Broadway bloggers are weighing in some unexpected casting news: Tony Danza will portray Max Bialystock in the Broadway production of “The Producers” later this month.

Danza’s comedic timing is well known. He starred in two long-running sitcoms, “Who’s the Boss?” and “Taxi”, and his cabaret act has garnered some decent reviews in New York. Yet playing Bialystock seems a bit of a stretch for some. The character is a bombastic know-it-all usually played by bigger-than-life actors such as Nathan Lane, who won a Tony Award for his portrayal.

As Rotel1026 says on talkinbroadway.com: ”Is it just me or does anyone else think he’d actually fit the role of Leo Bloom (the nebbish accountant played originally by Matthew Broderick ) better?”
Chazwaza labels his posting on talkinbroadway.com: “I can’t think of anyone less right for his part.”

“This sounds like a true disaster,” says Rantaynyc on talkinbroadway.com.

On Broadwayworld.com, the postings were a little kinder. NathanLaneStalker and AudreyTwoTwo say, “Cool!” But mrSweetNAwful says, “Surefire sign this show is floundering.” 

“Seems like PRODUCERS is becoming the new CHICAGO–bring in B grade actors and the aufdiences will come!” says Zelgo on talkin.broadway.com

Casting celebrities in aging Broadway shows has paid off in the past. The smash-hit revival of “Chicago” has been running for a record-breaking 10 years with no signs of slowing down after welcoming such diverse performers as Huey Lewis, Rita Wilson, Usher, Brooke Shields and Melanie Griffith to its cast throughout the years.  

“The Producers” backers must be hoping for some of the same. The week of Nov. 20-26 was a record-breaking one for the Broadway box office but “The Producers” only filled about 60 percent of its theater capacity. The show broke all box-office records when it debuted five years ago – tickets were virtually impossible to come by.

Danza will join the production Dec. 19 for a 12-week run. Let’s see how ticket sales react. (Pictured left: Grand Magazine Feb/Mar 2006 issue featuring Tony Danza/handout. Pictured right: Matthew Broderick (R) and Nathan Lane in Times Square September 28, 2001/REUTERS)