Richard Kind Joins West End Revival Of ‘The Producers’ As Temporary Max Bialystock

Richard Kind (Only Murders in the Building, Broadway’s All In: Comedy About Love) will step into the West End production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers as a temporary “Max Bialystock” while current cast member Andy Nyman takes a seven-week break to appear in his own The Psychic.

Kind will begin the engagement on March 23, with Nyman, who co-wrote The Psychic with Jeremy Dyson, returning to The Producers May 11.

The Producers is being staged at London’s Garrick Theatre; The Psychic is set for the York Theatre Royal. Kind played the con-man theater producer Max Bialystock on Broadway in 2004 and at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012. Marc Antolin plays The Producers’ Leo Bloom in the current West End revival.

“Mel Brooks is a genius,” Kind said in a statement. “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 added, “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’s London stage credits include Guys and Dolls at the Phoenix Theatre. Broadway credits include, among others, The Big Knife, The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Screen credits include Mad About You, Spin City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Watcher and Argo.

In addition to Nyman and Antolin, the current Producers cast includes Trevor Ashley, Raj Ghatak, Harry Morrison and Joanna Woodward. Patrick Marber directs with choreography by Lorin Latarro.