The lead was originally offered to Gary CooperGary Cooper, who turned it down, then to Bing CrosbyBing Crosby, who also turned it down, then to Fred MacMurrayFred MacMurray, who took it.
The play, Burlesque, opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA on 1 September 1927 and closed in July 1928 after 372 performances. The opening night cast included Barbara StanwyckBarbara Stanwyck, Oscar LevantOscar Levant and Charles D. BrownCharles D. Brown. It was revived in 1946 and ran for 2 seasons with Bert LahrBert Lahr and Jean ParkerJean Parker.