Writer Scott McPherson died of complications from AIDS shortly after completing this adaptation of his stage play. As such, it is his only film screenplay.
Sigourney Weaver, Anjelica Huston, and Kathleen Turner were all considered for the roles of Lee and Bessie.
At one point, the film was going to be made with Anjelica Huston as Lee and Meryl Streep as Bessie. But as pre-production and financing took its toll, Huston dropped out, while Streep took over the role of Lee and suggested Diane Keaton for the role of Bessie.
According to Scott McPherson, Debra Winger was interested in playing Lee Lacker.