In September 1987 Sweet Charity, directed by Bob Fosse and assistant-directed by Gwen Verdon, was being revived at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. Just as the show was opening, Fosse had a massive heart attack on the sidewalk outside the theatre and collapsed in his hotel room in Verdon’s arms. He died on the way to the hospital, and his death was announced to the cast after a standing ovation at the end of the evening.