Where can I find a copy of the script for the musical "Nick & Nora?"

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Request for Question Clarification by leli-ga on 29 Oct 2002 13:07 PST

The only trace I've found of the script for the Broadway version of
"Nick and Nora" is a listing for it in a library collection. I'm not
sure if this is a satisfactory answer for your purposes. If this
information would be useful, please get back to me and of course I'll
be happy to write up the little I know as an answer.

Hi writerinakron~

The script for "Nick & Nora" has not yet been published or released to
the public.

Typically this isn't done until the writers and/or producers of a
musical have allowed the show its full run on Broadway, as well as
full runs with the professional touring companies. They want to be
sure that the vast majority of professional productions are done
before they release the musical to the general public and to amateur
groups.

Since there are only a handful of publishers who handle Broadway
musicals, it's easy to keep your eye open and find out when it is
finally released. Keep checking their sites, and eventually you'll
discover the script.

Samuel French publishes mostly plays, but occasionally handles a
musical:
http://www.samuelfrench.com

Music Theatre International handles a variety of Broadway musicals:
http://www.mtishows.com

The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization handles a small number of non
Rodgers/Hammerstein musicals:
http://www.rnh.com/index1.html

Tams-Whitmark is another Broadway musical publisher:
http://www.tams-witmark.com

Dramatists Play Service handles almost entirely straight plays:
http://www.dramatists.com/text/main.html

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Request for Answer Clarification by writerinakron-ga on 29 Oct 2002 14:27 PST

I was actually looking to purchase the script.  You said you found a
listing in a library collection, I never got that close.  I commend
you on finding that much, I've spent the last year trying to find a
copy of it.

I'm currently working on a novel where my charecter (who is a
detective) goes to see the show.  She loves it, being a fan of
musicals, Hammet's novels, the thin man movies, and of course, she is
a detective herself.

Without going further into detail on my work, I do want to tip my hat
to Mr. Laurents, whose work I am fond of.  (Laurents' "West Side
Story" and "Gypsy" beautifully written pieces.)  I'm not questioning
the inegrity of his work, but I want to read it for myself.  The only
way my character knows what she's talking about after the show is if I
do.  Listening to the and enjoying the Original Cast recording doesn't
fulfil this need.

I sincerely doubt I will be able to purchase this script anywhere.  So
long as I this library isn't in Bucharest, and it's a public library
where I can check the book out, your answer will suffice.  Considering
that's probably the BEST answer, I'll accept it, and let you know
you've done a good job.

I'll take a three day vacation somewhere if I have to so I can check
it out.  Please let me know whatever you can concerning this script. 
Library address, call numbers of the book, URLs, e-mail address to the
librarian, are all most appreciated.  I just hope I qualify for a
library card with them.

Besides, I'm in Ohio.  What else am I gonna do with my free time?

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Clarification of Answer by kriswrite-ga on 29 Oct 2002 14:38 PST

writerinakron~

Sounds like an interesting addition to your novel! Best of luck  with
it :)

However, I was not the person who said I found the script in a
library. Since the script for the Broadway musical hasn't been
published yet, the library item mentioned *cannot* be the Broadway
musical script. It may be a script for a different (non-Broadway)
musical or (most likely) play.

I wish I had a more positive answer, but there's not one to be had!

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Clarification of Answer by kriswrite-ga on 29 Oct 2002 14:45 PST

I should probably clarify that before I looked for the script at the
publishing houses, I did look for it elsewhere (including libraries)
and discovered only plays and screenplays for "Nick & Nora." Since I
later found it hasn't been published yet, it is now certain that the
script is unavailable to the public.

Gee, I'm not sure who is going to get paid for this, but I'm certain
the script in Utah is indeed the one I'm looking for.  Most likely Mr.
Curtis had either been involved in production, or purhaps was given
the script to read over for audition purposes.  Since the date on it
was 1990, it would make sense that the script would not reflect the
final production, as I know it went through a number of revisions
during the preview stage before it opened in December of '91.  Both of
the answers I have received are good answers in their own right.
Kriswrite is correct, full scripts are put out until the show has had
a full run.  However, leli gave me the answer I was really looking
for.  I'm not sure how google does it, but I feel that leli should
receive payment for the answer.  Thank you both for your efforts.

Not you want, but here's a synopsis of the musical to amuse you while
we continue to research...

http://www.nodanw.com/shows_n/nickandnora.htm

regards,

rico

Hello writer.
 
Of course kriswrite is absolutely right that the script hasn't been
published but if you want to take a trip to Utah you may be able to
read an original manuscript in a collection of Keene Curtis' theater
memorabilia at the University of Utah Marriott Library. It's clearly
listed in the inventory as "Nick and Nora" (1990) though I guess you
would want to check before setting out on your travels.

The inventory of Curtis' papers is at: 
http://www.lib.utah.edu/spc/mss/accn1468/accn1468.html

You'll find the email address for the Manuscripts Librarian at the
bottom of this page:
http://www.lib.utah.edu/spc/mss/spcmss.html

Good luck with tracking this down and with your novel.

Hi again~

Since "Nick and Nora" didn't open until 1991 (see this article, one of
many, that states the previews didn't even take place until then:
http://www.time.com/time/special/moy/ho/perspectivetext1.html), 1990
script *cannot* be that of the Broadway musical.

It may be a pre-Broadway script of the musical, but *dramatic* changes
take place between "try-outs" and opening night on Broadway. So, word
of caution: While it may be interesting to check out this script, it
won't give an accurate representation of what your novel's character
would have seen on Broadway.

Good luck!

kriswrite

Your view is appreciated, and I agree.  It was from 1990, and there
are probably a lot of differences between the script, and what it
looked like in December, '91.  I intend on exercising caution when I
read the script.  This is probably my best bet...  Unless you can find
Arthur Laurents' home phone number for me.  :-)  Considering the
script never hit the printing press, and it only ran for nine
performances, and seventy-two previews, the number of people who have
seen the finished product are few.  I'll exercise artistic license if
need be, I doubt I'm going to find the final script, and I'm pretty
sure it ended the same.  I think I know which article you're
referencing, I printed that out six months ago.  (The link you posted,
while it is a good article about AIDS, I believe is not the one you
intended to send.)