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The Nerd

Closing: April 10, 1988

The Nerd - 1987 Broadway History , Info & More

Hayes Theatre (Broadway)
240 West 44th St. New York, NY

An up-and-coming architect invites into his home the hero who saved his life… who also happens to be a total stranger! The visitor is a hopeless ‘nerd’ who outstays his welcome leading to one riotous incident after another. From a time before cell phones, this side-splitting comedy by Larry Shue (The Foreigner) is one of the funniest plays ever written.


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How Have Broadway Theater Sizes Changed Over the Years?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 24, 2026


xBroadway’s current theater capacity rules have not always been how they are now. The distinctions between Broadway, off-Broadway, and other types of venues have changed over the decades as the industry has evolved. 

Joe Pasquale Will Lead CINDERELLA at Orchard Theatre in Dartford
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2026


Joe Pasquale will return to Dartford's newly refurbished Orchard Theatre to star in CINDERELLA, produced by Imagine Theatre. The comedian last appeared at the venue in 2016.

How Often Do Shows Go From Off-Broadway to Broadway in Two Separate Productions?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 28, 2025


This season, three plays are receiving Broadway debuts which already made significant noise off-Broadway in their original productions, years ago. Becky Shaw, Bug, and Marjorie Prime will all be opening on Broadway in early 2026 in brand new productions. The first and last are spending time on Broadway at the Hayes under the auspices of Second Stage while Bug is being presented by Manhattan Theatre Club at their home, the Friedman. 

Friends and Collaborators of Stephen Sondheim Who Appear in His Collection at The Library of Congress
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 16, 2025


During his prolific and storied career, Sondheim collaborated with many other artists, from book writers to directors, from actors to musicians. Seeing Sondheim’s regular collaborators, close friends, one-time associates, mentors, and rare connections make appearances in his collection was both moving and illuminating.

How Common Are Foreign Language Plays on Broadway? A Look at Translation Trends
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 23, 2025


While the large majority of plays that make it to Broadway were written in English, a small fraction of plays were originally penned in a different language and translated. 

Which Pre-Broadway Tryout Theater Boasts the Most Best Musical Tony Award Winners?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 30, 2025


While different tryout theaters have different relationships to the development of new shows, it’s worth looking at both which commercial rental theaters and which non-profit theaters have had the most Best Musical Tony Award winners come from their stages.

Surprising Celebrities Who Began Their Careers in HAIR
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 24, 2025


Diane Keaton made her Broadway debut in the original Broadway production of Hair at the age of 22. The landmark musical started out at the Public Theater off-Broadway in 1967 before transferring to the Biltmore Theatre on Broadway in 1968. Keaton joined the cast for the Broadway run, originating her track in the show.

A History of Three-Handers on Broadway
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 5, 2025


While a lot has been written about two handers, a term for two-person shows, less has been penned about three-handers. Yet, three-person plays are just as common a genre on Broadway as pieces with only two players. Currently, Art, by Yasmina Reza, is receiving an all-star revival at the Music Box.

Who Are the Oldest Actors to Star in a Broadway Show?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 30, 2025


June Squibb is a beloved actor with an incredibly long career—but does 96 make her the oldest actor to play Broadway in a regular production with 8 performances a week? According to our research, that is indeed the case! 

The History of the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Attempts to Bring It Back
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025


The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.

What is the History of New Musicals at the Public Theater?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 20, 2025


The new musical Goddess can currently be seen in its New York premiere production at the Public Theater on Lafayette Street. Directed by the Public’s associate artistic director and resident director Saheem Ali, who is currently Tony Award-nominated for directing Buena Vista Social Club, Goddess is playing at the Public’s largest space by capacity, the Newman Theatre.

STAR WARS On Stage: A Guide to Broadway Stars in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025


With the highly anticipated second season of Andor arriving in a few short weeks, we have compiled a list of the most noteworthy Star Wars actors to have graced the Broadway stage over the years.

How Often Do Broadway Musicals Tackle the Topic of War?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 30, 2025


This time, the reader question was: How Often Do Broadway Musicals Tackle the Topic of War? There are actually many musicals about war in the canon. The rare feat of Operation Mincemeat lies in its tone. The show is a fast-paced, zany, comedic take on a mission that used a dead body to mislead the Axis forces, leading to the successful Allied invasion of Sicily.

An In-Depth History of the Orpheum Theatre
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 9, 2025


Some of the shows that the Orpheum has been best known for are Stomp, which ran there for an astounding 29 years, from 1994 to 2023, and the original production of Little Shop of Horrors which spent over five years at the theater from 1982 to 1987. 

Which Broadway Shows Have Mega-Mixes?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jan 5, 2025


The term “megamix” became widely known on Broadway with that game-changing jukebox musical Mamma Mia! in 2001. The British import, featuring the tunes of ABBA set within a new story, concluded with a multi-song medley after the curtain call that encouraged the audience to sing and dance along.

Are We In a Sondheim Renaissance?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jul 6, 2024


This time, the reader question was: Have there been a lot of Sondheim productions in New York City since the legendary composer and lyricist passed away?

Which Broadway Theaters are the Biggest/Smallest?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 29, 2024


This time, the reader question was: Which Broadway theaters are the largest and which are the smallest and our expert, Jennifer Ashley Tepper has done a deep dive on the sizes of Broadway theatres both past and present!

How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 14, 2024


This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?

How Often Are Musicals Revived with Their Original Director?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 31, 2024


This time, the reader question was: How often is a musical revived on Broadway directed by its original director?

Is Michael Greif Setting a Record by Directing 3 Shows This Season?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 10, 2024


This time, the reader question was: Is Michael Greif setting a record by directing three shows this season?

How Often Are American Presidents Depicted on Stage?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 18, 2024


This time, the reader question was: Oh, Mary! currently has so much buzz off-Broadway. What is the history of American presidents being depicted on stage?

How Often Are Broadway Plays Adapted Into Musicals?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 8, 2023


This time, the reader question was: With Purlie Victorious returning to Broadway, what are other plays that were revived on Broadway after their musical adaptations premiered?

THE SHINING & More Lead BroadwayWorld Atlanta's Top Picks For September 2023
by BWW Staff - Aug 30, 2023


Atlanta is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. September 2023's top picks include Alliance's The Shining and more.

Which Broadway Theatres Have Undergone the Most Dramatic Transformations?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 6, 2023


This time, the reader question was: Which Broadway Theatres Have Undergone the Most Dramatic Transformations?

Do Broadway Actors Ever Play Multiple Roles in the Same Show?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jul 29, 2023


This time, the reader question was: How many different roles has one actor been contracted to play in the same Broadway production?

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