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The show must NOT go on

Lack of copyright stops local production of The Princess Bride abruptly

Rave reviews of the Between Shifts Theatre production of The Princess Bride had everyone in Squamish talking but little did they know that the play's success would attract the attention of William Goldman's lawyers.

Not surprising considering that on Thursday (March 17), the local theatre troupe's production was the fourth hit listed if you plugged in "Princess Bride" on google.ca.

"A Tribute to The Princess Bride" organizers received a threatening "cease and desist" email on Thursday, mere hours after a stellar performance that had audience members chanting along to the well-known phrases and a vigorous standing ovation afterwards.

Those who hoped to see more of the same on Friday (March 18) and Saturday (March 19) were and will be sorely disappointed.

"The lawyers for William Goldman, the author and the screenplay writer, felt that our tribute was too close to the actual production of Princess Bride," said Between Shifts founder Kathy Daniels.

"They said we were infringing on copyright and that we needed to cease and desist right away so that's what we've done."

Daniels said the non-profit community theatre group hopes there will be no lawsuit as long as the the show is cancelled, but that's uncertain.

"We could have to pay assessed damages though, but that depends," she said. "I have no idea what will happen with that."

Daniels greeted would-be audience members at the door to the Brackendale Art Gallery (BAG), where she refunded their money. She explained the situation and apologized for the group's "ignorance."

"On our part there was no maliciousness. We were not trying to make any money. We're a non-profit society. We were doing this for the joy of doing it," explained Daniels time and time again.

"But unfortunately due to our ignorance of the fact that we were so close to it [the show has to stop]. We thought that because it was a tribute that we were safe, but that was an error on our part and we have learned our lesson."

She said Goldman's lawyers didn't specify where the line is drawn between a tribute and reproduction.

"We just got this very terse letter," said Daniels. "I was shocked and I was very worried because it's never happened to us before.

"Between Shifts always pays all their royalties we always do that all the time but we felt because this was kind loosely based, it wasn't the whole thing, it wasn't The Princess Bride."

Despite an evident lack of malice, director Carla Fuhre took the blame upon herself.

"It's art," she said.

"People are artists and they need to be paid and I am ashamed of myself and I'm so apologetic."

Fuhre felt particularly badly about the number of people who had purchased tickets and wouldn't get to see the play.

"I feel terrible for the public that were so excited to come and see this production and didn't get the chance that is heartbreaking to me at this point," she said.

"At least we got to do five wonderful performances."

When the situation was explained, most would-be audience members were upset, but entered the BAG to express their condolences to the artists nonetheless.

"I heard the play was great and I have a lot of friends here so I really wanted to watch and support them," said Caroline Solonenko, who bought tickets weeks ago.

"It's really too bad and sad for everyone who put so much work into it."

Although most actors had tears in their eyes, they put on a brave face and even joined together one last "inconceivable" hoorah.

Producer Patricia Heintzman was disappointed, but positive about the entire production overall.

"I think this production really enlivened the community to what community theatre can be and how good a quality production can be from all aspects whether it's the costumes and the set to the quality of our actors and just the whole team that put it together," she said.

"So we have a lot to be proud of and a lot to celebrate and unfortunately the show could not go on."

A total of eight performances of the play were planned. Shows were to take place Friday evening, with matinee and evening performances on Saturday (March 19). Ticketholders were reimbursed at the Brackendale Art Gallery on Friday at 7 p.m. and can do so on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.

"We will refund everyone's tickets," said Daniels. "I will be here at the door for each of the shows like tonight and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to refund their money."

Dubbed one of the best Between Shifts productions in the amateur theatre troupe's history, A Tribute to The Princess Bride sold out all six performances more than a week before opening night.

Between Shifts added two extra shows to accommodate the number of interested audience members, and those sold out within days.

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