Much ado was made as both the new musical Urban Cowboy and the new play Life x 3 announced the March 27 opening. The double opening, a more common occurrence in the '20s, '30s and '40s, in recent years had been avoided as shows would log in their scheduled openings with League of American Theaters and Producers so that no two shows would share a date. The coveted Thursday night opening became commonplace as it allowed for optimum media coverage the following day.

Producer Ron Kastner stated in a release, "I do not wish to cause complications for either production by splitting critical and media attention which would happen if we opened the same evening. Life x 3 has a very tight schedule, with the commitments of our director and creative team, but luckily we are able to move to Monday night (March 31)."

Life x 3 which will reside in the Circle in the Square, is said to have posted first, however without the theatre — a spokesperson cited they were waiting for the Circle's current tenant Metamorphoses to announce its closing. Previews begin for the play starring Helen Hunt and John Tuturro March 11.

However, the movie-turned-musical Urban Cowboy had posted its opening date with the Broadhurst Theatre before plans for Life x 3 were announced. Production spokesperson Pete Sanders told Playbill On-Line the show had booked March 20 in December 2002, but when the Into The Woods load-out looked to take longer than expected, they immediately rescheduled and announced for March 27 in January. Previews begin for the new tuner with music by Jason Robert Brown Feb. 27.

As the 2002-2003 season winds down and the Tony Award eligibility cut-off date of May 7 nears, producers are cramming their productions into the Broadway schedule. Every Thursday from March 27 to the end of the current season—with the exception of April 17—has been spoken for. Set to open in the coming months are: