May 3, 2017
Opening statements in the civil trial between the producers of the musical "Rebecca" and their former publicist attracted widespread media attention, including coverage in the New York Times, the Broadway Journal, and Deadline Hollywood. The producers, who are represented by Schlam Stone & Dolan partners Erik Groothuis and Jonathan Mazer, allege that the production's former publicist sent anonymous, false emails trashing the production to a potential investor, resulting in the show falling apart just before commencing rehearsals. An appellate court has already ruled that the publicist breached his contract with the production, and the two to three-week jury trial will decide damages for that claim, as well as liability and damages for two related tort claims.