When the cast of a new Broadway musical meets for the first time at one of the major rehearsal studios in New York, the director introduces the creative team and shows off the production designs. Then there is a read-through of the script. Within a few days one or two numbers are partially staged and the press is allowed in for photos and interviews. Zero Mostel and the company of Fiddler on the Roof rehearse the wedding dance.
Most rehearsals are with piano accompaniment only.
Composer John Kander began his career as rehearsal pianist for Gypsy . Depending on the size of the cast, the leads may rehearse key scenes separately and only join the ensemble as required. At this point the director and choreographer are molding performances to fit their overall vision of the show. In a typical New York rehearsal hall, Jon Cryer and Daniel Jenkins rehearse Big 's FAO Schwartz scene. With luck, everyone takes a professional attitude and a friendly atmosphere prevails.