The Scottish National Opera recently got a big boost in funding from the government. In every sentence he utters on the subject, Scottish Opera's chief executive, Chris Barron, underlines the need for extreme caution in the progress of Scottish Opera following a period which has seen the near-devastation of the company in financial terms. Stephanie Naidoff is praised for bringing a lot of money into the project, but has been criticized by arts leaders for her inexperience in non-profic management. Threats by US senators and the Federal Trade Commission to regulate distribution of music it deems unsuitable for young listeners has free speech advocates steaming. From Peter Paul and Mary to Stairway to Heaven to Louie Louie , politicians and parents have found something to get uptight about.
Critics say yes, and federal judges in New York seem interested in hearing arguments.
The outcome of the case will have enormous implications in the trade of intellectual property. Fortunately, museums say, they got while the getting was good, starting their major capital campaigns while plenty of money was floating around so that now they are nearing those goals rather than just beginning to set them. It's turned into a hot season for Broadway. First The Producers becomes the biggest thing to hit the street since The Lion King . Now it's time for drama.