Bringing the energy and iconic music of “Grease” to the stage is an exciting endeavor for any theater group. While Samuel French (now Concord Theatricals) handles the stage rights for the musical “Grease,” incorporating those unforgettable movie hits like “Grease,” “Sandy,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want” involves a separate licensing process. Navigating this can seem daunting, but understanding the steps and key players will ensure your production hits all the right notes legally.
Understanding Separate Rights: Stage vs. Movie Songs
The first crucial point is recognizing the distinction between stage rights and movie song rights for “Grease.” Samuel French controls the rights for the stage version of “Grease,” meaning they grant permission to perform the book and score originally intended for the stage. However, the movie songs, which became incredibly popular and are often expected by audiences, are licensed separately. This is because these songs were specifically created for the film and are managed by different rights holders, primarily Warner/Chapell Music.
Warner/Chapell: Your Pathway to Movie Magic
For productions wanting to include movie songs, Warner/Chapell Music is the key contact. They manage the licensing for these specific tracks. It’s important to note that Warner/Chapell will not provide sheet music. For scores of “You’re The One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” you may be able to obtain copies through Samuel French, often for an additional fee, as mentioned in experiences from other directors.
The Licensing Process: Questionnaires and Forms
Be prepared for a detailed licensing process. Companies like Warner/Chapell often require a comprehensive questionnaire before granting rights. This may include specifics about your venue, such as seating capacity. Licensing fees are frequently calculated based on venue size rather than projected ticket sales. You might be asked directly if you intend to use movie songs as part of the licensing application. Additionally, a separate “Theatrical License Request Form” specifically for movie songs is usually required, and processing these requests can take time, typically around 3-4 weeks for clearance. Therefore, early planning is essential to avoid any last-minute licensing hurdles.
Budgeting for “Grease”: Licensing and Beyond
“Grease,” while a crowd-pleaser, is known to be a more expensive show to license compared to many other musicals. This is amplified when including movie songs due to the additional licensing fees from Warner/Chapell. One director reported contract costs exceeding $9000 for just five performances in an 1100-seat venue, even with affordable ticket prices. Beyond the base licensing fees, factor in potential costs for renting additional chorus books and purchasing script books for dialogue from Samuel French. The licensing of movie songs adds another layer to the overall expense. It’s crucial to create a detailed budget encompassing all these elements to ensure financial viability.
Balancing Authenticity and Production Costs
The decision to include movie songs often stems from a desire to meet audience expectations. Many audience members are deeply familiar with the movie version of “Grease” and anticipate hearing those iconic tracks. Integrating these songs can enhance audience enjoyment and create a production that resonates strongly. However, it’s important to weigh this against the increased licensing costs and the overall message of the musical. As one director pointed out, while the music is catchy, the storyline of “Grease” presents themes around smoking, drinking, and character compromises that may spark discussion. Carefully consider your audience, your production budget, and the artistic goals for your staging of “Grease” when deciding whether to license and incorporate the movie songs.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Grease Song Licensing Success
Licensing “Grease” movie songs for your stage production requires navigating separate rights and understanding additional costs. By recognizing the roles of Samuel French and Warner/Chapell, diligently completing the necessary paperwork, and budgeting for all associated fees, you can successfully incorporate these beloved songs. Early planning and a clear understanding of the licensing landscape are key to bringing the full musical and cinematic energy of “Grease” to your audience.
