In July 1981, the musical was announced to open on Broadway in April 1982, with Joe Layton as director and choreographer, sets by Tony Walton, and produced by Don Gregory.
Plans were for the musical to start rehearsal on February 15, 1982 then have try-outs "at the Colonial Theater in Boston in April and open on Broadway on May 6 [1982].
[4] The Miami Herald, which described the show as "thoughtful, accessible and emotionally involving," said that Anderson's score "excels throughout" and is well matched with Goldsmith's "droll, witty and bittersweet" lyrics.
"[citation needed] Book, lyrics and music are written using theatrical styles of each era in his life, from his conception and birth to his apparent triumph in his early twenties.
The various styles include street performing, operetta, music hall, Punch and Judy, vaudeville, ballet and burlesque.