Variety (Sep 1935)

70 VARIETY Wednesday, September 25, 1935 Legit Relief Project Biinips Into Trouble; Actors Want Minimum Pay And fanciers Wantilet^^ While those placed in charge of the iederal theatre project, new re- lief 'measure under the Works Progress Administration, are work- ing on aii actepttible plafl of opfer- atlon,. 5!,nftther problem has arisen. It comes fi'Ohi a.ctorS >fh6 wa:nt to -kriow~lf-professionals in-the-pro- posed relief shows are to be per- mitted to work under the minimum oi: $40 weekly ($25 for Jwiiors) first set by the legit code and then adopted by Equity. Objection Is voiced with a stipu- lation; It applies only if admission fees are to be charged, which would place the ^relief shows in pp- ^position to touring attractions. There was mention of charging a: small fee when the federal relief plan was announced arid it was mulled over last season by the execs of the relief drama project which has been- giving free legit and vaudie Shows in schools, parks, institutiohs and CCC camps, Whether the admission idea is still alive, is uncertain. Halle Flan- agan, former Vassar dramatic in- structor, who is in charge of the new federal stage relief, has been In conference with Frank Giilmpre, Equity head, on the matter. She made it a point that ho news of the conversation be given , out on the grouiids that t>ie report might be garbled and that the plans are 'merely formative. Meets Managers Monday (22) Miss Flanagan had a session. with legit managers, who. presented a plan whereby the pro- fessional theatre, would secure some sustehknce under the Government's drama project. Showmen's plan is ' virtually tiie same as rejected by Washington several months ago. Idea calls for the Government pay- ing actors relief wages, with the xnanagera .Adding, the difference to make up the.$40 weekly minimum. ThoBC('observing the federal .the- atre project eo far as it has pro- gressed express the opinion that the result >vo,uld be. to establish a c6uhtry-wide string, of little the- atres. ' Basic principal of the proj- ect is relief to all connected with the stage. 'Tha,t will take In ama- teurs, for there will be an Instruc- Nd Reffections Party was thrown for ow- ardDletz arid Arthur Schwartz, compoisers of . the 'At Homo Abroad' scorei^^ after the revue's -bpfinlng lasj,.weelt... _^ ; ^ Band played riothing but Rodgers-Hart tunes throujrh- out the festivities, NO MONDAY SHOW Raymond Moore Stock in Balto on Show VVeekly Basis Baltimore, Sept. 24. f»ractically assured that when Haymond Moore brings In his stock company for . a proposed run at the indie legit Maryland starting Oct. 15, there will be but seven per- formances weekly. onday nights will be devoted to dress rehearsals. Reason is twofold: First, Moore wants the first-string press, cover- ing his productions and could not have it with Monday openings If a touring show should be on tap at the XJBO bouse, Ford's; secondly, he' figures it would make for smoother performances, if the cast got added time for rehearsing. Desplte_.clipplng off Monday eve^ nirigs performances, no matinees will be added. Players on the stock roster, however, will be paid In fuU for week; all will be Equity members. No. 4 Horse' Fourth company of 'Thr6e Men On a Horse* will shortly start readying. It la duo to open In Bos- ton Oct. 28. Originally planned to the" Hub da'teT " "" Beisldes Broadway, 'Horse' Is cur- rent in Chicago and Denver. BUI NO CRIX CONFLICTS Red Tape Stymies Start of Relief Program; Gov't Expects Huddling ' tihlcago. Sept'. 24. Harry Rossnagle of the Har- ,rls . theatre is , busy reading scripta iri his spare time. Fig- ures Pn maybe turning pro- ducer. . Held a. $2 ticket on a daily , double at Hawthorne last week 'that paid $635"." " tional division, too; Miss Flanagan w:as asked how shows could be toured under fed- eral financing and admissions charged and whether that would not be m dbmpetltlon with regular ■road attractions. She replied that the relief shows would not play in territory near the managers' at- tractions and therefore would not be opposition. 'Hands' Angle. Same problem concerning touring actors getting less than the pre vailing wage, which has cropped.up In other relief projects, also takes in stagehands and musicians, if musicals are atteriipted. Miss Flan agan has talked it over with the stagehands' union, but no decision has been arrived at. Sta,nd taken by the Authors' League for roy alty payments for playwrights is etl\l to be considered; also. Equity may be eased into the rather cloudy situation. It has been working for federal relief from the start, but if admissions are charged Equity will be put in the: position of ruling, on the status of such shows. It cannot demand that re lief actors pay . dues nor become members. Equity's . minimum sal ary regulations, however, may confiict with relief waiges. Stipula- tion that any surplus over expenses of relief shows is to go biack into the project fund may be the answer on that tangent. Federal theatre project of the Bmergeiicy Relief Admihlstration has temporary quarters at 79 Mad ison avenue, with John Askling in charge; representing Miss Flana- gan. That would indicate that the project is quite apart from the re lief shows now being played under federal, state and city grarits Phill/s Yiddish Legits Philadelphia, Sept: '22. Walnut Street Theatre,, famous old legit house here, opens as a home of Jewish attractions on Sat- xfrday. night (28th), First show is 'The Big Surprise,', billed as a 'mu- sical drama' and staged by Bernard Elvlng. Book is by Sadie Simkoff, lyrics by Harry Kauffman and score by Nathan Zignari. Elvlng heads the cast which Inr eludes Florence Secunda, Lisa Sil- bert, Ethel Dorf, Irving Jacobsen, May Schoenfeld, iSol Josephsoh, Clara Rosenthal, Jacob Susonoff and Rose Juliber. Arch Street also reopening. At traction is 'My American-Yiddish Girl,' musical comedy by and with Simon Wolf. Playing only Wednes- day night and Saturday matinee and night. Although there are eight shows opening on Broadway this week, there will be no conflicting pre- mieres so far as the first line Critics are concerned. Problem was worked out by John Golden pulling a Sun- day debut , with 'A Touch of Brim- atone' and Philip .Dunning match- ing that move by having the critics view a dress it:ehearsal Saturday (21) of 'Remember the Day.' 'Durihlng's request that the re- views not be printed until Thurs- day (26) was compiled with by the critics. Show regularly opens the evening before, at which time 'Winterset' also bows in. Other five shows are unopposed, so that all will have the attention of the first string reviewers: 'If This fee Treason,' Monday; 'Blind Alley,' Tuesday; 'Paths. of Grlofy,* Thiirs- day; 'Othello,' Friday, and 'Dear Mr. President,' Saturday. tated. by the Golden ofllce that because of Equity's Inslstance on double pay' for Sundays, the pre- miere was played In the red, de- spite taking in $2,100. Critics were present as expected, but some of the Inveterate first nlghtet-s were absent. Their places, were eagerly taken by theatrego.eijs, who are' unable to be In New York during the week—people who have attended Sunday legits when played as benefits for the Stkge Re- lief Fundv That bears oui the con- tention of managers that Sundays would attract fresh audiences to the theatre. With operating costs doubled, however, it la doubtful if other shows win try playing on Sun- days. Yiddish Art in L. A. Los Angeles, Sept, 24. New York Yiddish Art Theatre pliers open at Trinity. Auditorium here Oct. 7. Max Gabel stars and directs. Alex Silver win produce. KINSEYS IN CANTON Old-Time Stock Troupe Starts Win* ter Season Oct. 5 ^. ...Canton, Sept. 24. The Klrisey t»layer3 will reopen stock at the Grand Opera House here Oct. 5.. Cohipany, which played a long seajson at the same house last yeai', concluded its, summer toiii" under canyas, and Js due. here next week to start rehearsals. Frank Miller, manager, says ppUcy will be change of bill twice weekly with vaudeville between acts. insey Players is one of the old- est, stock organizations in existence, troupe .having been on the road about 40 years. Holfis, Hiihi Collapses Boston, Sept.. 24i Old Hollis theatre, being demol- ished, collapsed last week, killed two workmen and Injured several. ollls was scene of many dra- matio successes by noted legit stars of the past 60 years. Indianapolis, Sept. 24. . ; After 56 years of a varied theatri- cal existence, the old Park theatre Is^ to come down to make way .for a modern structure. Known originally as Metropolitan Hall,, the Park liias run the gamut of production, from living artists, which caused an indignation meet- ing of righteous citizens on morality charges, through legit, a dime museum, musical comedies and double feature, films at 10c a throw. A two-story modern storeroom building Is to be constructed With a. parking lot In the rear. Inside Stuff-Legit \ 'If This Be 'Treason,' which opened at the Music ox, N. Y., Monday (23), is a conditional booking. Agreement is for a maximum of seven weeks, Sam.H. Harris stipulating that he have possession of the house at the end of that period. Harris will spot 'The First Lady' there. Theatre Guild is presenting 'Treason' and will staff the boxofilce with girls, as usual, to handle the subscriptions. Regular Music Hox treas- urers will be on duty at the Imperial where Harris and Max Gordon will present 'Jubilee.' Anita Philips, who collaborated with Leonor'e Kaghan In writing 'A Touch of Brimstone,' at the Golden, N. Y., was formerly the wife of Jed Harris. . . Pftiy, first called 'AH Bow Down,' Is the first of last summer's rural tryouts to reach Broadway. Reminiscent of DeWolf Hopper, who died Monday (23) in Kansas City, is the story about a dinner given in his honor a few years ago with Reynold Wolfe, rioted Friars Club ribfaer, as to.astmaster. Wolfe cracked: 'Everytlme a woman I don't recognize greets me on the street, I say •Hello Mrs. Hopper,' and I'm never wrong.' r. Leo Michel, one of the jury at the premiere of 'Night of January 16,' Ambassador, N. Y., received an envelope containing $3, as did the balance of the 'panel.' He returned the money, to A. H. Woods, how- ever,'with a note' to the effect that as. he had attended the performance as the guest-of the manager, the gratutity seemed superfluous. TRAM. BIEMER BACK Ft. Wayne, Sept.. 24. Frank Biemer returns to show business as the Shrine manager, having been out for the past four years. Biemer formerly held post, but left it when road shows dropped off. Now he's starting a campaign for legit attractions, flrst of which is on 'Life Begins at 8:40,' which the Shuberts will play here prior to its Chicago opening. Auditoi'lum Is a 3,000 seater. KEATING NIXES STAGER Hollywood, Sept. 24. Fred .Keating has turned down Sidney Harmon's offer as. the lead In "Body Beautiful,' which Harmon ■produces In New York in Nov. Harmon Is now alter'Jack-Durant for the part. Charles Romano replaces 11.• Reeves-Smith to play character of. the elder Johann Strauss in 'The Great Waltz' on tour. Reeves-Smith, 76, was frequently indisposed during the New York engagement, Romano playing the part for 18 weeks. , Herman Shumlln was seriously considering production oi; a play cailled ^Plcd Piper,' by Elmer Oettinger, which .deals with .Huey Long, when the subject of the story was assassinated and play was scrapped. Leon. Spachner is general manager for Tony Landltl Productions, inc., ti new managerial outfit entering the legit fleld. Plriri has not yet an- nounced plans. Herbert Bayard Swope Is among the backers «f Billy coming show, 'Jumbo,' in association with Jock Whitney. ose's forth- ENGAGEMENTS Woods Miller, 'At Hom^ Abroad.' Robert Wallsten, 'Most of the Game.' Ruth Matteson, Gladys Griswold, Douglas Gregory, Don Terry, Leslie Bingham, .'Triumph/ Ralph Theadore. 'Kind Lady,' Dawn O'Day, 'Scandals.' Frank S. Marlrio, Oreste Mlgllac- cio. 'Singing City.' Claire Carleton, .Loretta Sayres, 'Body Beautiful.' Lee Tracy, Julie Haydon. Jean Dixon, Louis Jean Heydt, 'Bright Star.' George Rosener, Robert Rose, Maude Lariibert Cynthia Arden, Tllden Davis, Marshall Hale, Donn Bennett, William Ardcl, Florence Gerard, Jean Bedlril, 'Tobacco Road' (3d road company), Ellsha Cook, Jr., . Charles D. Brown, 'Crime Klarches On,' Norma Chariibers, Paula Bauer- smith, Ann Thweatt, 'Let Freedom Ring,' . Una Val. 'Thumbs Up.' John Darrow, 'Ascending Dragon.' Don McClelland, Louis Calhern, Leo G. Carroll, Jay Fassett, Ivy Troutmari, Bruce Cardigan, Doris Dudley,. Jan- Ulrlch, 'Agatha Call- ing,' . . ' Royal Beal, Howland Chambers, Arthur Donaldson, Jack Harling, Alfred ICappeler, 'Achilles Had a Heel.' Judith Wood. Hardle Albright, Sam Wren; Ferdinand .Gottschalk, Clarence Derwent, Gavin- Mulr, Theresa Maxwell Conover, Virginia Sale, Vera Hurst, Walter Fenner, .John T. Dwyer, Sydney Rlggs, Seth Arnold, 'Play, Genius, Play.' WashTrigtdn",' "geptl Government red tape, accentu-. ated by policy rov/s between New- Deal chlieftalns, have slowed down the $10,ObO,000-actor-relief program, to the point wheTO no tangible steps .toward providing • Jobg ,for iQ.OOO theatre peopile are likely^ before th end of .Oct. " Althou^ resident;. JRoo:sevelt TSava approvul .tu^i*^w^qks.'ago to .riuigh.-plana,:fotL.:Bpending-.$?.7,00i),:... OOd for projects benef.ting actors, musicians, writers, sculptors, and artists, actual start on drama ven- tures la still a long way off, of- ficials indicated Here today. Series of obstacles has been encountered, so that wheneyer one hurdle Is cleared ■ another Itipms. Appolntnient of a dozen regional "dli-ectors la expected within the next 10 days, but there is no assur- ance that work will get under way in a comparable space of time. All but two or three of the sectional bosses have been picked already. Among the causes for delay have been the front-oflice row over wagie scales,, which -seems to have come to a head in a ruling by Works Progress Administrator Hopkins that schedules with $94 top stand but number of hours per wcelc may be cut. This may benefit stage- hands and musicians,, but how the, concession will help actot-s is a piizzle. Another cUlty has. been the policy which prevents employment of more than one person iri a fam- ily on government jobs. Exemption Is being sought so thiit fariiily acts may be given a break in the vaude and circus ventures, but so far no action has been taken on the waiver request. More delay has been occasioned by the labk of adequate information about theatre people on relief. Gov- ernment figures are extremely sketchy, with virtually the only available classification out of date. Sole useful survey of occupations of persons on relief was made more t.tian a year ago arid its results are of. questionable value today. To correct this deficiency, reclas- sification Is being made in New York at present by a board Includ- ing representatives of Equity, A.F.A,, stage hands, government, and medical profession... Will be some time, though, before the job is concluded. Squawks from the Dramatists Guild about government failure to find a spot for playwrights In the program appear to have been partly overcome as the result' of confer- ences between government execs and Louise Silcox and other key membei's of the scribbling fratern- ity. Under the new program. Fed- eral theatre groups expect to pay royalties for scripts, ending the. practice of requesting playwrights to waive their fees. Government also Is. considering the idea of conduct- ing a play contest, witli the inten- tion of fostering domestic works and encouraging sectional schools. If the idea goes through. Federal cash will be awarded for best plays of various types, such as those deal- ing with Negro, rural, Indian, and urban life. Geo. Jessel, Arch Selwyn Prodociiig Coast Show Hollywood, Sept. 24. Rehearsals started yesterday (Monday) on 'Lots of Love,' Sam Hellman-Louls Arms comedy,, which will be produced on the Coast by George Jessel and Arch Selwyn. Charles Wilson is directing. Cast includes Skeets Gallagher, Llla Lee, Arthur Lake, Alexander Carr, Arthur Aylsworth. Jack Rayritiond, Sam Bennett and pos- sibly Julius. Tannen, Piece wais fornierly tagged 'Golden Sunshine.- Play is scheduled to open at the Curran or Geary, Sari Francisco, in two weeks, dependmg on which house will get 'Anything-'Goes,' cur- rent at the El Capltan here. If it clicks, it goes to New York follow- ing 'Frisco, L. A. being out. Laurie-Bergman's Play joe Laurie, Jr„ and Henry Berg- man are finishing a play about show business titled '$06 a Hundr .' Will bo produced by Henry Inc,