Reams Slips Into Hasselhoff's Gown in Vegas Producers; Nolte Is New, Too

By Kenneth Jones
07 May 2007

Lee Roy Reams, the theatre veteran who recently played Roger DeBris in the New York company of The Producers, joins the Las Vegas cast May 7.

Reams replaces David Hasselhoff as cross-dressing DeBris in the mounting of The Producers at Paris Las Vegas. International stage and screen star Hasselhoff played his final performance in Vegas May 6 in order to be part of the new season of NBC's "America's Got Talent" program.

Also on May 7, Bill Nolte joins the troupe as Franz (replacing Fred Applegate), joining principals Leigh Zimmerman as Ulla, Brad Oscar as Max, Larry Raben as Leo and Rich Affanato as Carmen Ghia.

Lee Roy Reams received 1981 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations for his performance as Billy Lawlor in the original production of 42nd Street. His numerous Broadway credits also include Sweet Charity; Applause; Lorelei; Hello, Dolly!; La Cage aux Folles; Beauty and the Beast; An Evening with Jerry Herman; and The Producers. Reams also directed and choreographed the 1995 revival of Hello, Dolly!

The Mel Brooks-Thomas Meehan musical comedy had its gala premiere at Paris Las Vegas on Feb. 9, after previews from Jan. 31. The production opened on Broadway on April 19, 2001, to unanimous rave reviews and is the recipient of the most Tony Awards in Broadway History (12, including Best Musical). It closed April 22.

For tickets and information, visit www.parislasvegas.com or call (877) 374-7469.