"The Producers" closing April 22, 2007- Page 5

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/26/07 at 6:58pm

I've seen the show more times than I'd like to count and admit. I've seen almost every Bialystock who's played the United States. Tony Danza was very believable in the role....moreso than Jason Alexander. How much more of a "beaten down New Yorker" can you get?

[SamIAm]

Posted: 2/26/07 at 7:34pm

Yes, I know Danza has done stage work before, but nothing as demanding as the Producers role. I do not think he is right for Max, but there are some who do, so that is obviously a taste issue. The fact is that Danza would never have been considered for this role if it weren't for the marketing spin.

Yes, I also realize that auditioning is something that happens in stage productions. However, it was Brooks who openly said he was going with the reading cast, and then people started to fall away or were told (in the case of Cloris Leachman) they would not be used. The way to avoid this is not to go public with this stuff before you are sure. Take the time to get the production in shape and cast and THEN announce. Brooks DID say he was hands off the movie but he also crafted the vision of stage to screen. The movie did make back its money in the international market but did not do as well as hoped.

As I said before, I love Brooks' work, but he has definitely had a hand in mishandling the Producers and I believe it is misleading to say he is blameless. These shows are WRITTEN by Brooks and he is always involved.

In answer to the person who knows someone who works at the St James and knows who wanted how much money, I would say, there are a lot of rumors floating around and rarely, if ever, does the rest of the cast and crew know what is happening in detailed negotiations. I have witnessed these scenarios myself first hand and watched the old kindergarten "telephone" game take off like wildfire. Regardless of why Broderick and Lane did not do these roles, I would not blame them for asking for ten million when asked again if they would go back, after so clearly stating their wishes. It happens in Hollywood all the time and no one blinks an eye.

[i_heart_roger_bart]

Posted: 2/27/07 at 2:00am

Updated On: 2/27/07 at 02:00 AM

[i_heart_roger_bart]

Posted: 2/27/07 at 2:11am

Tony Danza.. is not good.. to say the least. His stage presence has improved, but he remains unable to sing and remember lyrics/dialogue. However, I have never laughed harder at anyone in my life. So, for that, I must extend gratitude to Mr. Who's the Boss. It's been a treat... or something like a treat.