Roger Rees Replaces Nathan Lane in ADDAMS FAMILY, Talks to NY Post

Roger Rees, the Welsh actor, writer and director will take over the role of Gomez Addams in Broadway's THE ADDAMS FAMILY starting Tuesday, March 22. Reese will replace the celebrated Nathan Lane, who originated the role when the musical opened a year ago.

Rees is currently taking in the rave reviews for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, the recently opened off-Broadway prequel to "Peter Pan." Rees co-directed the production with Alex Timbers ("BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON). Rees may be best known in the US for his Tony-winning role in 1981's THE LIFE AND ADVENTRES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY and more recently, his role in "The West Wing" as Lord John Marbury. The 66-year-old recently sat down at talked with The Post about his current whirlwind.

When asked about stepping into the shoes of the well-known Nathan Lane, Rees said, "Nathan is my hero. I've been writing fan letters to him for years. It's an impossible task to do what he did, of course. But I so admire him. And he was really jazzed that I wanted to do it."

Rees' longtime partner, Rick Elice, co-wrote THE ADDAMS FAMILY, but Rees said it wasn't always a plan that he would one day play Gomez.

"I don't think Rick had anything to do with it, actually," said Rees. "I think they went through all the famous names and when there was no one left, they came to me. The first time I saw the show, in Chicago, I thought the part of Gomez was fantastic. It's also Spanish, and that's always funny. It's a real people-pleasing show. I think if Shakespeare were alive today, he'd be lining up to play Gomez."

Rees also said that Rick wasn't discouraged by the dismissive reviews that THE ADDAMS FAMILY received upon first opening.

"I think everyone thinks they can write musicals. Everyone has an opinion, and I think that's great. But in the end, people who can actually get up and write things are few and far between. It takes a lot of courage to actually do it."

This is not the first time that Rees has worked with Bebe Neuwirth, who plays Morticia. The two worked together on "Cheers," and Rees adds, "I also directed and co-starred with her in a production of "The Taming of the Shrew." And she starred in the musical revue "Here Lies Jenny," which I conceived and directed here at the Zipper Theater. We've done a lot of things together. She's very strong-minded. Everything's got to be good. So I'm working very hard on my dancing."

For the full interview, click here.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos