Last night I saw a production of Next to Normal...- Page 2

[EvanK]

Posted: 1/24/14 at 2:36am

Most often in a script the stage directions you see are not by the actual authors. They are penned by someone who was involved in the original staging, and placed in... Mostly as a guide. So while you need to follow and honor the written text by the author, most often then not stage directions are not penned by them.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/24/14 at 8:50am

"Most" might be pretty strong. But in this case the return of Diana to the home at this time, is NOT present in the story. She's off with her parents trying to get a hold of herself....how can she already be back with the family? Miraculously she "saw the light"?

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 1/24/14 at 10:44am

n2nbaby, would be curious to hear what MTI says if you hear back.

[musicalfool]

Posted: 1/24/14 at 11:18am

I think that if a new staging FUNDAMENTALLY changes the fabric of the show (i.e. - not Mimi's pants), it violates the contract of the license.

[Jasonjt]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 1:35pm

There was no violation of the licensing terms involved in the staging of Light. The text and other copy written materials are presented faithfully. The director's decision to stage a 'reconciliation' suggestion at the end of the show can be interpreted many ways, and provides a sort of closure to the "Maybe" exchange between Diana and Natalie (which without closure is really just Diana making empty promises at the end of the show). This moment, like every other in the production, was carefully considered and staged by the director. You may like the decision, or dislike it, but to imply that the license was somehow violated as a result of the staging is untrue.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 1:39pm

"I think that if a new staging FUNDAMENTALLY changes the fabric of the show (i.e. - not Mimi's pants), it violates the contract of the license."

Incorrect.

ETA: the only time that might be true or actionable, in the eyes of the agency and/or court, is if the license requires that you stage the show using one's copyright protected choreography, such as Fosse's or Robbin's. Aside from that, the protection can only be applied to the written word.

"You may like the decision, or dislike it, but to imply that the license was somehow violated as a result of the staging is untrue."

This is correct. I'd encourage anyone who doubts this to contact MTI, or any agency for that matter, and ask for yourself. Updated On: 1/30/14 at 01:39 PM

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 1:53pm

All of this makes me remember that production of ANNIE where she woke up back at the orphanage at the end.

[newintown]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 1:54pm

"I think that if a new staging FUNDAMENTALLY changes the fabric of the show (i.e. - not Mimi's pants), it violates the contract of the license."

What, like everyone playing musical instruments in Sweeney Todd and Company? Like Kate punching Petruchio in the nose after her submission speech? Like Hedda Gabler showing her bare butt at the top of the show?

These things happen. A lot.

Updated On: 1/30/14 at 01:54 PM

[BudFrump23]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 2:29pm

I'm thinking of the revival of Nine in the early 2000's where at the end, Luisa walked back onstage at the last moment with Guido sitting there. In the original, I believe Guido was left alone. This altered the ending of the show, but it was a directorial choice, specific to that production. I love both versions (as they are two different representations of a show and can leave one with incredibly different feelings upon viewing. The magic of theater, folks!)

[xyz789]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 3:34pm

"Most often in a script the stage directions you see are not by the actual authors. They are penned by someone who was involved in the original staging, and placed in... Mostly as a guide. So while you need to follow and honor the written text by the author, most often then not stage directions are not penned by them."

It really depends on what script you're talking about. Book writers and playwrights do write stage directions. Some acting editions like Samuel French sometimes put in additional stage directions, diagrams of the original set etc. But this is starting to become more rare. Brian Yorkey's script for Next to Normal has his stage directions in it.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 1/30/14 at 4:57pm

Those stage directions, although written word, are NOT copyright protected. It is not intellectual property. A very specific dance or choreographed sequence can be copyright protected, though. For example: Robbin's choreography of the opening ballet in West Side Story is protected but Robbin's "style" is not. Nor are the stage directions.