Worried about Stro's Directorial debut in THE PRODUCERS

[wickedfan]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:29pm

As we all know, THE PRODUCERS movie will be filming in January. Most of us are all excited and anxioush. There is some fine talent for the film. We have Broderick, Lane, Bart, and Beach all reviving their original roles. However, I am a bit worried with Stro. As much as I love her work on Broadway has she done any film before? If so, is it enough to prepare her for a feature film done by Universal? I mean, we all know what happened to Harold Prince and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. And that was a genius musical, one of Sondheim's very best, and the movie version could have been great but Harold Prince destroyed it. And that movie too had actors from the original playing their parts again. Does anyone else feel this way? I'm not trying to be pessimistic, I'm just a bit worried.

[timote316]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:30pm

Why doesn't Mel Brooks just direct it?

[bronxboundexpress]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:31pm

Remember Sam Mendes' directorial film debut? He won an Academy Award.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:31pm

He should be involved with the movie in some way. Also, it would be nice if he could have a cameo in it, just like Chita Rivera had a cameo in Chicago.

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:34pm

Mel almost always appears in his films so I imagine we'll see him. I hope he reprises his role as Stormtropper Mel.

~Jessica

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:35pm

Two words: Rob Marshall.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:37pm

Rob Marshall though had experience before CHICAGO. He didn't just "jump" into it. Not saying that Stro is reckless, far from it. just if anyone knows of ANYTHING shes done with film. PM me. Also Sam Mendes' had studied film back in Britain as well as stage. He also didn't do a musical. Musicals are tons harder to do.

[timote316]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:38pm

Rob Marshall would be good! He did wonders for Chicago anyway. And yes, I'd bet Mel will be in the film somewhere, probably playing Stormtrooper Mel, and likely others too (the Judge, maybe an auditioning Hitler? i dont know lol)

Actually, Mel Brooks as an auditioning Hitler would be funny, instead of singing a particular song, as he would supposed to be doing, he could do something from a previous film of his! Don't know what, but something lol

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:39pm

Stro will do fine and don't think for a minute that Mel will not have a heavy hand (and cameo) in the film -- after all he has his vocal cameo in the show.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:40pm

CHICAGO was his first feature. He had done one MOW (Annie).

Updated On: 8/5/04 at 04:40 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:40pm

Also, don't forget that the original film of "The Producers" (a classic IMO) was Mel's directorial debut and screenwriting debut (the screenplay won the Oscar) and that worked out OK. I'm sure Mel will be there on the set very frequently (if not daily), so if Stroman needs any pointers or runs into trouble, Mel can help her out.

[Plum]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:41pm

You know, Julie Taymor did quite nicely for herself directing Frida. Give Stro a chance.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:42pm

Very true. I'm sure Brooks won't be leaving anything up to anyone else, ultimately.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:42pm

Well, Mel has had some experience directing films and I am sure he wont be too far away from Stoman the whole time. Not that means it will be a GOOD film, but if it's not I am certain Susan will not be the only one to blame.

[ProducersFan]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:43pm

Mel is VERY involved with The Producers (he even takes part in every audition, including the tour groups). I don't think we need to worry about him not having any say in the movie. It's the film that got him started, it's the show that made history, he's not about to walk out on it now.

~Jessica

[wickedfan]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:47pm

Again, I'm not saying Stro will destroy it. She could never do that. I just feel a little antsy not knowing whether she is familiar with it. I mean Mel could help her out, that would be fine. I am not putting Stro down. I said that in my first message. I just feel a tad nervous. I felt nervous with CHICAGO. I just wanted to know if anyone feels antsy too? I mean it's a big feature film with a first time director on a musical and a movie everyone loves. I can't say this thing goes down too easily with me.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:48pm

I don't care who directs it (lol), I just can't wait for it to come out.

[Plum]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:50pm

Some nervousness is perfectly understandable, wickedfan. When you have an emotional investment in a show, you want to see it done right. And you can't be sure it is right until it's released. It's enough to make anyone antsy.

[wickedfan]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 4:53pm

Thank you Plum for understanding.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 5:13pm

IMDb doesn't list any other directing credits, but interesting tidbit: Stroman choreographed You've Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 5:14pm

What exactly did they "choreograph" in You Got Mail?

[Plum]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 5:16pm

I haven't the slightest idea. But I do know that Stroman choreographed that teeny-bopper ballet movie my sister likes so much. The one with Donna Murphy in it.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 5:18pm

Center Stage. Jo-Ann Hunter (Gloria - Thoroughly Modern Millie) was in one of the dance scenes.

[Broadwaybaby614]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 7:27pm

"Why doesn't Mel Brooks just direct it?"

I'm sure he'd love to. But remember, directing something like that is a lot of work, and Mel's not exactly...young. Besides, he trusts Stro and she did a wonderful job with the Broadway production, so I think she'll be okay.

And of COURSE he's going to have a big hand in the production of the movie, and you can bet he'll have a cameo, if not two or three...

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/5/04 at 7:32pm

...or four.