It’s Curtains For “Rebecca” As Troubled Broadway Musical Is Cancelled

We just reported how the upcoming Broadway musical Rebecca was facing one headache after another in the wake of a mysterious producer’s death.

Now, The New York Post is reporting the show, a hit in Europe, has officially been cancelled due to lack of funding.

The $12 million show was set to start rehearsals on Monday, after numerous delays. But the “death” of Rebecca‘s biggest investor, Paul Abrams—who supposedly died from malaria before he could sign over a check for $4.5 million—threw everything into jeopardy.

Oddly, no one—including producer Ben Sprecher—had ever met Abrams,  and theater insiders even doubted his existence.

Reports Post theater columnist Michael Riedel:

Sprecher spent last week scrambling to raise money from other investors but it appears he was unable to put a deal together. Yesterday morning panicked cast members began hearing rumors that Rebecca was off. There is no official word yet from the production but The Post has learned that the show will not open this season.

Blakemore and composer Michael Koontz flew in from Europe expecting to begin rehearsals on Monday, sources say. They’ve been working on the show, which is based on Daphne Du Maurier’s classic gothic novel, for more than a year. Cast members passed up other jobs because they had faith that Sprecher, who kept them in the loop via e-mail, would be able to shore up the production.

The original film version of Rebecca, Alfred Hitchcock’s first foray in Hollywood, is considered a gem by queer film-lovers who love its campy sense of melodrama and the inclusion of evil housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, whose dyke-y overtones were highlighted in Vito Russo’s The Celluloid Closet.

 

Don't forget to share:

Your support makes our travel guides possible

We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated