Variety (Sep 1942)

^edneadaj* September 16, 1942 hside Stuff-Lqjit H«nry (Terry) Duffy, who la producing T,If« of tb« Party,' musical ver- dbn ot The Patsy,' Is rehearsing the show In K. t. bMtUM ot obanged Squlty rules. It will open at the Wilson, Detroit, whloli, along with the tafayette there, Duffy Is operating with atook. Manager had what was called a super stock contract with Equity, but suoh agreements have been withdrawn. Previously ha was active in stook on the toast, but astab- Ilihed himself In Detroit for the duration, fearing that blackouts made ■how business too hazardous In Frisco. Theatres en the Coast have been Sourlsbing regardless. •Parly* wUl cost between $35,000 and $40,000, It being a musical of the Intimate type. It will be presented at the Wilson with a $1.6S top, same icale as now used for stock. When and If moved to Chicago, the scale will probably be $3.30. 'Party' may be brought to N. Y. prior to Chi, however, ^•pendent upon Its reception In Detroit. Under the Equity rules, if Duffy Jthearsed the show out of town players would have to be allowed $8 per ay for expenses, plus rehearsal pay, chorus getting $a.7S In such Instances. Added production oost would amount to upward of $200 weekly. Duffy Is commuting between Detroit and Broadway. Admits ha is sprouting wings, not having touched a cocktail nor smoked for around IB ^ears. There was a niatter of half a dozen dresses In eonnectlon with 'Across the Board on Tomorrow Morning' and diking to Vou,' the William tiaroyan plays which fliwed at the Belasco, N. T., recently. Author- showman made an arrangement whereby the frocks would eost $25 each, ^ut the shop from which they were procured agreed that, If the show played at least six weeks, the duds would be ouSed. Or, It the show played a shorter period, the dresses could be returned, unless damaged. Two of the dresses were soiled with makeup and after some controversy the bill for the cleaning was paid by Saroyan. Frocks were supplied by an Equity member and that office ironed out the detail. Harlan Thompson has been commissioned a captain In the Army Signal ' Corps and has been assigned to the outfit's Motion Picture Division, As- toria, L. I. He arrived from the Coast In time to sea several rehearsals of 'Heels Together,' which he wrote with Harry Archer and which opened at Scarsdale, N. Y., yesterday (Tuiesday). Show was the Intimate musical comedy, 'Little Jessie James,' produced by the late L. Lawrence Weber at the Longacre in 1923. Book has been brought up to date and there is an entirely new score. Thompson's wife, Marion Spitzer, and their two children are expected to move to N. Y. from Beverly Hills. George Abbott musicals have not fared well on the road, probably be- cause his shows are usually without prominent name artists, but 'Best Foot Forward' may break the string. It opened at the ErIanger, Chicago, last week to business that promises a run. Booking In that spot is limited to three weeks, after which it is expected 'Best' will move to the Stude- baker. Musical was accorded excellent notices and the Sunday (13) foUowup comment further augurs a stay in Chi. P'revious Abbott musicals, such as Too Many Girls' and 'Pal Joey,' found business too spotty when toured following long Broadway engagements. When 'Lady In the Dark,' with Gertrude Lawrence, plays Chicagp it will be spotted in the 3,600-seat Civic Opera House. Only one other theatre in that stand could handle 'Lady,' but Ita capacity Is too limited for the musical to operate profitably. Show will have a top of $3.30 and can gross around $45,000 at the Civic. Loop figures to be jammed with shows when the season gets Into stride. Other attractions sought to play the opera house, but, except for a couple of weeks in October, house Is reported booked up Into next March. 'Lady' will open its tour at the Forrest, Philly, Sept. 28. Dan Kussel, who returned from Hollywood soma time ago, has been hibernating on brother Milt's farm near Goshen, Conn. He murmurs about producing a play called 'Easter Morning,' If connecting with a backer or two. He also has a musical called 'Good Girl,' which has not been com- pleted. Last play he presented was 'The Party's Over,' a moderate grosser. Jean Parker appeared In that comedy and Hollywood realized It had passed up a good thing. Miss Parker was summoned back to the Coast as' soon as the play closed and Jumped to film stardonk Ticket broker called up a friend and kiddingly asked whether he had four tickets for 'SUr and Garter,' hit at the Musio Box, N. Y. Fellow replied by calling attention to the Dorothy KilgaUen column In Friday's (11) N. Y. Journal-American and her remarks about the spice ,ln the Michael Todd revue. Agency man promptly reminded the other guy that Miss Kilgallen's husband, Richard Kollmar, Is Interested in 'By Jupiter.' Players in The New Moon,' revived at Carnegie Hall, N. Y., recently got off-stage laughs from people connected with the management and di- rection. Latter were all of the refugee class and there were plenty of dialects and not a little temperament 'Meon' opened without an en- semble rehearsal, management probably figuring on the reviewers attend- ing some days after the debuf, as Is the case on the continent. If an actor suggested a bit of business and the stager liked it he would be rewrded with a gentle pinch of the cheek and a kiss on the forehead. First column Karl Krug, dramatic critic of Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, wrote upon his return from a recent vacation had to do with the theatrical debut of Karl Krug. The reviewer spent his annual two weeks off as the guest of Captain Billy Bryant, and showboat Impresario made Krug earn his keep by appearing nightly as a seedy barfly In his (Bryant's) production of Ten Nights in a Barroom.' In a broadcast from Russia for CBS last week, Larry La Seur, chain's news commentator, said the Oct. 1 opening of the Little theatre, Moscow, was looked forward to with much interest. His mention of the war de- velopments on that day were sparse. Little will open with a new play, to be followed by a season of Tol- •stoy, first being his 'War and Peace,' a drama that has commanded inter- national attention. Marcus Heiman will take over the duties of the late Leonard E. Berg- man, who handled the ErIanger interests and who was teamed with Hel- n»n in operating the National, Washington, and Nixon, Pittsburgh, plus Interests in two Boston houses. National was recently ordered sold by the surrogate, Heiman and Berg- man retaining control through a lease. 'SW GOOD $8,000 IN 1ST 4 Pnr SHOWS „ Pittsburgh, Sept. 15. New Lindsay-Crouse comedy, otrip for Action,' was okay at esti- mated $8,000 in four performances last week at Nixon, where it opened a pre-Broadway tryout Thursday night (10). Show spent first three fays in town rehearsing and is re- maining all of this week, with satis- factory advance and some activity at window indicating an okay ses- sion. Tentatively slated to open In N. Y. Sept. 24, it's likely that 'Strip' will stay on a while longer to polish up some script changes authors are currently making. Notices were very mixed, one be- ing a complete thumbs-down, the other an in-belweener and a third encouraging. Next week Nixon gets 'New Hellzapoppln' with Lew Parker and Jackie Gleason. LEGITIMATE 81 'ANGEL' FINE f 11,000 INDET.;'SH0W0FF' lOG Detroit, Sept. 15. New season Is in swing here with both the Cess and Lafayete In opera- tion, and the Wilson, other legitimate house here, due to join the lighting up Oct. 8 with the premiere of Henry Duffy's presentation of the musical 'Life of the Party,' based on The Patsy.' The Cass relit last week with 'Angel Street,' which grossed an estimated $11,000 at $2.50 top. The British meller, with cast headed by Ernest Cossart, Lynn Phillips and Byron McGrath, continues a second week. « Pop-priced Lafayette continues to run u^ healthy grosses with Joe E, Brown in 'The' Show-Off' pulling ap- proximately $10,000 In fourth week at $1.50 top. Comedy, which has gathered upward of $50,000 in the first four weeks, seems set for an- other month. PHILLY B.O. OK; 'PRIORITIES.'23G Philadelphia. Sept 15. The b.o.s were plenty happy as PhiUy's 1M2-43 legit season got un- der way last week. This is an off week for openings, but two new ones due next Monday (21). They are the Eddie Dowling double bill, "Magic' and 'HeUo Out There,' at the Walnut and Ethel Barrymore In 'The Com Is Green' at the Locust "Lady In Dark' opens Friday (18) at Forrest. Estimates for Last Week 'Priorities of 1M2,' Forrest (1st week) (1,800; $2JO). Fine biz in first of two-week stanza; $23,500. Too bad variety revue couldn't stay longer. The Morning Star,' Walnut (one week only) 41,700; $2.85). - Crix sharply divided. Show, in for a single week, did satisfactory $6,800. 'VICKIE' GOOD $12,000 IN D. C; n TOP PLAN Washington, Sept. 15. 'Vickie,' new Frank Mandel pro- duction of Sig Herzig comedy, got estimated $12,000 on eight perform- ances last week, but It would have been three grand more at a $2 scale. Notices were fine, but the $2.75 top scared many iway. Hereafter, the National will scale new plays with- out star names at $2 top. "This Is the Army' will conduct Its ticket sale in the Civilian Defense's little White House, In the park op- posite the National theatre. There's plenty of Interest and when the pasteboards went on sale Monday (14) a rush was on, mostly for the first and second balcony tickets. 'Blackouts' 13G m LA.; 'Re?els' Sfim $5^00 Los Angeles, Sept. IS. 'Blackouts of 1942,' Ken Murray's vaude entry at the El Capitan in Hollywood, remains the sole stand- out here, snagging a snappy $13,000 again in its 12th week. Consistently grossi.ig around that profitable figure, it will to be around for awhile. Harry Abbott's 'Swing Shift Revels' at Musio Box wound up first week with about $5,800, which is on the red side.. Scale has been re- vised downward to $1.65 top and 1:30 a.m. shows are out except on weekends, 'Watch on the Rhine' opened yes- terday (Monday) at the Biltmore for a two-week stay. 'Arsenic' Big 22G m 2d S.F.Wk.;'CbDdia;i6G San Francisco, Sept. IS. 'Arsenic and Old Lace' carried Its magnificent pace into Its second week at the Curran, while 'Claudia' continued okay at the Geary. Estimates tor Last Week 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Curran (1,774; $2.75) (2d wk). Duplicated first week's performance in second stanza by hitting $22,000. 'Claudia,' Geary (1,500; $2.75) (6th wk). Oh ffairly even keel In sixth sesh with $16,000. B way Skids Slightly After Holiday; 'Anny,' $48,000, Tun' Jumps to 37G Sunday of last week and Labor Day greatly benefited Broadway, but there was a letdown thereafter, at- tendance being particularly affected during tt>e middle of the week. Some grosses did not advance as expected, but the general tone of business indi cates a lively fall period. 'Janie,' first comedy of new season, opened promisingly at the Miller. Three debuts this week, inclusive of two vaude-revues. Estimatea for Last Week Keys: C IComedy), D (Drama), CD (.Comedy-DTama), R (Revue), M (Musical), O (Operctto). 'Angel Street,' Golden (40th week) (D-789; $3.30). Among the season's holdovers and still indefinite; rated better than $10,000 which is plenty for limited cast mejler. 'Araeoie and Old Lace,' Fulton (86th week) (CD-e93; $3.30). Passed up playing holiday matinee, when it might have sold out; dipped for time, then ended week strongly with the takings again around $11,000. 'BUthe Spirit' Booth (44th week) (CD-712; $3.30). Back on eight- performance basis and is another holdover that may stick throughout fall and into early winter; rated around $11,000. 'By Japltcr,' Shubert (15th week) (M-1,325; $4.40). One of group of $4.40 musicals that has been com manding real money; estimated at better than $27,000. which is not much under capacity. 1 Killed the Cennt,' Cort (2d week) (CD-1,064; $3.30). Not so good after opening and salary cut sought; 'BEST FOOT/ J19,000, OK IN CHI TEEOFF Chicago, Sept. 15. George Abbott brought 'Best Foot Forward' into the ErIanger last week to open the season and ran smack into one of the finest set of notices ever written in local papers. Result was a fine initial session. On the near-future list are 'New Hellzapoppln,' 'Junior B^ss,' which will chase 'My Sister Eileen' out of the Harris, and 'Spring Again,' which will relight the Selwyn for the season. Both 'Miss' and 'Spring' wiU have American Theatre So- ciety backing, which will cover a three-week instead of the previous two-week guarantee. Great Northern gets a show from the Coast this week, 'Maid of the Ozarks.' Ettlmatci for Last Week <Best Foot Forward,' Erknger (1st week) (1,400; $3.30). On first nine performances came through in fat fashion at $19,000. Stays three weeks. 'Good Night Ladles,' BUckstone (22d week) (1,200; $2.75). WiU run on and on, from all Indications; last week another mammoth session at $16,500. 'My Slater Eileen.' HarrU (17th week) (1.000; $1.65). Readying to quit but still a money-maker at $9,000. 'Priyate Lifes/ $6,900, OK in Balto Kickoff Baltimore, Sept 16. Legit season opened here at Ford's last week with Ruth Chatterton and Ralph Forbes in revival of 'Plrlvate Lives,' scaled at $1.50 top. Totaling nine shows, including an extra Labor Day matinee, layout drew satisfac- tory $6,900. Current this week Is pre-Broad- way workout of 'Vickie,' by S. M. Herzig, presented by Frank MandeL Successive lineup thereafter lists 'Priorities of 1942,' return booking of 'My Sister Eileen* at pop prices, 'Guest In the House' and "This Is the Army.' 'Moon' 8G in Toronto Toronto, Sept. 12. With Conrad Nagel starring, Steinbeck's 'The Moon Is Down' was very satisfactory last week at esti- mated $8,100 at the Royal Alexandra. The 1,551-seater was scaled at $2 top. Newark Contmnes Stock; 'Candida' Mild $6,000 Newark, Sept. 16. 'Candida' finished mild week's run at the Mosque theatre Sunday (13) with estimated $6,000 In the till, just about breaking even. Week before, 'Watch on the Rhine,' with Francis* Lederer starred, turned In bumper $9,500, second highest gross of the local legit season. Mosque, originally skedded to close Labor Day, will remain open through September. In the offing, following the current 'Ladies in Re- tirement' Is Grace George In 'Kind Lady.' may stay for picture rights; under $4,000 estimated. 'Janie,' Miller (1st week) (C-940t $3.30). Opened Thursday (10) and oa third day (Saturday) capacity was claimed; press rather good and, it business gains momentum, will bo established before other comedies arrive. 'Junior Miss,' Lyceum (45th week) (CD-1,004; $3.30). Does not play Mondays and therefore did not bene- fit from Labor Day crowds; business continues at profitable gait, with th» takings around $11,500. 'Life With Father,' Empire (148th week) (C-1,062; $3.30). From grosses quoted is out in front of straight plays of late; claimed more than $13,700 last week. 'Let's Faee If Imperial (42d week) (M-1,450; $4.40). Riding along to ex- cellent trade, with sock business on Labor Day; some performances' to standee proportions; went well ovtx $29,000; surprising even the manage- ment 'My Sister Eileen,' Beck (90th w:ek) (CD-1,214; $1.65). Pop scale is doubtless the factor in this run comedy clicking along to goodly profits; estimated around $10,000. 'Sons o' Fan,' Winter Garden (41st week) (CD-1,519: $4.40). No new musical likely for some time to come; leaped to almost incredible $37,000 for this berth. 'Star and Garter,' Music Box (12th week) (R-901: $4.40). Packing 'em in; getting all the house will hold with standees the rule and gross over $24,0()0; weekly net is plenty. 'Stars on lee,' Center (9th week) (M-3,000; $1.65). Business great at the holiday, but affected Tuesday and Wednesday last week; 'Ice-Ca- pades' at Madison Square Garden hasn't hurt; two extra matinees; around $34,000 in 11 performances. The Homing Star,' Morosco (D- 9?9; $3.30). Presented by Guthrie McClintic; written by Emlyn WlU li:-ns; opened Monday (14) after try* ing out; mixed notices. 'Uncle Harry,' Hudson (16th week) (D-1.042; $3.30). Moved here from Broadhurst Monday (14); last week, in former spot, again satisfactory ai over $10,000. Added This Is the Army,' Broadway (10th week) (R-1,942: $4.40). In final two weeks, with soldier show continuing to clean up; $48,000, which is all show can get here; played benefit matinee for Stage Relief Fund Tues- 'Clandl*,' St. James (return en- gagement) (16th week) (C-1,620; $1.65). Getting moderate money: long stayer back for repeat and road plan indeflnits- $6,600; some profit Vande-Bewea 'Show Time,' Broadhurst (1,142; $2.75). Vaude outfit. Including (jeorge Jessel, Jack Haley, Ella Lo- gan. De Marcos and others; openi. Wednesdays (16). 'FrlorlUcs of IMS,' 46th St (1,347; $2.75). Vaude revue headed by Harry Rlchman, Bert Wheeler, Carol Bruce, Hank Ladd, Henay Young- man, and others; opened last night (Tuesday). Hevivab ToboMo Bead.' Forrest (Ist week) (D-1,195; $1.10). Playing • repeat before going on tour agam; budness last week rated neatly $6,000, which is big at scale. Torgy and Beaa,' MaJesUe (34th week) (M-1,774; $2.76). Jumped to around $20,000 and could probably play to first of year, but la •toted for road after another week. Hit. u>o cunoii •/o Varlaty, Hollywood THROW A POSEY TO Or. WiUiam Freider for hU extraordinary help to $how people. Dlreotloni Wm. Morria