Dreyfuss to take ‘Producers’ turn

Richard Dreyfuss, 56, will become the theater world’s next Max Bialystock in the London production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers.” English comedian Lee Evans, 39, will co-star as Leo Bloom, Bialystock’s timid partner. The pair will assume the stage roles made famous by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the original Broadway musical, which won a record 12 Tony Awards; Jason Alexander and Martin Short currently star in the Los Angeles production.

Because Dreyfuss is not known as a singer, the casting has raised questions about whether he’s up to a role so vocally demanding that it left Lane battling throat problems throughout his yearlong run. The London producers insist he’s got the pipes: “Richard went through the numbers and met the musical supervisor and Mel and [director-choreographer] Susan Stroman and everyone came away thrilled,” said co-producer David Ian. The comedy will open Nov. 9 at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

From Times staff and wire reports