So Lane told the New York Post. "We've been talking about it, and I'm certain that it will happen," Lane said. He then quipped, "And I had nothing to do on New Year's Eve anyway."

Reports of the duo's return surfaced Aug. 6, causing hundreds of hopeful ticketbuyers to line up at the St. James Theatre the following morning. They were, however, disappointed. No contracts with the two stars have yet been signed and tickets to their performances are not on sale.

Lane commented on the premature scoop. "Everyone thinks I called the New York Post," he said. "The producers accused me of calling the New York Post, which I had nothing to do with. I guess [they thought that] because I was on the front page."

Lane and Broderick are expected to put in 90 performances during a three Month stay. The musical, based on Mel Brooks' famed film of the same name, currently stars Lewis Stadlen as Bialystock and Don Stephenson as Bloom. Although it has continued to sell well — the July 28-Aug. 3 box office receipts totaled $925,759 or 84.6 percent capacity — The Producers is not considered the blockbuster it once was with the original stars. During Lane and Broderick's stay, the show sold out most every week.

The Producers plays the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th Street. Call (212) 239-6200 for tickets.