USA Today has taken a closer look at "The Producers", the film adaptation of the multi-award winning Mel Brooks Broadway musical - which itself was an adaptation of Brooks' original 1968 film which won an Oscar for its screenplay.
Brooks its revealed has been on hand in New York City to keep the budget on track and hovering at a 'reasonable' level of around $50 million. The production is being filmed across five spacious soundstages at the new Steiner Studios located at the Brooklyn Navy.
One set is described as a realistic Shubert Alley circa 1959 in the heart of the theater district. Apparently its authentic down to the era-appropriate titles ablaze on nearby marquee and the grimy wads of gum defacing the sidewalks.
The filmmakers on this and assorted other upcoming projects like "Rent" and "Hairspray" all confirm that it was the Oscar and mega box-office success of "Chicago" that helped green light this new wave of musicals.
Lane confirms the musical numbers will just be slotted in and not explained in an elaborate way like "Chicago" was - "If it is done well, audiences will accept the convention. This movie says, 'I'm happy, so I'm singing.'"
The infamous "Little Old Lady Land" number in which a chorus line of 60 randy grannies - Max's silver-haired harem of investors - tap-dancing with their walkers in front of the Plaza hotel, is definitely being incorporated.
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Thanks to 'Stef'.
