Concord Theatricals Acquired Picnic at Hanging Rock Rights
The company has secured licensing rights for the musical adaptation of Joan Lindsay's novel.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Rock
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Concord Theatricals has officially acquired the licensing rights for the stage production of Picnic at Hanging Rock: The Musical. The work is based on the novel by Joan Lindsay and features music and arrangements by Greta Gertler Gold.
Why it matters
Securing these rights allows for the expanded distribution and future staging of the production beyond its initial Off-Broadway debut. This development marks a new phase for the musical following its recent limited run at the Greenwich House Theatre.
The production recently concluded a limited run at the Greenwich House Theatre in New York City and saw the release of an Off-Broadway cast album earlier this year.
The players
Concord Theatricals
This company is a prominent provider of theatrical licensing and rights management for musical and play productions.
Irma Theatricals
This organization served as the primary production entity for the stage version of the musical.
Greta Gertler Gold
She is the composer and arranger responsible for the musical score featured in the stage adaptation.
Hilary Bell
She is a playwright and lyricist who wrote the book and lyrics for this musical adaptation.
Joan Lindsay
She is the author of the original 1967 novel which serves as the source material for the musical.
The details
Produced by Irma Theatricals, the musical features a book and lyrics by Hilary Bell. The show incorporates choreography by Mayte Natalio, with casting managed by Kevin Metzger-Timson and Tara Rubin.
Timeline
The story is set on Valentine's Day in 1900.
A film adaptation of the novel was released in 1975.
The musical completed its Off-Broadway run earlier in 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The move reflects the ongoing trend of adapting classic literature into stage musicals to capture new audiences. This acquisition signals a transition for the show from a niche Off-Broadway run toward a broader licensing footprint in the theatrical market.
Theater enthusiasts can look forward to potential future regional stagings of the musical now that licensing rights are secured. Fans can currently access the production's music through the previously released Off-Broadway cast album.
The takeaway
This acquisition secures the future of the musical, allowing it to move beyond its limited New York City run. Audience members interested in the work can explore the existing cast album to experience the compositions while waiting for further production announcements.
Further reading
For more information on the local music scene, visit the Rock section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Playbill.
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