All of the songs were recorded in New York two days before production began. The exception was "History Lesson" which Sam Tsui recorded and mixed a few days earlier, at a studio in Los Angeles.
Stephen Daldry, Broadway producer Devin Keudell, and Tony nominee Emily Skinner all provided affidavits to petition for Myles Erlick to receive an O-1B visa to star in the film. All were familiar with Myles after he starred as the title character of "Billy Elliot" in the show's Toronto, Chicago, and Broadway productions.
Mark Oxman discovered Uzo Aduba in a workshop production of "Prometheus Bound" at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was encouraged to attend by Steven Sater, who wrote the show's book and lyrics.
Filmed in six days.
All of the characters are named after Broadway talent - Stephen is named after Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz, as well as Steven Sater, a friend and mentor of Mark Oxman's. Anna Maria's name was inspired by Anna Maria Alberghetti after the director read a story about her stealing the portrait of a producer she hated from Sardi's restaurant. Ms. Kelly was named after Laura Michelle Kelly, whom Oxman had seen star in "Mary Poppins." Gavin was named after the two Berts from the show, Gavin Creel and Gavin Lee. Teal was named after Teal Wicks whom Oxman had seen play Elphaba in "Wicked"; Julianne was inspired by Julianne Moore who wrote "Freckleface Strawberry," a role Remy Zaken played when it moved off-Broadway. Cafeteria Lady and Homeless Guy were not given names since the film is told from Stephen's perspective and he does not know them out of context.