Posted: 6/4/15 at 10:03pm
VERY interesting timing. But also very frivolous. If it's indeed public domain, I'm not sure there's much of a case.
Posted: 6/4/15 at 10:21pm
Per the estate's statement against the show- who, exactly, is going to see Hand to God based on the inclusion of Who's on First in the script? The whole thing is obviously some kind of a stunt.
Posted: 6/4/15 at 11:13pm
Absurd. It's been in the script since the first staging at EST several years ago. Why act on this now, other than the fact the show is in the spotlight?
Posted: 6/4/15 at 11:39pm
Haven't looked at the article yet, but Who's On First? was not invented by Abbott and Costello. It's one of those routines Vaudevillians had been doing "since the year one", as they say in Gypsy.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 8:17am
If the estate can prove in court that A&C were closely identified with the sketch, then they might have a case for some compensation. Btw, I just saw a version of the sketch on The Big Bang, so good look with that.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 8:26am
Right ..... like the future earning potential of A&C will be forever damaged by this.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 9:18am
"If the estate can prove in court that A&C were closely identified with the sketch, then they might have a case for some compensation. Btw, I just saw a version of the sketch on The Big Bang, so good look with that."
If the bit really is in the public domain, then there is no case. It doesn't matter who it it closely identified with. If the bit was only perceived to be in the public domain, but is in fact not, then compensation is due. There really isn't a grey area here.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 9:35am
Marc Rachman, who is representing Abbott & Costello's heirs, said, "'Hand to God' is using 'Who's on First' not just to get laughs from the audience but also to get people to buy tickets."
Has anyone seen ANY marketing materials, advertisements or commercials that say (or imply) see "Hand to God" so that you can see 'Who's on First' performed live on stage!
I didn't even know that 'Who's on First' was even performed in "Hand to God" until this lawsuit was brought up. Friends who have gone to see the show never mentioned "OMG 'Who's on First' was performed" or "You have to go because 'Who's on First' was done!"
People are not buying tickets because of 'Who's on First' - period.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 10:08am
LOL. Yes, of course, I avoided getting a ticket to Hand to God, until I heard that it included Who's on First. I rushed to buy a ticket then! I LIVE to see that routine performed. And of course, as soon as that routine ended, I left the theatre -- it was the only reason I went to see the show.
HUH? Who do they think they're kidding?
Posted: 6/5/15 at 10:13am
Be careful, Patash! The Abbott and Costello estate might pull your quote as evidence!!
Posted: 6/5/15 at 10:36am
there is B-roll of it, and it is online promotionally. still no case.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 10:39am
Can someone explain to me what Who's On First is?
Posted: 6/5/15 at 10:40am
Posted: 6/5/15 at 10:43am
Posted: 6/5/15 at 11:22am
Greased....that is probably the most heart breaking post ever.
And NO ONE is seeing Hand to God because of the tiny section of it that is included. Heck, I even forgot it was IN it at all.
The estate is a bit cray-cray.
Updated On: 6/5/15 at 11:22 AM
Posted: 6/5/15 at 11:59am
Cannot believe that anyone on earth has not heard this routine.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 12:10pm
As much as I wanted to love this show, the Who's on First bit was the only part when I laughed out loud.
Posted: 6/5/15 at 3:17pm
I've seen the show 3 times (EST, Lortell, B'way) and frankly, I barely remember Who's On First being in it.
My favorite Fenway Bar might be in trouble, though
Posted: 6/5/15 at 4:26pm
Posted: 6/5/15 at 4:30pm
You sure told him! (hours after other people already had)
