Play Suggestions: Christy the Musical

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Christy the Musical

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2016
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 5:04pm
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Topic: Christy the Musical

Posted By: opalviolet
Subject: Christy the Musical
Date Posted: 9/09/06 at 1:18pm

While on vacation several years ago in Tennessee, we went to an outdoor amphitheater and saw Christy, the Musical. It's based on the book Christy by Catherine Marshall. She grew up in the same county I did in West Virginia. There was a TV show based on the same book, too. The show closed shortly thereafter and I tried to track down who owned the royalties so I could produce it. I found out the family of Catherine Marshall (deceased) had the rights. Does anyone know how to contact them? I've been unsuccessful. Her husband was Peter Marshall, who at one time was chaplain to the US Congress.

It's a wonderful uplifting, family show, with great music and memorable characters. I purchased a cassette tape, but it doesn't work right anymore.

Replies:

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 9/09/06 at 4:33pm

It's possible that Lion's Gate, the studio who made the book into the TV series, also acquired the rights to any adaptations. The musical might be unable to be performed until this legal mish-mosh is cleared up.

You might try contacting the Smoky Mountain Ampitheater in Townsend, TN who produced the musical. They might still have the contact information you need, a copy of the program listing the publisher, or an actual script laying around.

Good luck!

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: opalviolet
Date Posted: 9/11/06 at 10:50am

Thanks, Topper. That's a great idea. I haven't looked into it for several years because I thought I was at a dead end. The show was produced in Las Vegas for a while after it closed in Townsend, I believe. Someone from Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster, PA, had a connection, too. I just sent them an e-mail. I did a Google search for Lion's Gate and found a website, but no contact info.

I found out that John Schneider had purchased the rights to another movie. I got his fan mail address, but don't hold out much luck that he'll respond.

I also found a phone number for Smoky Mountain Ampitheater, but they're not in on Mondays. So, I'll call them tomorrow. Thanks so very much for your help.

Posted By: opalviolet
Date Posted: 10/29/06 at 7:19pm

All of my efforts have reached dead ends. I got as far as one of the producers of the show in Tennessee, but she didn't know where to direct me. Anyone know how to contact the estate of Catherine Marshall?

Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 10/30/06 at 10:30am

Peter Marshall Ministries are alive and well under his son, The Reverend Peter Marshall II, Here is his web page. http://www.petermarshallministries.com/ - http://www.petermarshallministries.com/ I am sure their is a contact link there somewhere... He talks about his mom (Christie) and dad in his bio area.. Good luck

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Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."

Posted By: opalviolet
Date Posted: 10/31/06 at 11:03pm

Thanks so much Marty W. I sent him an e-mail. Keep your fingers crossed that it actually gets through to him and he responds.

Just to let you know - the Christy character is based on Peter Marshall II's grandmother's life, Catherine Marshall's mom.

Posted By: opalviolet
Date Posted: 11/01/06 at 11:49am

I e-mailed Peter Marshall around 11:00 p.m. last night and he responded already this morning. He gave me the lawyer's number who is handling the estate of his mother, including the rights to the play. I got her voice mail. WOW! I'm excited to get this far. Marty W, I owe you one! Thanks!