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The Nance

The Nance at Lyceum Theater

Why see The Nance?

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.

Key Information

Run Time

Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, which includes a 15-minute intermission

Dates

Finished Aug 11, 2013

Cast

Nathan Lane as Chauncey Miles
Jenni Barber as Joan
Andr?a Burns as Carmen
Cady Huffman as Sylvie
Jonny Orsini as Ned
Lewis J. Stadlen as Efram
Mylinda Hull as Rose, the Wardrobe Mistress
Geoffrey Allen Murphy as Charlie, a Stagehand

Creative

Written by: Douglas Carter Beane
Jack O'Brien (Direction)
John Lee Beatty (Set Design)
Ann Roth (Costume Design)
Japhy Weideman (Lighting Design)
Leon Rothenberg (Sound Design)
Joey Pizzi (Choreography)
Glen Kelly (Original Music and Arrangements)
Larry Blank (Orchestrations)

Awards

2013 Tony Awards

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Best Costume Design of a Play
Best Sound Design of a Play

Reviews

Customer reviews

3 reviews, average rating: (4.2 Stars)

Kerman Raines

Perfect Part for Nathan Lane

Okay. I'm a long time fan of Nathan Lane. But, I have been waiting for a vehicle that showcased his talent as well as this play does. I laughed and cried for 2 hours and 15 minutes. I did not want the evening to end. This is not one of those show where you keep checking your watch! I will be back before it closes! Run to see it. You won't be sorry. The supporting cast was just as good as the star. The Burlesque acts where terrific! They may just bring back Burlesque! ... Read more

Suzie

Wonderful!

Absolutely loved this play! It leaves the audience with something to think about. The Nance had remarkable performances from the entire cast, but something about Nathan Lane just embodies his character. It had a sense of humor to break up the dark and often heart wrenching feelings it stirred. I couldn't recommend it enough! ... Read more
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