'The Producers': Brad Oscar plays Max Bialystock for the 1000th time

Brad Oscar celebrated his 1,000th performance as Max Bialystock in The Producers with his performance yesterday evening (Thu 1 Sep 2005).

Mr. Oscar, who originated the role of Franz Liebkind (for which he received a Tony Award nomination), took over the role of Max Bialystock on the 16 Apr 2002. He also reprised his performance in the smash London production, to great acclaim.

Brad Oscar won a Best Actor Award from the Independent Reviewers of New England for his performance as Max. An original cast member of Jekyll & Hyde, Mr Oscar also performed in the show's national tour. He made his Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love and later toured with the show. From 1992 to 1994, he played a variety of colorful characters in Gerard Alessandrini's long-running musical revue Forbidden Broadway, both Off-Broadway and in Los Angeles. Other theatre credits: Encores! production of Do Re Mi and Santa in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Los Angeles and Branson. Film: upcoming feature films The Producers, Building Girl, and Rydal Park.

The Producers opened on the 19 Apr 2001 at St James Theatre, following previews from the 21 Mar 2001 and is currently booking up to the 22 Jan 2006.

It's the story of a couple of guys who come up with a scheme to produce the outrageous Broadway musical ever. They think they can take off with all their investors' money-but when the curtain goes up on their gigantic singing, dancing spectacular, they realize their plan has gone ridiculously wrong.

The show opened to rave reviews, and went on to win an incredible twelve Tony Awards in 2001, making the show the recipient of the most Tony Awards in theater history.

The Producers also stars Hunter Foster (Leo Bloom), John Treacy Egan (Franz Liebkind), Jonathan Freeman (Roger DeBris to the 4 Sep 2005, then replaced by Gary Beach) Brad Musgrove (Carmen Ghia) and Angie Schworer (Ulla).

The show has music & Lyrics by Mel Brooks, Book by Mel Brooks & Tom Meehan, and is directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. It has sets by Robin Wagner, costumes by William Ivey Long, lighting by Peter Kaczorowski and sound by Steve Kennedy