Moose Murders premiered at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York City, showcasing a plot that centers around a group of characters involved in a murder mystery and a comedy of errors set in a fictional upstate New York lodge. Written by Arthur Bicknell, it was intended to be a humorous romp filled with zany antics and quirky characters. Notably, the play featured a well-known cast, including Linda Lavin and other notable performers, creating anticipation prior to opening night. However, the production faltered in execution, leading to an overwhelmingly negative reception from critics who deemed the writing and staging subpar.

The performance on that winter night was marked by a series of missteps in both direction and delivery. Despite the cast's efforts, the material was criticized for its erratic pacing and confusion, particularly in how humor was crafted and delivered. Terrible reviews from critics ultimately led to an immediate swell of word-of-mouth negativity among attendees, which precipitated a decision to close the curtain permanently right after the initial show. The patrons’ reactions ranged from disbelief to laughter at the absurdity of it all, making this night one to remember, but not for the reasons intended.

This unexpected closure made Moose Murders a notable footnote in Broadway history, utilized in discussions about theatrical failures, often being referenced when analyzing how even professional productions can miss the mark. The show’s failure sparked conversations in drama circles about the rigorous nature of Broadway productions, how to choose material wisely, and what makes a successful theatrical presentation. The immediate collapse of Moose Murders stands as a cautionary tale for playwrights and producers about the unforgiving nature of live theatre, particularly on the Broadway stage.