The record-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical opens at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Nov. 9 with Lane reprising his role as producer Max Bialystock. Lane was a last-minute replacement for Richard Dreyfuss, who departed the show during rehearsals. Lane agreed to a three-month run, and since that time ticket sales have increased and the show’s booking period was extended. Nobody seems to quite know what’s going to happen when Lane has to leave to shoot the film of the Mel Brooks show, since Max is one of the most demanding parts in musical theatre.

The show’s creators, however, have been delighted with Lane’s speedy integration into the London company. “Nathan is terrific in the role,” U.K. producer David Ian told Playbill On-Line. “He also works very well with his co-star Lee Evans. They were together in the movie 'Mouse Hunt,' so they know each other and are friends.” Evans was consulted on the move to replace Dreyfuss with Lane.

Other West End cast members include Leigh Zimmerman as Ulla, Nicolas Colicos as Franz Liebkind, James Dreyfuss as Carmen Ghia and Conleth Hill as Roger De Bris. The Producers features a score by Mel Brooks and a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan. Susan Stroman directs and choreographs.

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