The New York Clipper (May 1913)

Copyright 191S, by the Frank Queen Publishing Company (Limited). Founded by FRANK QUEEN, 1863. NEW YORK, MAY 3, 1913. VOLUME LXI-Na. 12. Price, 10 Cents. WILL AGAIN MAKE PRODUCTIONS- WAGENHALS & KEMPER DECIDE TO RESUME AS PRODUCING MANAGERS* Ileum. W&gcnhnls A Kemper, who, when tier toned over their lease of the Astor Theatre, New York, to Cohan A Harris last Spring, announced that they would retire from the theatrical business, hare found the call of Thcspls too strong for them to resist, and are arranging to return to the Held ot producing managers next season. Both members of the firm are at present abroad, but the news of their determination to re-enter the field they left hag reached -*♦»- Broadway with such authenticity that Its truthfulness can not be doubted. The partnership which has existed between these two men has nerer been dissolved, tn Itself a somewhat significant fact, and the announcement of their return has besn heartily received on all sides, for they hare always enjoyed great popularity. Among the plays which It Is said the firm will produce next season 1s a new farce, by Avery Hopwood. I,0nW-XIX0N-JIIRDLINGER SYNDI- CATE SECURE OPERA HOUSE. The newly Incorporated Loew-Nlxon-Nlrd- linger syndicate leased last week the mag- nificent Metropolitan Opera Honse, In Phila- delphia, and will install there shortly high frade vaudeville shows at popular prices, be lease, which has been signed by Edward T. Stotesbury In behalf of the stockholders, and by Fred. G. Nixon-Nlrdllnger for the Philadelphia Central Amusement Co., which Is another corporation to be controlled by tbe Nlxon-Loew syndicate The rental. It 18 understood, will be 175,000 a year. By the terms of the lease the grand opera season Is assured, as the lessors reserve the right to use the Opera House for at least fifty per- formances between Nor. 1 and March 1 of each year of the lease, which has four years to run. Tbe Metropolitan Opera House Is quite a distance from the centre of the city, and cost Oscar Hammersteln, with the land, close to $1,000,000. It is tbe intention of the new management to give three shows a day at ten, twenty and thirty cents admis- sion. The Opera House, with Its Immense amphitheatre, has a seating capacity of four thousand. The vaudeville season will be Inaugurated either the week of May 5 or ««» SAM. DESSAUER A SUICIDE. Sam. Dessauer. the well known agent and manager, committed suicide by shooting himself in the head, Wednesday afternoon, April 23, at his home, 661 West One Hun- dred and Seventy-eighth Street, New York. He had been despondent on account of being afflicted with cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, but had not given any intimation of contemplating such a deed. He Is sur- vived by a daughter, Fannie, who, it Is understood, is the beneficiary of bis Insur- ance policy. 8ara. Dessauer has been In the theatrical business nearly all of his life, having been connected with various burlesque and vaude- ville attractions. At various times he was a partner of Henry P. Dixon, and with him conducted stock burlesque in Philadelphia and other cities. He was a resourceful pressman, and had originated a number of schemes for advertising the attractions he represented. The funeral services were held at his residence on Friday, April 25, and were attended by a number of theatrical folks. TURKISH OTi FOR LUNA, F. W. HOCHSTETTER. ANOTHER rOLI. 8. Z. Poll took oat a permit at the build- ing commissioner's office, in Springfield, Mass., last week for the building of a new theatre In that city, between worthlngton and Taylor 8treets, a short distance East of Main Street The building, tbe estimated coat of which Is $100,000, will be built of brick, concrete and steel. The entrance will be from Worthlngton Street, opposite the worthy Hotel, and from the door tne patrons will pass through a long lobby to tbe bodr of the theatre. The dimensions of tbe build- ing will be 138 by 102 feet, and It will be 60 feet high. The plans were drawn by Brown A van Beren, of New Haven, Conn., who have planned several of the Poll the- atres In other cities, and the contractors will be the T. J. Pardle Construction Company, of Bridgeport, Conn. It is planned to seat over 3,000 people. <■» "ODERST CHABBRT" SU1VG. . X°. n Waltershausen'e opera, "Oberet Cba- bert' was given for the first time In Eng- land at Covent Garden, in London. April .*•.. " wen * smoothly and was sympathet- ically received by a large audience. Luna, Coney Island's big amusement place, will open earlier than usual this year. On account ot the Spring carnival at Coney, beginning May 15, Luna's gates will be thrown open the preceding day. All tbe many new shows and rides will be completed a week ahead to allow for rehearsing and the finishing touches, so that when the bands march to tbe front gate to escort the Initial crowd into tbe park a finished fairyland of novelties will be unfolded. Frederic Thompson has been the master mind that has created this new wonder park. On the first of last January he sized up the old Luna and began planning the new, Old buildings were demolished, acre after acre of devices were leveled and tbe space cleared. Then began a realization of what he prom- ised last Fall, a bigger and better park than ever. In all some three hundred Inventions In the way of rides and amusement schemes were considered. The task even paled an editor's thrashing of news. Models were made and re-made, until finally the best were selected and from them tbe new crea- tions sprang. In this connection It night be mentioned that among amusement pro- prietors Luna Is looked upon as a sort of clearing house. Inventors from European countries, as well as Yankee craftsmen, sub- mit their Ideas to Frederic Thompson an- nually. The best are accepted and retained until their novelty begins to wane. Then they are scattered among other parka, some of them as far away as Australia. In addition to novel amusements Luna this Summer will hare two features, one of which is distinctive from anything of the kind ever constructed. It Is an entire minia- ture city in itself, made up of Mother Goose characters and associations. Mr. Thompson calls it a "toy town for grown-ups." The figures are life-size, some, of course, being exaggerated In proportion to the dreams of childhood. The whole Idea Is a series of laughs. One can slide down a cellar door of extraragant size, climb aloft with Jack and the Beanstalk, flee with Hiss MufSt from intruding spiders, visit the House that Jack Built, and taste of the fountain of youth in many other ways. The other fea- ture Is a spectacle of enormous size. It far surpasses anything of the kind ever staged. It will be called Fire and Sword. Here an entire Turkish city will be shown on a stage actually four times as large as that of the New York Hippodrome, which Mr. Thompson also designed. The pro- scenium opening of tbe Hippodrome stage Is exactly ninety-eight feet, while the new one at Luna is three hundred and sixty feet In width, with a curtain running almost all the way across. Runways for horses that are hundreds of yards long are being constructed, and there Is a tank In the form of a lake in the foreground of the city into which thirty bones at a time can plunge. In a cluster of stage mountains at one side are being mounted a score of large field , guns. Tho scene will show the smoking guns under suspension of the bombardment of the city, while the natives are riotously celebrating the lull In tbe siege, baring in- terpreted It as proof of their victory. At the height of the revel the firing begins again with renewed vigor, and the turmoil that follows Is increased when the guns set Are to tbe city. -Then follows the frantic escapes to the mountains. Here plunging horses, high divers and acrobatic feats will be employed to carry ont the effect, which promises to furnish no end of thrills. A grandstand seating several thousand persons has been erected, and altogether Fire and Sword looms up as the biggest show ever pat on. ««» MARIE MAT "GAMBOL." On April 26 Justice Platxek, tn tbe Su- preme Court, denied the application of tbe f.ambs' for an Injunction restraining Marie Dressier from nslng tbe word "gambols" in describing the theatrical performance which she has been producing under the title of "Marie Dressler'a All Star Gambols." Tbe LamhB' alleged that since 1888 they have produced the "All Star Lambs' Gambols," and that tbey had a monopoly of the use of the word "gambol" in a theatrical production. Jefferson Do Angells, a member of the Lambs', and also a member of Miss Dressler'a company, supported the contention of Miss Dressier. Among those wbo submitted op- posing affidavits were Joseph R. Grlsmer, shepherd of the Lambs'; Augustus Thomas, Clay M. Greene, secretary of the Lambs'; De Wolf Hopper and Marc Klaw. «.»» TO BOYCOT T HE BREW CHARACTERS. At a meeting in tbe Hotel La Salle, In Chicago, April 24. ot many prominent men and women. It was decided to appoint a com- mlrteo of nine to co-operate with the many Jewish organizations throughout the United States In an attempt to drive caricatures of Jews from the stage. The method to be pur- sued will be similar to that adopted by tbe Drama League In stamping its) disapproval of □nworthy plays. Bulletins will be sent to every Jew In Chicago announcing that a play objectionable to tho Jewish race Is being given at a certain theatre. C. W. TATGB. Although not actively Identified with the profession of entertainment, C. W. Tatge, whose likeness adorns this page ot The New Yokk Clipffb, has played an Important part In the amusement business of Chicago. He Is commercial manager of tho Postal Telegraph- Cable Co., and bas put in upwards ot twenty-five years of continuous service with this organization. It haB been his pleasure to serve many past and present theatrical managers, producers, advance and business managers In the legitimate field, and vaudeville officials, booking agents and stage celebrities. His remarkable showing with the Postal Telegraph-Cable Co. amply exemplifies tbe power of personality backed up by good service. Mr. Tatge enjoys a wide acquaintance in the professional world. He Is untiring In his efforts and nas endeared himself to an army of friends whom he has served In the show business. 25 YEARS AGO. Under this heading -we win publish each week Important and Interesting amusement events occurring In the corresponding week a quarter of a century ago. Scene from E«ianay's Tiro Reel Dramatic Feature, "INTO THE KOR'l'II." Released May 10. "ARE YOU A CROOK I" MAY 1. At the Long Acre. New York, which will open May 1, "Are You a Crook 1" will be produced by the following cast: Marguerite Clark, Joseph Kllgour, George Fawcett, Elita Proctor Otis, Scott Cooper, Iry Troutman, Forrest Wlnant, Marlon Ballou, Elizabeth Nelson and Harry Stockbrldgt, THE MARCO TWINS' SHOW. This company, under direction of Jack Shea, Is touring the vaudeville circuit In Ohio. The show Includes: The Marco Twins, De Buttle. Eddie Russell and company, Dod- son and Gordon, and Hlldebrand and Esner. Tbe program it concluded with an after- piece, using tbe entire company. April 27,1888.—"A Comedy of Life," by Louise i.udolsi, first produced under that title at the Arch Street Theatre, Philadelphia, l'a. April 30.—Chas. T. Bills made hit metropoli- tan Stella debut at People's Theatre, in the first New York production of "Casper, the Yodler." April'30.—Margaret Campbell's version of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" originally acted at the Continental Theatre, Philadelphia, l'a., with Theodore Ham- ilton In the dual role. April 30.—"Helreo," by Martha Morton, originally acted at the Fifth Avenue Theatre New York. The theatre then Passed from the management of John Stetson to Eugene Tompkins. April 80.—Hillsboro, Hi., Opera Home dedi- cated. April 30.—"Baffled; or, a Double Murder," by J. A. Feasor Jr., originally acted at Wallace's Comedy Theatre Chicago. May 1.—Deromer Opera House, Pueblo, Col., destroyed by Are, May 1.—"Natural Gas" drat acted tn New York, at tho Fifth Avenue Theatre. May 1,—Central Park Variety Theatre, Hot Springs, Ark., opened. May 1.—FarmvIHe, N. Y., Opera nouae opened. May 1.—•'Cupid's Pranks," by Rlmldo Swing- stone, originally acted at Santa Hots, Ca1. May 1.—American Theatre, Hartford, Conn., sold to Ueoly A Ulgelow for business purposes. Mayl.—Woodner, Idaho, Theatre opened. May 2.—Victoria Slddons made professional dobut at Rosalind, la "As You Like It," at Dockstader's Theatre, Now York. May 3.—"The Railroad of Lore" flrtt acted In England at the Gaiety Theatre, London, May 8.—R, 0. Hall hanged In Philadelphia, Pa., for the murder of Mrs, Lillian Hirers. dubino tot rag, Booth and Barrett played at La Fayetts, Indi Six companies were touring In "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Edmond Gergon. business manager for Bo- „. lM P JE£*m milt & '« England. Klaw A Brlnnger arranged to manage the Fanny Davenport tour. True Irish Hearts* with Dan McCarthy, was In Philadelphia. Mrs. Ungtry played at San Diego, Cal. Wy Clays, tbe Night Owls and the Early _ „ Buds were playing burlesque. D. F. Keith secured Low's Opora House, Providence, and announced his plans, and adrertlsed for the "Very Best Talent Procurable in the Variety and Operatic Line." ^ Eddlo Foy appeared at the Press Club bene- 5> l . at t i ,{ ;?»" 0: al *» Ge * 8. Knight, Dlgby Bell. Annie Myers. Hubert WUk«, R A. Roberts, De Wolf Hop- per, Morion Menola and Kate Clax- ton. Ooorgo H. Diamond played at the Olympic, St. Paul. Imre Klralfy announced the opening of "Nero, tho Foil of Rome," af Bt. .... Oeow, Staten Island. "Walllo" BMInger played Kmll, with Chat. T. Hills, In "Caspar, the Yodler." Irwin Brothers' Ten Cent Circus opened at lluffalo, N. Y. Hunting's Circus opened the season. Tho Four Tourist/ Co. was organised. Itogor Dolan and McCarthy separated. tius Hill took cbarge of tbe concert with tbe _ Miller A Freeman Clrcut. Harry .Kdwards and Will 0. Petrte booked "Clam Chowder." John P. Hogan moved to 80 Fourth Avenue. Annlo Oakloy announced her tour as Little Sure-Shot. Perkins D. Fisher announced bis Intention to continue touring in "A Cold Day." Horae racing was drawing the actors to Quttenberg. Oh, you "Utitxen I" Tho Chns. Andreia Circus was it Louisville, Ky. Harry Le Clair announced dissolution of partnership with W. J. Russell. Morton Emerson and Jim Cook struck Chi- cago and Grand Itapldt. ♦ »» "THE GENTLEMAN FROM NO. ID." At the Comedy, New York, on May 1, the above named farce, from tbe French adapted by Mark E. Swan, wll be shown with Walter Jones. Nannette Comstock, MHIcent Evans, Charles Brown, Rlehlo Ling, Dorothea Had- Her, Stephen Gllllt, florins Arnold, Tom Graves, Kcvltt Jlcnton, Paton Gibbs, Jay Wilton. B. D. Coo, Henry Bergman and Ray- mond brnJth in the cast. The play has been staged by Maurice Klvey. 4 »» STELLA IIAMMBRSTBIN, AUTiiORESK. Stella Hammersteln, daughter of Oscar 'Hammersteln, Is to figure as authorcssac- tress and stage director In a now sketch, "Getting tho Goods," which will bo pro- duced In a couple of weeks. Tho playlet is written by Miss Hammersteln and Mrs, Frank Sheridan. In the leading role Mlns Hammersteln will be seen as an up-to-date newspaper woman. ♦ »♦ OET "REBECCA." Tbe Lcfller-Brattoni Company have acquired from Klaw k Rrlanger and Joseph Brooks, tbe excluslro rights to "Rebecca of Bunny- brook Farm," aid will open same early next season. Several mcmbcri of tbe origlrtl cost, who have been ■with the piece since the first performance, will be retained by the LcfUcr-Brnttim Company. Si » V. 0. O. FOBTPONBS NIGHT. Clown Night at the club was postponed from April 20 to May 8.