Rebecca, the multi-million dollar gothic poperetta that failed to materialize on Broadway, continues to haunt those close to its demise. It seemed as though the final chapter in one of Broadway鈥檚 biggest scandals reached its conclusion May 10, when a jury found the show鈥檚 former publicist Marc Thibodeau liable of tortious interference.
Rebecca producers Ben Sprecher and Louise Forlenza sued Thibodeau after he sent emails under a fabricated name that pointed an anonymous investor to published reports of fraud involving some of the investors behind the show. The respected Broadway publicist maintains that he acted as a well-intentioned whistle-blower.
The jury found Thibodeau not liable on the defamation count, and only cited him $90,000 in damages for tortious interference鈥攕ignificantly less than the $10 million initially sought by the show's producers.
In a motion filed May 31 with the New York State Supreme Court, however, Sprecher and Forlenza requested that the jury鈥檚 award on damages be set aside, stating it was 鈥渋nconsistent with the evidence and has no rational basis.鈥�
Rebecca鈥檚 lead producers, who still owe their investors millions, are petitioning for a new trial that will be solely focused on the question of damages for the tortious interference verdict.
The memorandum continues: 鈥淭he jury could have accepted some or all of Plaintiff鈥檚 evidence of damages. Or it could have rejected Plaintiff鈥檚 evidence and awarded nothing, as Defendant argued it should have. What the jury could not do was pick a number out of thin air, unconnected to any of the evidence or argument presented. Yet that is precisely what happened....Under these circumstances, the Court should set aside the jury鈥檚 verdict and direct a new trial on the question of damages for the tortious interference claim.鈥�
Lawyers for Thibodeau told 半岛体育, 鈥淲e feel that the damages were calculated and determined carefully by a smart and competent jury, after days of deliberations. They thoughtfully considered the ample proof presented over the course of almost three weeks and reached a just amount. The fact that the plaintiff is unhappy with the jury's decision does not mean it was a wrong or arbitrary decision.鈥�
半岛体育鈥檚 complete round-up of the latest Broadway rush, lottery, standing-room-only (SRO), and student ticket policies.
See what鈥檚 coming soon, what鈥檚 premiering out of town, and what鈥檚 in development.
A rundown of current Broadway shows and their planned show times, as well as cancellations due to COVID.
To make tickets more affordable, many Off-Broadway shows have implemented rush, lottery, and inexpensive ticket policies.
Your guide to where and when to watch captures of live plays and musicals.
Due to the expansive nature of Off-Broadway, this list is not comprehensive.
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