LONDON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- News that actor Richard Dreyfuss, citing health problems, quit London's production of "The Producers" reportedly relieved all parties involved.
Sources close to the West End musical, set to open in four days, said Dreyfuss was not comfortable with the physical requirements of the show, including singing, dancing and being in a chorus line. But the official statement said shoulder and back injuries forced him to leave the show, Britain's Telegraph reported Tuesday.
"(Co-star) Lee Evans has been blinding and diamond-sharp, but Dreyfuss didn't seem quite at ease," an unidentified insider said, with another adding Dreyfuss' departure was "probably a relief to all parties."
Last Thursday, the Oscar-winning actor appeared on "The Frank Skinner Show" and jokingly told viewers not to buy tickets until after Christmas, a gaffe sources said likely indicated he did not feel prepared.
The show's producers denied Dreyfuss, who had never danced or sang in a show, left for any reason other than medical ones.
Nathan Lane, who won a Tony for playing Max Bialystock in Broadway's version of the show, agreed to fill in for the next 12 weeks.
