The tryout was supposed to open at the Auditorium in Chicago on November 14, 1991, after a week of previews. The opening was delayed by five days when co-star Sheena Easton came down with the flu. When it opened, Easton had temporarily departed the production. Understudy Joan Susswein Barber played the role on opening night in Chicago.
Easton recovered in time for the opening at the Pantages in Los Angeles.
Starting on June 2, 1992, Joan Diener played Aldonza (Dulcinea) on Tuesday nights and Wednesday matinees. On June 30, she took over the role full-time.