No, they didn't have a fling. At least, I don't think that they did. But their paths did cross. Joel had been playing the lead in the Broadway production of Barefoot In The Park and it was kind expected that he would do the national tour. The producers apparently felt that Tab had more marquee value and cast him in the lead. Tab was a bit too old for the part but seemed to do well in the part. He was very gracious when discussing Joel in his autobiography, referring to him as a wonderful young actor. Things happen for a reason. I'm not 100% sure about the timing but it's certainly possible that if Joel had done the tour, he might not have been available for Dark Shadows.
