Martin Short's mind Wanders while performing The Producers

[TEACHEROFTHEATER]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 1:56pm

On the Ellen show, Martin Short was soooo funny and a pleasure to see............However, he discussed being in a "long run" and mentioned how his mind often wanders while he is playing Leo Bloom in The Producers. I believe he said he thinks about all sorts of thing and sometimes does math problems.

He said he and Jason Alexander were between scenes once and discussing how old John Kennedy would be if he were alive today. He said that when he entered for his next scene, he broke from the script and said to Jason Alexander in a Kennedy voice, "he'd be 84 years old today." or something to that effect...then he laughed and said, "of course the audience just thought it was part of the show or whatever."

Mr. Short was most amusing on Ellen and I have heard he is great in the show. I just wish he hadn't mentioned "to the civilian world watching" that his mind wandered while he was performing. I think he crossed the line, being a bit unprofessional with discussing that, especially while his show is still running.

I would be thrilled to be seeing him in The Producers tonight, but I would be hoping that his mind would not be wandering during the performance I saw.

[sheekala]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 2:35pm

They were a joy together, and Martin was both focused and playful onstage...you could tell they have their "tracks" all set and now it's time for fun!

[Lorelai]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 7:09pm

Has anyone seen The Producers in both NYC and LA? When I say NYC, I mean the original Broadway cast.
I would love the chance to see The Producers in LA, I saw the entire original cast of lead characters (Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Brad Oscar, Cady Huffman, Roger Bart and Gary Beach)four times out of the six time I've seen the show. One night Nathan was out and the other Cady was.
I'm sure Jason Alexander and Martin Short make the parts their own in some ways, but for the most part, are they similar to the way Nathan and Matthew portrayed their roles?

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 8:56pm

Oh crap I wish I could've seen this!!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 9:13pm

That's the most bipolar post you've made in a while ToT. Funny/bad/thrilled/sad all in the space of a couple hundred words. Take your meds!

[CaTheatreGirl]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 11:33pm

I've seen the OBC in NY and the original cast in LA. No, they do not play the roles the same. Of course, they're a bit similar, but not the same. Jason has a different take on the role of Max just as Lewis Stadlen did. Martin plays Leo a bit sillier and sometimes goes over the top with his type of humor. In between that, he was pretty good. However, my favorites of all of the Maxes and Leos is still Nathan and Matthew. Perfect chemistry!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/16/03 at 11:39pm

oh come now... how many actors minds wonder sometimes during a show. After you know the show you do it. I have done it and I know many others who have. It is not like we are doing it to be annoying or anything.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/17/03 at 12:30am

Saw it both in NY and out here in Los Angeles. Hated it in LA. I thought Jason Alexander was so obnoxious. Loved Martin Short. Also; Martin Short told a very similar story on Letterman a few years ago while he was in the middle of his run on "Goodbye Girl".