Variety (Sep 1938)

Wednesday, September 28, 1938 LEGITIMATE GROSSES VARIETY 59 WPA Gives Chi Negro Mikado ; Bankhead la, 'Golden Boy Big ICG Chicago, Sept. 27. Season is picking up. There will be two shows in town starting to- morrow (Wednesday), when 'I Am Different' arrives at the.Selwyn to supplement 'Golden Boy,' now in its third smackeroo session at the Har- ris; San Carlo opera opens in the big Auditorium next Monday (3). Ger- trude Lawrence in 'Susan and God' makes the Harris Oct. 10, with "The Women' booked into the big Audi- torium on Nov. 6. ' WPA had a. big opening Sunday (25), when the Federal Theatre brought in a modernized version of The Mikado,' with an all-Negro cast, into the Great Northern. 'Goldeh Boy' is a sell-out here and could go much longer than its dated four-week gallop. From here moves into Detroit for a week, Boston for three weeks, Philadelphia for a fort- night, with single sessions in Balti- more, Washington and Pittsburgh. Estimates for Last Week 'Golden Boy' (Harris) (3d week) (1,000; $2.75). With second week of American Theatre Society subscrip- tions necessitating fewer cut-rate ducats, the gross shot up another $2,000, snagging terrific $16,000. Press handling on this show had been well- nigh perfect on all angles, with p.a. Fred Spooner giving the town plenty of fresh angles on coverage. •I Am Different' (Selwyn) (1st week) (1,000; $2.75). Opens tomor- row night (Wednesday), with fair advance for Tallulah Bankhead comedy. WPA 'Power' ( lackstone). Closed Sat- urday (24). 'The Mikado' (Great Northern). Negro unit opened modern version of Gilbert & Sullivan on Sunday (25). Frisco Strike Hits Bankhead, . Only Fair $9,500 San Francisco, Sept. 27. Things were pretty much in the doldrums here last week, most of which ■ could be attributed to the strike which .dosed all warehouses and the picketing of all the leading department stores. This, together with the fact that notices on 'I Am Different,* the new Zoe Akin's play for Tallulah Bankhead, were not any too enthusiastic, didn't help things too much at the Curran, where Miss Bankhead closed a two week's en- gagement Saturday (24). Since opening here, 'Different' has undergone plenty of rewriting, which has helped the play considerably. Withdrawal from the cast of Glenn Anders, because of illness, left the company in bad spot last week in finding a replacement. Hershel May- hall finally stepped into Anders' role, the second most important male part in the play. Anders is out of the cast temporarily. Estimate for Last Week *I .Am Different' (Curran) (1.771; $2.75) (2nd wk). New Zoe Akin's play has undergone plenty of re- writing the past fortnight and has Improved considerably since it opened two week's ago. Second week netted fair enough $9,500, consider- ing'strike conditions, etc. Matinees were strong. 'Different' folded here Saturday (24) and opens in Chicago tomorrow (Wed ). WPA These Few Ashes' (Alcazar) (1,269: $1.10) (1st wk). Although not as well received by the crix as some of the former Federal Theatre Project offerings here, show is doing good business. Mpls. Due for Big Roadshow Season Minneapolis, Sept. 27. Leo Murray, manager of Lyceum, legit roadshow house, claims city will see more legit traveling attrac- tions ensuing season than for many years. Season opens Oct. 6-8 with" 'Pins and Needles.' Other underlines are Lunt and Fontanne, Ed Wynn, 'Shadow and Substance,' 'Golden Boy,' 'Susan and God,'. Fred Stone in 'Lightnin',' Ethel Barrymore in 'Whiteoaks,' and a return engage- ment of *You Can't Take It With You.' PH1LLY BOOKING SET; 'CLEVER' LIGHT 4G Setting NW Loop Vancouver, Sept. 27. Legit season opened here last week with 'Pins and Needles,' in for two days, playing to very nice biz at $3,000. Rave notices and word of mouth from opening night built sec ond day to virtual capacity. L. A. Allen, partner in the Empress theatre, sole legiter here, leaves in 10 days for tour of Coast cities to drum up again the highly profitable north west loop, planning to sell producer^ the idea of sending San Francisco and L. A. productions through this territory. Plan calls for two weeks playing time split among Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, and three one-night stands, providing theatres in these cities are agreeable, Tins' Fair 8G, Denver Denver, Sept. 27. 'Pins and Needles' played to fair- ish biz in three performances—two nights and mat. Advance sale for 'Susan and God,' here for two nights and a matinee next week, is heavy. Estimate for Last Week 'Pins and Needles* (Auditorium) (2,800; $2.24). Three shows to about $3,000. WPA 'Autumn Crocus' (Baker Federal) (437; 40c). Business picking up as fall comes on. BARRYMORE OK $8,500 IN f Philadelphia, Sept. 27. After numerous charges and switches, Philly'a legit boosing pro- gram for the next month or more has finally been pretty well ironed out. Two Shubert-controlled houses offer new shows next week and the third (Chestnut) relights Oct. 17. Six shows will be offered at these three houses during the month of October, two of them try-outs. George Cohan's 'I'd Rather Be Right' leads the list, opening Mon- day (3), at the Forrest for a two- week stay. It will be followed by Dwight Deere Wiman's musical, 'Great Lady' (switched from the Chestnut where first advertised), Oct. 20. Tuesday night (4), the Locust starts its season with Eddie Dowling's try-out historical dramatic produc- tion, 'Madame Capet,' with Eva Le Gallienne. It will be followed after a fortnight's stay by 'Whiteoaks,' with Ethel Barrymore. 'Amphitryon 38,* Theatre Guild offering with the Luhts, previously set for the Forrest, opens, instead, at the Chestnut Street Opera House Oct. 17, where it will play two weeks, on subscription. Same stars wiU present The Sea Gull' for a single week starting Oc- tober 24. Only other Shubert book- ing now officially set is 'Golden Boy' for Nov. 7 at Locust, but it may be switched to Chestnut. Erlanger has no booking to fol- low the comedy try-out, 'A Woman's a Fool—To Be Clever,' which closes two-week stay Saturday (1). New Mask and Wig show, 'All Around the Town,' is officially skedded Thanks- giving Week, with 'Tobacco Road' booked a week or so later. Manage- ment expects a booking in October, however. 'A Woman's a Fool—To Be Clever' was reported the middle of last week as (tutting its two-week stay in half, burfinally decided to continue. No- tices here, with one exception, were favorable, if not exactly enthusiastic. Torrential downpour Wednesday (21) matinee, always good at this house, hurt total biz a lot, with $4,500 reported for' seven perform- ances. However, that was not so bad for a modestly-produced little comedy like this. 'Sing Out the News' went out after Wednesday (21) night's per- formance, giving the Max Gordon revue three and a half weeks at the Forrest. Estimates for Last Week 'A Woman's a Fool—To Be Clever/ Erlanger (1,800; $2) (1st week). No- tices good on the whole. Weather hurt first few days and show was skedded to close Saturday (23), but decided to stick out second week; $4,500 in seven performances. 'Sine Out the News,' Forrest (2,- 000; $2.50) (4th week). Played only four performances of final week, ending stay Wednesday (21). An- other socked by torrential rains; $5,500 in four shows. 'Boy' 6G, Newark Newark, Sept. 27. 'Golden Boy,' on its first visit here wilh a road cast, did exceptionally well at the Shubert, netting nearly $6,000 on the week. Current show is return engagement of 'Brother Rat.' Estimate for Last Week 'Golden Boy'' (Shubert) (1,950; 50- $1.50). Without benefit of the origi- nal leads. Clifford Odets' drama ac- counted for a good .week at the b.o., nearly $6,000. Boston, Sept. 27. When 'Knickerbocker Holiday,' first of the Playwrights' Co. productions, opens tonight (Tuesday), with Walter Huston in the lead, the Hub will have three shows-in town and a good line- up of bookings for the future. 'Knick- erbocker' preemed in Hartford Sat- urday night (24), but the flood han- dicapped the production, particularly the lighting. Opening here was post- poned one day, 'What a Life,' in fourth week, is holding good, steady pace, partly through missionary work of Martin Jurow and Frank McCarthy, who have been circulating through high schools of metropolitan Boston, hypo- ing biz from a natural source for this comedy. Ethel Barrymore was received en- thusiastically in her opening week of 'Whiteoaks.* 'Amphitryon 38,' with Lunt-Fontanne, comes into Colonial Oct. 3; 'Golden Boy' is slated for the Plymouth Oct. 17; 'Clear All Wires,' new Vinton Freedley musical, Oct. 17; 'Generals Need Beds,' with Ina Claire, Oct. 18, and 'Boys from Syra- cuse,* Oct. 3L 'Plant in the Sun,' produced by local • Transit Players, opens tonight at Peabody Playhouse, with Transit,' by Philip Stevenson, as dual bill. Estimates for Last Week 'WhataLife' (Wilbur) (1,200; $2.75) (3d week). Dented slightly by hur- ricane-flood, which crimped commut- ing. . Light comedy is fairly staunch at the b.o. and $8,000 for third frame was satisfactory. 'Whiteoaks' (Plymouth) (1,480; $3.30) (1st week). Ethel Barrymore fans supporting it well, and more are expected to pass through the gate this week, with rail transportation returning to normal. Opening week okay $8,500. San Carlo Quitting New York with OK 60G in l\ Weeks San Carlo Opera company con- cludes a two aijd a half week en- gagement at the Center, N.Y., Satur day (1), with indications that the total gross for 20 performances will top $60,000. With performances averaging $3,000 nighty, business has been virtual capacity from the open ing. Last week's takings were quoted at $24,000, top being $1.50 (no admissions tax for grand opera) Picketing of the house by the Grand Opera Choral Alliance apparently had negligible effect. The Fortune Gallo outfit moves to Chicago, opening at the Auditorium Monday (3), date extending to Oct. 23. Storm Dents B'way, but 3 New Arrivals Look Okay; 'Missouri,' $11,000, 'Sing Out News Favored Mosque, Newark, Opens To Legit with 'Blossom' Newark, Sept. 27. New Mosque, problem theatre of Newark, opens Monday night (3) with revival of 'Blossom Time,' fea- turing Everett Marshall, Charl6tte Lansing, Doug Leavitt and William Kent. House, which has tried vaude- ville, pictures and opera, has seating capacity of 3,400, allowing for low admission for 'Blossom' of 40c to $1.65 evenings, including Sundays, and 40c to $1.10 matinees Wednesday and Saturday. Shuberts producing and Frank L. Smith managing. Tins' Tees Off Milw. Milwaukee, Sept. 27. Davidson theatre, one of Milwau- kee's two legits, will open Oct. 9 with 'Pins and Needles.' Theatre opens later than usual because of re- modelling. More than 1,500 season reservations have been taken and Anthony Phi- nee, theatre manager, looks forward to the best season in years with about 20 playsjn the offing. While the new season's arrivals to date do not include a smash, al- though one ('Kiss the Boys Good- bye') is touted to unfold this week, there are at least three new shows with fairly good money chances on the, boards. Two musicals which premiered late last week are included in the trio, with 'Hellzapoppin' indicated to be the topper at • the 46th Street, judging from the ticket demand early this week. Show is a vaude- revue, rated as screwy as anything displayed in years. Olsen and John- son concocted this affair, and while the critics admitted they laughed as heartily as other first-nighters, the notices were mostv mild. Looks like word-of-mouth will send this one across. 'Sing Out the News' came in Satur- day (24) at the Music Box, drawing a fairly good press. Revue had been highly regarded at the opening in Philadelphia, where it was pruned for several weeks. Monday's (26) attendance was indicative of pros- perous business. 'Missouri Legend,' at the Empire, registered a satisfac- tory though not exceptional gross, initial week's takings being around $11,000. A third early, musical, 'You Never Know,' Winter Garden, drew an ad- verse press. It opened last mid- week with a,heavy advance sale for the succeeding three days, but the agency call then dropped away down. First full week of 'Lightnin,' Golden, was quoted around $8,500. which encouraged the management to expect a stay. 'Come Across,' the first opening of the season, proved the first flop and dropped out at the Playhouse last Saturday. Business last week was somewhat affected by heavy rains climaxed by the hurricane of Wednesday (21). There were ticket cancellations on Thursday and Friday. With transpor- tation disrupted, patrons from out- lying districts could not reach the city. By Saturday night, however, conditions around the metropolis were much improved and theatre attendance was excellent all along the line. 'Shadow and Substance ends a goodly run this week. Due in next week: 'Victoria Regina' (repeat), Martin, Beck; The Fabulous Invalid,' Broadhurst; 'The Devil Takes a Bride,' Cort; 'The Good,* Windsor- WPA is trying to make up its mind about 'The Big Blow' opening. It removed 'Haiti' at Daly's, which re- lights with 'On the Rocks.' Estimates for Last Week '♦Bachelor Born,' Lyceum (36th week) (C-957; $3.30). Improved and has been topping $6,000 in past two weeks; intention is to continue en- gagement through October. 'Come Across,' Playhouse. With- drawn after a week and one half; could not climb after weak press. 'Dame Nature,' Booth (1st week) (C-708; $3.30). Presented by Thea- tre Guild; adapted-by Patricia Colt ings from the French; tried out at Westport, Conn., in early summer; opened Monday (26). 'Hellzapoppin,' 46th Street (2d week) (R-1,375; $3.30). Press bore down on vaude-revue with some ex- ceptions, but word-of-mouth claims it is funniest show in years; built up after starting late last we.ek. «I Married An An?el,' Shubert (21st week) (M-1,367; $4.40). Back to the $28,000 level, which means ca- pacity and is expected to stand up against incoming musicals for some time. 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye,' Miller (1st week) (C-944; $3.30). Presented by Brock Pemberton; written by Clare Boothe; touted from Washing- ton a? real good thing. 'On Borrowed Time,' Longacre (35th week) (D-1,019; $3.30). Weather affected most business, but no material drops noted; takings here quoted at $8,600, which is profitable. 'Our Town,' Morosco (35th week) (D-961; $3.30). Went off slightly, but rated well over the $10,000 mark; some cancellations, but patrons switched tickets to this week, which should help. 'Missouri Legend,' Empire (2nd week) (D-1,096; $3.30). Starting business in face of bad weather and no advance sale indicates first dramatic success: better than $11,000 quoted and should improve. 'Shadow and Substance,' Plymouth (34th week) (D-1,036; $3.30). Final week; import has made excellent stay and goes to road; has grossed over $9,500 in recent weeks. 'Sing Out the News,' Music Box (1st week) (R-1,013; $4.40) Opened Saturday (24); drew mixed press, but some distinctly favorable, with indications it will do. 'Thanks for Tomorrow.' Bayes (1st week) (D-700; $3.30). Presented by Jay Strong; written by Le Roy Bailey with interpolated songs by others; opened Tuesday (27). '30 Days Hath September,' Hudson (1st week) (C-1,094; $3.30). Pre- sented by Kirby Grant; written by Irving Gaumont and Jack Sobell; opens Friday (30). 'Tobacco Road,' Forrest (251st week) (C-1,107; $1.65). War horse of the list goes along to modest money, but turns a profit right along; $5,000. 'What a Life,' Biltmore (24th week) (C-991; $3.30). Has been picking up and now rated over the $9,000 level, which provides goodly profit for laugh show. "You Never Know,' Winter Garden (2d week) 31-1,671; $3.30;. Opened middle of last week; drew very mild press and chances doubtful, although advance sale for succeeding perform- ances excellent. 'You Can't Take It with You' Im- perial (94th week) (C-1,468; $1.65). Special road show opening; this one to stick until end of run; business still profitable, with last week, ap- proximating $8,000. Revival 'Lightnin'.' Golden (3d week) (C-789; $3.30). Doing okay in eyes of management; Sunday plug by critics should elp; first full week rated at $8,500 and satisfactory. Added Tins and Needles,' Labor Stage (44th-week) (R-500; $2.75). Going along profitably, with last week a little under previous week because of weather; quoted at $6,400. WPA 'One Third of a Nation,' Adelphi (37th week). •Haiti,' Daly's. Withdrawn Satur- day after 30 weeks; may relight at Lafayette, Harlem; 'On the Rocks' resumes here. 'Prologue to Glory/ Ritz (24th 'The' Big Blow,' Elliott (1st week)., Slated, to open this week after being postponed several times. ■SDSAJTS' 3 WKS. IN LA. GOOD FOR53G Los Angeles, Sept. 27. Gertrude Lawrence winds up three weeks at the Biltmore (1), with a probable $53,000 as the final total for the run. Second stanza held strong, topping first week by few hundred dollars. Biltmore goes dark next week, relighting (10) with Ann, Harding in 'Candida.' Opus was tried out (23) in Santa Barbara, and is current at the Curran in San Francisco. 'Soliloquy' comes here Oct. 24, after couple of weeks in Frisco, and then heads for New York. Estimate for Last Week 'Susan and God' (Biltmore) (C- 1,656; $2.75) (2nd week). Gertrude Lawrence's personal popularity over- shadowing play; accounted for smart $18,500 on second week. Advance strong. WPA 'Having Wonderful Time' (Holly- wood Playhouse). Closes (9). fol-• lowed (12) by. 'Dance Concert,' in for one week only before, starting tour of Northern California. 'Run Little Chillun' (Mayan). Re- sumed (24) after five-day layoff and sticks through October before going to San Francisco as a commercial venture. 'Dance Concert' (Belasco). Debuts (29) and runs through Oct 9. 'KISS BOYS' STRONG $12,000 IN WASH. Washington, Sept. 27. Capital legit season bowed in Mon- day (19) with pre-Broadway tryout of Clare Boothe's 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye.' Carriage trade turned out nicely to provide the glamour and the balconies, as usual, paid the ex- penses. Having producer Brock Pemberton, director Antoinette Perry and authoress Boothe all in town day before opening and throughout week kept show in papers regularly and take, at $2 top, started year off satisfactorily all around. Current is return engagement of 'You Can't Take It With You.' Film version opens on next to last day of legit run (30) and overlapping ballyhoo is helping stage edition. Estimate for Last Week •Kiss the Boys Goodbye' (National; $2.00 top)—Opening week of season; plenty bally because producer, di- rector and author were in town; ap-! proximately $12,000, good. - "