Previews for the tryout in Boston were to have started on September 11, 1978, with an opening for Saturday, September 16, but the start of previews was delayed due to aome of the scenery being destroyed in a fire at Hart's Scenery Studio in Edgewater, New Jersey, on August 28. The fire was an act of vandalism committed by some young boys. Previews started on or around Thursday, September 14, and the opening was on Tuesday, September 19.