Samuel French Razzle Dazzled by Bronx HS

WHAT? Now I've heard crazier stories, but not many when it comes to the competence of some high school principals. Who thought this was OK, I wonder...? Turns out some high school in the Bronx has been illegally rehearsing CHICAGO since January. First off, the principal "never ever" considered obtaining the proper rights and paying the royalties for this production. What was he thinking? Apparently, it sounds as if this has been going on for years... probably xeroxing scores from the library, passing out librettos to unassuming kids and letting these highschoolers put on "broadway" musicals just like every other school in the country. Except every other school in the country applies for rights through a licensing house in the City like Samuel French or MTI. These shows cost money to put on! Holla!

So this guy has been illegally putting on shows for years, just a few miles uptown of BROADWAY. Christ. Of course, the kids don't realize it. They're not supposed to be concerned with the rights and royalties. Sheesh. AND, furthermore, it's not as if the guy couldn't afford it. The lumber alone for this production cost over five grand. That would have been enough most likely for the royalty fee.

In any case, Broadway producer Barry Weissler is allowing the kids to put on one "unauthorized" production. Kudos, cheers and hoorahs to Mr Weissler for keeping the kids in mind. I hope after this year, though, this Bronx high school is kept under close watch and Mr Principal gets a date with the lawyers from Sam French.

[picture from the nydailynews.com]