Stage version of Sondheim's "Evening Primrose"?

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:16am

I read that Sondheim's brilliant TV musical was adapted for the stage in London as a part of the "Lost Musicals" series. I'm wondering if anyone knows whether the rights to this production are available?

If they aren't available, would it be illegal to transcribe the libretto from the film and perform it at a college in an educational production where no admission would be charged and no profit made?
Information on the London production

[sondhead]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:31am

"If they aren't available, would it be illegal to transcribe the libretto from the film and perform it at a college in an educational production where no admission would be charged and no profit made?"

Why do people seem to think if something is educational and not for profit that it's okay to use other people's work for free?

No, without an agreement from the authors you can not just decide to do it. And Evening Primrose isn't licensed.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:37am

That's why I was asking.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:40am

Even if it isn't liscensed, is it possible to contact the producers/book writer/composer and come to an agreement with them, to perform their material? I understand it would be hard to do, but if they give you permission, are you allowed to?

[sondheimboy2]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:42am

Though that didn't stop someone from doing it at a college here in Pittsburgh last year. It was done as part of a one act play festival that was only advertised in the school.

I went to see it. They stuck very closely to the script of the teleplay, though the person who did it decided to add some "laughs" to the script by having all these commercial catchphrases in one characters lines. "Now can you hear me? Good." "That was Easy"

It didn't really work because it was one in a black box with minimal props. You can't really give the impression of a department store with three clothesracks that have about three items on them each.

And they cut the bridge-game song.

It wasn't worth the effort, really.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:46am

I want to perform it for the exact same purpose. It would be two evenings of student-directed one acts.

It's such a beautiful little story with some of Sondheim's most beautiful music. I'd love the chance to expose others to the piece.

Updated On: 3/26/08 at 12:46 AM

[sondhead]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:51am

"Even if it isn't liscensed, is it possible to contact the producers/book writer/composer and come to an agreement with them, to perform their material? I understand it would be hard to do, but if they give you permission, are you allowed to?"

It's definitely possible. They did it in London, as the OP linked to. You can't, however, just decide to do it because it's educational.

[sondheimgeek]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:53am

Oh ok, thank you! It would be a shame for this piece to be lost. Hopefully it will have some incarnation soon!

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 1:02am

So all I have to do is drop Steve a line? And I thought this would be difficult!

I'm not interested in doing anything illegal; that's why I was asking. I'd just love for people to be able to experience this beautiful piece.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 1:43am

I honestly don't see why not. It's like doing a scene from a play, or doing a One-Act for a directing project? Right?

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 1:57am

That's correct. I didn't really see the difference.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 2:02am

Yeah, I mean, for our directing II projects we are required to do full One-Acts that can't be student written, and it's not like we go and get permission from the writers. It's just a way to showcase their work, they're getting credit for it, and more exposure, so why not?

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 8:50am

Some young German producers are in talks with the rights holders at the moment in order to do a German languague production of it. We'll see how it turns out.

[sondhead]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:40pm

"I honestly don't see why not. It's like doing a scene from a play, or doing a One-Act for a directing project? Right?"

If it's in a class, that's one thing. When people are watching it and its a performance it's another.

Actually, in all technicality, both scenarios are most likely illegaly, but as far as 99% of writers are concerned, they would probably only object to the latter.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 3/26/08 at 12:47pm

To perform pieces in festivals and competitions you have to acquire the rights as well.