The Producers: Roger Bart to reprise his role as 'Leo Bloom'

Roger Bart returns to his role as 'Leo Bloom', in Mel Brook's musical The Producers, on the 16 May 2006. He assumes the role from Hunter Foster, who has been playing the character of Leo Bloom since the 5 Jul 2005.

The musical, which recently celebrated its 5th Anniversary on the 16 Apr 2006, is currently booking to the 8 Oct 2006 at St James Theatre.

Roger Bart was the original Carmen Ghia when the The Producers opened at Broadway's St James Theatre on the 19 Apr 2001, following previews from the 21 Mar 2001. He then returned to the show in the role of Leo Bloom.

Last year Roger Bart reprised his role (Carmen Ghia) in Universal's feature film version of The Producers, which is released on DVD on the 16 May 2006.

The musical currently stars John Treacy Egan (Max Bialystock), Original Tony Award-winning Cast Member Gary Beach (Roger DeBris), Brad Musgrove (Carmen Ghia) Bill Nolte (Franz Liebkind) and Angie Schworer (Ulla).

The Producers is the story of down-on-his-luck theatrical producer, Max Bialystock, and Leo Bloom, a mousy accountant. Together they hatch the ultimate scam: raise more money than you need for a sure-fire Broadway flop and pocket the difference. Their "sure-fire" theatrical fiasco?. . . None other than the musical Springtime for Hitler.

The Producers opened to excellent reviews, The New York Times wrote "It's fast, fierce, shameless, vulgar and altogether blissful," and the Star-Ledger said "It will split your ribs with mirth." newyorktheatreguide.com reviewer Alan Bird wrote "To quote words from 'Spring Time for Hitler', the audience is sure to leave the theatre feeling �Happy and Gay�."

To read all of Alan Bird's review and what the other critics said click here

The Producers is the recipient of the most Tony Awards in theater history (with 12 wins).

The Producers has a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and direction and choreography by Susan Stroman. The set design is by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting by Peter Kaczorowski and sound design by Steve Kennedy.

The musical is produced by Rocco Landesman, Live Nation, 'The Frankel, Baruch, Viertel and Routh Group', Bob and Harvey Weinstein, Rick Steiner, Robert F.X. Sillerman and Mel Brooks, in association with James D. Stern and Douglas Meyer and by special arrangement with StudioCanal.

(For more information click here)

Roger Bart