Character guide
Roger De Bris
from The Producers
Roger De Bris is the flamboyant, hopelessly untalented director Max and Leo hire to helm their intentionally terrible show in The Producers.
- Show
- The Producers
- Broadway premiere
- 2001
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Mel Brooks
Roger De Bris: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 1967 film and 2005 movie musical
The musical hands Roger De Bris the role of Hitler. On stage, when Franz breaks his leg on opening night, Roger is the only other person who knows the part, and he plays Hitler so flamboyantly that the audience takes the show as satire. In Mel Brooks's 1967 film, Christopher Hewett's Roger only directs, and Hitler is played by the hippie actor L.S.D. (Dick Shawn).
Gary Beach originated Roger on Broadway in 2001 and won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, then repeated the role in the 2005 movie musical, with Roger Bart again as his partner, Carmen Ghia.
Who is Roger De Bris?
Known around town for a string of failures, Roger is exactly the kind of director Max is looking for, someone whose track record all but guarantees disaster. Roger arrives with his own entourage and a highly theatrical sensibility, and his eventual involvement in the production, including stepping into a leading role himself, becomes a major turning point in the plot.
His larger than life personality and unwavering confidence, despite a near total lack of directing success, make him one of the show's most quotable supporting figures.
Playing Roger on stage
Roger is a supporting role that rewards a performer with big comic instincts, strong vocal chops, and total fearlessness about embracing over the top camp. The part includes a showcase featured number and later a surprise turn in the spotlight, so it calls for range beyond pure comic relief.
Audiences love Roger because he is unapologetically himself in a show full of characters pretending to be something they are not. His theatrical excess and self assurance make him a scene stealer whenever he is on stage.
Roger De Bris: frequently asked questions
What show is Roger De Bris from?
Roger De Bris appears in The Producers, the 2001 Mel Brooks musical.
Is Roger a lead or supporting role?
Roger is a supporting role, but one with a major featured turn later in the story.
Who wrote the music for The Producers?
Mel Brooks wrote the music and lyrics for the entire production.
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