News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

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.




Get The Nance Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

PREVIEW The Nance - 2013 - Broadway

The Nance Production Photo
Photos
Show Video Preview
Videos

FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Nance

‘The Nance’ review: Superb Nathan Lane, disappointing play
6 / 10

So even when material lets him down, which it finally does in 'The Nance,' Douglas Carter Beane's splendidly ambitious but psychologically superficial tragicomedy, it's thrilling to watch Lane bond with a character who demands the full attention of so many gifted layers of him.

Nathan Lane Bares All as Comic Queen in ‘Nance’: Review
8 / 10

There are moments when 'The Nance' feels too contemporary, though the play resists the snide humor afflicting Beane's adaptation of 'Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella,' which opened earlier this season. But it's also a sympathetic love story about one damaged man's inability to feel deserving of more than anonymous sex...Lane, in his best performance since 'The Producers,' brings considerable heart to Chauncey's ambiguities...Jack O'Brien has directed with his usual sensitivity, never allowing the play to devolve into a camp fest.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 History

Other Productions of The Nance

2013   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

The Nance - 2013 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2013 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Play Nathan Lane
2013 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music in a Play Glen Kelly
2013 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Nathan Lane
2013 Drama League Awards Distinguished Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play 0
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actor in a Play Nathan Lane
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Director of a Play Jack O'Brien
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play Jonny Orsini
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Cady Huffman
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play 0
2013 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Set Design (Play or Musical) John Lee Beatty
2013 The Hewes Awards Hewes Design Award Ann Roth
2013 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Play Ann Roth
2013 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design of a Play Japhy Weideman
2013 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Nathan Lane
2013 Tony Awards Best Scenic Design of a Play John Lee Beatty
2013 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Play Leon Rothenberg

Videos