TheatreWorks Re-Designs, Re-Directs BELL, BOOK & CANDLE After Controversy, Director Resigns From Board

As reported on BroadwayWorld, after opening their production of John Van Druten's 1950 romantic comedy BELL, BOOK & CANDLE on December 4th, New Milford's TheatreWorks placed a notice on the company's website saying that performances have been suspended until further notice.

Though no reason was been stated, the postponement occurred after a controversy arose regarding the resemblance between the TheatreWorks production of the play, directed and designed by Joe Russo and one staged by Darko Tresnjak and designed by Andrew Dodge for a 2012 Long Wharf Theatre and Hartford Stage production.

In a December 8th review of the TheatreWorks production, Amanda Christine of OnStage Blog wrote, "I couldn't help but notice how remarkably similar it looked to the production that was performed at Hartford Stage in 2012 - from the scenic design, costuming and even blocking. The only other time I've seen this show was at Hartford Stage, so it was fresh in my mind when viewing the TheatreWorks production, which caused me to raise one eyebrow on more than one occasion."

In a letter posted on the company's website, TheatreWorks has announced that the production will re-open on December 18th, having been re-directed and re-designed.

The letter explains that Russo was unaware that the similarities between his production and the one staged by Tresnjak instituted an infringement. Russo has voluntarily resigned from the theatre's Board of Directors and has sent an apology to Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Dodge and Tresnjak.

Below is the entire text of the letter:

Dear Patrons and Friends of TheatreWorks,

We want to express our sincere apologies for the cancellation of some of the performances of BELL, BOOK & CANDLE .

As most of you know, TheatreWorks New Milford is almost 50 years old. We are a small, not-for-profit, non-professional theatre and our mission is not to make a profit, but to provide a service to the community of New Milford and surrounding areas. Our Board of Directors are all volunteers. We therefore must place a good deal of trust in our directors and designers to provide the best possible productions.

Joseph Russo, the director of this production, has directed a number of productions at TheatreWorks in recent years. He indicated that he saw the production of Bell, Book & Candle at Hartford Stage in 2012, which inspired him to stage it at TheatreWorks.

In his zeal to mount this production, Joe designed and built a set which contained major elements that were extremely similar to those used at Long Wharf/Hartford Stage. He was unaware that these actions constituted an infringement. Those of us at TheatreWorks who are responsible for the artistic decisions were unaware of these similarities until we received notification from Long Wharf Theatre and Hartford Stage.

The Board of Directors of TheatreWorks takes full responsibility for this oversight, and we have taken the following actions:

1) Our production has been completely re-staged and re-designed, under the direction of actor/director Matt Austin and will reopen on Friday, December 18th for an 8PM performance.
2) Mr. Russo has voluntarily resigned from the Board, and has sent an apology to Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Alexander Dodge and Darko Tresnjak, the latter two being the respective designer and director of The Hartford Stage/Long Wharf production of BELL, BOOK & CANDLE .
3) TheatreWorks has also personally apologized to all of the aforementioned injured parties.
4) We are putting in place a new policy to review all of the design elements and staging of every future production before the production begins rehearsals.

The Board would like to extend a special thanks to our cast of Bell, Book & Candle, who were integral in the re-mounting of this production. In addition, we would like to thank Mr. Dodge, Mr. Tresnjak, Michael Stotts, General Manager of Hartford Stage, and Joshua Borenstein, General Manager of Long Wharf Theatre for their graciousness, understanding and forgiveness throughout this situation.

Again, we are very sorry for this incident. It has been a hard lesson for us, yet we are very grateful for having learned it. We are also grateful for all of yourpatience, support and kindness throughout.

Thank you again, and we hope you can join us as we re-open BELL, BOOK & CANDLE on December 18th as a humbler and wiser organization.

Respectfully,
The Board of Directors of TheatreWorks New Milford

In John Van Druten's 1950 romantic comedy BELL, BOOK & CANDLE, Gillian Holroyd is a sensual, free spirited gal, restless in life and unlucky in love. She also happens to be a witch. When she learns that her handsome neighbor, Shep Henderson, is engaged to her old college rival, she uses every trick in the book to stop the wedding. But when, in the midst of her magical maneuvering, she finds herself falling for him, she's left with a difficult choice: you see, witches who fall in love lose their powers. But perhaps love still has a trick or two up its own sleeve in this delectable and delightful romantic romp. BELL, BOOK & CANDLE was the inspiration for classic film of the same name starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon. Visit theatreworks.us