Variety (Jun 1941)

43 LEGITIMATE Wednesdaj, June 11, 1941 BVay Off Anotlier 10%; 'Snookie' A Dui $3,000, Ice,'14G,WiU Fold Nearly all of Broadway dropped down another 10% last week. Rain on two days was responsible. Clear, warm Saturday sent matinees away down, but night attendance was ex- cellent Estimates for Last Week Key: C (.Comedy), D (Drama), R (Revue), M (Miuical), F (Farce), O (Opcretto). 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton (22d week) (CD-938; $3.30). Some ex- ceptions to the downward trend and 'Oils Is one; gross for the sock comedy again over $16,000, about all It can get. 'CUndb.' Booth (17th week) (C- T12; $3.30). Evening business started out excellently, .considering the go- ing, and the week, while somewhat off, went well over the $10,000 mark. •HeUs^oppln,' Winter Garden (142d week) (R-l,e71; $3.30). Per- centage of decline about normal here with takings around $18,000; that's Blenty for revue, which operates nt ttle cost It Happens on Ice/ ,Center (R- S,087; $2.75). Going off Saturday after playing 30 weeks with a month's interruption; due to resume next month; down under $14,000. 'Johnny Belinda,*' Longacre (3Bth we^) (D-1,016; $3.30). Production being cut with idea of touring next season; also further cast changes in- dicate nearlng end of engagement- HOOO estimated. •Lady in the Dark,' Alvin (M-1,375; (4.40). Will suspend for summer ' after this week; leader still nlaying to capacity plus standees with gross over $31,500; has played 20V& weeks; due to relight Sept I. 'Life With Father,' Empire (82d week) (C-1,005;-$3.30). Eased off further, with gross bit less than $13,- 600, but that is real coin for long- run comedy and better gross than most others. •Lonlaana PnTohase,' Imperial (54th week) (C-1,450; $4.40). Flirted with $1S,0<)0 mark last week, which was new low for former musical leader; if business picks up will play through July. 'Mao Who Came to Dinner,' Music Pox (88th week) (C-1,013; $2.20). op scale has not improved gross as expected, but price should help when summer influx starts; around $7,000; about even break. my Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (24th week) (CD-991; $3.30). Nearing eixth month mark; although affected .. like most others, is still making goodly profit; around $11,000. 'NaUve Son,' St James (11th week) (D-1,520; $3.30). Slipped to around $9,500, which is new low for play; claimed to better even break at tha? level. •Pai Joey,' Barrymore (24th week) (M-1,104; $4.40). With the musical field shortened business should pick up here and good summer antici- pated; oS again, however; $16,000. •Panama Battle,' 46th St. (32d week) (M-1,347; $4.40). Expected to regain leadership after this week, what with suspension of "Lady in the Bark'; not much off and claimed around $24,000. 'Separate Booms,' Plymouth (63d week) (C-1,107;' $3.30). Is outlast- ing plenty of shows that opened this past season; geared to operate to k modest money and shows a material I profit Eo far; but under $5,000. f 'SnooUe,' Golden (1st week) (C-789;, $2.75). Panned; playing by EDDIE GARR OO-BTABBINO IN RECORD BREAKING "HELLZ-A-POPPIN" ON TODB ' • Mgt.3 WM. KENT ■ 177g B'way. flew YorU the grace of cut rates; first seven times rated under $3,000. The Beautifol People,' Lyceum (7th week) (C-1,004; $3.30). Claimed to have earned back production out- lay, but that's doubted along Broad- way; modest coin from start; esti- mated under $5,000, but may stick. The Cqrn Is Green,' National (28th week) (D-1,162; $3.30). Has not had a losing week and exepcted to stick through summer or longer; eased off with field; $11,000. <Wat«h on the Bhlne,' Beck (10th week) (D-1,214; $3.30). Season's best drama with war background sailing along to virtual capacity al- most throughout week: hardly af- fected and close to $19,000. Bevlval The Doctor's Dilemma,' Shubert (13th week) (C-1,402; $3.30). Wind- ing up an excellent engagement for old Shavian comedy; topped the straight plays for time; olT again with the field; around $13,000. 'ACCENT SG. CHI; 'ARSENIC. 12G Chicago, June 10. Chicago's shows are just 'going along' at this time. Trade in most of the spots is sufficient to keep away those closing notices. Newcomer of last week, 'Accent on Youth,' with Sylvia Sidney and Luther Adler, drew pretty good notices and word-of-mouth, yet the $1.50 top show is not getting much b.o. action. With the Auditorium due to shut- ter at the end of this month, it has been decided to move 'Hellzapoppin' into the Erlanger Sunday (15). Estimates for Last Week 'Accent on Tooth,' Selwyn (1st week) (1,000; $1.65). Good notices and comment but failed to stimulate much activity at the wicket. Finished initial session at $5,000. 'Anieolc and Old Lace,' Grand (Oth week) (1,300; $2.75). Again in the money smartly at $12,000. Will stick around for some time. 'Hellzapoppin,' Auditorium (4th week) (4,000; $3.30). Will go five weeks in this mammoth house and then shift into the loop's Erlanger. Has been idling here; again $19,000. ■My Sister EUeen,' Harris (16th week) (1,000; $2.75). Holding up well and indicates ability to stick around; $11,000. THOMAS' 'CHOC SOLDIER PULLS $36,000 IN L A. Los Angeles, June 10. Los Angeles Civic Light Opera as- sociation's annual four-week season at the Philharmonic Auditorium winds up next Saturday (14) with final performance of 'Cabin in the Sky,' with Ethel Waters and original New York cast. Association last week presented The Chocolate Soldier' as its third operetta of the season and, despite the ordinary production, managed to garner $36,000. Jump in gross was largely due to an increase of top boxoffice scale to $3, the presence at the head of the cast of John Charles Thomas and the fact that the affair is a civic venture and as such draws patronage which might otherwise come in dribbles instead of droves. Teople' $14,000;Better lo 2d Hob W'k Than 1st Boston, June 10. Playing the town solo last week. Meet the People' found enough cus- tomers to boost the take over the mitial week and remains at least one more. For its second .week "People' rang up a healthy $14,000. Notices went out last week, but expectations are now for a four-week run here. 'Vinegar' Sour 6G in S.F. San Francisco, June 10. Third week of 'Vinegar Tree' (BUlIe Burke) at Henry Duffy's Al- cazar had tough sledding at esti- mated $5,800. Comedy goes a fourth week regardless, with Francis Led- erer's 'No Time for Comedy' bowing in (19). Operetta, 'Chocolate Soldier,' which opened last night (9) at the Curran with Jolin Charles Thomas, will be held two weeks Instead of one as in case of the two previous productions in this series. Play Ont of Town NEW ORLEANS St. Louis, June 5. Operetta by Oacar Mammcrateln, 11, aDd SiRmund Romberg; music, Romberg; book and lyrics, HammerBteIn: book atoKed by Robert Rosh; ensemMo numbers staged by Jack Donolme; orch directed by Jacob Schwartzdorf; ' choreography. Theodore AdolphuB nnd Al White, Jr.: settlnKs. Wlh- son llarratt; costumes. Eaves; l>roduced under the personal direction of Richard Borger; presented by th« Municipal The- ntm Aasn. of St. Louis, at Al Fresco the- atre. Foreat Park, St. Louis, opening June S, '41. John Claiborne '.James Newlll I.«llta Ethel Levey Umma Dorottiy Lee Arlstlde August .Aramlnl Senator Fontaine Joseph Mscaulay Jean l.eroy. Busch Kmll Emil Wachler Georges Bob Lawrence Jacques Dudley Harder Judge Martlneau Frederic Persson Marie flauvlnet Muriel Angelus Dominique Tom Ewell Cecllle Helen Claire Mme, Fontaine Ruth Urban Mme. Martlneau Jeanne Qustavlson WIlKnm Marshall Jack Dnnohuo Marielelne FjaPrenlere Joan Roberts Bernardo Lulla Edgar Philips Franlcatelll Earl Scholl Achltle Caresse William O'Neal A Drunk Howard Freeman The latest Romberg-Hammerstein collaboration, 'New Orleans,' an unusually timetul dramatic operetta, proved such a solid click in its world preem in the al fresco theatre in Forest Park that Max Gordon, New York producer, who was among 10,- 000 who saw the opening perform- ance, announced that hi would do the show for Broadway next fall. Among the 17 new songs unveiled during the performance are several that seem destined to become faves after their debut on the air and on waxes. Show has fine film possibili- ties. 'New Orleans' has everything, the dramatic moments being convinc- ingly presented, a wealth of sprightly lines, colorful costumes and sets and routines by the line of 24. Revolving stage enables the changing of scenes rapidly. Story is a romantic triangle of New Orleans in 1852. Muriel Angelus, English actress, for whom the local organization ob- tained special permission from Equity for her to appear in the piece, and James Newill, a handsome sixfooter, score solidly in their lead roles, both vocally and dramatically. Ethel Levey is a runnerup, with Joseph Macaulay, Howard Freeman, Dorothy Lee, Helen Claire and Tom EweU also clicking. This is in the nature of a comeback for Miss Levey. Watson Barratt designed eye-filling sets. Sonfs that had all the Romberg melodic touch and seem to be hits are 'Lord,' a Negro spiritual; 'Ob- serve the Bee,' a novelty number; 'My Girl and I,' 'Let Me Live Today,' This Night Will Seem Long Ago," and 'Call It a Dream.' Among those who scouted the piece were Laurence Schwab, John Shubert, son of J. J. Shubert; Otto Harbach, Howard Reinheimer, coun- sel for the Municipal Theatre Assn.; Georgette Cohan, daughter of George M. C^han and. Ethel Levey. A large delegation from New Orleans alsp was in the mob that neared the 'SRO point. Sahu. Play on Broadway SNOOKIE Farce In three acts by Thomas A. John- stone; songs and Jingles by Thomas A. Johnstone and William B. Friedlander; suged by vrilllam B. Friedlander; setting, Frederick Fox; presented at John Golden theatre, N. T., June 3, '41; t3.30 top. Balmy John McCauley Tommy Eddie Nugent Jerry Roy Johnson Home James Danlele Porlse El Gullo Angl 0. Poulos Suo Julie Stevens Q<ilei»y William Harrlgan Quincyi John Hetherlngton 0I<1. BUI Florenz Ames Gttl'up Jolm Kirk Stupid Stella Betty Jane Smith Jim Jones Lawrence Weber Sam Tucker Jack Hartley Ten Percent ...Lou Lubln .Mr. West J. c. Nugent If there's anything more dismal than a dirty farce that doesn't Jell, it isn't immediately -apparent to any- one who has just endured 'Snookie.' For this fly-speck comedy attempt that officially opened the 1941-42 season has the dubious distinction of being one of the most depressing Broadway episodes within recollec- tion. Even Olsen and Johnson, the 'Hellzapoppin' impresarios who pre- sented it, removed their names from the program the day before the opening. That left the cast and au- dience holding the bag—and their noses. For the record, the title 'Snookie' refers to a baby in a qomic-strlp. Other matters of the play's leering treatment are a bumpkin would-be comic-strip artist and 'assorted 'ghost artists' who wear strange costumes, play musical instruments and do vir- tually everything except work in the office' of a New York newspaper (libelously rumored to be the old World). There's also a test-tube baby, an ingenue, intermittent prac- tical jokes and a character called Stupid Stella, who rides a scooter on stage and .does irrelevant song-and- hade Stiiff-L^ FeUow. Equity councillors questioned the propriety of Dudley Digges in strongly supporting the opposition ticket during a meeting of the independent supporters, who highlighted his speech in campaign litera- ture. .They contend that as a member of council be should have backed up the regular ticket, which that body had accepted. Present at the same pre-election session were Winifred Lenihan and Peggy Wood, who at- tended as observers and to answer questions. Digges was bom in Dublin and was with the Abbey Players before he came to America. He was one of the early Equity members having joined in 1913. When Equity adopted its first alien actor rules, Digges was required to fill out a questionnaire, according to which he had not been naturalized up to 1938. Not known whether he has since become a citizen. One of the points agreed upon between the authors and managers in the revision of the extended five-year basic agreement is a provision to ex- pedite action on part of the Dramatists Guild,, when producers and in- dividual authors are in assent over temporary changes in their contracts. Case In point Is when business is not up to expectations, or the play neara the end of a run, the author may agree to a.reduction"of royalty to keep the show going, but such deals must have the okay of the Guild. Sometimes the manager could not reach the proper Guild official and no answer could be obtained within a reasonable time. New clause stipu- lates that the Guild rule on such matters within 48 hotirs from the time application for the change is made. Monday <0) "The Man Who Came to Dinner,' ^uslc Box, N. Y., played its 700th performance, being the 11th show to have achieved or bettered that run mark oh Broadway. It is the second show presented by Sam H. Harris and written by George S.'Kaufman to have come within such a winning circle, the other being 'You Can't Take It With You.' 'Tobacco Road,' 'Abie's Irish Rose," 'Lightnin',' "The Bat,' 'Hellzapoppin,' Three Men on a Horse,' The First Year' and 'Seventh Heaven' were eight of the others. Of these,, three had John Golden in on the production end— •Lightnin',' 'First Year' and''Heaven.' . . The nth Show was TTie Ladder,' which ran on and on, despite suspend- ing now and then for rewriting, but it never charged admission. Walter Greaza, assistant executive secretary of Equity, and his wife, Mary Young, have gone on vacation to his home in St. PauL They will visit his parents, who celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Sunday (15). Greaza is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. TATHER' $22,000, SETS RECORD TAKE IN DET. Detroit, June 10. Hanging up what Is reported to be the biggest week ever grossed by any company of the show, Xife With Father' rung up an estimated $22,000 in its ioitial week at the Cass here. The figure for the Dorothy Glsh- Louis Calhem troupe was said to top even New Year week figures. In hitting the $22,000 figure, earned in eight performances at $2.75 top, Tather' also broke the house record' at that pribe scale, moving Sl,300 ahead of 'Mr Dear Children, previous record-holder. Balk Pofice Mo?e To Curb L. A. Theatres Los Angeles, June 10. Police control of -film and legit theatres was blocked by Norris J. Nelson, chairman of police and fire committee in City Council, who de- clared that the power to revoke show permits belongs to the courts, and not to the police commissioners. Commission sought an ordinance granting it the authority to revoke the permit of any theatre if, in its opinion, the performance is lewd, in- decent or contrary to the public good. Henry Bodkin, president of the commission, insisted that the board required wider powers to in- sure clean entertainment, and was supported in his contention by Arch- "bishop John J. Cantwell. Backing up Councilman Nelson were I. B. Korn- blum, representing Actors Equity and the American Federation of Radio Artists; Fred W. Beetson, Pro- ducers Association; Kenneth Thom- son, Screen Actors Guild, and Homer I. Mitchell and Alfred Wright, at- torneys for major film studios. New battle Is expected after July 1, when Nelson retires as chairman of the police and fire committee. Joe GUck and Edgar MacGregor have a play they hope to produce. dance numbers. There is, In fact, everything but a laugh. William B. Friedlander, an accom- plice on the songs and jingles, has directed the performance with fren- zied haster but no suggestion of pace. The hitherto blameless actors gal- lantly play the whole mess as if they believed every phony situation and Ime. Thus, if such capable players as J. C. Nugent, WilUam Harrlgan, John McCauley, Eddie Nugent, Roy Johnson, Florenz Ames, John Kirk and Julie Stevens aren't believable, it's because nobody could be, not be- cause they aren't sincere and forth- right. And if Betty Jane Smith's dances are pointless, it's because they contribute nothing to the story and are inadequately staged and lighted, not that she isn't a skillful hoofer. Because the show was be- ing rewritten until virtually-curtain time, the opening night performance was haphazard. Hobe. LEGIT THEATRE PLAN WITH STATE B.R. Equity's leader Bert Lytell has di- vulged a plan for a state-supported theatre, idea having developed when it was felt that a Government-aided movement euch as the Federal The- atre Project has - little chance of getting the nod from Congress in the near future. Those interested in the new proposal includes Louis Schaffer, of Labor Stage, and it is stated that Matthew J. Woll, vice- president of the American Federa- tion of Labor, has expressed himself as favorii^g such a venture. Outline of the plan calls for a junior branch, if the state assents, so that embryo players may have an opportunity of being seen in-per- formance. This is the second recent proposal of theatres being sponsored by the various states, Robert Porter- field, of the Barter, Abingdon, Va., have suggested such a plan while on' a lecture tour. Barter theatre ac- cepts farm products and other mate- rials for admission. Latest plan would have regular admission fees, but at prices much less than those on Broadway. Proposed state theatre could not be accomplished in New York until acted upon when the assembly con- venes next winter, but it is expected that various theatrical organizations Will in the meantime approach vari- ous legislators who wiU be asked to introduce and t>ack the .required statutes. John . C. Wilson Intends testing Ernest Pascal's 'Peep Show' at West- port this summer. NORMAN HARRIS and SYLVIA SHORE Clofdnr Today XOEWS STATK, NEW TOBK Ne<t. Week—On Tonr Manascmenti im. KENT 1776 Broadway New Tark SAMUEL FBENCH ' SINCE leao AUTHORS' REPRESENTATIVI Playt for Stigs, Sereeg tad Rtdl* a Wert 43tli Street Hn Verk ■ II Wert Ttb Street, Ue AiHles