Richard Kind reprises role in West End musical The Producers for seven-week run
The 69-year-old will join the production at London’s Garrick Theatre.
US actor and comedian Richard Kind will take the stage for seven weeks this spring to reprise his role in the West End production of The Producers.
The 69-year-old will join the production at London’s Garrick Theatre, based on Mel Brooks’ cult classic film – which starred Gene Wilder, from March 23.
Kind will reprise his role as loud-mouthed, fraudulent theatre producer Max Bialystock, a role he played on Broadway in 2004 and at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012.
The 1967 movie was written and directed by Oscar-winning actor Brooks, and is a satirical comedy which follows Broadway producer Max Bialystock and accountant Leo Bloom, who scheme to get rich by producing the worst musical ever.
Kind will replace Olivier Award nominee Andy Nyman as the leading role in the production until May 11, and said it is “good to be back”.
He said: “Mel Brooks is a genius. Every time I come back to The Producers, I’m reminded what a comic masterpiece it is – the jokes, the infectious energy of the story, the sheer audacity of it all – it still feels as fresh as ever.
“I’m so thrilled to be returning to the iconic role of Max Bialystock; this is a hat-trick for me – they just can’t keep me away.
“I’ll be sure to keep Andy’s fedora warm for his return, and I’m excited to dive into rehearsals. It’s good to be back.”
Brooks said: “When I learned we needed an actor to briefly fill Andy’s nearly unfillable shoes, only one name came to mind.
“Richard Kind is a true force of nature – he’s got enough talent and energy to fill two stages.
“I am beyond thrilled for audiences at The Garrick to experience his Max Bialystock. London, get ready; you’re in for a hilarious ride.”
Kind will step into the role as Nyman takes a break from The Producers this spring, to premiere a play he co-created with Jeremy Dyson at York Theatre Royal, titled The Psychic.
The Producers made its West End debut in 2004, following its success on Broadway, and ran for three years until closing in 2007.
The play, which has won 12 Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards, returned to the London stage last August, where it is set to run until September 2026.
The Producers – written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music written by Brooks, and directed by Patrick Marber – will star Kind in the West End production from March 23 to May 11.
