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Broadway producer who has threatened the Kavinoky Theater and more than 20 others across the country with lawsuits for playing "To kill a mocking bird" has partially yielded, but the change of heart arrives too late for the Buffalo Theater .
The Kavinoky, installed on the campus of the College Youville, canceled its production 11 days before the opening night. Scott Rudin, the producer of a version of "Mockingbird" at Shubert Theater, used a new screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. withdrawal letter. This forced the Kavinoky to slash the show, dismantle its set and quickly replace an adaptation of George Orwell's "1984" in its place.
Rudin, after receiving negative publicity across the country for uttering his threats, decided to allow theaters to play, but only the version that he produced. It is unclear how many theaters will accept this offer, as most, including the Kavinoky, planned to stage the classic version of the play written by playwright Christopher Sergel.
The dispute concerns a restrictive covenant in a 50-year-old contract between the estate of Harper Lee, the book's author, and Dramatic Publishing Company, which sells to the theaters the rights of representation.
The clause states that "Mockingbird" productions can not be staged in cities of 150,000 inhabitants or less than 25 miles from them, according to the 1960 US Census figures when it is not possible to stage them. a "first class drama game" based on the novel is played in New York or tour. It also prohibits the use of professional actors.
A representative of the Dramatic Publishing Company asked Loraine O 'Donnell, Kavinoky's executive art director, to disregard the warning, as the theater had the legal right to stage the show, but did not cover legal costs if the theater was continued.
A request for comment from Dramatic Publishing Company has not been returned.
Rudin called several theaters to tell them about the change that he would now authorize.
Legal threats from Broadway & # 39; Mockingbird & # 39; kill the Kavinoky show 11 days before the opening
"As custodians of Aaron Sorkin's play rights, it is our duty to uphold our agreement with the Harper Lee Estate and to ensure that the extraordinary collaborators have achieved this production, "Rudin said in a statement.
Rudin also accused Dramatic Publishing Company of having licensed the classic version of the play while claiming that it was not allowed to do so.
For Kavinoky, the show must continue, as the language of the theater says.
"We have subscribers who are expecting a five-piece season and we have the responsibility to present a show," O Donnell said Thursday.
With only three weeks to repeat, instead of the usual four, the Kavinoky rushes to be ready with "1984" for its opening on March 15th.
"Are they afraid? Oh yes, they are," said O Donnell at the time. "They have to learn their aftershocks in three weeks, but I've never seen a group of actors and designers so engaged."
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