As you may have heard, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick are back in the Broadway edition of The Producers for a few months. Tickets are just about impossible to get but those who get them should have a very good time.
There have been, we hear, a few alterations in the show, including a change in what may be my favorite line. In the old version, there's a moment where Leo (Broderick) mutters something about them investing in the show they're about to produce, Springtime for Hitler. Max (Lane) gasps in horror and then lectures him, "There are two rules in the theater. Number one, never put your own money in the show! And number two, NEVER PUT YOUR OWN MONEY IN THE SHOW!"
After he yells the second part, Lane now adds, "That's taboo!"
(Explanation for those who don't get it: One of the bigger stories around Broadway is that the Boy George show, Taboo, is fighting for survival. It was completely financed by Rosie O'Donnell.)
My friend Brad Oscar is back as Nathan's stand-by, though he is not playing Franz Liebkind as he did before when Mr. Lane was in the show. Presumably (I haven't talked to him), Brad is lounging around his apartment, taking it easy and being very well-paid to be in town and available, just in case. I hope he resumes a regular lead slot soon because I only got to see him play the Nazi, and would love to see him play Max.