Broadway’s Rebecca Will Be Postponed

The producers of Broadway’s Rebecca have announced that the show is being postponed again. The show, which has already been delayed twice, was originally set to begin previews next month at the Broadhurst Theatre, and the cast was set to begin rehearsals on Monday, October 1.

The production’s budget reportedly suffered a loss of $4.5 million after the death of a principal investor, Paul Abrams, this summer (although questions have surfaced whether that person ever existed.).

While the budget gap had reportedly been mostly filled, producers Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza now state a new investor withdrew after receiving a malicious, anonymous email on Friday, September 28.

In a statement released by Sprecher, he writes: “Why anyone would be so hateful and cruel and would go to such a huge amount of effort to uncover confidential information, including the details of a private transaction and the identities of an individual and his attorneys, and send such an e-mail with the goal being to shut down a production that involves the jobs of over a hundred people and their families, is something I am having a terrible time grasping. This is devastating for everyone involved in this wonderful and unique production. All that we have ever wanted to do is put on this amazing show.”

Sprecher went on to say, “We will not stop our efforts to mount this show and alternatives are already unfolding. We will continue doing everything we can to protect this asset and our investors. We have provided a copy of this e-mail to the proper authorities and a criminal investigation is already under way. “

Based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, the musical tells the story of Maxim de Winter, his new wife (“I”), and Mrs. Danvers, the controlling and manipulative housekeeper of Maxim’s West Country estate of Manderley.

The show features an original book by Michael Kunze, music by Sylvester Levay, English book adaptation by Christopher Hampton, and English lyrics by Hampton and Kunze.

Michael Blakemore and Francesca Zambello are set to direct the show, with musical staging by Graciela Daniele.
The cast was to be led by Jill Paice (“I”), Ryan Silverman (Maxim de Winter), and Karen Mason (Mrs. Danvers).

For TheaterMania’s previous story on the delay of Rebecca, click here.