Richard Dreyfuss: Did He Jump or Was He Pushed

WAS DREYFUSS FIRED?American actor RICHARD DREYFUSS was reportedly fired from the upcoming London production of THE PRODUCERS because he "wasn't ready or funny enough".The JAWS star announced he was quitting the West End musical on Monday (18OCT04) due to "the effect of the physical demands of the show" upon a previous shoulder and back injury.NATHAN LANE, who played Dreyfuss' role of MAX BIALYSTOCK in the Broadway production of The Producers, has now stepped in.Theatre sources tell the British newspaper the DAILY MAIL that Dreyfuss was told to leave, after West End bosses were unimpressed with his rehearsal performances.

A source says, "He wasn't up to putting together the whole massive performance. He was behind in most of the dance moves, behind in the lines, and most importantly of all, he wasn't funny."

Dreyfuss admitted recently he was having difficulties getting to grips with the dance steps, saying, "The trouble is, I'm not actually here. I'm here in London, but my body hasn't actually arrived yet. But it will."

The Producers' director SUSAN STROMAN says, "I'm a tough taskmaster. Maybe he could do it in six months time."

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