Variety (Apr 1939)

40 VARIETY LEGITIMATE Wednesdajt April 26, I939 Inside Stufi-Legit When 'No Time For Comedy' opened at 'the Barrymore, N. last week an extra row was added in the front of the orchestra. Tickets were printed AA. Because of that the house band was shifted to boxes on the right, being rather annoyingly in evidence. Katharine Cornell, starred in the S. 'N. Behrman hit, objected to the extra seats. She explained the players, including herself, were disconcerted by patrons being so close to the stage. The added row was removed but as many tickets for that location had been sold in advance, .the boxofflce was hard put to deliver replacement locations. Required number was called back from the agencies, mostly for the fourth and fifth rows. Total cost of producing 'Comedy*, was $21,000, which was the - approxi- mate gross of the first week, indicating the new hit will quickly recapture the ihvestmeni - Guthrie McClintic, who staged the play, received $5,000, and will be paid a percentage. . He may also be in on Miss Cornell's Sl% of 'Comedy,' the Play wrights Co. having the balance. ' l^ere were standees at the first matinee despite a downpour. Advance sale prior to premiere was $18,000. The Williams College Adams Memorial theatre, Williamstown, Mass., made possible by a $260,000 gitt from an anonymous'donor last November, will be one of the finest, intercollegiate drama centers in the country, ac- cording to plans announced preliminary to the start of construction in June. Stanley McCandles, who served as consultant in the lighting layout of the Radio City. Music Hall, is acting as consultant on the Williamstown theatre. Of modem architectural design and equipment comparing with the best of the professional stage, the house will seat 465 persons in its sloping, fan-shaped auditorium. In addition to the auditorium there will be a large work room for members of Cap and Bells, student dramatic society, concert and classrooms for music students, scenery rooms and a costume studio. New courses in drama and music are being added to the curriculum for next year. Nucleous of IPassing Show,' which J. J. Shubert has at present on the fair grounds of the San. Francisco Golden Gate Exposition, started for the Coast last Thursday (20), Principals include Al Trahan, Everett Mar- shall and Rags Ragland. Several acts from Two a Day,' a WFAer in Los AngjBles, are also said to have been engaged^ while a local line of girls are to be used. . Staitiis of the show has not been established and tt may be classified as a legiter. Equity stated that it awaits reports from its Frisco office before making the rating, while the management, avers it will be a revue type ot vaudeville show. Ragland was dolled up with a new upper plate, Shubert stipulating that he must have the 'clackers' to take the job. Comic's absence of molars was a stock in trade for burlesque appearances. Added Thtirsday miatlnees, which have been given at the Winter Garden, N. Y., by .'Hellzapoppin' since -the first of the year, will be dropped after this week and the front-running musical will revert to an eight-perform- ance schedule. One reason ascribed for the switch is managerial, that end figuring the demand for tickets continues to be so strong that potential $3JO customers attend for $2.20, which is the mid-week afternoon top. Daily matinees during Easter week proved too exacting on the players, especially Olsen and Johnson, who declared off the two-a-day trick as being too wearing, particularly'in light of demands on their time outside the theatre. Although 'Brown Danube,' produced by Bohflls & Somnes, was scheduled to open on Broadway this week, tryout in Pittsburgh convinced sponsors show wasn't ripe and it will spend next fortnight in PbiUy for cast and script revisions. Around 16 minutes were eliminated following premiere performance, speeding up action considerably, but still not impressing Smoky City cricks with its chances. Play was authored by Burnet Hersh'ey, former foreign correspondent Re has written a couple'of other pieces, which were produced only in the strawhats, however, and has also done a stretch on the Coast in WB's writing department. Theatre Guild, acting on Insistent suggestion by certain reviewers that it use. 'My Heart's in the Highlands' as a subscription attraction, entered Into a deal with the Group Theatre to that end and the show is now under that status. It had been put on .as an experimental show. Guild now 'owes' its subscribers one production on the season, which will be deferred llntU 1939-40. Because Highlands' has a $2.20 top, there will be an adjustment with the subscribers, who pay $2.76 for a $330 ticket They wiU be charged $1.75 for the new show and the Guild will either refund or subscribers will be credited on next season's account Antoinette Perry addressed Philadelphia's Art Alliance at the Plays and Players UtUetheatre there last Thursday (20), subject matter behig that of stage direction. Her paper consisted of 27,000 words, which consumed one hour and 45 minutes, so there was an intermission to relieve possible fatigue of the audience. Miss Perry detailed the work of her committee in handling numerous groups of embryo players for the American Theatre Council last year which activities were not resumed this season. She was critical of the methods used in drama schools and the type of direction therein. Advance, mail order sale for The LitUe Foxes,' National, N. Y, is stated to have amounted to $3,700 received during last week alone. Peak of the orders was reached on Wednesday (19) and tickets up to June 30 are beinfl s«!nt out . Herman Shumlin, producer of 'Foxes,' denies reports of unusual audience reaction, explaining that plaudits await the conclusion of each perform- ance, at which time the players are invariably accorded a flock of curtain calls. Biz Is virtual capacity. "Rocket to the Moon,' which closed at the Windsor, N. Y., grossed ap- proximately $110,000 in 10 weeks, according to Vaioett's boxofflce esti- mates. For. the last four weeks it split the week with a previous Clifford Odets drama, 'Awake and Sing.' Claim it just about paid off the original Phil York has written a smaU book entitled 'Duties of a Company Man- ager and Advance Agent* As title indicates, volume is designed as an aid ta those front and back of touring attractions. Publisher Is Ellis Antkes, new name in publishing ranks. .Hunter Gardner, who will be in "The Piursuit of Happiness* at Maple- wood, N. J., next week, is the only member of the original Broadway cast who will be In the revival. Phillips Holmes and Carol Stone wlU have the leads. BuIofF Concerting Chicago, April 25. Joseph Bulofl, New York Yiddish and Broadway legit actor, is in town on a series of concert appearances for Jewish groups ttiroughout the midwest Will also do the lead In a revival of The Kibitzer.' Beack Stock on Tonr La Crosse, Wis., April 26. <jV7 L. Beack Stock, featuring Evalyn Harris and Buddy Graves, Is at the Wisconsin .theatre here for a limited engagement Miss Harris has appeared In Gene Autry films, and Graves has worked in RKO and Trem Carr pictures. ' Sing for Your Supper Rovue In two parts preBented br'-tlie WPA Federal Theatre: mualc. Leo Walner and Nc<l Lehac; lyrlca, Uol>ert Sour; aketchee, Dave Lesan and Turner Dullock; additional material, Charlotte Kent nnU John Latouchc; staged .by Robert H. Gor- don; dances. Ned McGura. .and t Anna Sofcolow. At the AdelpbK N. T., April 24. '30: $1.10 top. Coat: Carl Chapin, Vlrslnla Bolen. EUdle Fuller, Coby Riiskln, Haniitord Wilson, Pautn liawrenco: Gordon Clarke. Pticfy Coudray, Harry Hart, Carol Coult, TrudI Goodrich, Bldda Blakeley, Hurlel Watts, Walter LeRoy. Qenoin Ennjlsh. Frank Newton, Costello Woolrldice, James.Morde- cal. Muni Diamond, Edward Fuller.. Ed- ward IieDuc, William and Allen .Tlnney Rufua and RIcdard Flnlayson. 'Sing for' Your Supper' opened Monday (24) at the Adelphi, which had been closed about six momhs for rehearsals of a show that WPA hai been preparing for the past year or more. Considering the labor and time devoted, 'Sing' isn't much worthwhile. It's- easy to see that a revue is a tough problem for the relief outfit for that' type of musical requires mueh that WPA does not possess. The cast is large and the theatre is commodious,- but the impression is that a crude attempt to follow the pattern of 'Pins and Needles.'The WPA-ers cannot go as far satirically as the garment unionists, and while thSre are some more or less gentie political jibes, very little of it is comic,, with the show woefully shy of laugh-provoking material. The doors at the debut did not open' until after the ' advertised starting time. Interior of the house was so stuffy that the audience mopped faces throughout Regard- less, there was high enthusiasm , dur- ing the first part by many ioi the audience. ' During the second part there was less to-do out front. Some of the weaker numbers are spotted in this part Finale of both sections are high- lights. First-act ending, 'Papa's Got a Job,' and the concluding 'Ballad of Uncle Sam' are ensemble num- bers, with white and colored sections of the company freely intermingling. The show has three dozen colored players, including some principals. 'At Long Last' is the opening num- ber, lyric of which .points out the shows which the WPA did well by and with. Number seems too long and rather braggy. Mention, too, of course, is made of the. long, Ipng time the revue was rehearsetl. 'Opening Night,' an all-colored num- ber, is just fair, while a skit on naval maneuvers Isn't, as funny as intended. ' First to score Is Virginia Bolen, the soubrette. She handles 'Legiti- mate,' lyric anent a girl who wanted to become an actress, but who land- ed in a lingerie shop and finally went into 'Pin and Needles.' "The Last Wbltz' is arty' and credited to the modem dance group, ending with impending totalitarian regimenta- tion. . . 'Young Man with a Horn' seems the show's best song, coming from Robert Sour and Lee Wainer. It's delivered by Paula Lawrence, backed by a colored ghrl quartet with Frank Newton playing comet. 'Imagine My Finding You Here' is weakly sung by others, hut well enough staged. 'Code for Actors' spooB the time allowance rules in WPA. 'Her Pop's a Cop' and 'Per- spiration' are fair, with the former better because;of a dance sendoff. Carl Chapin handles the principal comedy parts. ■ Noticed among those formerly in Broadway commercial shows are Peggy Coudray and Hans- ford Wilson, but the other names are not familiar. Orchestra is too loud, brasses'and drums especially often intruding on the performance. ibec. OTHELLO Chicago, April 21, Tragedy by William Shakespeare; pr«- sented by the Chicago unit of tb* Fadetal Theatre Project; staged by Don Koehler; settlnga and costumes. Cllve Rlckabaugh: produced under general supervision ot .Harry Ulnturn; at the Blackstone, Chi, Roderlgo '.Albert Carroll ..Ian Keith DraboOano Herb. Hadden B""*' Otis Gordlnler Jf.v".\?"'' •' Murlllo Schofleld ••■ Connor g^f"••»>» • Margarette Shanna S""','* Peggy Joyce fay'o ; ; Tom MSDernilt • .Maurice Caidan QtaUano Iiester Podewell Oincer Jaatee Delhi Soldiers: Harry Schubert,' Sidney Ehren- berg, Syde Waller, Edgar Tegtw. Senaton: Wm. Coumeen, Arthur Freeman, uitry Brooks, Albert Storcta. Cohstance Belmont Innkeeper .Charles Ernst Citizens: Oeraldlne Luger, Olga Kruger, Revanna Proctor, Katherlne Harney, Harry Terman, Ruth Smythe, Barbara Burrusii. Joan N'orlander, Larry Brooks, Opal Walker, iillaa Phelps, Wllltam Ludke, Isabelle Hough and George Spel- nln. Lody In Waiting Mnrsella Oaudell First of contemplated teries of Shakespearean shows, to tta pro- duced by the Chicago Fedtva! Thea- tre, this one qualifies as an excellent S?!?'?!^-down, this 'Othello' still possesses th>- <wiaat and heart of the tragedy. Outstanding, of c6urs» Is Ian Keith, who plays the villainous (Continued on page 42) Hays on Broadway PINS AND NEEDLES (NEW EDITION) Revue In two parts. 21 scenes; presented by International Ladles Garment Workers Union players; staged by Robert H. Gor- don; music and lyrics mostly by Harold J. Rome; sketches. Charles Friedman, JO' seph Schrank, Artnur Arent, David Greg, ory, John ' Latouolre,' Borne; musical ar rnngementa hy George Davis and Baldwin Bergeraen; settings, Solntu Syrjala; spe-' clal numbers staged by Felicia Sorel; at Labor Stags, N. T., April 20, '30; t3.30 top. Cast: Al Eben, Harry Clark, Ruth Rubin- stein, Mini* Weltz, Anne Bro-wn," Nina Harary, Paul Seymour, Murray Modlrk, Hy Gardner, Sara Dratch, Jean Nlclta, Dor. otliy Tucker. Half a dozen new numbers have been inserted into the garment work- ers' union show, which is better than the original. ' Most of the original cast, which has been on the road, has been back for some time. The authorship is some- what changed; whereas Harold J. Rome and (%arleis Friedman were formerly the principal contributors of material, Joseph Schrank has teamed with Rome in writing the best of the fresh material. Easily the socko addition to the revue is The Red Mikado,' which brings the original authors. from their graves to picket: 'Unfair to Gil- bert' and 'Unfair to Sullivan,'. Comic operetta runs for 14 minutes and could be extended. Schrank and Rome have done an excellent job on this, while the latter's lyrics give the incentive for the 'Red' version by mentioning' the D'Oyly Cartes, the 'Swing' and the 'Hot Mikado'. Harry- Clark, as the Lord High Executioner, is the topper of this enjoyable inter- lude. Three Llttie Maids' are Nina Harary, Alma Charmat and Ida Man- del, who here become the three little. 'Little D.AJI.S'. 'Mikado* is in the second part and the house' quieted down only after Ruth Rubinstein started the comic 'Daisy Chain' number, retained from the first edition. In this section, too, is another skit 'Papa Lewis, Mama Green,' a burlesque on the union squabble between the AFL and the CIO. Clark and Al Eben are the leads who rou^ - each- other about while Millie weitz and Anthony Fazio as rank and filers, in kid garb, sing a Rome ntmiber whose lyrics include a line about 'Dubinsky ran away* (from the battie between the union chieftains). David Dubinsky is head of the ILGWU. 'Britannia Waives the Rules,* an-' other Interpolation, by John -La- touche, Arnold Horwitt and Bemece Kazounofl,' also rings the bell. It's a - satire on foreign politics; with Eben, Clark, Hy Gardner. Berni Gold, Fred Schmidt and Murray Mo- dick principally contributing. Also rew .'s 'I've Got the Nerve to Be in Lov«,' eung by Ruth Elbaum and Al Levy. 'Cream of Mush' is a radio travesty and serves fairly well among the additions,, too. Ear)^ In the revue is the smash 'Sing a Song of Social Significance,' which, along with the effective 'Sun- day in the Park,' is a holdover. 'Back to Work* (new) for the first-act finale, is also okay, while 'One Big Union for Two,* retained, provides the second-part start. The Slumming Party* skit is somewhat changed, Anne Brown doing very well as the snooty socialite. Ella Gerber han- dles a song rated among the best in the original show, 'It's Not Cricket to Plckef. Only colored member, Dorothy Tucker, sings 'What Good Is Love,* out was so nervous that it fiiwed.' ibee. confines the comedy to pantomime Although the production is sun. posed to be completely native it has an undeniable Broadwiay touch in the presence in the cast of a number of performers from New York's Latin American niteries and from radio. However,, the settinga and costumes have the authenUcaI& vivid coloring of Mexico and the ' dancing has true sub-Rio Grande abandon. ' In general pattern, the reviie fol- lows a rather set formhla with sketches sandwiched between groups of songs and dance numbers. First few. sketches, ■ Illustrating native legends and phases of Mexican llf& ' are illuminating and interesting, but the latter ones lack variation and are therefore less satisfying. Simi- larly, some of the repeat, appear'^ ances of the dancers haven't the audience wallop that their initial turns possess. As for the songs, few are riiore than ordinary, since the tunes are undistinguished and the lyrics are unintelligible. Among the standout performers are Vincente Gomei, the Trio MiX'< teco, Rolando, Trio Lina, Estela, Jose Fernandez and Marissa Flores. Gomez's guitar playing provides a number of captivating moments, while the Mlxteco and Lino trios contribute enchanting dance turns and the Femandez-Flores combo offers two dance routines of genuine distinction. Rolando presents two imaginative and lively dance num- bers and an exciting bit Is injected in the finale when two gamecocks are tossed on the stage to provide a brief scuffle. Hobe. Play Got of Town MEXICANA 'Native revue In two acts (26 scenes), presented by Republic ot. Mexico. ' Pro- duced under general aupervlslon ot Celes- tlno Gorostlza; Julio Castellanos. scenic supervisor: Eduardo Hernandez Moncado and Blarle Ruiz, musical ' auperrlsora; Agustin Laze, .costume supervisor; Glnck Sandor, dance supervisor; orchestra direct- Si'^^J"'-Baron: Sllvestr* Revueltas, Tata Naoho, Jose Zabre Matroquln, Cande- Isrlo Hulzar, Jose Rolon, Bias Oallndo, AKonso Esparza Oteo. Luis Sandl, com- posers; Agustin Lazo, Xavler Vlllaurrutla, Celeatlno OorosUza, Octavlo G, Barreda, Rafael F. Munoz, Julio Bracho. Miguel Bervelller, authors: Jos« 7'emandez. Rafael DIac, Eva Perez Caro. Dick Schreurs, ohoreogrophers; Agustin Lozo, Julio Castel- lanos, Carlos Orozco, Carlos Merlda, Manuel Fontanals, Gabriel Fernandez Ledesma, scene hnd costume designers; ^l^l'^^f pointed by Rodolfo Qalvan! . xl ?^*- !:• »8.S0 top. Cast: Roslta Rtos, Tito Coral, Vincente Gomel, Trio Mlxteco (Carmen Molina, En- rique Pastor. Joss Molina), Ellsa, Rafael Gutierrez, Joss Luis Tapla. Rolando, Cuates C^llla, Mario Lulsa. Lopez, Con^ Buelo Soloizano, Trio Naclonal, Trio Line, Estela, Rene, Amnaro Arozamena, Chucha Camadho, Eva Perez Caro. Llla KIwa, Jose Feniandez, Marissa Flores. Bealrlz Ramos, victor Novaro,. Gustavo Aponte, Xavler Fuentes. Lee. Carlos Baokman, Las Serranltas, Los Huescos, Gabriel Al- varsz. Catallna _Avlla, FrAnclseo Leon. Eduardo Salas. Francisco Ibatta, others. Narration by Graslalla farrago. First half-hour or so of this native revue Is surprisingly entertaining. But the show Is overlong and after the novelty wears off it is repeti- tious and only occasionally bright Offering wlU have U: ited appeal, but tiie novelty angle and modest budget will be factors. However, a moderate stay seems likely. Show, backed by the ^Mexican government is unique in lis lengthy list of credits, with 15 composers and authors billed.'Otrt a Vital weak- ness is the absence of click music— not a slnde whlstleable tune. Fact tbStthe book Is ell in a foreign tonglRTs also a drawback, since it BELOVED LEADER Philadelphia, April 22. Farce In three acts (six scenes) by Wil- liam McNally; presented by the Hedgerow tlieatre; directed by Jasper Deeter; set- tings .and costumes, Stephanie Klein; at Hedgerow theatre, Moylan, Pa.,' Aprir21- 22, -80; tl.W top. Max Frank Kelly Rosamunds Audrey Ward Lenx Mah)on Nalll Bellboy John Wood Straftendort Horry Shcppaid Kramm Joseph Graham Dr. Hugo Albert George Ebellng Fritz WlUlnm Ulrlch Rudolph Rapp David Uetcalt Ottllle Catherine Rleser Soldiers...Richard Derr, Edmund. Cannon, Shirley Normnn Secret Service Men Mel Roberts, Michael DoBaussst There's no denying the timeliness of the Hedgerow theatre's latest pro- duction, "Beloved Leader,' presented on the group's 16th birthday. There's some good writing In Xeader* and considerable intrinsic effectiveness, but the comedy mood doesn't fit the subject Author WU- liam McNally, who wrote 'Prelude to Exile,' the play about Wagner, the composer, which the Theatre Guild did a couple of years ago, has a fa- cile style and knows how to lay out a plausible, well-knit play, but his idea of making Herr Hitler a farcical figure, from the word 'go,' was a misguided one. 'Leader* provides the Hedgerow personnel with some excellent acting chances, primarily, of course, in the character of Rudolph Rapp, the very thinlv disguised Hitler. He's presented fundamentally as easy-going, none-too-virile and not many degrees above moronic stand'* ards. Originally the tool of an am- bitious, unscrupulous cabinet Bu- dolph finds relaxation in juvenile di- versions, and is a hound for riddles, child games and cards. The cabinet wants him to marry, but Rudolph Isn't at all Interested m Rosamunde, the aviatrix, who's the original choice. By the same token, the flying lady isn't interested In Ru- dolph. She's much more attracted: by a German-American scientist stranded In the country, but of course 'fs simply Impossible for her to even think of jilting the country's leader. A solution is reached by throwing the dim-witted OtUlie, who's even more childlike than Bii- dolph, at that bored gentieman's head. The two are congenial in their fondness for games,' but the girl's almost unbelievable stupidity horrifies the plotting ministers. Ru< dolph himself tires of the tepid, half- hearted romance and refuses to be upset even when the cabinet. sitages a fake bomb plot In the end, which goes into straight farce, Ottilie de- garts and Rudolph, still a tool in the ands of his advisers, remains un- married. Catherine Rleser gives an admir- able performance as Ottilie. David Metcalf, one of Hedgerow's most de'^ pendable young players, is satisfac- tory as Rapp, clarifying the charac- ter as much as possible and not em^- phasizing too markedly the authors none-too-veiled suggestions of ab- normality. Harry Sheppard, George Ebeling and Joseph (iraham Sjve good, performances In supporting roles. Jasper Deeter has directed competently and the play's single set is effective. A' curiously la-de-(Ja score maintains the Intended spirit and atmosphere of the authors theme. Water*.