Here's a book that oughta have a big SPOILER WARNING on its cover. The Producers: The Book, Lyrics, and Story Behind the Biggest Hit in Broadway History! by Mel Brooks and Tom Meehan contains the complete libretto and lyrics to the hottest show in years, along with tons o' photos and anecdotes and historical notes and stuff. It not only reveals every joke in the show but some very funny ones that didn't get in. The "Making of…" parts are a bit too self-congratulatory but the volume is a great memory piece for anyone who's seen the show. And if you never will — or, at least, never will with Mssrs. Lane and Broderick in the leads — reading this and listening to the cast album is a not-completely-worthless substitute. Click here to buy a copy.
Not seeing Lane and Broderick is becoming increasingly-likely for many as their contract expiration date — mid-March — looms and the show remains sold out for months after. Lane is reported to be still nursing throat problems and committed to play Jackie Gleason (great, if obvious casting) in a movie. Broderick is contracted to play Harold Hill (strange casting) in a TV-movie remake of The Music Man.
The rumor mill says that both are still haggling to return to their roles — individually, if not collectively — at various times in the future. Since so much cash is being made there, the haggling is probably complex and includes a lot of arguing over how much of the show's success is attributable to its leads.
And I have no inside info on this but I can't believe someone hasn't discussed hauling in cameras and taping the proceedings for pay-per-view and eventual video release while the original stars are still ensconced. That would presumably complicate negotiations further…though it could also represent most folks' only shot at seeing Nathan and Matthew together. In the past, the taping of a Broadway show was never considered until it was nearing the end of its New York life…but the producers of The Producers are willing to give everything away in a book like this. Maybe they'd be unafraid to put the thing on TV while it's still at the St. James.