The Producers New Cast

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/15/03 at 7:43am

Saw it again last night . To all those who say the cast is somehow not up to snuff you are wrong . Lane & Broderick had their own take on each roles. Trying to compare the original cast to the new one is like trying to compare apples & oranges.

Stadlen is very good as Max Ditto for Don Stephenson in the Broderick role. John Tracy Egan (DeBris ) is excellent . Cady Huffman was out & her understudy Charly Izabella King was very good. Our neighbor, Peter Samuel was great as Franz . I am not just saying that because he is our neighbor. His voice is good & he has a nuttiness we never knew as our neighbor.

We got a complete backstage tour & saw his hand held bird. If you have seen the show, go back as it is in good shape. If you never have, go. The theater seemed to be sold out so I guess whatever empty seats they have must be during the week.

One thing I did notice is that listeneing to the show & cast albums, some number were cut drastically on the recording. They are as follows:

1. Opening Night
2. Keep It Gay
3. You Never Say Good Luck On Opening Night
4. Springtime for Hitler

Updated On: 6/15/03 at 07:43 AM

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 6/15/03 at 9:00am

Thanks for your take on The Producers on Broadway. I'm glad to hear it's still a great experience. And WOW, you got to meet Adolph, the pigeon! For me that would be alot of fun.

And since your into trivia (without asking Peter), during Franz's Greenwich Village Rooftop scene, what company name is scrolled on the building in the background?

[theaterbuff]

Posted: 6/15/03 at 9:58am

Thanks for the review... I'm going to try and get tickets for some time in the next couple of weeks and this has made me all the more enthusiastic!

[alterego]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 10:29am

Strictly speaking, not on topic but it looks as though Geoffrey Rush will be playing Roger De Bris in the Australian production next year when it opens in Melbourne.

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 10:51am

I have to believe for any actor that the role of Roger DeBris/Adolph Hitler has to be a dream. To perform as a Cross Dresser and Adolph Hitler all in one performance definitely sounds like fun.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 7:26pm

Some people in the audience actually thought the birds are real. OKAY

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 7:41pm

I almost wet myself when the birds lifted their wings and had the Nazi armbands!

[redmustang]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 7:41pm

Saw The Producers in NY with Brad Oscar and Steven Webber. Then saw it in Pittsburgh, and I think that Don Stephenson played Leo. I'd have to check my program. I remember him impressing me more than Webber did. My fondest memory of the NY production was Sam Harris playing Carmen Ghia. I thought he was a scream. Glad to hear the NY show is still in good shape.

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 8:05pm

I saw Don Stephenson as Leo when the Tour was in San Diego. I agree he was a step above Weber.

[Deannaizme]

Posted: 6/16/03 at 11:17pm

I saw Stadlen and Stephenson when they were on the national tour. I know it's not a popular view, but I thought they did a great job. We laughed so hard our faces hurt from all the laughing!



o/~ And now it's ........... Springtime for Hitler, and Germany .... o/~

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 6/17/03 at 12:08am

While I was rather pessimistic initially when I heard about the new leads for Broadway in The Producers. So far, I have heard only good reports about Standlen and Stephenson.

So good going, Lewis & Don, continue to make Mel proud!

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 6/17/03 at 1:04am

Mr. Roxy,

The answer to the question, what company name is scrolled across the building behind Franz during the Greewich Village Rooftop scene, it is:

Answer: BEKINS (of moving and storage fame)

[broadwayboy]

Posted: 6/17/03 at 1:13am

Don Stephenson is amazing! I think he is better than Matthe Broderick and all of the other guys who have played Leo!

[CaTheatreGirl]

Posted: 6/17/03 at 2:17am

I was never sold on Steven Weber as Leo. He played Leo too silly and corny. Matthew still has the best take on the role as very nebbish and timid. Roger Bart has been my next favorite. As for Martin Short, when he didn''t go over the top, he was quite good (just a bit too old to be called "kid"). However, Matthew will always be the perfect Leo. He and Nathan together were pure magic! I'm waiting to see them together again as Max and Leo.

[Alvin and My Sheepdog Rex]

Posted: 6/17/03 at 8:15am

I've said it before and I'll say it again, in my opinion,

"Matthew Broderick is Leo Bloom."

[CaTheatreGirl]

Posted: 6/17/03 at 9:03am

You're so correct Alvin and Rex. Matthew is so good as Leo because he admittedly is very much LIKE Leo. And, from personal experience of being around him, so true. He will always be Leo. Matthew is a dear, sweet , likable person.