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NT Releases Rights & Halts Sondheim Frogs Dates

The National Theatre has had to call off its planned performances of Stephen Sondheim's The Frogs this autumn (See News, 17 Sep 2002), following complications over rights for the 1974 musical.

The Frogs freely adapted from Aristophanes' ancient comedy by Burt Shevelove (book) and Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics), was due to be presented in a concert version for five performances only at the NT Olivier between 7 and 15 November 2002. However, the National has now relinquished the rights to perform the piece, in advance of a full-scale production planned to open in New York in 2003.

In a statement posted on the NT website, a spokesperson said: "Despite goodwill on all sides and great efforts made to resolve the situation, sadly we have been left with no alternative but to cancel our scheduled performances. We very much regret the disappointment caused."

The National is now considering what, if anything, should replace The Frogs spot in the Olivier schedule. Tom Stoppard's epic The Coast of Utopia trilogy is currently playing there in rotation, while Trevor Nunn's revival of Cole Porter's Anything Goes will open on 18 December 2002, following previews from 11 December.

- by Terri Paddock

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