Anecdotes

Immediately following a phenomenally successful preview screening of the original Scream (1996), Bob and Harvey Weinstein offered Wes Craven a three picture deal, two of which were to be horror films, the last of which was to be "a petticoat film" (i.e. a costume drama for which the Weinsteins were known at the time) which Craven, a fan of classical music, chose to be this film.

Meryl Streep learned to play the violin, by practicing six hours a day for four weeks.

Many of the children featured in this film are actual students of Ms. Tvaraz and were actually with her during the events (including the Carnegie Hall Extravaganza) that led to the establishment of the Opus 118 East Harlem Violin Program that helped to support Roberta in the public school system.

Michael Angarano also learned the violin for his role. He still plays today.

Director Wes Craven's second and final non-horror/thriller film, after The Fireworks Woman (1975).