Considering that its story that centers around creating the perfect recipe for a colossal Broadway flop, Mel Brooks‘-movie-turned-theatrical musical The Producers ultimately became a Tony-winning archetype for the ultimate in stage success. But now that The Producers is headed back to the big screen as a movie-turned-musical-turned-movie-musical, can lightning strike twice (or is that a third time?).
Let’s review the ingredients: Film and stage stars Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, the dynamic duo that brought the house down on Broadway–check. Some Hollywood heavy hitters (namely Uma Thurman and Will Ferrell) cast in roles they appear born to play–check. Supporting players Roger Bart and Gary Beach in the outrageous parts that made them stage sensations–check. And the guiding hand of the musical’s director Susan Stroman and the guiding oversight of the bona fide comic genius Mel Brooks–check.
Yeah, if any of the film’s producers were hoping to get rich off the box office failure of The Producers, even if they were to add a last-minute number titled Summertime for Sadaam, we don’t think that they’ll be toasting at the corner bar any time soon.
But before the curtain goes up, Hollywood.com has all the backstage dish from the stars, including the real reason Lane and Broderick maintain such terrific chemistry: “It’s the sex,” reveals Lane. “It’s what’s kept us together, and we never go to bed angry.”
Matthew Broderick
“Yeah, well, you know, we made that joke a lot yesterday. We don’t go to bed angry, I mean, we don’t let fights fester if we have disagreements. And we don’t have very many. Which isn’t to say we’re just like totally placid all the time…” [Full Interview]
Nathan Lane
“Well, Mel [Brooks] first mentioned [the film] while we were recording the cast album, even though we don’t say that any more. And you know, I like joked with him and said ‘Danny DeVito and Ben Stiller will be great in the parts.’ And then eventually, really thanks to the success of Chicago, it did finally happen…” [Full Interview]
Gary Beach & Roger Bart
Bart: “We wanted to do Bareback Mountain for a long time. Then sure enough, we have no choice: we know we have to scream. We know he has to say lines like ‘Darling, quick back in the closet.’ And it’s really hard to tone that down.”
Beach: “It’s Mel Brooks‘ world and that’s the world we’re living in, at that point.” [Full Interview]
