Structured similarly to the earlier musical/film My Favorite Year, Laughter on the 23rd Floor features Stephen Mailer as Lucas, who maintains a running commentary on the writing, fighting, and assorted wacky antics which take place in the writers' room of "The Max Prince Show".

Nathan plays the show's star and leader, supported by his zany team of writers (played by Mark Linn-Baker, Michael Countryman, Randy Graff, J.K. Simmons, Lewis J. Stadlen and Ron Orbach) and constantly clashing with network honchos over the presentation of the show.

The character of Max Prince has been described as a cross between Sid Caesar and Jackie Gleason - fine company indeed.

After seeing the show, director Mike Nichols went backstage to offer Nathan a role in his upcoming movie -- which became The Birdcage.

The show was restaged by Stadlen for a national tour with Gabe Kaplan (replaced by Ernie Sabella) as Milt and Orbach as Prince.

Front Row: J.K. Simmons, John Slattery, Nathan Lane, Stephen Mailer, Bitty Schram. Back Row: Mark Linn-Baker, Randy Graff, Ron Orbach, Lewis J. Stadlen.

REVIEWS

Hollywood Reporter Review of the Showtime production

Laurie Lawson
"[Nathan Lane's] His superb performance of the tough guy with a heart of gold is hilarious"

SHOWTIME ORIGINAL MOVIE

Showtime and Paramount have produced an original made for cable film version of "Laughter on the 23rd Floor." It features Nathan, Mark Linn-Baker, Victor Garber, Robert Guillaume, Peri Gilpin, Saul Rubinek, Dan Castellaneta, Richard Portnow, Zach Grenier, Mackenzie Astin, and Jake Goldsbie. Filming took place in Toronto in April and May 2000 with Richard Benjamin directing. The show begins airing on Showtime May 26.

Showtime Laughter Page

Paramount Interview with cast

Internet Movie Dabatabase listing.