by Robert Simonson & Kenneth Jones
view article on Playbill.com
The casting of the lead roles in the national tour of The Producers has been an open secret for weeks going on months—but without any official confirmation. The word of Mel Brooks, however, would seem official enough.
The casting of the lead roles in the national tour of The Producers has been an open secret for weeks going on months—but without any official confirmation. The word of Mel Brooks, however, would seem official enough.
The multiple Tony-winner told Variety June 19 that Lewis J. Stadlen and Don Stephenson would play Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom in the first U.S. tour, which launches Sept. 10 in Pittsburgh. Once that road show reaches L.A. for a long stay, beginning June 30, 2003, other leads are expected to take the roles and Stadlen and Stephenson ( By Jeeves, Titanic and a current Private Lives understudy) would, in theory, leap frog into the second touring company that begins in July 2003 in Boston. The Variety column indicates Jason Alexander and Martin Short are interested in Max and Leo for L.A., but Brooks was coy about announcing them.
Brooks also told Variety original stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick would headline the London premiere of the musical. The duo will stay with the show for six months beginning either December 2003 or January 2004.
A spokesperson for the tour said an official announcement of the tour casting will come from the general manager only when contracts are signed.
Archerd reported Angie L. Schworer (of the Broadway ensemble) will be Ulla in the fall tour. Lee Roy Reams (1980’s 42nd Street) has said in press interviews he will play Roger De Bris on the road. Jeff Hyslop ( Kiss of the Spider Woman) is expected to play Carmen Ghia in the first tour. A representative for Fred Applegate said the actor would play Franz Liebkind on the road. Jim Walton ( Merrily We Roll Along, Crazy for You) had previously been mentioned to play Leo on the road.
Comments are closed.