May 10, 2006
Show Goes On for Bronx High School Students
It's an ending fitting for Broadway, except in this case, Broadway is East Tremont Avenue. The students at Lehman High School will be able to perform their high school musical, Chicago, when city officials intervened on their behalf. Their sob story about being served a cease-and-desist by the guardians of Chicago's rights and licensing struck a chord in the hearts of many who realized it would be a great press op: Saving the drama club hearts of youngster pitted against Broadway money men. We love a good story, too, but Lehman High School's actions seem more disingenous, for example, their 24 year old drama teacher Anthony Cerini transcribed the movie - plus found some stuff on the Internet and wrote some of the script on his own - for them to use in the musical. Well, then, hey, that's some original material - but poor Fred Ebb must be rolling in his grave (hey, someone needs to get a quote from John Kander!) And just where is the music coming from? After we conducted an informal straw poll of drama club geeks, they were shocked and upset that Lehman never asked for permission, as that's what makes and breaks many high school productions each year (and why lots of schools do Peter Pan).
Actual Chicago producer Barry Weissler discussed the situation with Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Ambassador Theatre owner Gerald Schoenfeld and Samuel French Inc. (the rights company) president Charles Van Nostrand and agreed to let the school perform, in spite of never asking for permission and the rule that no show can be performed within 75 miles of an official performance. But Weissler did add to the Daily News, "The irony here is that 'Chicago' is about women who commit murder and go to jail, but if you are beautiful enough and you have enough money, and especially if you have the press on your side - in this case the Daily News - you will get what you want." For his part, Chancellor Klein promised to make sure schools understand the rights process. And Samuel French Inc. will look into the Lehman principal's claim that during his 27 years, he has never asked for permission to perform musicals, which is only fair. At any rate, Gothamist wishes the Lehman students broken legs and a better understanding of the musical rights process.
Photograph by Mary Altaffer for the AP
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I'll run the risk of repeating myself... this is bullshit. Bloomberg, Quinn, and Klein got involved in this????!!! What, they didn't have any cell phones to take away, parades to protest, or cigarettes to put out? Unbelieveable! I can't believe they jumped in here to back up a bunch of teachers and administrators who knew they were breaking the rules and tried to get away with something. Great example to set... hey, kids, just break the rules loud enough and the world will beat a path to your door.
Disgusting.
I love how the principal said that he's never applied for rights in 27 years, and now Sam French is saying, "Oh, really..."
Oh I get it. They are from the Bronx and don't need permission. Way to break the stereotype that Black people don't steal. Nice example set, Lehman. And that guy dancer is in some serious shit. How can you be from the bronx, black, in high school and do some fruity dance without getting your face kicked in?
The school (principal) should have moved the play outside of the illegal zone and applied for the permit. By not making them perform the show legally it may be easier for more experienced theatre groups to do the same. With all of that said, however, the play is nothing near the Broadway show so there should have been no fear. If you look at the blog picture, it looks like children "playing grown up." Where is the threat? It looks like something the parents and teeny bopper friends would enjoy and be proud of.
Wow, tough audience.
I suppose none of you seen a small school production and how much joy it brings.
wuck fhitey. transplants go home.
Killa B. what kind of dancing would you prefer to see? Don't think you are being a little harsh?
I think Tim N. who posted the comment about "getting your face kicked in" the Bronx should go back to school himself. Do you think he is A.Prejudice B.An idiot C.Homophobic D. All of the above.
The School, Drama Teacher and students did nothing wrong. How about Broadway and Hollywood in general relax a little. I think they are rich enough not to worry about a Highschool performance. If anything, this show may entice the viewers to go see the Broadway Production and Pay $235 per seat.
Hey Friar, talk what you know. As a former drama club dork and drama teacher, the conduct of the teachers and principal (and the elected officials for that matter) is beyond reprensible. Shows bring joy and this one isn't hurting anyone, except that these rules are there and they're there for a reason and all this does is tell the other schools that have to do the umpteenth show of "You Can't Take It With You" or "Arsenic and Old Lace" to go to hell, suckers.
Oh, and I guarantee you I've been in these boros twice as long as you, AH.
ORLY?
Let the kid's play!
bunch of racists.
I love that one of the girls in the picture forgot her costume (everyone in black, and she's in jeans). Haaaa.
Hey Mr. Tim, when you were in your drama club in Highschool , do you really think your teachers asked for permission to do the shows you did? You are sadly mistaken if you think they did. I was in every production my highschool put on as well. We put on big shows, the only difference was that they did not have the actual name of the Broadway show. No one cares what shows highschools perform. So what is the reason the rules are there for? As you called me earlier "Friar" Well I guess they can't be like Robinhood to take from the rich to give a little enjoyment to the poor. The Broadway owners are rich enough. Lets stop talking about how a school can't perform a play and start talking about why prices to see a show should be $235?
They absolutely did, Bronx Man. And the scripts say it in BIG GOLD LETTERS. And I wasn't referring to you, but to #4.
And, oh, BTW, killa B was the one who talked about the kid getting his face kicked in. Your posts are as accurate as your sentiments.
I am in favor of the kids. They were not out to make a huge million dollar profit..maybe they could do it again and have a play in the park...
Tim,
You sound like you are a drama teacher who is still trying to make it on broadway. From what I understand on channel 2 news, the actual producers of the Broadway production Chicago will be at Lehman Highschool when it is performed. Why don't you go to the show at 3000 East Tremont and try out for the part of Billy Flynn (The attorney with no ethics) You might just score the part.
Funny guy... smarts, accuracy, and humor all in one package. Are you in the show? Oh, by the way, high school is two words.
Question I want to know is, who's gonna show the Weisslers how to get to the Bronx?
Oh I see you are now an equal opportunity insulter. The Weisslers will have Jeeves Drive them to The Bronx, most likely after they get off the Concord after flying in from France. Thanks for correcting my spelling. I have a book I am writing, would you like to edit that for me?
Wow! I didn't think this would strike such a nerve. I'm actually happy for the kids.
That is so true about the umpteenth productions of You Can't Take It with You. I believe high schools are also legally requred to do Our Town once per decade. And any show that has a huge cast and way more female parts then male.
Why the need for all this discussion? The principal and the drama teacher were in the wrong, and knew it. The Bdwy producers acted like stand-up guys and allowed them one freebie performance and got good press for it. End of story.
Why go on about this when there are more important things to bitch about -- like the fact that the NY Times no longer gives a weekend hard copy of the week's TV listings?
greg - if you have OPTIMUM cable you don't need the the listing from the New York Times. You can view station broadcasts electronically. So do have another important issue we could consider discussing.
I went to a small high school with less than 300 kids and we always had to get permission and pay licensing fees to do a show. That is where a big percentage of the budget goes.
MOST schools know this law and license their shows.
Stop hating and give credit when credit and respect is due. The teachers and students trained extremely hard to provide safe, entertaining and inexpensive modern theatre. I say this is imbecile is hmm D. all of the above. Going back to 425 years STEAL WHAT from the Chinese, Native Amerians and Africans. Society has not yet adapted to dedicated, loyal and professional teachers that want to see the future generation progress. Would you prefer 2 see them at a boot camp, funny farm or correctional facility.
i agree with the bronx man he supports the students with chicago 100%
tim n was mean to say that stuff about bronx schools. i was a student at a bronx school and we never got aproval to do a play and i was at all the plays at my high school. so go bronx man. and show them whos boos. many people cant compare high school students to the real people in broadway. it is crazy that they would even say anything.