I want to adapt a book into a musical, what are some legal warnings?

Question

I recently read a novel that I thought would make an amazing Musical for the stage. I have a friend that I want to collaborate with but I need to know what legal measures do I need to take to acquire the rights or can I adapt it without permission if the book is over 50 years old?

Answer 1

Copyrights on novels are in effect for 70 years AFTER the death of the author (or copyright holder).

You have to contact the current "owner" of the material and they will probably want payment for its use.

If the author is not alive or you can't find him/her, go to the publiisher. Call if you can but write if not. Most publishers have contact information on the internet.

Answer 2

If the book is in the public domain you can do what you want with it but you may have to attempt to get the copyright. The bureau of copyright, etc (forget actual government office) has a brochure that will tell you everything. Excellent idea - musical plays are big time and it takes talent and timing and the right approach for the musical stage. Go for it!

A long time ago I got together with a co-worker (in the Air Force) and we actually wrote lyrics (me) and music (him) for Bus Stop, a play then popular and the film that starred Marilyn Monroe in one of her terrific comedic performances, without giving legalities a thought. However, few on the island of Okinawa showed up for auditions and the project was dropped. When I left the island I could not find the lyrics I wrote and always wished I had that to look back on. Instead, another co-worker and I (civilian job this time) co-authored a biography and had success when we wondered if we could ever pull it off. We did after incredible effort. Well worth any effort put in, believe me.