The people who are producing this show have 'pirated' the rights.
They have not recognized the original work of the late Bob Clark nor paid his estate for using his original work. The original screenplay was written by Bob Clark, Jean Shepherd and Leigh Brown. (all are deceased)
This 'Intellectual Property' has been stolen by people who did nothing to contribute to the original work.
Peter Billingsley worked (brilliantly) on the original production but he was not involved, in any way, with the ownership of the Intellectual Property.
The producers have, in their own way, mirrored their actions to the bums on Wall Street who raped us and laughed all the way to the bank.
I guess they believe that they don't have an obligation to the dead artist who created this American classic and brought it to the screen and into the hearts of the American people.
More importantly what do you think of Follies? Does it matter if they watch each other perform? Who's your favorite Roscoe? Which is the best cast recording? Have you seen any footage of the original? Should Carlotta have a drink in her hand when she starts "I'm Still Here"? Is it OK if Hattie wears a Turban?
That's a very serious charge and I'm certain it has no merit whatsoever. Most Broadway shows are derivative works. What this has to do with Wall Street is beyond me.
The Producers of "A Christmas Story" have made arrangements with the producers of the original movie. Distribution of royalties to the movie's original creative team or the estate of Bob Clark will depend on the original deals that were made.
What is significant about this show is that Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have written a rich, beautiful (and original) score for this musical, now on tour.
Yes, I am certain. "A Christmas Story" was produced at the 5th Avenue theater in Seattle last year and is currently playing at the Hershey Theater as it begins its new tour. I am certain that rights have been properly acquired for both of these productions.
I do not always back scum, but unfortunately I often can't resist arguing with idiots on the internet.
I saw "A Christmas Story" at the 5th Ave last year, it was a solid, entertaining show. I was especially impressed with the craftsmanship of the score. Pasek and Paul have written a bunch of fabulous show tunes that express the characters and move the story along. Reviews were mostly positive, with some gripes about Act 2 being too long.
Since kjgoch has chosen to anonymously defame the producers of this tour here I'm going to post this year's tour schedule. This is a chance to hear the work of two promising young theater composers, well worth a long drive.
Hershey, PA Hershey TheatreNov. 8–13, 2011
Detroit, MI Fisher TheatreNov. 15–27, 2011
Raleigh, NC Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts/Memorial Auditorium Nov. 29–Dec. 4, 2011
Tampa, FL David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Dec. 6–11,
2011 Chicago, IL The Chicago TheatreDec. 14–30, 2011
Bob Clark is billed for the production as per its website. Of course I cannot comment on renumeration, but it's not as if he's gone completely uncredited.