Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesdajt September f, IMf LEGIXIMAm 4t Piroduction Persoimel (ON TOUR) John Montague, ahead; Warren O'Hara, back, 'Arsenic and Old Lace.' Arthur Levy, agent; Mack BII- lard, manager, 'Angel Street' Barry Hyams, ahead; Leon Spach- ner, back, Ballet Russe. Phyllis Perlman, p.a.; Charles Harris, manager, 'Beat the Band.' Marion Byram, ahead; Sidney Harris, manager, 'Best Foot For- ward.' Jacques Pierre, ahead; Edward O'Keefe, back, 'Claudia.' Henry (Hank) Sember, ahead, 'Corn Is Green.' C. P. Greneker, p.a.; Frank Smith, manager, 'Count Me In.' John Peter Toohey, p.a., 'Franklin Street.' Jim Keefe, ahead; Louis Lissner, manager, 'Good Night Ladies.' Joe Flynn, ahead, 'Hellzapoppln'.' S. M. Weller, ahead; James Troupe, back, 'Junior Miss.' Leo Freedman, p.a.; Paul Groll, manager, 'Magic' George L. Miller, ahead; Harry Benson, manager, 'The Moon Is Dcwn.' Sol Jacobson, agent; Bill Tisdale, manager, 'The Morning Star' (Rich- ard Maney, agent, in N. Y.). Bill Fields, agent, 'The Pirate.' Sam Stratton, ahead; Clarence Jacobson, back, 'Porgy and Bess.' Reuben Rabinovitch, a h e a , •Priorities of 1942.' Charles Mulligan, ahead, 'Private Lives.' Sam Merin, ahead; Bob Milford, back, 'My Sister Eileen.' Larry Anhalt, ahead; Rube Bern- •tein, back, 'My Sister Eileen.' Harry Forward, ahead; Karry Kline, back, 'Strip for Action.' Gertrude Bromberg, ahead; Sam Htndlesman, back, 'Watch On the Rhine.' (BBOADWAT) Bill Doll, agent; Tom Kilpatrick, manager, 'Janie.' Richard Maney, agent; Herman Bernstein, manager, 'Arsenic and Old Lace.* Willard Keefe, p.a.; C. Edwin Knill, manager, 'Blithe Spirit.' Tom Weatherly, agent; J. H. Del Bondio, manager, 'By Jupiter.' Bernard Simon, agent; John Pol- lock, manager, 'Claudia.' C. P. Greneker, agent; Harry Shapiro, manager, 'I Killed the Count.' Nat Dorfman, p.a.; Ben Boyar, manager, 'Junior Miss.' Karl Bernstein, p.a.; Ralph Kra- vette, manager, 'Let's Face It.' Jean Dalrymple, p.a., 'Porgy and Bess.' James Proctor, agent; George Zorn, manager, 'Angel Street.' Mike Goldreyer, ^ agent; Irving N. Becker, back, 'Tobacco Road.' Joe Heidt, agent, "Mr. Sycamore.' Harry Forward, agent; Walter Fried, manager, 'Life With Father.' Nat Dorfman, agent; Albert Co- hen, manager, 'My Sister Eileen.' C. P. Greneker, agent; L. S. Law- rence, manager, 'Sons o' Fun.' Bill Doll, p.a.; Joe Click, manager, 'Star and Garter.' Nat Dorfman, agent; Carl Fisher, manager. This Is the Army.' Harry Davies, p.a.; Joseph Goldin, manager, 'Time, Place and the Girl.' Bill Doll, p.a.; Charles Munster, manager, 'Stars On Ice.' James Proctor, p.a.; Milton Baron, manager, 'Uncle Harry.' Richard Maney, p.a.; John Tuerk, b^ck, 'Vickie.' (N. T. HOUSE MANAOEBS) E. L. Hardy, Golden. Lew Wood, Fulton. Elias Weinstock, Booth. J. J. Garrity, Shubert. John Shubert, St. James. Otto Metr-er, Cort. Allen Schnebbe, Lyceum. Norman Light, Imperial. L. A. Meyers, Empire. Bob Bull, is. Majestic. Ernest MacAuley, 4eth Street. Louis Lotito, Beck. J. M. Johnstone, Winter Garden. Bill Norton, Music Box. Sidney Goldman, Center. Mike Kavanaugh, Broadway. Robert RonchettI, Broadhurst. Sol Jacobson, p.a. for the tryout of "Morning Star,' goes to Chicago ahead of the tour of 'Spring Again' for Guthrie McCIintic. LEONARD BERGMAN DIES OFCmRINN.Y. Leonard X. Bergman, former erack theatre treasurer, died at the Doctors Hospital. N. Y., Saturday (9) after an Illness of tome months. He had beei) operated on previously at the Post Graduate hospital for an in- testinal obstruction, anoth^pr diagno- sis having been colitis. Bergman was sent home, but suffered so intensely that a secondary operation was per- formed from which he survived but three days. He was afflicted with cancer. For many seasons Bergman was treasurer of the New Amsterdam theatre, throughout the period that it was Broadway's leading musical comedy house. Such attractions as Ziegfeld's 'Follies,' Dillingham's Sally' and 'Sunny,' which grossed over $40,000 weekly for indefinite periods, had Bergman handling all the tickets for the agencies. The shows were $5.90 top, but command- ed much higher prices when dis- posed of by the brokers. There was little control of agency prices during those seasons and it was the custom for boxoSices to col- lect real coin as gratuities. Berg- man's uncle, the late' A. L. Erlanger, was aware of the ticket gravy and decided to let his nephew spend some of it, Bergman buying an in- terest in 'Two Little Girls in Blue,' which Erlanger thought would be a bloomer. Show turned out to be a hit More recently Bergman represent- ed the Erlanger theatre interests, most of which have been liquidated. With Marcus Heiman he had been operating the National, Washington, and Nixon, Pittsburgh, and both are said to have had interests in the Wilbur and Colonial, Boston; also Ford's Baltimore up to the time of its sale last season. Bergman had a sense of humor and along with other box office men organized the '42nd Street Country Club,' whose occasional gatherings were beefsteak affairs. Funeral services were held Mon- day (7) morning at the Riverside chapel, burial being in Buffalo, where his surviving mother, Mrs. Caroline Bergman, sister of Erlan- ger, resides. His widow also sur- vives. Shows m Rehearsal iMdy In the Dark' (road)— ■•m H. Harris. 'Pnuiklla Street'—Max Gor- 4on. 'Beat the Band'—George Ab- bott. •The PIrale' — Playwrights, Theatre Guild. •Let Freedom Sing* — Youth Theatre, Inc. •Eve af St. Blaik' — Play- wrights. •Jnnlar Hisa' (Chicago Co.)— Max Gordon. Wayburn Dies Continued from page 41 ^^ so abnormal that he couldnt' under- stand it, so consulted the late Tink Humphries, then a vaudeville ex- ecutive in Chicago. Humphries said he would find out what it was all about and soon referred Wayburn to Billy Jackson. Latter knew the in- side and pointedly told Wayburn: 'The Wolverine leaves for N. Y. at 4:30, and so does the Century.' Way- bum took the hint pronto. Later he did open a school in Chicago, but it flopped. Top Vaode Prodocer Wayburn's vaudeville productions were among the best the two-a-day ever saw. Among them was 'The Reindeers,' which played all the big time and was sent to London. His "The Producer' gained considerable fame, for in that act he appeared in a sweater. Whether he got that from the late A. L. Erlanger. or the latter copped it from Wayburn, is a tossup. Erlanger used to sport a sweater not only at rehearsals but on opening nights of the K. Si E. shows, usually standing behind one of the lower floor boxes so that he could easily go onto the stage if the applause was big enough. Wayburn staged "The Governor's Son' for the Four Cohans. Upon returning from London he at- tempted one of his own musicals, 'Town Topics,' at the Century, but it failed badly. In 1920 he staged 'Hitchy Koo' (Raymond Hitchcock) and 'Poor Little Ritz Girl.' As late as 1929 he presented 'Ned Wayburn's Gambols.' Also staging the 'Ed Wynn Carnival' He was active both in legit and vaudeville up to that time. Dance director, stager, actor and producer, he also wrote songs and his 'Syncopated Sandy' sold more than 1,000,000 copies. One of his acts 'Honeymoon Cryise,' was booked into Poll's Bridgeport six times in one year, and in each ap- pearance played to capacity. Yet Poll wanted to know of Matt Saun- ders, who now represents Loew's in CHI LEGIT BIG; lADIES; $16,000 Chicago, Sept 8. Holiday weekend in Chicago was great for theatre business, with town's only two shows grossing a very nice average for week. Loop was jammed with visitors throughout tour-day session, upping intake considerably. Estimates for Last Week •Govd Night, Ladles,' Blackstone (21st week) (1,200; $2.75). Splendid gross reached high $16,000. 'My Sister EU.>en,' Harris (16th week) (1,000; $1.65). Enjoyed an outstanding seven days, running up $9,000. 'ARSENIC' SRO $21,000 IN 1ST FRISCO WEEK San Francisco, Sept. 8. 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' with Broadway cast opened here at a torrid level, cutting in on 'Claudia,' which sagged somewhat Estimates tor Last Week •Arsenic and Old Lace,' Curran (1,774; $2.75). Started off packing the house; nearly $21,000. •CUndla,' Geary (1,500; $2.75) (5th week). Still doing a nice business, $16,500, in fifth session. Brown $12,000 m Del; (40,500 in 3 Weeks Detroit Sept 8. With two i-ecord weeks at pop Srices already tucked In, Joe £. rown. In The Show-Ofl,' continues strong in a third week at the Lafay- ette, with gross estimated at $12,000. With the top at $1.60, the comedy has garnered approximately $40,500 in the first three weeks. ' The Cass pulled up the curtain on the new season Sunday night (5) with 'Angel Street' which producer Shepard Traube has assembled for a westward junket Cast is headed by Ernest Cossart Lynn PhiUips and Byron McGrath. 'Priorities/ 'Band' Open N. H. Break-In Season New Haven, Sept. 8. Shubert unfurls the new season Thurs. (10) with break-in of 'Pri- orities of '43.' Show Is in for three days. Following week brings preem of the Abbott musical, 'Beat the Band' (17-19). Other shows due are break- in of Boston company of 'Junior Miss,' Gilbert & Sullivan op, and a tryout of an untitled Guild play. October is heavily booked. Hnu.se will continue Sunday band- vaude policy, tee off being next Sun. Pre-Labor Day Exodus Dents B'way But Out-of-Towners Hypo It Again Crowds surged into Broadway for the Labor Day holiday weekend; nearly everything sold out Saturday night. Prior to that there was an offish tone in business because of natives going out of town. Grosses in most instances dropped, but fig- ures for the coming week will ad- vance because of great attendance Sunday and Monday. One new show 'Janie,' is due this week at the Miller Thursday (10). Estlmataa for Lait Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD (Comedv-Droma), R (Revue), M (Musical), O (Operetta). 'Angel Street,' Golden (39th week) (D-780; $3.30). Doing better than in- dicated, with the gross around $11,- 000; stay here indefinite; road show opened this week. •Arsenie and OM Lace,' Fulton (85th week) (SD-893; $3.30). Only fair late in week until Saturday night which helped send gross over $11,000; good chance to stick through fall. •BUthe Spirit,' Booth (43d we«k) (CD-712; $3.30). Has gone back on HOON; FAIR $9,000, TEES OFF Prn SEASON that city, whether he had a piece of the act. Wayburn's first Broadway appear- ance was in 'The Swell Miss Fitz- well,' which starred May Irwin in 18S7. He toured for two years in 'By the Sad Sea Waves.' In addition to his professional activities, he pre- sented any number of amateur shows, an outlet for his schooL He was credited - with being concerned with 600 musicals during a career of 41 years. Wayburn was reputed to have been a millionaire more than once, but he went bankrupt in 1935. A native of Pittsburgh, he had his first experience in the theatre as an usher in Chicago Grand Opera House. Surviving are his widow, nee Mar- garet Kirby, whom he wed in 1918, and a namesake son by an earlier marriage. He had previously been married to Agnes Sayre and Helene Davis, once his vaudeville partner. Funeral, held at Campbell's Satur- day (5), was attended by well knowns, some of whom came from out of town. Pittsburgh, Sept. 8. Legit season teed off to a fairly satisfectory start last week at Nixon when 'Moon Ts Down' got estimated $9,000, rather okay considering the early getaway and the heat Shows rarely get underway locally un- til end of September and Inaugural session ran into plenty of hot weather, which didn't help, of course, in this non air-conditioned house, 'Moon' played to $2 top, with $1.50 for the matinees, and bad Conrad Nagel' as a name, not to mention the fiood of local John Steinbeck public- ity in three newspapers over the last month as a result of a phoney passing himself off here as the noted author. Notices weren't so hot but gross resulted in profits for both theatre and attraction. Hoilsa cur- rently dark for first three days of week, unshuttering Thuraday (10) with preem of new Undsay-Crouse comedy, 'Strip for Action,' which will remain here throutfi next week. mckonts'RoDsinCoiB On 11th Week LA^13G Lot Angelei, Stpt 8. Ken Murray's 'Bladnniti of 1B42' continues to ihow a nioa profit knocking oO better than 113,000 in its 11th week at Hollywood a Capi- tan. Weekly nut of tlflOO allowa for plenty of diwy among Murray's partners. Show looks set for another three months. Harry Abbott's 'Swing Shift Revels' reopened the Hollywood Music Box Saturday night (6) and was off to a shaky start. The 'Swing Shift' extra show at 1:30 a.m. is a disappoint- ment but it is too early to speculate, due to many being out of town over the holiday. Figured that the $2.20 top may be too high and will likely be dropped a notch. Trivate lires' Big $13,500 in Capitai Washington, Sept. 8. Ruth Chatterton and Ralph Forbes in Noel Coward's 'Private Lives' did thumping business last week at the National at $1.50 top, with the final count-up estimated $13,500 for eight performances. Almost equalled "My Sister Eileen' business, which broke a record at the scale. Regular season opened yesterday (Monday) with presentation of 'Vickie' under the aegis of Frank Mandel. 'Scotland,' Big $6,100, End Toronto Sununer Season Toronto, Sept B. Last play of the summer seaaon at the Royal Alexandra here saw EUasa Land! In Maxwell Anderson's llary of Scotland' chalking up estimated $6,100, with capad^ business all week. William Herrigan played op- posite her. The 1,591-seater was scaled at $1.50 top. Commencing yesterday (7) house went back to roadshows, with 'Moon Is Down' (Conrad Nagel) as teeofl. Five-week lineup to date has 'Moon,' 'My Sister Eileen,' 'Angel Street' 'Ballet Russe' 1042-43 premiere per- formance, C. Aubrey Smith and Grace George In 'Spring Again.' eight performance basis; had out Slondays; last week takings wnA around $10,000, quite satisfactory. •By JapMer,' Shubert (14th weak) (M-1,325; $4.40). There were som* performances affected, but loolu'Uka real stayer into new season; rated around $26,500. 1 KUIed the Connt,' Cort (lat week) (CD-1,064; $3.30). Opened lata last week; good presentatlOD, but doubtful press; chances should be in- dicated this weelc. •Janie,' MiUer (C-940; $3.30). Pre- sented by Brock Pemberton with Columbia Pictures inter^ited; writ- ten by Josephine Bentham and Her- shel V. Williams; opens Thursday (10). •Junior MisB,' Lyceum (44th week) (CD-1,004; $3.30). Riding along to consistently profitable business and should extend well into new season: went off with field, but garnered $11,000. •Life With FUher> Empire (147th week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Continues to get real money for play that has been running two years and M months; quoted at $11,800. •Let's Face It,' Imperial (41st wedc) (M-1,450; $4.40) Newer musicals when they arrive wiU have to b« very good to affect this standout, holding over from last season after layoff; like other shows b"fH"m was affected last week, but gross well over $27,000. 'My Sister EUeen,' Beck (89th week) (.CD-lfiU; $1.65). Still in tha money after long run, with another month or so indicated tiefore road dates prior to film version; rated well over $10,000. •Sons o* Fan,' Winter Garden (40th week) (CD-1,610: $4.40). The way business has been lately this revue can skip through the fall period or beyond; over $30,000. 'Star and Garter,' Music Box <llth week) (R-901: $4.40). BuUding a rep that should hold this on* through new season; standees have gross topping $24,000 weeldy. •Stars on lee.' Center (8th week) (M-3,000: $1.65). An extra matinee last week sent week's tairiwgB over $37,000 mark: should maintain iwce in Radio City spot against -'Ice- Capades' opposition at Madisoa' Square Garden. Uncle Harry,' Broadhurst (Itth week) (D-1,142; $3J0). Moves to Hudson next wedc to jaUke way for 'Show Time'; business for indler satisfactory; around $10,000. Added •This Is the Army,' Broadway, tth week) (R-l,e42: $4.40). Two weeks more after this week for great soldier show, which continues to pack 'em in; takings for last week quoted at $48,311; nothhig will top that this season. 'Claudia,' St James (return en- gagement (16th week) (0-1,930: $1.65). Making a bit of profit and may continue; if so, in another house; r^ted around $6,500. Bevivals •Tobacco Boadk' Forrest (D-1,1D9: $1.10). Brought in for repeat date prior to another season <m tlte toad; If business okay, out of town book- ings will be set back; started Sat- urday (5). •Porgy and Besa,' Majestic (33d week) (M-1,774; $2.75). Another iwo weeks after this for the Gersh- win classic, which has establislied a run record for a revival; line* again at boxofflce last week; gros over $17,000. Hst. LOO CI<AXTOII e/o Variety, Hellywaed YORK AND KING THROW A POSEY TO Lee Shubertf the mo$t fen- erouM man in ahow buMineu Direction: Wm. Morrit