Will The Nanny Musical Ever Get to Broadway? Here's an Idea.
- Joseph Stanek
- Apr 6
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Fran Drescher + The Nanny Musical = A Project So Perfect, Nothing Could Stop It from Imminent Broadway Success*
(*except perhaps if we experienced some global cataclysmic event that essentially put everything on hold until we figured out how to survive as a species beyond that cataclysmic event. But come on, what are the chances of something like that actually happening? lol)
Eight days into 2020, star of stage and screen Fran Drescher turned an otherwise blasé January into what I'm dubbing "Fran-uary" when she triumphantly announced to the world that she was developing a staged musical version of her hit 90's sitcom The Nanny.
At least here in New York City, every Broadway actor I know seemed to collectively burst out into a flash mob of precisely choreographed musical theatre singing and dancing in celebration of the announcement, and this flash mob kept going through the night, all the next day, and it continued for weeks and weeks, non-stop, until one day...
...a global cataclysmic event essentially put everything on hold for months upon months until we figured out how to survive as a species beyond that cataclysmic event.
Don't worry, Fran, the flash mob is ready to start again when you are.
I MEAN COME ON, the timing couldn't have been worse, and it's not Fran Drescher's fault. In fact, she was a hero! The first week of January is when Broadway shows close in droves—holiday tourists head home, box offices tank, and even long-running hits can’t escape the icy grip of attrition. No one is safe, unless you're in Hamilton or The Phantom of the-- oh, wait. Sorry, never mind about that one.
After the first couple weeks of January, the theatre industry more or less hibernates until Tony season starts to stir things up in late spring. It’s a tough time to launch any kind of buzz, let alone a new musical, but had COVID-19 not swept across the lives of everyone on the planet, I think this project would have developed quite smoothly all the way to the Great White Way.
But, as things turned out, the freshly-announced project vanished under the weight of a global pandemic, and in theatre, momentum is everything. She says she’s still working on it—and I, for one, am rooting for her. Broadway could use a dose of fabulousness and Queens-born chutzpah.
For those of you who, like myself, have developed a sense of style inspired by cheetah print, polka dots, and loud, bold colors because of The Nanny, you've got to be asking the same question: "Whatever happened to The Nanny musical they announced a few years ago?” — I am right there with you. But there should have been some movement on it by now... So… what gives?
The Nanny On Broadway's Creative Dream Team… and a Devastating Loss
The Nanny... on Broadway. Produced by Fran Drescher. Starring leopard-print high heels, loud patterns, and black-and-white houndstooth with a solid red beret. And today's most talented stage performers. What's not to love?
The original announcement was HUGE in the musical theatre world: Fran Drescher herself would be producing, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator Rachel Bloom was on board to pen the lyrics and book, and Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains of Wayne fame and Rachel’s longtime songwriting partner) would compose the score. This was a team that knew musical comedy — not just how to write it, but how to write it smart. Plus, those 90's sitcoms were literally written and staged to be performed in front of a live audience, so the characters we all love and adore would have a seamless transition onto the Broadway stage.
Tragically, in 2020, Adam Schlesinger passed away from complications related to COVID-19. His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, particularly in the musical theatre world, where his genius was only beginning to gain widespread recognition. To those in the know, Adam was the one to watch. He had range, he had bite, and he loved The Nanny musical project.
His absence wasn’t just a loss of talent — it was a loss of momentum, energy, and collaborative synergy that is nearly impossible to replace.
President Drescher and the SAG-AFTRA Actors Strike
Y'all, let’s not forget: Fran Drescher isn’t just a beloved actress and comedic genius — she’s also the President of SAG-AFTRA, and in 2023–2024, she led the actors union through one of the most pivotal labor strikes in Hollywood history.
When major studios refused to meet actors’ demands for fair pay and protections against AI exploitation, Drescher didn’t just show up — she showed OUT. Her leadership was bold, unwavering, and fiercely protective of her union members. The strike required all hands on deck, and Fran gave it her full attention, rightfully pausing any side projects, including The Nanny musical.
Watch her now-iconic rallying cry that ignited headlines around the globe:
Her strike speech was more than just a viral moment — it was a defining one. And while this detour may have delayed the musical even further, it also cemented Fran’s status as a powerhouse advocate and fearless leader. If anyone can reignite the musical after such a seismic event, it’s her.
Getting a Show to Broadway Isn't That Easy
For anyone unfamiliar with the inner workings of commercial theatre, here’s the truth: getting a musical to Broadway is an Olympic feat.
Even with a built-in fan base and a household name attached, the road to Broadway is littered with unforeseen delays, rewrites, and all other manners of red tape everywhere for as far as the eye can see. A new musical needs:
For musicals based on pre-existing works (like this one), rights to the characters and storyline, and periodic approvals from the rights holders throughout every step of the creative process
A finished book, score, and lyrics
Development labs or readings
Workshops to try out material with actors
Backers to raise millions in funding
A full production with a full cast, crew, orchestra, marketing team, publicity plan, and enthusiastic members of the production team to keep the momentum going while the show is mounted at a regional theatre for an out-of-town tryout
Rewrites after audience feedback, then money for rehearsals to put new material in where the feedback directs it to be
Recasting, design overhauls, and finally, if the stars align…
A Broadway house willing to take it on
And that’s assuming everything goes right.
Now consider this: The Nanny musical began development just before a global pandemic. Theatres went dark. Funding dried up. Travel halted. And one of its lead creative forces was gone. It’s a miracle any version of the show even exists in development limbo.
Proposal: Mount The Nanny Musical in Queens
Let’s get creative, Fran. I've got an idea for you.
(Updated May 6, 2025)
With the National Endowment for the Arts being ripped from beneath our country's feet as I type this, theaters across the country will inevitably shutter, community programming for the arts will disappear, and artists everywhere will become even more marginalized and less supported than they already are.
I don't work for any of the non-profit arts organizations that will feel (/are feeling) the most immediate blows from the defunding, but I know they are scrambling for their own survival.
Among them, I would assume, is Queens Theatre, a state of the art, award-winning performance arts venue that was built in 1964 as part of the New York World's Fair—right smack dab in the middle of Flushing, Queens.
Wait a second... Flushing, Queens?
...Don't we know someone from there?
We need a blog post dedicated to this exclusively.
Is There Still Hope?
Yes — and no. Fran Drescher remains one of the industry’s most tenacious personalities. Her position as President of SAG-AFTRA proves she’s not one to let an idea go without a fight. Rachel Bloom is still one of the most inventive voices in entertainment, and it's possible she and the production team are retooling or reassembling.
But the truth is: time matters in theatre. Projects lose urgency. Industry excitement fades. And unless a backer steps in to reignite momentum or a new composer is brought into the mix to finish what Schlesinger started, The Nanny Musical risks becoming another brilliant idea that never sees the lights of Broadway.
Why It Still Deserves a Shot
It’s easy to see why The Nanny would slay on stage. It’s got:
A fierce fashion-forward lead
Rich character dynamics perfect for ensemble moments
Over-the-top comedy that begs for musical heightening
A killer visual aesthetic with nostalgic glam
And one-liners that practically sing already.
Plus, audiences are craving comfort, camp, and charisma — all of which Fran delivers in spades.
The Final Curtain (For Now)
So, will The Nanny ever get to Broadway? It’s possible. But it would take serious recalibration, some bold creative hires, and a much better timing that didn't include a global pandemic and actors' strikes. Until then, we wait — like Sylvia in a buffet line — hoping someone finally dishes up the goods.
Costumes
You could go one of two ways here: lock down iconic Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long or go all out and just hire Christian Siriano for the gig (in what would be his third Broadway production, after My Love Letter to Broadway and Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls!).
(More to come, stay tuned...)
FAQ: The Nanny Musical, SAG-AFTRA, and What Comes Next
Q: Why hasn’t The Nanny musical opened yet?
A: Multiple factors have slowed progress, including the tragic passing of composer Adam Schlesinger and Fran Drescher’s leadership of the SAG-AFTRA strike — which rightfully commanded her full energy and focus.
Q: Did the actors strike really affect the timeline?
A: Absolutely. As President of SAG-AFTRA, Fran Drescher was at the epicenter of one of Hollywood’s most historic labor disputes. She wasn’t just present — she was leading the charge. That level of advocacy takes time and commitment, but it also proves she’s got the stamina to see The Nanny through.
Q: What’s the benefit of workshopping The Nanny in Queens?
A: Workshopping in Queens honors the show’s legacy and could revitalize a neighborhood theatre with a high-profile run. It brings the production to the community that inspired it — and positions it for Broadway buzz with authenticity and heart.
Q: Is the show still happening?
A: The creative momentum was paused, but not lost. Fran Drescher is still involved. And now that the strike is behind us, it’s the perfect time to bring it back into focus.
Final Thoughts...
If you're hoping to make it to Broadway as a performer, you've found your way to the right place. Nailed it. Be sure to explore my website (don't forget to check out my portfolio while you're at it!) and imagine the possibilities of what could happen with me as your vocal coach (or Broadway producer—I'm looking at you, Fran... it wouldn't be my first time!).
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