In 1991, Broadway witnessed one of its most spectacular falls from grace with Nick & Nora, a musical adaptation of the beloved The Thin Man novel and film series. With a dream team that included Arthur Laurents, the creative force behind classics like West Side Story and Gypsy, Charles Strouse, the prolific composer of Bye Bye Birdie and Annie, and Richard Maltby Jr., known for Ain't Misbehavin', this show had all the makings of a hit. The star-studded cast featured Barry Bostwick and Joanna Gleason, among others. However, despite the promise on paper, Nick & Nora faced an unprecedented series of delays, setbacks, and ultimately, a one-week run.
This episode sheds light on why the show faced so many challenges, from those who were there every step of the way. We explore the explosive clashes, financial woes, and behind-the-scenes drama that led to Nick & Nora's abrupt closure, serving as a cautionary tale that even Broadway's brightest stars can find themselves lost in the shadows.
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Closing Night is a production of WINMI Media with Patrick Oliver Jones as host and executive producer. Dan Delgado is the editor and co-producer, not only for this podcast but also for his own movie podcast called The Industry. Maria Clara Ribeiro is co-producer, and a big thank you goes to Richard Maltby, Jr and Mark Hoebee for their candor and openness in sharing their stories from this tumultuous musical.
Click here to find the transcript for this episode and a full list of links and resources used.