A little Broadway history to contextualize a recent contractual exit.
Remember Henry Goodman’s quick firing from The Producers?
“Henry Goodman has been fired from the Broadway musical The Producers. The British actor took over from Nathan Lane as Max Bialystock on March 19, barely a month ago, and was due to open in the show in early May. He was terminated following the Sund ay, April 14 matinee performance, informed of the decision by his London agent over the phone.
Brad Oscar, who plays the musical's Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind and had often filled in for Lane, will take over the role permanently beginning with the April 16, Tuesday night performance. He has played the part of Max more than 70 times and his turn was well reviewed by the critics.”
And the same issue with Richard Dreyfuss in London?
“LONDON — Less than four days after Richard Dreyfuss appeared on British TV telling viewers not to see his West End blockbuster “The Producers” until after Christmas, the Oscar-winning star has ankled the Mel Brooks musical in which he was to make his singing and dancing debut.
Stepping into the breach is Broadway’s original Max Bialystock, Nathan Lane, who was due to arrive in the U.K. Monday night, have three days of rehearsals with the London company and be ready for the first preview Friday at the Theater Royal, Drury Lane. Opening night remains Nov. 9.”
It does happen. |
