The musical was based on an original concept by Melanie Mintz, and the book (referred to as the "liner notes") was written by Anne Beatts, with additional material by Jack Heifner.

The Broadway production had a lengthy preview period, during which the musical was retooled and much of the spoken dialogue was cut, turning Leader of the Pack into more of a revue.

[1] Leader of the Pack celebrates the life and times of the Brooklyn-born Greenwich, whose doo-wop sounds skyrocketed to the top of the pop charts in the early to mid-1960s.

Beatts' "liner notes" serve as the book that link the songs and provide a look into the songwriter's professional triumphs and personal misfortunes.

After 53 previews, the much-expanded production, boasting a cast of nineteen directed and choreographed by Michael Peters, opened on April 8, 1985 at the Ambassador Theatre, where it ran for 120 performances.

Leader of the Pack is a popular choice for high school and amateur productions, which Ellie Greenwich frequently managed and oversaw until her death in August 2009.

The cast included: Shoshana Bean, Brenda Braxton, Dianna Bush, Todd DuBail, Duane Martin Foster, Angela Garrison, Amy Goldberger, David Josefsberg, Joe Machuta, Ric Ryder, Denise Summerford, Jewel Tompkins, Ashley Howard Wilkinson.

One reviewer wrote, "Brenda Braxton shows her stuff in "The Sunshine After the Rain," and Angela Garrison does well with her numbers, including, notably, "The First Time."

Darlene then takes us back to a simpler time, the 1960s, and the music of that period as well ("Wait 'til My Bobby Gets Home").

("Jivette Boogie Beat") Fast forward a few years later where Ellie, now finished with school, attempts to get job writing at the Brill Building.

There she meets a fellow writer, Jeff Barry, and Gus Sharkey, a music producer (in the vein of Phil Spector).

They continue to crank out hit songs for Darlene Love, The Crystals, The Shangri-Las, and Connie Francis, with much success.

("Leader Of The Pack") Jeff and Ellie are in the midst of receiving numerous awards for their work, but it has become obvious their marriage is on the rocks.