He’s a master of the new school of musicals, moving from traditional musical comedy to a more realistic musical. It has hysterical moments as well as wonderful, heartbreaking moments. There’s not necessarily a bad guy...

I had a feeling it was at least semiautobiographical; it’s such a personal story. The audience has an almost voyeuristic experience.

It’s not a depressing play; both of them do get on with the business of living. But it’s not a fairy tale. It’s for anyone who has loved and lost and everyone has.