What Happened to The Producers (musical)?

The Producers, a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, is an adaptation of Brooks's 1967 film of the same name. It tells the story of Max Bialystock, a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer, and Leo Bloom, his timid accountant, who devise a scheme to get rich by intentionally producing a surefire flop, 'Springtime for Hitler,' overselling investment shares, and pocketing the remaining money when the show closes on opening night. However, their plan backfires spectacularly when the musical becomes an unexpected smash hit, leading to hilarious chaos and legal repercussions for the duo.

The musical had a pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago in February 2001 before opening on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on April 19, 2001, starring Nathan Lane as Max and Matthew Broderick as Leo. Its immediate success was phenomenal, driven by Mel Brooks's signature irreverent humor, sharp wit, and a stellar original cast. The production, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, was lauded by critics and audiences alike for its over-the-top characters, show-stopping numbers, and satirical take on Broadway traditions.

A key turning point was the 2001 Tony Awards, where 'The Producers' made Broadway history by winning a record-breaking 12 awards out of 15 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, and awards for its lead actors and creative team. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by 'Hello, Dolly!' for 37 years and solidified its status as a monumental success. The original Broadway run continued for 2,502 performances, closing on April 22, 2007.

Following its Broadway triumph, 'The Producers' spawned a successful West End production in London, which opened in 2004 and ran for over two years, as well as national tours across the US and UK, and numerous international productions. A film adaptation of the musical, also starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, was released in 2005. The musical's enduring popularity is evident through its continued revivals. In late 2024, a new Off West End revival began at London's Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by Patrick Marber, which then transferred to the Garrick Theatre in the West End in September 2025.

As of September 2, 2026, 'The Producers' continues to be actively staged. The West End revival at the Garrick Theatre, which saw Richard Kind replace Andy Nyman as Max Bialystock in 2026, is scheduled to close on September 19, 2026. Additionally, a 25th-anniversary production is running at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine from August 27 to September 26, 2026, featuring original Broadway cast and creative team members. Other regional productions in 2026 include runs at Theatre in the Country in Langley, BC (June 3-20, 2026) and Vintage Theatre in Aurora, CO (September 12 - October 11, 2026). A North American tour is also projected to begin in Fall 2027, starting in Providence, RI, with another engagement in Spring 2028 in Cleveland, OH, indicating the musical's sustained presence in the theatrical landscape.