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Interviewed for Praxis Theatre’s 10 Questions series September 26, 2008

Posted by Gordon Firemark in : entertainment law , add a comment

I was interviewed earlier this week for Praxis Theatre’s blog. “It’s an interesting 10 qustions with…” format   I’m the Theatre and Entertainment Lawyer  they chose to interview.  Very flattering.

Here’s the link: http://praxistheatre.blogspot.com/2008/09/10-questions-gordon-p-firemark.html

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Los Angeles identified as an incubator for new Musicals. (Finally, a little recognition) September 20, 2008

Posted by Gordon Firemark in : Theatre law , add a comment

A good piece in Backstage.com reports today on the increase in number of new Musicals opening in Los Angeles, before making the step to Broadway.  Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 is the Center Theater Group’s latest, following successes withThe Drowsy Chaperone and Curtains!

The article discusses some of the advantages (talent pool, money, etc) and  challenges in creating theatre in Los Angeles… (geographic distance between venues, so there’s no “theatre district”, diversity of audiences, competition for audience attention, etc.).  Worth a read.

Sadly, the article doesn’t mention the wealth of resources available to folks just starting out in this arena.  Among them, I’d like to highlight the Academy of New Musical Theatre  (full disclosure:  I sit on this organization’s Board of Directors)  which provides training and resources to bookwriters, composers and lyricists, workshops new material, and offers dramaturgical services to producers working on new material.

Also, don’t forget that L.A. has at least one experienced and knowledgable theatre lawyer available to help playwrights, producers, and other theatre industry professionals navigate the process of bringing a show to life.  L’Chaim.

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Rodgers & Hammerstein - For Sale? September 3, 2008

Posted by Gordon Firemark in : Theatre law , add a comment

It’s a Rumor, but it’s being widely reported that The Rodgers & Hammerstein company may be for sale. The publisher controls not only the great musicals by Rogers and Hammerstein, but many others.

As I write this, (9/3/08) I note that the website for Rodgers & Hammerstein (rnh.com) is down.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE: 09/04/08 - Billboard is now reporting that the R & H Catalog is indeed for sale. The company is reportedly in talks with all of the major music publishing firms and is looking for a price in the low 6 figures.

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