The Producers: Tony Danza to play Max Bialystockand Roger Bart to play Leo Bloom

The Producers, have announced that Tony Danza will return to Broadway after a seven-year absence to star as 'Max Bialystock.' Tony-award winner, and original cast member, Roger Bart, will make his return to the role of 'Leo Bloom' opposite Mr. Danza. The new 'Bialystock and Bloom' begin performances on 19 Dec 2006. Mr. Danza's engagement ends on 11 Mar 2007. Mr. Bart's engagement ends on 11 Feb 2007.

Tony Danza, perhaps best known for his lovable sitcom personas in 'Taxi' and 'Who's the Boss?', is one of America's most popular performers. Danza made his Broadway debut as Eddie in Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge (Revival 1997), he was last seen on Broadway in The Iceman Cometh (1999 Revival). Danza has also toured the country with his cabaret show and released his debut album 'The House I Live In' in 2003.

Roger Bart returns to The Producers, having created the role of Carmen Ghia (for which he received Tony and Drama Desk nominations) and then returning to the show in the role of Leo Bloom. Mr. Bart received 1999 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical as Snoopy in the revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Other Broadway credits include: The Frogs (2004), Triumph of Love (1997), and Big River (1985). This past Christmas he reprised his role as Carmen Ghia in Universal's feature film version of The Producers.

The musical currently stars John Treacy Egan (Max Bialystock), Roger Bart (Leo Bloom), 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 at St James Theatre on 19 Apr 2001, following previews from 21 Mar 2001. It is currently booking to 24 Jun 2007.

The musical 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 wrote "To quote words from 'Spring Time for Hitler', the audience is sure to leave the theatre feeling �Happy and Gay�."

To read what the 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)

Tony DanzaRoger Bart