max), Mr. Oscar has long been someone I looked up to. He was a Bialy that was the crude sneaky underhanded Broadway producer he admits to being, he is a cartoon when appropriate, he is first and foremost an actor, and finally... A REAL PERSON. Mr. Oscar is the only person that has ever impressed me by performing BETRAYED. In fact, I was moved by it. The song's applause was met with cheers, thunderous applause, and even people shouting "Bravo!" to Max's big number. Brad Oscar is the best Max Bialystock ever to see Broadway, and nobody will ever sing the score as well as him.

Speaking of singing the score better than anybody, Mr. Hunter Foster, one of Broadway's rising stars, has joined the cast of THE PRODUCERS as Leopold Bloom, and brought with him a breath of fresh air. Steven Weber was a bit of an overactor, but still wonderful. Don Stephenson was as good as it gets. Then I finally saw Matthew Broderick. If I was a Tony voter back in 2001, Mr. Broderick would have had my vote for sure. He was absolutely heaven to watch. There are no words. He is Leo Bloom. So, although I was excited to see Mr. Foster, I didn't know what to expect. Ladies and Gentlemen... GO SEE HUNTER FOSTER IN THE PRODUCERS!!!!!!!!!! You will not be disappointed. Remember he only had two weeks to prepare, then he performed the performance that I am basing this decision on, and I tell you that he is brilliant. I really don't know how to explain my feelings about Mr. Foster in this show. All I can say is, the producers of THE PRODUCERS have made the best casting choice they will make for this production. Max and Leo are now finally exactly what they should be. Brad Oscar and Hunter Foster are the best Bialystock and Bloom since Mostel and Wilder. If you thought this show was getting stale, you were wrong.

I only have one problem with this production. It is a problem that they have had for the last year. The ensemble is still sloppy, and not many of them appear to be enjoying what they are doing. Someone should remind them that they are in a Broadway show.

A problem the show used to have has been fixed. No one will ever replace Cady Huffman as Ulla. Nicole Kidman will bring audiences but not thrill them in the film. Ange Schwoerer (sp?) has never impressed me in the role of Ulla. I have seen her at least four times and never enjoyed her performance, including during the return of Broderick and Lane. However, she has truly found her groove, and any history of harsh feeling I had for her will forever be erased. She is beautiful, funny, and sings the role sweetly. She's no Cady, but she has made it her own, just as Mr. Oscar and Mr. Foster have done.

The show is still as funny as ever, and the music is now, thanks to the stars, sung the way it was meant to be sung. Choreography sloppy (minus the beautiful dance numbers of "I Wanna Be Producer" and "That Face" which were done beautifully by the cast. The orchestra sounds great, and kudos to all of the supporting cast (Gary Beach, Jennifer Smith, Kathy Fitzgerald, and the actor whos name slips my mind, but he hits the bullseye with Carmen Ghia.

That's just my opinion.

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 6/16/04 at 9:09pm

Hunter came in the 14th? I thought it was supposed to be the 24th.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 6/16/04 at 9:24pm

Great to know. I also really liked Stadlin's version of the role. I saw the return engagement and I loved seeing Nathan Lane perform. Although, the big ending to "Betrayed" was a little disapointing. And he wasn't playing Max Bialystock so much as he was playing... Nathan Lane. But, I'm a big fan of him, so I didn't mind. Thinking it over, I could see where he faults in his performance because he is not the character, but a gross exageration of the character. Broderick, as you said, was wonderful. I enjoyed Don Stephenson, but his voice was a little too Jimmy Stewart-ish. I'd love to see it again, but it just doesn't look like that's in the cards. Great review!

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 6/16/04 at 11:55pm

Wow, that was an amazing review! Thank you Truth2

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 12:07am

Great review. I agree about Hunter, he was brilliantly funny. He's a must-see in this role. I've always been impressed by his work, but not to this degree.

Just one thing, I believe your review was for the June 15th performance, not the June 14th performance.

[TheTruth2]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 12:29am

Absolutely, Tuesday, June 15th. One thing I am not good at is math. Anyway, I do agree that this is a totally new degree of excellence for Hunter. I really didn't do him justice in that post. There are no words, it's just incredible and wonderful.

[shira467]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 12:33am

Thanks for the post - I for one, am thrilled that Hunter is doing this, and that he is doing wonderfully. Go Hunter! I want him to win a Tony one day...maybe he will in the future. When I visit NY, I may see the Producers again just to see Hunter. Seymour no more.

[onlylisab]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 1:47am

Kudos for Hunter!

[Wicked_Elphie]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 2:37am

Great Review thanks, I'll make sure I catch him in the role. I have to say though I really enjoyed Nathan and I think he definitely deserved his Tony, not that Matthew didn't do a spectacular job as well, but I agree with the tony voters...on this call at least!

[SweetCarolineFan]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 2:37am

Ill have to see hunter in the producers that is for sure!

-cj

[SamIAm]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 11:40am

but let me point out that Max B is NOT Shakespeare and therefore should NOT be ACTED. It is supposed to be an overly exaggerated Borscht Belt type character and if you see the movie...that's exactly the way Mostel played him too.

I would also disagree that Lane was trying to get finished with the show and get to Angus' (though I may not have been there EVERY night to see the show - I did see it a lot) and did not think that the song, as written, was meant to be moving...this stuff is supposed to be FUNNY...remember? It's a comedy.

At any rate...I'm glad you like Hunter and if he draws the crowds perhaps the show will continue to be successful and it will mean that more audiences will be able to see the show. That's the important thing.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 1:57pm

The few lucky performances I was able to see Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick will be held in my memory as some of the most inspirational hours spent in a theater.

I saw the show during it's first preview week with them both and then several times during their last engagement, not ONCE did I feel anything but joy in regards to Nathan's Max, I mean as SamIAm says, it's first and foremost a COMEDY, something that sometimes has gotten lost at the St. James, a few of the casting choices for Max and Leo have been...um, lacking to be sure,and I've seen all of them.ALL OF THEM.
Having Hunter Foster join should be wonderful as I always thought he'd be perfect, I'd love to see him and John Treacy Egan essay the title roles...

And while we all are able to have our own opinions regarding who we like, your informative review seems to state that your view is the ONLY view regarding Nathan Lane as Max, and THAT is false, sorry, the man is a master of his craft, and running to Angus post show was the last thing on his mind...let's not forget that it's not Lear it's The Producers and Lane's comic energy and performance is one of the reasons it was a smash to begin with...

His Max will go down in history as a star turn of the highest order and what musical theater is all about, of course that is MY view. Updated On: 6/17/04 at 01:57 PM

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 2:12pm

Did Broadway.com or BroadwayWorld.com get some photos from his opening night?

[SamIAm]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 2:19pm

a review of past performers. I was hoping to see some details of Hunter's performance including his ability to hold his own with Brad in the duo songs, his subtle interpretation of Leo (nerdy? Shy? depressed? afraid?) etc. But instead I got information on past Leos and Maxs. Not a review that the Times would publish, that's for sure! Tell me more about the show with Brad and Hunter please and forget the Nathan Lane tirade

By the way, you can't transpose a single NOTE in a song or it will be in a different key.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 2:35pm

Nathan's performance remains indelible for me, and I actually think Nathan was even better in his RETURN engagement. And he really HAD to tone himself down to save his voice for health reasons. Trust me...if Nathan sounded like he was 'holding back' during his version of "Betrayed" it wasn't because he wanted to be 'done with it to run off to Angus'. He was doing so to save his not-fully-healed vocal chords. Brad is indeed fortunate that he had professional voice training since he was a child (and can sing full-out with little problem)- Nathan did not have that luxury. The fact that he did the second run without any days lost is pretty extraordinary as Max is an unusually exhausting role for anybody, and Nathan was not in tip-top physical shape when he accepted the role for the second time. He gives more on stage than anybody since Garland or Jolson.

But I am pleased you enjoyed Brad, as I think his Max has been seriously underrated by many critic. IMHO, his is indeed is the best Max next to Nathan's.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 3:05pm

"I personally feel that when you are on a stage performing theatre, you must always be an actor first."

I don't know how to respond to a statement like that, I mean what is the alternative? Being a lug nut or a platter of eggplant parmigiana?!

All this being said, at least something inspired you at the theater, just next time maybe you can describe your passion without bashing or being negative regarding someone else..most of all somebody like Nathan Lane who has given his life to the stage, and thank the Maker for his choice to do so, as we are all the richer for it.

[SamIAm]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 3:12pm

Eddie, I actally saw a platter of eggplant do a mean Brando impression once.

As for the lug nut...seriously overrated in Hamlet on Ice

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 3:20pm

SamIAm, I myself saw Loretta Swift and a Bounty Select-a-Size Big Roll do a wonderful 'night Mother....now THAT was acting.

[SamIAm]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 3:27pm

and I thought the Bounty roll was overrated. But Loretta tore the canvas apart!

BTW, did you catch Ice Cube as Prince Mishkin? Now those were some acting chops

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/17/04 at 4:22pm

Thanks for the review! I'm really looking forward to seeing Hunter perform when I watch the Producers next week! :)

Your's truly,

Rosalynn