Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesday, September S, 194S LEGItlMATB 59 Inside Stuff-Legit Gertrude Lawrence denies that she had any connection financially with the Cape Playhouse, Dennis, Mass., a prominent summer stock spot Other than appearing in 'Fallen Angels,' which drew the best business of the season at Dennis, Miss Lawrence's only other connection with the Playhouse was to act as a hostess on Sunday evenings when soldiers and sailors from nearby camps were admitted gratis to the dress rehearsals and given cigarets, candy and ice cream. Last Wednesday (20) a benefit tea was held on the theatre grounds in honor of Miss Lawrence, and at the same time aid her book and game drive, part of the American Theatre Wing's activities for men in the services. For a similar cause recently there was a 'gala evening with Gertrude Lawrence' at the Wlanno Club on the Cape. There was an auc- tion which netted more than $2,000 for the Wing. One of the entertain- ment features was a number by the star during which men from Camp Edwards warbled with her, she singing other songs solo. In back of the plan by Robert Rockmore to present Paul Robeson in Margaret Webster's version of 'Othelltf is a sidelight from another season. Rockmore is an attorney who is the colored star's personal representa- tive and he occasionally becomes a manager. Several years ago he pro- duced 'Dance Night,' which dropped around $25,000, and of that amount $20,000 was put up by Howard Cullman. Latter has since cleaned up with pieces of other productions. Rockmore, however, is known to have invited Cullman to take an in- terest in 'Othello' so he could win back the money he lost In 'Night.' Several managers have been claiming that they would present Robeson in 'Othello,' after a concerted rush to get the ri^ts when he opened sensationally in Cambridge, Mass., recently. Star's concert dates extend Into next April, but it is understood that Rockmore is attempting to get the recital contracts cancelled. If he succeeds, the Shakespearean tragedy will turn up on Broadway during the winter, otherwise it will be held until late spring or next season. When David Riehl, young Pittsburgh actor, grew too big over summer to resume his assignment this season as understudy for the boy's role in 'Watch On the Rhine,' producer Herman Shumlin didnt have to look very far for a replacement Riehl's mother, in reporting one son's sprout- ing during the warm months, told Shumlin she had another son who could fill the bill iust as well So this season it'll be Donald Rlehl in- stead of David waiting around in the wings in case something happens to one of the juvenile actors. Both Riehl boys have had considerable little theatre experience around Pittsburgh; so has their mother, who was featured in several plays at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.. Although there has been mention of a flock of people and businesses who are contributing to the Army Emergency Relief Fund through This Is the Army' (Broadway, N. Y.), Playbill, Inc., which publishes the pro- grams for the show, has been quietly doing its bit, too. Exact amount of money donated from the ads In the program has not been computed, but was mentioned by Irving Berlin as a source of revenue. Understood that the cost of printing alone is around $1,000 weekly. Playbill, which has the program privilege in all legit theatres, is headed by Ralph Trier and Richard M. Huber. The historic Portsmouth theatre, Portsmouth, N. H., is due for rebirth as a legit house. Mrs. Walter Hartwig, owner-operator of the Ogunquit Me., Playhouse (strawhatter), will take over for at least 10 weeks of stock starting around Sept 14. Equity members will take part under direction of John Kirkpatrick. The Portsmouth, now being renovated, has been in disuse for 20-odd years except for occasional amateur minstrels, etc. Seats 1,700 (Ports- mouth has only 20,000 population). Report that Margaret Dale might leave 'Lady in the Dark' soon after the tour starts was in error. Miss Dale has a; run of the play contract and is anxious to troupe with the attraction! Cora Witherspoon was mentioned as possibly going into the part a few weeks after the tour's start 'Lady's' first stand out will be Philadelphia. Show was the last produc- tion by the late Sam H. Harris. His name as presenter will still be used, as it was in N. Y. after he passed away. Laurence Schwab received a commission in the Navy, but flunked his final physical examination, blood pressure being slightly high. As there Is no limited service, he is now on inactive duty. Former producer was In the Navy during World War I. Schwab tried to get into the Army specialist corps, seeking duty in the camp entertainment end, but didn't get to first base. He is cur- rently on a committee to speed recruiting in the Navy. Eva Le Galllenne could not appear in 'Uncle Harry,' Broadhurst, N. ''Y., recently and one performance was cancelled. She had been playing several days with grippe and a fever, so it was thought advisable to order the short layoff and the actress made a quick recovery. *' Just before 'Harry' opened. Miss Le Gallienne had recovered from pneumonia. " In a postcard to the editor, Thelma Spencer protests Bob Mack's let- ter about reference to "wacky plays' by William Saroyan. She says: 'Some day the managers and public will appreciate Saroyan, mark my word for it' 'Porgy and Bess' revival at the Majestic, N. Y., was 250 performances old last night (I). When 'Porgy' passes its 25Sth performance, it will smash Broadway's standing record for revivals, set by 'Outward Bound.' Mst. lOV ounoM o/o Vartaty, Hollywood SAMUEL FBENCH •INOK in* AUTHORS' RCPREICHTATIVI nwi Mr ttoM —mt mt 9ttl* M WhI 491k MMt Mot V«k •II WMt Ilk M«(t, iM AifMM Wendy Barrie, The Morning Star.' WUliam J. Kelly, Tranklin Street' John McKee, Farrell Pelly, Bran Nossen, Stanley Harrison, Jess Barker, 'Magic' Grover Burgess, Anne Driscoll, 'Hello Out There.' Evelyn Brooks, Johnny Mack, 'Beat the Band.' Jack Smart, Lea Penman, Mau- rice Ellis, Muriel Rah|i, Sayre Crawley, The Pirate.' Mltzi Green, Beml Gould, Eddie Mayehoff, Ruth Bond, Buddy Yarns, 'Let Freedom Sing.' Ernest Cossart,' Lynn Phillips, Byron McGrath, Georgette McKee, Daisy Pelmore, 'Angel Street' (road). ... WilUam Prince, Mary Rolfe, Matthew Crowley, Clifford Carpen- ter, George Matthews, *£ve of St. Mark.' 'ARSENIC UCUCK AT 22G; mCKOUTS' 14G Los Angeles, Sept 1. Posting a hefty $22,000 in its second week at the Biltmore, 'Arsenic and Old Lace' plays a return date after two weeks at the Curran in Frisco. Overfiow biz at all performances re- quired extra chairs down front 'Blackouts of 1042' caught its big- gest gross to date, $14,000 in the 10th week, which' scatters largest all around. Nights are capacity and matinees building strong due to swing shifters, who must get their enter- tainment in the daytime. ^Show Boat', Smash $100,000 in 2 Weeks, Ends SL L Season St. Louis, Sept 1. The curtain was rung down Sun- day (30) on the 24th consecutive season of the Municipal Ilieatre Assn., which sponsors alfresco en- tertainment in the Forest Park play- house, with the two-week stand of 'Show Boat' Piece attracted a total of 146,399 payees and grossed an es- timated $100,000. The attendan(!e during the second stanza reached 74,610 and missed by 70 equalling the all-time weekly hjgh. The blue ribbon mark was established by 'Balalaika' during the last week of the 1041 season. Presence in 'Show Boat' of Jed Prouty. Sammy White. Gladys Bax' ter, Helen Raymond. Kenneth Spen- cer. John Tyres and Vicki Cummlngs in lead roles, plus raves of the crix and swell weather, combined to make the piece a sock b.o. attraction. 'SHOW OFPS' DET. 2D, $14,300, TOPS 1ST WK. Detroit, Sept. 1 Off to a record opening, Joe E. Brown, in "The Show-Ofl,' topped his first week's figures with estimated $14,300 In the second week of the comedy. First week's figures were approximately $14,000 at the Lafay- ette, where a summer run was made with the top at $1.50. Star has been getting plenty of press here through patriotic efforts and the comedy seems set for an eight-week run to equal its prede- cessor, Billle Burke in 'The Vinegar Tree.' Cirrent Road Shows (Sept 2-12) 'Abe Liacvia In lUlnels' (stock)— Playhouse, Providence (7-12). 'An(el Street'—Cass, Detroit (7- 12). 'AracDle and Old Lace' (1st Co.) Curran, San Francisco (7-12). 'Best Foot Forward' — Erlanger, Chicago (6-12). 'Blackoata of 1942' (vaude)—El Capitan, Los Angeles (2-12). 'ClaadU' (1st Co.)—Geary, San Fvancisco '(2-12). 'Couit Me In' (tryout)—Shubert, Boston (10-12) (premiere). 'Good Nifht Ladles'—Blackstone, Chicago (2-12). 'Janie' (tryout)-Erlanger, Buffalo (2-5). 'Mafic' and 'Bello, Oat There' (tryout) — Playhouse, Wilmington (11-12) (premiere). 'Mood Is Down'-Nixon, Pitts- burgh (2-5); Royal Alexandra, To- ronto (7-12). 'MomiBg Star' (tryout)—Walnut, Philadelphia (7-12) (premiere). 'My Sister Eileen' (2d Co.)—Har- rii), Chicago (2-12). 'My Sister Eileen' (3d Co.)—Em- pire, Syracuse, N. Y. (2-3); Masonic Auditorium, Rochester, N. Y. <4-5); Erlanger, Buffalo (7-12). 'Priorities of 1942' (vaude)—Shu- bert, New Haven (10-12). 'Private Lives'—Ford's, Baltimore (7-12). 'PyfoialloD' (stock) — Flatbush, Brooklyn (2-6); Windsor, Bronx (8-12). 'Sailor, Beware' (stock) —Wind- sor, Bronx (2-6). 'Show-Oir (stock)—Lafayette, De- troit (2-12). 'Skylark' (stock) — Playhouse, Providence (2-5). 'SMgJow Action' (tryout)—Nixon, Pittsburgh (10-12) (premiere). •Vkkle' (tryout)—Playhouse, Wil- mington (5) (prnniere); National, Washington (7-12). •Watch on the Bhlne' (stock)— Mosque, Newark <2-6). •Watch en the Rhine'—Loberto Santa Barbara (9); Auditorium, Long Beach, Cal. (10-11) ;Russ Audi- torium, San Diego (12). 'Ypu Cant Take It WUb Ton' (stock)—Flatbush, Brooklyn (8-12). Cool Temp. Further Perks B way; Tun'Up to $31000.'Army'SR04SG Change to cool weather was the rule through the final eight days of August and was accompanied by a general pickup in business along Broadway. That may portend lively attendance as the new season gets underway. One show is due this week CI Killed the Count'), but its debut was put over from Monday to Thursday (3). Another premiere next week, with further opening ac- tivity to follow. List loses two shows this week. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy); D (Drama), CD iComedy-Drama), R (Revue), M (Musical), O (Operetta). 'Anrel Street,' Golden (38th week) (D-789; $3.30). Went to well over $9,000 and at that level plays profit- ably; import was rather a surprise click last season.. 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' F.ulton (84th week) (CD-893: ^.30). Picked up smartly and credlTed with $12,000; may stay through fall; Coast com- pany getting great money, grosses there being much higher than in N. Y. •BUIhe Spirit,' Booth (42d week) (CD-712; $3.30). Another play from London that has been in the money right along; nmning on a seven-per- formance basis, with nights t>etter than matinees; estimated around $10,500 last week; goes back on eight performance basis next week. 'By JapHer.' Shubert (13th week) (M-1.326: $4.40). Finished out August with pace unimpaired, attendance approacliing close to capacity and quoted at more than $27,500. 1 KlUed the Coont,' Cort (CD-I,- 064; $3.30). Presented by Frank Car- rlngton and Agnes Morgan; written by Alec C^ppel; was slated to open Monday, but after previews manage- ment decided to postpone debut un- til Thursday (3). 'Junior Bflaa,' Lyceum (43d week) (CD-1,004; $3.30). Last season's leader GRID CONTEST UPS cm B.0^1ADIES'BIG $14,000 Chicago, Sept 1. Big influx of visitors into Chicago for the AU-Stars football classic at Soldier's Field resulted In better- than average business for city's duo of legit shows. Estimates for Laat Week •GMd Night Ladles,' BlaciKstone, (20th week) (1,200; $2.75). Remained at high level of attendance, grossing $14,000. •Mt Slater Eileen.' Harris (15th week) (1,000; $1.65). Did a better- than-average week, running up $8,500. 'Eileen,' $14,500, Hits Sommer Record m D.C Washington, Sept 1. 'My Sister Eileen' departed after a fortnight's stay with the t>est sum- mer business at $1.50 top rolled up in the history of the National the- atre. For the final seven days the take was estimated at $14,500, which meant capacity for six of the eight performances. The Russell Lewis production of Coward's 'Private Lives,' with Ruth Chatterton and Ralph Forbes, opened last night (Monday). Regular season opens Labor Day nighC when Frank Mandel will pre- sent the new Sig Herzig comedy, 'Vickie,' with Jose Ferrer and Uta Hagen. "This Is the Army,' coming Sept 29 for two weeks, begins its advance sale Labor Day (7). War depart- ment plans an extra ticket office in little White House opposite the Na- tional. At the announced $5 top. scale, 'Army' can do $48,000 here on ac eight-performance week. 'Oaodia' Steady b S. F4 Big $16,500 4th Week San Francisco, Sept. 1. San Francisco's only legit attrac- tion, 'Claudia,' maintained a steady pace into'the fourth stanza. Got estimated $16,500 at the 1,500- seat Geary, at $2.75 top. IWoon' 9G in Boston Boston, Sept 1. Although the weather was vastly improved, business didn't respond as expected for.^The Moon Is Down,' which wound up its second week at the Plymouth last week. Gross was okay though at esti- mated $9,000. of straight plays picked up more than seme others and gross approached the $13,000 level. 'Life With Father,' Empire (146th week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Has been get. ting virtually as much or more thaa any straight play, despite the length of stay; quoted over $13,500; Dorothy Gish and Louis Calhem, entered cast Monday for six weeks, while Howard Lindsay and Dorothy Stlckney ar« on vacation. 'Let's Face It,' Imperial (40th week) (M-1,450; $4.40). Back with the musical leaders after a month's layoff; ought to hold its own against newer shows when arriving; capac- ity at night with plenty of standees late in week; $29,300 quoted. 'My Slater EUeen.' Beck (88th week) (Cn)-l,214; $1.05). Reduced rate in more commodious spot ap- pears to have turned the trick in sei'.ding up the gross of long run com- eHy; claimed over $10,000. 'Sons •' Fan,' Winter Garden (39th week) (CD-1,S10: $4.40). Up with the best money getters in town; charging $5.50 on Saturdays, when attendance is heavy; spurted to $32,000 last week, indicating the theatre-ward surge. •Star and Garter,' Music Box (10th week) (R-091; $4.40). Nothing should stop this click from running tar into new season; drawing attend- ance of standee proportions, with the pace consistently over $24,000; another "best' week.' 'Stars on lee,' Center (7th week) (M-3,000;'$1.65). Came In about the time of the 'Army' show, which is only attraction topping the aWating revue; $34,000. •Uncle tUrrj: Broadhurst (14th week) (D-1,142; $3.30). Perked up considerably and topped $10,000; wlfi hold over into the new season; moves to Hudson Sept. 14, when 'Show Time' (vaude revue) follows in this spot ADDED This Is the Army.' Broadway (8th week) (R-1,942; $4.40). Has four weeks more Including the cur- rent week and could probably re> main through season; no decrefase in ticket demand; .48,000 for the Irving Berlin soldier revue. •CianAa,' St James (return en- gagement) (14th week) '(C-1,520; $1.65). Making a much longer re- peat showing than anticipated and may move if another booking Is made for this house: rated around $7,000. which is profitable; REVIVALS' •Porgy and Beas.' Majestic (32d week) (M-I,774; $2.75). Leaving for road soon; has made excellent record for revival and should fare very well out of town; rated over $17,000. •The New Moon.' Carnegie Hall (M-2,760; $2.20). Final and third week for revival; not as well re- garded as its predecessors in this im> usual spot; rated around $15,000. VAUDE-BEVUB •FrlarHles af 194Z.' 46th St (1,347; $2.20). Final and 24th t^eek for vaude revue, which exits after scoring fine run; around $17,000 claimed; another 'Priorities' due la prior to George Abbott's 'Beat the Band,' coming in October. EARL CARROLL hms always been noted for the beaaty of Ua gMa. He wlU present forty-elfbt of the prettiest flrto In the world on the stage of the new Earl Car- roll Theatre-Rcstanimnt In the Morrison Hot«d, ChJeafo, on the nifbt of Sept. 24. Cos- tumed In exquisite taste from origliial designs hj Jean Le Seyenx—against the glamor- ous backgreimd created by Franklyn Hnghes — these forty-eight young ladies will be truly worthy of the f amons slogan Throngh These Portals Pass the Most Beantlf ul Giris in the World.' THROW A POSEY TO Irving Berlin for 30 Yeart of Mtuterpiecedng Direction: Wm. Morris