The play opened Off-Broadway on June 2, 1987, at Stage II of the Manhattan Theatre Club, where it ran for two weeks. Directed by Paul Benedict, the original cast starred Kathy Bates and F. Murray Abraham.[2][3] On October 14, 1987, it opened at Stage I for a six-week run. Kenneth Welsh played the part of Johnny in the Stage I production.[2][3] On December 4, 1987, the play transferred to the Westside Theatre, and closed on March 12, 1989. Bruce Weitz and Carol Kane replaced Welsh and Bates later in the run. Kathy Bates won a 1988 Obie Award and was nominated for a 1987–1988 Drama Desk Award.[4]