The musical underwent a lengthy and international development process, starting in UK regional theaters, moving to London's Off-West End and West End, then to Boston for rewrites, and finally landing on Broadway. This iterative journey allowed the show to be refined and adapted at each stage, incorporating new cast members and perspectives along the way.
With only two characters, the show competes against musicals capitalized for three to four times as much. Director Tim Jackson emphasizes that audiences perceive the show as feeling much larger than its cast size, thanks to innovative set design and strong emotional storytelling, earning it significant critical recognition.
The show is described as a "love letter to New York" created primarily by non-New Yorkers. This outsider viewpoint is a core part of its appeal, allowing audiences, including native New Yorkers, to rediscover the city through fresh eyes.
The producers' decision to bring the show to Broadway was heavily influenced by streaming data that showed the UK cast album had a significant following in America. This digital footprint provided evidence of market demand, mitigating the financial risk of a transatlantic transfer.
Keep pulling the thread on Tim Jackson.