how much is too much? - 2007/08/11 09:18a friend of mine just directed and choreographed Seussical for teens (not Seussical Jr or the school version if there's such a thing-- it's the full version but parts are only open to 19 and under). anyway, he as been accused of "stealing" costumes, staging and choreography from another theatre who did the show last year. the show done last year was said to be an exact copy of the broadway.
i saw neither version so i cannot say if he "stole". i know that a lot of the choreography he used he did use in another show-- pretty sure it's "his" choreography. i did youtube Seussical and was able to see the b'way performance at the thanksgiving day parade. it does look like he might have used some of the wickersham brothers choreography.
so how much is too much? when you direct (or are directed) is everything you do original? when you "borrow" do you credit it in your bio or forward in the program?
btw-- regardless of whether or not the staging and choreography was original, the group did a great job. i am usually very critical, and there are definitely things i would have done differently-- specifically vocally-- but the cast looked like they were having fun and put on a really entertaining show.They call me Jessica (like: They call me lady luck... lol)
Favorite roles:
Eva Peron, Evita; Jack's Mother, Into the Woods; Sonia, Godspell; Anything Goes, Reno Sweeney; Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors; Catherine, Pippin
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aliauthor
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Re:how much is too much? - 2007/08/11 13:09That's a tough question. Obviously with Les Mis or something, choreography in certain places will be similar and I don't see anything wrong with that, as its tried and true/moves the story along. As long as the cast/director puts their own pizzaz into it, it's great!-Ali
Currently: -Sheila; Boys Next Door (postshow depression mode) -auditions for acting ensemble and whatever the school musical is...sort of anxious!
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triplethreat
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Re:how much is too much? - 2007/08/11 14:34Choreography is copyright-able but can be difficult to enforce. In my area there are several "choreographers" who actually just copy the exact moves from the movie version - NOT LEGAL. But they get away with it - partially because most of the people in the community theatres they work with would never recognize the dances from the movies. In some cases I don't think the director is even aware that they didn't come up with it themselves.
With staging, it gets a bit trickier. Certain things are just natural as a result of the script - but if its something particularly innovative, and then someone else does it soon afterwards, then I would wonder.
Personally, when I'm directing/choreographing I don't watch any other versions at all so that I will not be tempted to "borrow" things. While I might use a concept I have seen elsewhere, I think once you use an idea that was done for the actual show you are doing, then you are in dangerous territory.
To me the whole point of directing is having that chance to build your own vision for a show and then follow through on it - taking other people's ideas isn't much of a vision._____________ Kris MTA Admin
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Johnnyonenote
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Re:how much is too much? - 2007/08/11 17:43I have that problem from time to time. There are some shows that just call for natural movement etc. But sometimes, as a director it is hard to try to break away from what is tried and true.
Example is my upcoming production of Sweeney Todd. It is so ingrained in my head as to the DVD that I have watched over and over through the years, that it is hard for me to now look at it fresh and new. I am DOING it, but it isn't easy! LOL
I wanted to get rid of the big box bakehouse.. but it ended up being the only option. Which is fine.
In Grease, if you don't do the Grease Lightnin' Hand move, people get dissapointed, you kind of HAVE to do it. is that stealing? I don't think so. Not really.
I have seen shows that the director literally copied from a DVD or whatever. I just chalk it up to inexperience.
As a director I always try to take a fresh look at it, and put my mark on the show.Currently Directing - Sweeney Todd (March 2008)
Currently In - Jan 11 - Feb 3 2008 Moonlight And Magnolias - Ben Hecht (non musical)
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jameala
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Re:how much is too much? - 2008/01/05 20:56That's weird! You pay for the rights to the show, and the rights to the music. You don't tell the director to rewrite dialogue or the musicial director to rescore the show. Why does the choreographer have to re-choreograph the show?
triplethreat wrote: Choreography is copyright-able but can be difficult to enforce. In my area there are several "choreographers" who actually just copy the exact moves from the movie version - NOT LEGAL. But they get away with it - partially because most of the people in the community theatres they work with would never recognize the dances from the movies. In some cases I don't think the director is even aware that they didn't come up with it themselves.
With staging, it gets a bit trickier. Certain things are just natural as a result of the script - but if its something particularly innovative, and then someone else does it soon afterwards, then I would wonder.
Personally, when I'm directing/choreographing I don't watch any other versions at all so that I will not be tempted to "borrow" things. While I might use a concept I have seen elsewhere, I think once you use an idea that was done for the actual show you are doing, then you are in dangerous territory.
To me the whole point of directing is having that chance to build your own vision for a show and then follow through on it - taking other people's ideas isn't much of a vision.
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