The Billboard 1903-05-30: Vol 15 Iss 22 (1903-05-30)

pene Se aera a eT nasi rerwicinein sbi etme ag = etre ze oP SNES ar THE BILLBOARD DIFFERENCE Over Billing of Chinese Honeymoon Causes considerable Trouble. A difference recently arose between A. Toxon Worm, manager of the Chinese ifoney moon, and Will J. Davis, manager of the Illincis Tneatre, Chicago, which threatened serjous consequences. it was obvious that some agree ment must be reached in the Yuatter, and that speedily, or the piece would either be removed or witndrawn from the house. Both men wanted to control the advertising of the play. Davis contending that it was his right as manager of the house, and Worm averring that as manager of the production he would advertise it according to his own ideas. Davis finally threatened to discontinue the production in his house rather than to not carry his point. Samuel Schubert, Mr. Nixon and Mr. Zimmerman proprietors of the Chinese Honeymoou company, visited Chicago last Week and after a conference it was decided that Mr. Worm should go to New York to become the manager of The tunaways. now playing at the Casine. Harry Fulton will represent the Schubert-zimmerman interests in Chicago. After the completion of the New Garrick theatre, Worm will return to Chicago and be its manager. BY TROLLEY LINES Trip From Philadelphia to New York can be Made for One Dol:ar and Thirty Cents. It is now possible to travel from Philadelphia to New York by trolley, and while there are several changes en route, the new system will be heartil welcomed by show people generally. The following schedule may be used as a guide in making the trip. PHILADELPHIA (5th st. car).to. FRANKFORD 52 minute run. Fare 5 cents. FRANKFORD (end of line)..to..“PORRESDALE 2s minute run. Fare 5 cents. TORRESDALE .........+ Dice ckpwe CROYDEN 2» minute run. Fare 5 cents. Coach from Croyden trolley to Bristoi trolley free CROC DEN +... ncewscess Biicets ied ens BRISTOL 10 minute run. Fare 5 cents. DRIBTOR, .iedcaccsss Bit oasess MORRISVILLE 45 minute run. Fare 15 cents. MORRISVILLE ........_ Tee TRENTON minute run. Fare 5 cents. TRENTON. .to. . INTERSTATE FAIR GROUNDS 19 minute run. Fare transfer and 5 cents. Chauge cars at East State Street. INTERSTATE FAIR GROUNDS..........., . t BRUNSWICK 9) minute run. Fare 35 cents. There is an hour and a half wait here. Lunch can be had at the Bromley Inn for 35) «cents. Or just sandwiches» for the usual price. NEW BKRUNSWICK....to..... BOUND BROOK 30 minute run. Fare 10 ceuts. BOUND BROOK........ eS PLAINFIELL 45 minute run. Fare 10 cents. Change cars at Dunellen. PLAINFIELD 0 ELIZABETH 75 minute run. Fare transfer and 5 cents. ELIZABETH NEWARK 35 minute run. Fare transfer and 5 cents. NEWARK .......... to JERSEY CITY 0) minute run. Fare 20 cents. This includes your fare across the ferry to New York (North River). Total Secured by Klaw and Erlanger. Their Plans for the Hcuse. Kiaw and Erlanger have won control of the American Theatre in New York City. After persistent effort, in which diplomacy was not a small factor, the head of the theatrical syndi cate acquired this popular playhouse after it had seemed that the firm had been balked In its desire. Recently the interest of Henry Greenwall in property passed into the hands of Albert s. his late partner, and Weis’ son Sydney. y this settled the future of the Amerior, at least, for a year, for it was said With some show of authority that Weis, senior and junior. would maintain here and at the Columbia Theatre, Brooklyn, the stock company eystem prevailing at both places for severai years. It is now announced, however, that Klaw and Erlanger will assume absolute management of the American and = present attractions of a different ciass from any seen there hitherto. The victory for Klaw and Erlanger is farreaching. IDEAS Of Joseph Jefferson Regarding the Endowed National Theatre. A meeting in furtherance of the plan for the establishment of a National art theatre was held May 17 in the Garrick Theatre, New York City. Joseph Jefferson made the principal address, in the course of which he said that, while he was in favor of an endowed theatre, there were many problems to be solved. ‘'Il believe,’’ said Mr. Jefferson, ‘‘it is much better to call attention to the stumbling blocks before the project is under way than afterward. Forewarned is forearmed. The people who subsidized the theatre will be very exacting in their demands of the actors and very critical. The authors will be severely criticized. If a theatre can be established with a saving of rent and a subsidy it is sure to be a success. It will be able to present more finely the drama. The drama is better than ever today, not only commercially, but artistically, and it is better acted. It is far better represented than ever.”’ HARRIGAN STOCK COMPANY Some years ago the production of a Harrigan and Hart comedy was as great an occasion in the metropolis as a Weber and Fields first night is at the present time. It seems to be the general opinion that now is just the proper time for a revival of that clever, wholesome, funny view of New York Mfe. The public has been given so much of the froth and glitter, so much tenderloin slang, 86 many show-girls, and such a superfiuity of miilinery, that it will be a positive rellef to get back to the reality of things, and to enjoy a hearty laugh at the absurdities of ordinary, everyday life as Harripun Las always and will ever see it. The Liebler Company realizing this demand for their old and best in comedy, in the fall, establish in the cozy and popular littke Murray Hill Theatre a Harrigan Stock Company, where Ned Ilarrigan will delight the auciences with a number of his unique plays. In the opening comedy, there is promised the usua] series of Harrigan’s songs, such as the famous “‘Maggie Murphy's Home,’* and one of those rough old-fashioned coon songs such as are sung by the roustabouts on the old Bayou, the real thing, and not a finely dressed imitation. There will also be one of those swinging big coon choruses for which this author was famous, It is said that as many of the original Harrigan forces as .can be gathered together wiil be seen in the stock company which will make the Murray Hill Theatre its permanent home. An odd coincidence in connection with this affair is that George Braham who will write the music for the productions, is the son of Dave Braham who was so important a factor in the success of the famous combination of Harrigan and Hart. publie will, 7 PUNCH WHEELER'S OFFER. The followng letter to ‘‘Punch"’ Wheeler, who is now werking the Press for the Kobinson Ten Big Shows is fitting testimony to the high esteem n which managers hold his ability. Friend Punch: if you are at liberty, I would like to have you handle my big show for the winter season. A stirring melo-drama, entitled, The Big Drink. MSS. has been read by Newton Billers and M. B. Leavitt, and pronounced great. In order to produce the play it will be necessary to play towns with water close by, and as you have the reputation of knowning all the tanks, I know of no one more capable of handling this mammoth production than yourself. In case you book a dry town, you can arrange with the weather man to have it rain a week before we play there. The play’ Oh Yes! CAST. A Villain. A Child, (5 years of age.) Dog. Scene. A River. Plot. Act I—A child playing on the banks of the river. Villain sees diamond bracelet in child's erm—throws child into river. Dog jumps in, drinks up river and child walks ashere. Curtain—Loud applause. Act I1l—Same scene—Villain goes to pick up diamond bracelet child has dropped, dog comes back, coughs up river and drowns villian. Curtain—Ked light—Again loud applause. I have booked some time and in case you handle company, you will have to provide your own railroad transporation. Moke the jumps short as the villain will carry the child in his arms and save R. R, fare. We open Dec. 24. Vortland, Me.; 23, Atlantie City, N.'3.:24, Norfolk, Va.; 25, Savannah, Ga.: 26, Tampa, Fla.; 27, Key West: then 3 nights ‘at Havana, Cuba; 2 nights at Santiago. Lay off Saturday to give the actors a chance to see where the plot is taken from. Porto Rico, 3 nights; Around Cape Horn, 3 niguts; lay off, actor's half salary. Honolulu, one week; Manilla one week then back to Frisco at the Chutes; 2 nights Salt Lake City; 2 nights Chicago, the lake 1 night; Toronto, Can.; 2 nights; then the 1000 islands, each island one night. you see the time is fairly well filled. Tor paper, send to every printing house in the coun try for sample of steck lithos., and you will have enough for the season, up to Canada. Have deposited $5,000 in cash. I won at Latovia this week for postage and advance money. Now go ahead and don't let me hear from you until you start to send me in drafts. Best Wishes, Yours Thos. J.Grady. Enroute A Night On Broadway. Punch does net state whether or not he accept the offer, will LITIGATION SETTLED. Friends of Herr Conried, the famous impresario who succeeds Maurice Grau as manager of the Metropolitan Opera House forces, and of M. Whitmark and Sons, the inusie publishers, will be glad to hear that the long and hotly contested law suit between them, bas been set tled amicably out of court. The point at issue was in regard to the American rights to the operas of Strauss, Suppe, Millocker, Genee, and others, and the affair was a matter of principle with both parties, the Whitmarks and Herr Conried being equally willing to spend any amount of money in the firm conviction that they were in the right. This legal battle involved points of law which were of really international importance, and the most celebrated jurists of America and Austria have been engaged for four years in an attempt to unravel the intricasies of the case. The litigants, growing weary of the ‘‘law’s delay,’’ recently took the matter into their own hands with the very happy result of a perfect understanding and confidence on both sides. Indeed, the feeling existing between Herr Conried and his late opponents is so friendly that not only will the Witmarks control the operas in question, but will also be representatives for Mr. Conried of the other operas of which the impresario is the sole owner. Among the latter may be mentioned such standard operas as Amorita, Hanon, A Trip to Africa, and The Black Hussar. Certainly both parties congratulated upon the long-standing dispute. concerned happy are to be issue of this TWO IN THE GAME. Some weeks ago Herr Conried put on Audran’s “La Poupee’’ at the Irving Place Theatre, New York, for # short run quite oblivious, it is claimed, of the fact that the American rights to La Ponpee are owned exclusively by Oscar Hammerstein. Herr Conried neglected entirely to ask Mr. Hammerstein's leave to make the production, it is alleged. Mr. Hammerstein in the meantime lay low, and let opera take its course. The revival, Mia Werber in the title role, the comic with Hittle was a great suc cess, the box office receipts being quite enormous. At the end of the run Herr Conried sent Mr. Hammerstein a check for several hundred dollars——the royalty, he explained, for the use of the play. The check was promptly returned, with the demand that inasmuch as Herr Conried had used his property without leave or license Mr. Hammerstein would be much obliged for the entire receipts, exclusive of salaries and the running expenses of the theatre. Mr. Conried promptly refused to consider this request and now Lawyer A. Hl. Hummel has been instructed to get out the case in court on Mr. Hammerstein’s behalf. Mr. Hammerstein maintains that as the production was wholly unauthorized he had a perfect right to demand the entire receipts. Otherwise a manager might produce any play, no matter how great its success, and then escape prosecution by merely sending the the owner the customary 5 or 10 per cent royalty. This case when it gets into court promises to develope into quite a cause celebre, WILL FIGHT. Dick Ferris, manager of the Ferris Stock Company, in a recent curtain speech at Duluti, Minn., stated that the management of the Lyceum Theatre in which the Ferris Comedians aie playing, are trying to force him to vacate before the summer season is on for good. The management is composed of business men of Duluth and they wish to install an opera company for the summer. Ferris’ contract runs until September 1, and he says if any attempt is made to oust him, he will carry the dispute inte the courts. Mr. Ferris says, “‘The whole trouble begins and ends with the management's general ignorance of things theatrical. They are not willing to let well enough alone. We have been playing to immense business and have become popular among all Duluth theatregoers. An individual by the name of Congdon has persuaded them that light opera is the thing for the summer season, whereupon they now threaten to eject us. The management complained that I was getting the long end of tne percentage so 1 agreed to cut the specialties and take the short end. Even that did not suit them. We will hold the house until we are put on the sidewal« and then we will fight the matter to the last auitch in (the courts."’ RICE’S SHOW GIRL SOLD. Edward E. Rice recently sold the Show Girl, including scenery, costumes and all properties, to Bertram C. Whitney, of Detroit, Mich. Mr. Whitney had all the paraphernalia sent to Detroit, where the worn and distasteful costumes and scenery will be weeded out and replaced by new. The show will be sent on the road next season with an entire new company, with the exception of a few principals. Manager Wiitney has also leased from E. Stair, the Head Waiter and A Run on the Bank which were produced with much success by Ward and Vokes. He has two new stars under contract for the coming season and now controls twenty-two theatres and he interds to keep adding to these whenever he can. D. THEATRE VENTURE FAILED. The Arcade Theatre at Toledo, ©., went out of business, May 16, and the manager is missing. The house was opened by Gen. F. W. Green and was quite successful for a time. Finally it began to lose movey with a winning wees about once a month. An experienced showman Was sectred by Green to run the house about two weeks before it closed and the man is now missing. The house fs very deeply in debt and the employees are in control tryimg to recover their salaries. ELSIE VENNER IN KANSAS. Lester Lonergan and Alice Treat Hunt, who until recently were playing leading parts with the Woodward Stock Co., are organizing a com pany for a three weeks tour of Kansas and Missouri, to produce Elsie Venner, the romance in which Mr. Longergan and Miss Hunt will Star next season. Among the people already engaged are William Dale, Anne Ivers and Mark Fenton formerly with the Woodward Stock company. The opening show will be given at Olathe, Kansas, June 1. CHILD BORN IN THEATRE. Mrs. Kennedy, wife of a theatrical agent, living at No. 153 West Thirty-fourth street, New York City, accompanied by Mrs. Curtis, her mother, went to see The Runaways, May 16 and occupied a seat near the middle of the first row of the balcony. Before the middle of the first act was reached Mrs. Kennedy began to exhibit signs of severe illness and was assisted to a waiting room on the orchestra floor. There she gave birth to a baby girl, who will be named Esther Runaway Kennedy. RIGHT TO BE CONTESTED. Bronson Howard will begin proceedings to re cover the manuscript of The Henrietta from Stuart Robson's heirs. Mr. Howard says that according to the contract entered into between Stuart Robson and himself, the play was to revert to the author as soon as the comedian was unable to use it. The heirs say that Mr. Robson destroyed the manuscript so as to enforce his wish that the play should not be produced after he died. The courts will decide the matter. BJORNSEN WILL BUY MAGAZINE. Bjorn Bjornsen, the well known Norwegian playwright, just before his 70th birthday tried to raise a fund for the aid of indigent teachers in the public schools of Norway. He received only 3.000 crowns from the subscriptions solicited and it is said that he is now trying to purchase one of the educational periodicals of his country with the view of helping to carry out his plans. DRAMATIC. A Brooklyn dally recently published the following item: The James Boys in Missourl closed the seayt son, May 30. Pe ew 4 Bottom closed the season at Chicago, + May 30. Mildred Holland sailed for Europe May 23. She will visit Russia, Poland, Germany, France and England. Edward C. White will probably production of Willis George Hampton, next season. Peggy, the rural comedy by Katherine Kavanaugh, will be put on the popular price cireuit next year by a prominent manager. Manage the Emerson's Buell Newton Booth Tarkington, author of Monsieur Reaucaire and who has been suffering with typhold fever, is reported improving. Katherine Willard will resume her tour in the Power Behind the Throne, September, 2, after spending her vacation in Newa Seotia. Charles Arthur, appearing with the Rebecca Warren Stock Company at Toledo, 0., recently became a member of the Players’ Club, The play which was written by Margaret Mayo in less than a day, entitled, The Mart, will be produced shortly in New York City. Robert Drouet has purchased the dramatic rights to ‘‘Bleanerhassett,”’ which he will make into a play with a view of starring in it next season, Kirk ha Shelle is considering a proposition to send an American company over to South Africa, to present “‘Arizona’’ there for next season. W. E. Butterfield, who is now with ‘‘Romeo and Juliet’’ on tour, will join the Frawley Stock Company in San Francisco at the conclusion of the brief tour. Ten thousand dollars was realized on the open air performance of As You Like It, given at the Columbia University, New York City, in the south fleld. M. W. Taylor, the owner of Why Women Sin, will send out four companies to play that drama next season, This season has been a remarkably successful one. A man who gave his name as James T. Kelley and claiming to be an actor, was recently arrested at Peorta, Il. for disorderly conduct and sent to the workhouse, Charles Felton Pidgin's Blennerhassett will be dramatized by Robert Drouet and Frank BE. Carstarphen and the play will be produced in New York City next season. James O'Neill is thinking of producing Monte Christo In London on a magnificent scale. The play was only seen there once, many years ago, and it was given a simple production, One of Liebler & Company's notable attraetions for next season will be Vesta Tilley. They are trying to secure one of the Broadway Louses for the opening, about September le Ada Gheen goes to London Shortly where she will meet Ethel Barrymore and they will trarel together. They will visit Japan and return home in time to open early in September next. Mr. Jack Prichard, manager of the Empire Stock Company, reports that be will carry a car load of scenery which is now being built and painted at Meadon Grove, lowa, by Edward Hans. Chauncey Olcott ends his tour June 3. Aug ustus Pitou is arranzing for tour which opens at St. his next seasons Paul, Minn., August 25, in a new play which has been adapted from a popular novel. Joseph Buckley, now managing Otis Skinner, will manage the tour of Ada Rehan and Mr. Skinner, and he is now trying to secure Daly's Theatre i, New York for the opening performance, October 20. Mr. CLaries B. Dillingham has accepted a play by Paul Kester and Haddon Chambers, entitled, The Head of the Family. The play will be produced year after next with Millie James in the principal role. Mrs. Langtry left for England, May 13. She will return to this country early in September and will appear in Mrs. Deeringsa Diverce which Was produced with great success at Providence, RK. I. All her other plays will be shelved, David Belasco will give the members of The Darling of the Gods: company a farewell celebration when that play Closes the season af. the Belasco, New York City, May 30. Mr. Belasco will preside and Mr. Roeder will entertain, Liebler & Co. can not see their. way clear to star Viola Allen in The Twelfth Night and as her contract with that firm expired May 1. she will equip her own company and book under the business management of Frank Wilstach. Sam Bernard will star under the management of Charles Frohman next season, Alf Hayman, acting for Frohman. has signed the comedian for a number of years. The contract calls tor ternard’s services both in this country and abroad. A new play has been secured by Charles B. Dillingham for production next season, entitled, Business is Business. It was written by Octay Mirbeau who will come to this country from aris, where a duplicate production ts running, to stage the plece. Charles B. Dillingham has signed the following people for Maxine Elliott's support when she appears In Her Own Way. Charles Cherry, Miss Eva Vineent, Franklyn Hurleigh, Thomas Meighan, KR. ©. Herz and and Miss Georgia Lawrence. When Wm. Brady gees to London shortly, he will feel the way for a foreign production of Way Down East. Mr. Brady has made Forrest Robinson an offer to play his original part in this play, should the outlook be favorable for a successful presentation. J. Franke Burke, leading man of the Corses Payton Comedy Company, was recently compelled to undergo an operation at Springfield, Mass., for an abscess which had formed on his leg. Clande Payton will play leads until he recovers sufficlentiy to return to the cast. David Belasco will make arrangements this summer for a big revivel of Macbeth, with Mrs. Leslie Carter as Lady Macbeth. Du Barry will be presented until the latter part of next season, when the Shakespearian tragedy will 4 put on at the Belasco Theatre, New York ‘ty. It is announced that Margaret Anglin will leave Charles Frohiman's forces next season and appear under the management of Charles B. Dillingham, with Henry Miller as co-star, Misa Anglin will spend the summer in London loosing over several plays in which she hepes to star. Alvin Wyckoff Jack who was recently acecidently stabbed in the side by his brother during the production of In the Rockies at Muskegon, Mich., is reported to be slowly improving. The wound was between the third and fourth ribs and «ix stitches were required to hold it together. Manager Frank Burt of Toledo, Ohio, wae recently In New York Olty, where he made arrangements for the tour through the South of his Tess of the D’Ubervilles company. Miss Caroline Rohr, until recently a member of his Empire Stock Company at Toledo, will play the leading role. It has been announced that Thomas Reynolds will marry Emma Salvatore shortly. Both are popular members of ‘the American Theatre Stock Company of New York City. After the marriage they will prepare for thelr entrance into vaudeville tits fall in a sketch entitled, The Candidate. The spring tour of Liebler & Company's allstar production of Romeo and Juliet wih close at Boston, Mass., June 6. The tour has been wonderfully suecessful and while there were many drawbacks amd a few weak peluts to the Frederick Wallave, presentation, it will rank as one of the most artistic efforts of this season,