Adler had almost completed a full draft with his current composer, Nathan Hurwitz, when his agent contacted him, asking about his interest in working with Hamlisch.
Supporters of the National Theatre were dismayed that it was staging the premiere of what was primarily an American musical, and rumors that it was a disaster spread through London.
In an interview with Stephen Holden of The New York Times, Hamlisch said, "A project like Jean seems awfully risky to a producer.… I have to keep reminding myself that A Chorus Line was initially considered weird and off the wall.
[1] Milton Shulman in the Evening Standard compared the songs to "penny whistles at a state funeral",[1] while Robert Cushman of The Observer felt "Marvin Hamlisch's score is the best he has written for the theatre.
"[1] An article in the January 12, 1984 edition of The New York Times reported that the National, citing "disappointing reception by the critics" and poor box office, would close the show on April 4.