The scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin unearthed the 1898 play while looking in an archive of Twain's papers at University of California. Boyett obtained the rights in spring 2003, and the play was published that fall.

Boyett and Haber are among the most prolific on Broadway, and this spring are producing Coram Boy, Journey's End and Inherit the Wind. Their other current Broadway shows are The Drowsy Chaperone and Spamalot.

The pair is producing Coram Boy via their association with the National Theatre in London, through which they have also produced The History Boys, Jumpers, Democracy and The Pillowman. Other credits include Bridge & Tunnel, Well, The Woman in White and Glengarry Glen Ross.

Ives' writing credits include the book adaptation for the recent Broadway production of Wonderful Town, the translation of the current Off-Broadway show A Spanish Play, the book for Dance of the Vampires and such plays as All in the Timing, Polish Joke, Don Juan in Chicago, The Red Address and Mere Mortals and Others.

Blakemore's Broadway directing credits include Copenhagen (Tony Award), Kiss Me, Kate (Tony Award), Democracy, The Life, City of Angels, Noises Off, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg and the upcoming Deuce.