Nathan Lane's Producers turn in London earns Olivier nomination

The Producers and Mary Poppins went head-to-head Thursday when nominations were announced for the Laurence Olivier Awards, Britain's top theater honors. Critics raved over the world stage premiere last month of Mary Poppins, which took 10 million pounds in advance sales before it even opened. The tale of the magical nanny led the Olivier field with nine nominations. Next, with eight, came Mel Brooks's The Producers. Out Broadway star Nathan Lane, who stepped in at the last moment to replace Hollywood veteran Richard Dreyfuss in the London premiere, was nominated as Best Actor in a Musical along with British costar Lee Evans. Dame Judi Dench received her 13th Olivier nomination for her supporting role in All's Well That Ends Well. The Best Actor prize could be the toughest to win this year. The shortlist features Michael Gambon, Jonathan Pryce, Richard Griffiths, and young Hamlet sensation Ben Whishaw. The awards will be announced in London on February 20.