The Billboard 1924-03-22: Vol 36 Iss 12 (1924-03-22)

a) PEAT Seu MARCH 22, 1924 The Billboard Ab appears between each episode and gives a rhymed version of the significance of the scene to follow. Thus, even without a printed program—and everything was explained there—one could easily follow the story as it was unfolded. COMPLETED OUTLINE FOR THE CPENTRAL STATES HISTORICAL PAGEANT, AURORA, ILL., AUGUST 17-18, 1923 Prolog Miss Illinois enters followed by her attendants, Beauty, National Pride, Strength, etc., and gives a short address of welcome, Columbia arrives with her 48 States and is INBTEEWNN twenty-three and twenty-four will perhaps be known in lyceum: and chautauqua history as_ the years of the cyclone. It is probable that these two years brought more disappointments to platformists and bureaus than any other years. It is natural that such disappointments should bring pessimism to those who have suffered. There has been a housecleaning. Much of that which was not worth while has gone and some valuable things have been lost. But the real question is: “Is America outgrowing the platform or is the demand for such things merely undergoing a change?” It is well to remember first that the five years before the war witnessed huce growth in both lyceum and chautaucua lines—mostly in the latter. Part of this growth was jusiified and part of it was due to temporary causes, The « e of each conimunity to Keep up with its neighbors was one of these temporary cause which resulted in a crowding of chautauqua enterprises. A multiplication of bureaus and a cheapening of attractions, especially during the War When it was difficult to organize a mixed or male company, Was partly responsible for the reaction, I believe that the present depression is the result of many c:uses. Some of these causes might be itemized «ss follows: First: Unsatisfactory attractions. Second: Overpromotion in chautauquas. Third: Continual deficits. Fourth: Now competing attractions. As to the first caus Mentioned the ! have already diticully of securing £00d companies during the war. But it is well to remember that the musical demand of today is not the same as it was twenty years ago. The phonograph and the radio have given to the people a musical education which was é greeted by Miss Illinois. They all take their places in a reviewing stand to watch the pageant. Episode I. Dawning of Creation. Part 1 Symbolic dancing episode interpreted by the Creation Girls, Land and Sky Maids, etc. Part 2. Coming of the Indians. This scene shows a typical Indian village, etc. Part 3. Arrival of Early Explorers. Exchange of greetings between LaSalle and Indians, Episode IL Part 1. Dance of the Forest, Land and Water Sprites. An aesthetic ballet by the Wilderness Spirits. Optimism, Not Pessimism, Is Justified by Present Conditions in the Lyceum and the Chautauqua : By Al Flude licking before. giving Moreover, many of the schools are instruction in “Musical Appreciation”. “T’Ombra”, one of the better musical events of the Lyceum, with Stella Norelli-Lamont, coloratura soprano; Susanne France, lyric soprano; Obrad Djurin, tenor, and Carl Formes, baritone, —White Studio. Part 2. Conquering the Barriers. A symbolic drama depicting the trials and sufferings of the Pioneers. Episode III. Founding of Fort Dearborn. Part 1. The arrival of Captain John Whistler. Part 2. The pilgrimage of the Kinzie Family. ' Episode IV. An early Illinois Wedding. A real old-time celebration with Virginia Reel, etc. 6 Episode V. Illinois and the World War. This scene is an exact reproduction of an actual German retreat, battle and subsequent defeat. Entirely enacted by World War Veterans. Episode VL The Masque of Illinois, (Continued on page 1s) America demands better music today than before. The increase in the number of chautauquas, placing them in smaller towns and the increase in railro.d rates, kept salaries at a mini mum and the result was mediocre talent in many cases. Already the more substantial bureaus have recognized this difficulty, and a decided improvement, especially in musical talent, is seen. The improvement in the demands of the people is indicated by the number of established musical artists who are more and more in demand for the regular lyceum courses. Overpromotion in chautauquas, which is the second cause of the hard times, resulted in too many chautauquas in a given territory. Fifteen and even twenty chautauquas in one county, made of them merely local affairs. The overhead ate up the income and left nothing to pay for good talent. Moreover, the competition between nearby chautauquas cut down the gate receipts until the effort was not worth while. It is the elimination of hundreds of these small chautauquas which leaves many of the attractions without booking for next summer. But this in the long run will prove to be a blessing. Chautauqua and lyceum are different. The former, using the local hall or theater, avoids much of the overhead and is intended to merely supply the local needs. The chautauqua must supply the needs of a larger territory—of a county or 4 State—and to restrict it to merely a community, spells ruin. One or two ehautauquas in a county will be able to prosper. A dozen will fail and merely cheapen the movement. As to continual deficits, there is something deadenMg in the idea that a thing is not a success. Of course you and I know that the church and (Continued on page 18) = > yee ee me “vi NK