Rehearsals began in September 1947, but numerous crises made it a difficult production from the start. Minnelli was casting the supporting roles in Easter Parade, when Freed called him into his office. Looking grim and uneasy, Freed said, "Vincente, I don't know how to tell you this." Minnelli knew immediately that something was wrong, fearing that perhaps the front office had decided to scrap the picture.
