Dane Cook to Star in ‘The Producers’ at the Hollywood Bowl

Comedian Dane Cook has signed on to join the the cast of the upcoming Hollywood Bowl production of “The Producers,” it was announced recently. The production is set to run at the venue from July 27-29.

Cook will play Franz Liebkind in the play, and will join the previously announced cast of Richard Kind as Max Bialystock and Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Leo Bloom. Kind is perhaps best known for his television work, which includes roles on the hit sitcoms “Mad About You” and “Spin City,” though he also has appeared on Broadway multiple times. He played the role of Bialystock on Broadway in 2002. Ferguson is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the ABC show “Modern Family.”

Though primarily known from his stand-up comedy work, Cook has appeared in numerous television shows and movies. This will be his first high profile stage work, though he was set to appear in the Broadway version of “Fat Pig” last year before the production was cancelled.

Cook most recently appeared in a guest appearance on Louie C.K.’s show “Louie,” and will also appear on the upcoming NBC show “Next Caller.” He has appeared in a slew of movies, including “Dan in Real Life,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” “Waiting…” and “Good Luck Chuck.”

The Hollywood Bowl production of the Oscar winning musical will be directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. The previously mentioned actors will be joined onstage by Rebecca Romijn, Gary Beach and Roger Bart. Kevin Stites will be the musical director.

The press notes describe the famous musical like this:

From the brilliantly comedic mind of Mel Brooks comes this insanely funny adventure – a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant concoct a get-rich scheme to bilk their investors out of millions by producing the most notorious flop in history.