The production was troubled from the outset. Its leading lady, Eve Arden, departed the production after the first preview citing "artistic differences," and Holland Taylor stepped into the role.
The play opened Feb. 22, 1983, following 13 previews, and Frank Rich's scathing review in the New York Times sealed the show's notoriety.
"A visit to Moose Murders," he wrote, "is what will separate the connoisseurs of Broadway disaster from mere dilettantes for many moons to come." But few would have a chance to earn the dubious distinction; the play posted its closing notice after a single performance.
Read the Moose Murders opening (and closing) night Playbill in the Vault.
