News on 'The Producers' film

Director Susan Stroman and stars Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick discuss the forthcoming musical.

Aug  2 2005

Filming is well under way on the film version of the stage version of the film version of 'The Producers', and USA Today has weighed in with some information on the shoot.

'The Producers: The Movie Musical', which tells the tale of a pair of deadbeats who stage the worst musical in Broadway history in an effort to steal their investors' money, will apparently retain the show's tasteless and politically incorrect sense of humour.

However, director Susan Stroman revealed that it will also hold on to the Tony Award-winning show's unashamedly old-fashioned musical numbers.

They won't be explained away as imaginary flights of fancy 'Chicago'-style either; instead, they will be very much part and parcel of the everyday lives of the characters.

As Nathan Lane, who reprises his stage role as Broadway sleaze-merchant Max Bialystock, explains: 'If it is done well, audiences will accept the convention.'

Matthew Broderick, who plays Bialystock's partner in crime Leo Bloom, adds simply: 'This movie says, "I'm happy, so I'm dancing."'

Director Stroman also revealed why Uma Thurman was literally born to play Swedish sex bomb Ulla, and why she cast comedy giant Will Ferrell as the frankly insane Nazi playwright Franz Liebkind.

'When I first met Uma for the job, she told me she really has a Swedish grandmother', explains Stroman, adding 'Will is a natural singer and dancer after being on 'Saturday Night Live'. I hit the jackpot.'

Stroman reveals that the show's writer Mel Brooks also visits the set regularly, as much to make sure the budget stays around the $50 million mark as to see how everyone is doing.

'The Producers: The Movie Musical' hits UK screens on December 26, and to read the full USA Today article, simply click here.