Big sigh...

[911939]

I've got a job that I'm not too fond of. I've got no extra money and plans this weekend. But everything in me wants to drive to New York for the final weekend of Tom Stoppard's epic trilogy, The Coast of Utopia at Lincoln Center. 8 hours of Stoppard (my favorite playwright) performed by brilliant actors like Amy Irving, Martha Plimpton, Jennifer

Comments

[hannibalv]

I so wanna go. I hope somebody does it in Chicago soon.

You should do it.

I'm serious. I realize that it would (likely) take some deep pockets and (definitely) take balls the size of watermelons, but why the hell not?

If no one else is making the art you want to see, doesn't it fall to you to create it1?

1Please note that "you" in this sentence does not specifically mean you, B.R.--it's more of an exhortation to the world at large.

[bdar]

It's not just the pockets and the balls, though...it's the hierarchy and politics. New Leaf had scheduled Inherit The Wind at the top of their season this year, and then had the rights taken away--despite being granted them first--when Northlight, the big Equity house in Skokie, decided to do it as well. I'm sure the same thing would be bound to happen with Coast even if a wealthy patron decided to donate all the money New Leaf would need.

Although your exhortation is a good one and worth remembering for the times that possibility strikes.

[911939]

Absolutely. I'm fully expecting that Steppenwolf, The Goodman or Court will do a production of this in the near future. The interesting thing about getting "nonprofessional performance rights" is that they're also non-exclusive. Equity theatre (i.e., "professional")performance rights are exclusive. The licensing companies have the right to yank any permissions they have given, or more likely, to put a hold on any permissions to smaller theatres so that big plays like this have a chance to be done by big theatres. Which is cool...I would love to see a local production of this show

[bdar]

Ah. Well, I will continue to quietly mutter the narrative of the big evil Skokie playhouse squashing the little guy, because it's more dramatic that way.

[serendipidy]

Sometimes passion can trump money, but I do understand that in the realm of rights, money rules most of the time. I still think you should put it on a list of things to do.

On a different topic...

Come talk about Lost with me on my journal! I created an entry for it!

[911939]

Will do!

[marshalaw]

There was a breathtaking article about this in American Theatre this month, written by one of the actors. I will copy for you. I got all chocked up.

[911939]

Aha! You don't need to. I have a subscription now. I haven't read the article yet, but I shall.

God, it sounds beautiful. Just the fact that this whole company of brilliant actors bonded into an ensemble is wonderful.

[911939]

Also, nice to see you on LJ! I'm going to add you as a friend.