The Nance 2013

Run Time:
2 hours 30 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: April 15, 2013
Closing: August 11, 2013

The Nance - 2013 - Broadway History , Info & More

Lyceum Theatre (Broadway)
149 W. 45th St. New York, NY 10036

A nance, according to Webster's Dictionary, is "an effeminate or homosexual man." In the world of 1930's burlesque, a nance was a wildly popular character, a stereotypically camp homosexual man, most times played by a straight performer. In The Nance, playwright Douglas Carter Beane tells the story of Chauncey Miles (to be played by Nathan Lane), a headline nance performer in New York burlesque, who also happens to be a homosexual. Integrating burlesque sketches into his drama, Beane paints, with humor and pathos, the portrait of a homosexual man, living and working in the secretive and dangerous gay world of 1930's New York, whose outrageous antics on the burlesque stage stand in marked contrast to his messy offstage life.



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PREVIEW The Nance - 2013 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Nance

Theater review: 'The Nance'
7 / 10

'The Nance,' which opened Monday night at the Lyceum Theatre, is a great showcase for the performing skills of Nathan Lane. Beyond that, things get a little murky.

Tortured Soul of Burlesque Puts on Quite the Act
8 / 10

A spotlight works like a face-lift on Chauncey Miles, the title character of 'The Nance,' the strained if heartfelt new play by Douglas Carter Beane, set in the twilight of burlesque. As portrayed with shiny expertise and dark conviction by Nathan Lane in a production that opened on Monday night at the Lyceum Theater, Chauncey looks every year of whatever age he may admit to, and then some, whenever he's not onstage...This Janus-faced persona makes Mr. Lane a natural for the divided soul that is Chauncey, and he doesn't disappoint. Moving between his natural and artificial selves in increasingly adverse circumstances, his Chauncey flips the on and off switch so often that it finally short circuits, to devastating effect...But even Mr. Lane can't reconcile all the disparities Mr. Beane's script asks him to weave together.

THE NANCE to Air on PBS' LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER Series in 2014
by Nicole Rosky - August 14, 2013

As BroadwayWorld previously reported last night, The Nance will soon hold three encore performances, at which PBS will film the show. BroadwayWorld has confirmed that it will be featured as a part of the 'Live from Lincoln Center' series, to be broadcast in 2014.

Official: THE NANCE to Be Recorded for PBS' LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER Series
by Nicole Rosky - August 9, 2013

As BroadwayWorld reported last night, THE NANCE will soon hold three encore performances, at which PBS will film the show. BroadwayWorld has confirmed that it will be featured as a part of the 'Live from Lincoln Center' series, to be broadcast on a later date.

Nathan Lane Will Go On in THE NANCE Tonight Despite Foot Injury
by Nicole Rosky - July 25, 2013

Earlier today, BroadwayWorld confirmed that 2013 Tony nominee Nathan Lane was injured during a performance of THE NANCE last night and had to be replaced by his understudy, Stephen DeRosa. BWW has now confirmed that Lane will indeed go on in tonight's performance at the Lyceum Theatre despite his injury.

Nathan Lane Injures Foot & Leg During NANCE Performance
by Nicole Rosky - July 25, 2013

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that 2013 Tony nominee Nathan Lane was injured during a performance of THE NANCE last night and was unable to complete the show. A Lincoln Center Theater representative told BroadwwayWorld: 'The status of his injury is unknown for now, but he is at home resting today.'

BWW TV Exclusive: Meet the 2013 Tony Nominees- Nathan Lane on the Gift of Playing His Role in THE NANCE
by Nicole Rosky - June 1, 2013

BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was thrilled to sit down and speak with nearly all of this year's Tony Award nominees at the official Tonys Meet & Greet on May 1, 2013, and we will be bringing you special coverage on all of them throughout the awards season. Today we bring you Nathan Lane, a nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for The Nance. Check out what he had to say below!

VIDEO: Nathan Lane Chats THE NANCE on 'Jon Stewart'
by Caryn Robbins - May 15, 2013

Tony Award-winning actor Nathan Lane stopped by last night's THE DAILY SHOW to discuss his new Broadway play, 'The Nance.' Check out the appearance below!

BWW Interviews: Andréa Burns, a Stripper with a Gimmick in The Nance
by Naomi Serviss - May 14, 2013

Andrea Burns portrays a saucy burlesque stripper in a darkly comic play about the political climate concerning homosexuality in 1937 New York.

VIDEO: THE NANCE's Nathan Lane Talks Tony Competition with Tom Hanks on THE LATE SHOW
by BWW News Desk - May 4, 2013

Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of The Nance, a new play by Douglas Carter Beane, directed by Jack O'Brien at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) and starring Nathan Lane will now run through August 11, 2013. Lane stopped by THE LATE SHOW with David Letterman last night to discuss his Tony Awards competition with 'award magnet' Tom Hanks. Watch below!

Lincoln Center Theater Extends THE NANCE Through August 11
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2013

Lincoln Center Theater (under the direction of Andre Bishop, Artistic Director, and Bernard Gersten, Executive Producer) has announced an eight week extension through Sunday, August 11 of its critically acclaimed production of THE NANCE, a new play by Douglas Carter Beane, directed by Jack O'Brien at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street).

Review - The Nance
by Michael Dale - April 24, 2013

I suppose the problem with being the greatest Broadway comic actor of your generation is that once the label sticks you rarely get the opportunity to prove that you can also turn in great dramatic performances.  (Conversely, not since Garbo laughed has anyone been surprised to see a great dramatic actor excel in a comic part.)  In Douglas Carter Beane's ambitious, provocative and lovely protest drama/romantic comedy, The Nance, Nathan Lane finally gets to originate the kind of role that highlights what makes him a genuine stage star.  He sings, he says funny lines, he plays love scenes… but most of all he perceptively plays a strikingly original character in what will most likely be considered, up to this point, the best stage performance of his career.

BWW TV: Chatting with the Cast of THE NANCE on Opening Night- Nathan Lane & More!
by Nicole Rosky - April 16, 2013

Douglas Carter Beane's new play The Nance, directed by Jack O'Brien, opened last night, April 15 at The Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street). This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. BroadwayWorld'S Richard Ridge was there to celebrate the special night with the cast and creative team, and you can check out what they had to say on opening night below!

Photo Coverage: Celebrate Opening Night with the Cast of THE NANCE- Inside the After Party!
by Walter McBride - April 16, 2013

The Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) presents Douglas Carter Beane's new play The Nance directed by Jack O'Brien, which opened last night, April 15. This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture all of the excitement of The Nance's opening night, and you can go inside the after party festivities below!

Photo Coverage: Red Carpet Arrivals for the Opening Night of THE NANCE on Broadway
by Walter McBride - April 16, 2013

BroadwayWorld.com was there to capture all of the excitement of THE NANCE's opening night, scroll down for photos from the red carpet below!

Review Roundup: THE NANCE Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Review Roundups - April 15, 2013

The Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) presents Douglas Carter Beane's new play The Nance directed by Jack O'Brien, opening tonight, April 15. This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen.

BWW TV: Sneak Peek of Nathan Lane & More in THE NANCE!
by Nicole Rosky - April 15, 2013

Performances began March 21, 2013, at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) for Douglas Carter Beane's new play The Nance directed by Jack O'Brien. This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns,Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. Opening night is tonight, April 15. BroadwayWorld brings you just-released highlights from the show below!

THE NANCE, Starring Nathan Lane, Opens on Broadway Tonight
by Kelsey Denette - April 15, 2013

Performances began March 21, 2013, at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) for Douglas Carter Beane's new play The Nance directed by Jack O'Brien. This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. Opening night is tonight, April 15.

Photo Flash: First Look at Nathan Lane, Jonny Orsini and More in THE NANCE!
by Nicole Rosky - April 1, 2013

Previews are currently underway for Lincoln Center Theater's production of THE NANCE, Douglas Carter Beane's new play, directed by Jack O'Brien, at the Lyceum Theater (149 West 45th Street). The production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. Opening night is Monday, April 15. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the stars in action below!

THE NANCE, Starring Nathan Lane, Begins Previews on Broadway Tonight
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2013

Performances begin tonight, March 21, 2013, at 8 pm at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) for Douglas Carter Beane's new play The Nance directed by Jack O'Brien. This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. Opening night is Monday, April 15.

THE NANCE Begins Performances at Lyceum Theatre on Thursday
by Nicole Rosky - March 19, 2013

Performances begin this Thursday (March 21) at 8 pm at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street) for Douglas Carter Beane's new play THE NANCE directed by Jack O'Brien. This production features Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Mylinda Hull, Nathan Lane, Geoffrey Allen Murphy, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. Opening night is Monday, April 15.

BWW TV: Nathan Lane & Jack O'Brien on THE NANCE's Set & Costumes
by Nicole Rosky - March 8, 2013

Lincoln Center Theater will present The Nance, a new play by Douglas Carter Beane to be directed by Jack O'Brien. The production will begin previews on Thursday, March 21 and open on Monday, April 15 at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45 Street). It will also star Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. In the video below, Nathan Lane and Jack O'Brien chat specifically about the show's sets and costumes. Check it out below!

Photo Coverage: Meet the Cast of THE NANCE- Nathan Lane & More!
by Walter McBride - March 7, 2013

Lincoln Center Theater will present The Nance, a new play by Douglas Carter Beane to be directed by Jack O'Brien. The production will begin previews on Thursday, March 21 and open on Monday, April 15 at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45 Street). It will also star Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. The cast met the press yesterday and you can check out full photo coverage from the festivities below!

BWW TV: Meet the Cast of THE NANCE- Nathan Lane, Jenni Barber, Andrèa Burns & More!
by Nicole Rosky - March 6, 2013

Lincoln Center Theater will present The Nance, a new play by Douglas Carter Beane to be directed by Jack O'Brien. The production will begin previews on Thursday, March 21 and open on Monday, April 15 at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45 Street). It will star Nathan Lane, Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. The cast met the press earlier today and you can check out what they had to say about the play below!

FREEZE FRAME: Nathan Lane and Cast of THE NANCE Meet the Press!
by Walter McBride - March 6, 2013

Lincoln Center Theater will present The Nance, a new play by Douglas Carter Beane to be directed by Jack O'Brien. The production will begin previews on Thursday, March 21 and open on Monday, April 15 at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45 Street). It will also star Jenni Barber, Andrea Burns, Cady Huffman, Jonny Orsini and Lewis J. Stadlen. The cast met the press earlier today and you can check out a photo preview from the festivities below! Be sure to check back later for full coverage.

The Nance FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Nance have there been?
The Nance has had 1 productions including Broadway which opened in 2013.
What Tony Awards has The Nance been nominated for?
The Nance has been nominated for the following Tony Awards: Best Costume Design of a Play for Ann Roth, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Japhy Weideman, Best Scenic Design of a Play for John Lee Beatty, and Best Sound Design of a Play for Leon Rothenberg.
What awards has The Nance been nominated for?
The Nance has been nominated for several awards including Outstanding Music in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Glen Kelly, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Nathan Lane, Distinguished Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jack O'Brien, Outstanding New Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards), Outstanding Set Design (Play or Musical) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for John Lee Beatty, and Hewes Design Award (The Hewes Awards) for Ann Roth.
What awards has The Nance won?
The Nance has won several awards, including Outstanding Music in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Glen Kelly, the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for Nathan Lane, and the Distinguished Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play at the Drama League Awards. Additionally, the show received the Outstanding Director of a Play award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Jack O'Brien, Outstanding New Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Outstanding Set Design for a Play or Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for John Lee Beatty, and the Hewes Design Award at The Hewes Awards for Ann Roth.

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