Variety (Nov 1944)

Chi Spiffy; Turtle Up to SRO 23a 'Garter' 24G, Indians' OK $16,000 Chicago, Nov. 28. Most houses, expecting a Thanks- giving windfall, switched their Wednesday matinee to Thursday, but It didn't help much last week. "Voice of the Turtle" boosted its usual $20,- 600 sellout take to S23.000 by adding »n extra matinee, but "Oklahoma!" and "Star and Garter," the other two smashes, sailed along as per usual, happy With $30,000 and $24,000, re- spectively. Casualty of the week is "Wallflower." which closed Saturday (25) with $4,500 after a poor two weeks. Estimates for Last. Week "Kiss and Tell." SUidcbaker (81st week) (1.400; $3). Ten performances, with added Thanksgiving matinee, brought $12,000. "Oklahoma!" Erlanger (53d week) (1.500: $4,201. All remaining tickets to Jan. 6, closing date; are on sale, but racks are shot full of holes by heavy barrage of mail orders. Still a sellout $30,000. "Sleep No More," Civic (3d week) (900; $3). Altogether, six cast changes have been made to bolster heavy- handed comedy that lasted a week on Broadway last. September.. Mat- inee switch, for the holiday, from Wednesday fi> Thursday, helped boost it to $7,000. "Star and Garter,' 'Blackslone 12d week) (1.200; $4.20-$4.80). Despite only one matinee a week, on Satur- day. Mike Todd's rehash of his Broadway smash got $24,000. "Ten Little Indians," Harris (3d week) (1,000: $3). Last week's Jhanksgiving matinee ok. but Thurs- ay evening bad. Drew $16,000. "Voice of the Turtle," Selwyn (8th week) (1,000: $3.60). Three matinees, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, responsible for $23,000 sellout. "Wallflower." Great Northern (2d and last week) (1.400; $3). Closed Saturday (25) with a small $4,500, and theatre remains dark till "Waltz King" relights Christmas night, . 'Over 2rl64GTcieve.; New Opera's 'Widow' In Kickback on Ads Cleveland, Nov. 28. Ruth Gordons "Over 21," repre- senting the star-dramatist's first ap- earance here in a number of years, rokeup the post-election doldrums o ring up a very healthy $16,500 for eight performances at $2.50 top at the Hanna last week. Shuberts' revival of "Merry Wid- ow" opened Monday (27) with a walloping advance of $10 000 as a re- sult of some ironic circumstances. Saul Heller, Cleveland promoter who has the New Opera Co. version of operetta penciled into Masonic Hall for early January, tried to take edge fff (he preceding Hanna. production y starting his ad campaign four months in advance. Advertising battle between the two theatres succeeded only in con- fusing the public. A raft of ticket- buyers got so muddled that they sent money orders to the Hanna. being under impression the Kicspura tune- show would play there. Realizing his osychological error, Heller im- mediately killed the advance ad Campaign, but damage was already done. Hanna benefited so much from it that it found it could afford to cut its ads 50'';- the last week and still gel bis boxofTiee results. 'Blossom' Grows Bigger, $23,500 in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Nov. 28. "Blossom Time" seems to grow bigger by the year around here. Perennial operetta, which was do- ing as little as seven and eight grand just a few seasons.ago, cajne back to Nixon last week and hung up surprising $23,500 at $3 (including lax) top. Highest gross the saga of Franz Schubert lias done here since, the first couple of engagements. Beat last year's figure by several thousand and by week's end choice seats were bringing a premium. Switching midweek matinee from Wednesday to Thursday (Thanks- giving Day) • helped considerably. Nixon, incidentally, Jooks headed for biggest season in some time. In past few seasons, only four or five shows at most have gone above $20,- 000 in a week. Already, since Sep- tember, house has topped that mark five times. « ... LEGITIMATE 4* GERTRUDE LAWRENCE OK 11G IN BUFF BOW • Buffalo, Nov. 28. Divided press held down takings for Gertrude Lawrence in "Errand tor Bernice" at the Erlanger in three days last week. However, at $3.60 top, tally ran to bright $11,000. 'Arts' SRO 16G In 1st 3 at Philly Philadelphia, Nov. 28. Last week was one of the biggest Philly's legit theatres have seen this season. The socko feature, of course, was not provided until late in the week—in other words, when Billy Rose's "Seven Lively Arts" bowed in at the Forrest for an eight-day en- gagement <11 performances), all ab- solutely sold out two full weeks in advance of the opening. In the first three performances, revue did $16,000, which was over capacity. First night found Ave rows of standees, with lire marshal's men squawking all the time. Saturday matinee and night also had plenty- standees, and it will be ditto all this week, when the gross will soar over $35,000. In addition there was $23,- 000 worth of mail orders' returned after the seat supply was exhausted. Other biz was very strong through- out the week despite two days of torrential rain (Monday and Tues- day). "Glad to See You," in second week at the Shuberl, naturally took a sharp nosedive, suffering from gen- erally adverse criticisms and so-so word-of-mouth. At that, the Dave Wolper revue got a healthy $25,000 and with announcement that running time has been trimmed by an even hour and with Eddie Foy, Jr., In the cast, revue should hold up tp good trade in final fortnight, especially as its logical rival Is a complete sellout. "Dark Hammock" in Its final stanza at the Locust collected a satisfactory $8,200 and left after a week and a half nice attendance and with con- siderable promise of eventual suc- cess. "Tile Cherry Orchard" got glittering notices all around on Its opening at the Walnut, but oniy suc- ceeded in snaring a little over $11,- 500. with the American Theatre So- ciety subscription nucleus helping noticebly in this case. Russian drama didn't seem to appeal to war- time theatre ticket buyers. How- ever, there was little kick on the in- take. This week finds only a solitary opening. "Sophie Halenczik. Ameri- can." which opened a two-week en- gagement at the Locust last night (27) with a good advance. Name of Greek star, Katina Paxlnou. because of film work, seemed to mean con- siderably. 'Rebecca' $21,800, Sock, Washington Washington, Nov. 28. Rebecca" in'eight performances at tlie National grossed $21,800 last! week. Extra performance on Sun- day (26) added $6,000 more to the! gross, lipping the two-week engage-*! incnt to $49,000. , The American Theatre Society subscriptions, at cut rates, whittled 'lie gross for the first week. Shuberts' 'Widow' Only 11G, MVkce Milwaukee, Nov. 28. The Shuberts' version of "The Merry Widow" had only a fair week at the Davidson. $11,000. The re- viewers were cool to it, and it hap- pened to fall between two big weeks at the same house—"The Waltz King" 'ru a approaching "Othello." . -the Pabst. getting only musical at- tractions and films, announces that the New York City Opera Co. will ™-mg its "Gypsy Baron" to Pabst stage Jan. 11-14. 'Blackouts' Catches 16G, 'Inn'OK 12G in L A. Los Angeles; Nov. 28. Good but not rousing grosses for legit boxof flees last week, with Thanksgiving Day helping out In a few spots. Ken Murray's "Blackouts of 1944" pulled in $16,000, due to the extra turkey day. matinee on the 126th week at El Capilan: "Ramshackle Inn" rated $12,000 for ils second pe- riod at the Biltmore. "Maid in the Ozarks" culled $10,500 last week at the Belasco and will score around $10,000 at the end of this seven days. "Petticoat Fever" had a $2 600 week at the Musarl for its 11th stanza, while "White Cargo" kept at a $7,000 figure in the second section at the Mayan. 'Baron' 14G; Dante 9 «/ 2 G For So-So Frisco San Francisco, Nov. 28, "Gypsy Baron" at the Curran wound up ils first week with around $14,000 in the till; greeting from the press was lukewarm. Dante's "Cockeyed Inferno" (ma- gic), next door at the Geary, pulled $9,500 for its second stanza. Hajres-'Harriet' Hits 123,600 in Toronto Toronto, Nov. 28. Expected to be a sellout, "Harriet" grossed a disappointing $28,600 at the Royal Alexandra with 1,525-seater acaled at $3.80 top. Theme of the Play was apparently too American for Canadians and little Interest was shown in the play itself, the week's engagement here depending on Helen Hayes' popularity alone. Miss Hayes; incidentally, commis- sioned E. M. Rawley, Royal Alexan- dra manager, to transfer her week's salary to Canadian Victory Bonds. Boston Happy; ldano'SRO20G, Sing $22,000 Boston, Nov. 28. Another week of SRO's along .the Hub's rialto, the only exception be- ing "Laughing Water," which caught pretty good notices but only mild grosses. All houses gave their mat- inees on Thanksgiving but "Laffing Room," which gave its regular Wednesday matinee and contributed it", holiday matinee to servicemen. Special booking brought "Dark Hammock" into the Plymouth last night (27). and it. opened against "Dear Ruth" at the Wilbur. Airgna Enters gives a two - performance stand under the Richmond banner on Friday aiid Saturday at Jordan Hall, New bookings now offer the follow- ing prospects: . • "Errand for Bernice," Plymouth, Dec. 4; "Tropical Revue," Opera House," Dec. 4; "Hasty Heart," Wil- bur, Dec. 11; "Glad to See You," Opera House, Dec. 12; "On the Town," Colonial, Dec. 13; "Sophie Halenczik, American," Plymouth, Dec. 18; "The Tempest," shubert, Dec. 25: "Many Happy Returns," Plymouth, Dec. 25; and "A Lady of ?" at the Colonial, Dec. 25. Estimates for Last Week "A Bell for Adano," Wilbur (1,200 $3.60). SRO all week long, which means a house top gross at scale in neighborhood of $20,000. "Dear Ruth" here now. "Laffing Room Only," Shubert (1,- 590; $4.20-$4.80). Remains sellout all performances, which still means nearly $32,000 at house scale. Four more weeks at the Shubert with a move to the Opera House mentioned as a possibility for additional work on the show, which is reported vast- ly improved. "Laughing Water," Plymouth (1,- 300: $3). Was nicely—if not cordially —received. 4 to 1, week's count not so good around $8,000. "Dark Ham- mock" here for a Week's workout now. "Sing Out, Sweet Land," Colonial (1,590; $4.20). Theatre Guild show took a comfortable but not socky $22,000 estimated on second week. Remains two weeks more, and is be- ing re-worked pretty thoroughly. ROBESON-'OTHELLO' FINE 30G IN CINCY Cincinnati, Nov. 28. Paul Robeson in "Othello" mag- neted approximately $30,000 in eight performances last week in the 2,500- seat Taft theatre at $3.60 top. It was one of Cincy's best grossers for many months. Extra chairs and standees took care of part of the overflow Friday (24) night and Saturday (25) matinee. Same house has the New Opera Co.'s "Merry Widow" with Jan Kie- pura and Wilma Spence this week at $4 top. Shubert version of "Merry Widow" fetched a so-so. $11,000 two weeks ago in the 1,300-seat Cox at $3 top. Next roadshow to visit here will be "Life With Father," at the Cox, week of Dec. 10 at $3 top. way Spotty; Apley' Boff $15,000 In 1st 7 Shows, 'Rhapsody 26G in 6, lucasta' 21G, 'Harvey' SRO $20,300 'Father' Beset by B.O. Snags, 13G in St. L. St. Louis, Nov. 28. Terrific opposish from the p.a. of Lily Pons and Andre Kostelanetz, the "Skating Follies," world nreem of M-G's "Meet Me in St. Louis," ice hockey and Thanksgiving Day grid- iron battles slowed down the b.o. bustle during the initial of the two- week .-land of "Life With Father" at the American theatre. Eight performances, closing Satur- day (25) grossed an estimated $13,- 000, satisfactory. Demand for ducats for the last week is perking up and piece will probably get out of town with a neat profit. The 1,700-seat house is scaled to $3.05. Crix tossed plenty of raves. "Prince" 10G, K. C. Kansas City, Nov. 28. Four performances of "Student Prince" in the 2,572-seat Music Hall of the Municipal Auditorium last weekend grossed a tidy $10,000. Scale was $3 for nights and S2.50 for a matiiico, including tax. Broadway was spotty last week, and, despite Tranksgiving, some of grosses were off, while most of the good things about held their own. Only shows which got increased grosses were the few that gave extra matinees. There were too many holi- day afternoon performances for the only fair volume of playgoers. Shows which scored new highs were "Har- vey" and "Anna Lucasta." There were four newcomers last week, with one definite clicker, it be- ing "The Late George Apley." which looks like a real good thing. "The Streets Are Guarded" is doubtful; I "The Man Who Had All the Luck" was a mistake and was yanked pron- to; "Rhapsody," costly musical, was panned hard, but advance sales ac- counted for goodly money. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama)., CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Rcvne), M (Musical), O (Operetta). "Angel Street," Bijou (154th week) (D-614; $3.60). Not much difference here, long-staying drama making some coin, with takings approaching $6,500. "Anna Lucasta," Mansfield (13th week) (D-1,033; $3.60). Went to an- other new high; didn't sell out at one matinee, but cleanup drama went close to $21,000. "Bloomer Girl," Shubert (8th week) (M-1,382; $5.40). Standout from the opening curtain and aimed for cleanup; getting all house will hold at scale; $34,000. "Carmen Jones," Broadway (52d week) (M-1,900; $3). About held its own, with gross around $24,000; way out in front; booked for the road at finale Of New Year's week (Jan. 6). "Catherine Was Great," Royale (17th week) (CD-990; $4.80). Slipped considerably but production cost may yet be rated under $17,500. "Chicken Every Sunday," Plymouth (34th week) (C-1,075; $3.60). Making goodly money and, under prior book- ing arrangement, due to move to an- other house; $12,500. "Embezzled Heaven," National (D- 1,164; $3.60). Dark, awaiting recov- ery of Ethel Barrymore, who is out of hospital; may relight next week. "Follow the Girls," 44th Street (33d week) (M-1,462; $4.80). Very little affected, and gross again tapped $36.- 000; boxoffice line evidence of musi- cal's popularity. "Harvey," 48th Street (4th week) (C-925; $4.20). New high of $20,300; selling out all performances and gave extra matinee; scaled higher than previously noted. "Hats Off to Ice," Center (23d week) (R-2,994; $1.98. Played one extra matinee and in 10 times high- grossing rink revue was quoted at $38,500, but didn't sell out all times. "I Remember Mama," Music Box (6th week) (CD-979; $4.20). Smash comedy drama getting all house will hold at scale, with gross around $21,500. "Ill Bed We Cry," Belasco (2d week) (C-1.077; $4.20). Dropped sharply, takings last week being around $12,000 or slightly higher; may make grade despite weak press. "Jaeobowsky and the "Colonel," Beck (37th week) (C-1,2.14; $3.60). No special holiday gravy, but held to high level, around $19,000, and should not drop materially through winter except just before Christmas. "Kiss and Tell," Biltmore (87th week) (C-926; $3.60). "Snafu," now at Hudson, slated to move here soon, with "Kiss" possibly moving; around $il,000. "Late George Apley," Lyceum (C- 993: $4.20)+ Acclaimed by press and first-nighters", and rates with the best of the new season's hits; over $15,000 in first seven times; selling out and should top $18,000. "Life With Father," Empire (264th week) (C-1,082; $3.60). Run leader improved, while most other long- stayers eased off; quoted not much under $13,000. "Man Who Had AH the Luck," For- rest. Panned, so yanked Saturday (25) after only four performances. "Mexican Hayride," Winter Garden (33d week) (M-1,423; $6). Affected last week when takings shaded $40.- 000; was topping all and still great. "Oklahoma!" St. James (86th week) (M-1,529; $4.80). Sells out and always the limit in standees, no matter what the conditions: $31,000. "One Touch of Venus," 46th Street (60th week) (M-1,319; $4.80). Long- run musical socko went off holiday eve and matinee, but scored fine gross of $31,500. "Rhapsody," Century (0-1,713; $4.80). Opened last mid-week and drew thumbs down; rehearsed long lime and new better than original; despite poor press new operetta got more than $26,000 in first six times, aided by strong advance and $12 first night. "Sadie Thompson," Alvin (2d week) (M-1,387; $6). First full week was excellent though not capacity: parties counted to some extent; $33,500. "School for Brides," Ambassador (17th week) rC-1.117: S3.60) W.t- overquoted but making money right along and slated into spring; $10,300, okay. "Snafu," Hudson (5th week) (C- 1.094; $3.60). Not as good as previous week but substantial at $13,500: moves to Biltmore soon and should span season. "Soldier's Wife," John Golden (8th week) (CD-789: $3.60). More than held its own and rates among sub- stantial new successes; quoted well over $13,500. "Song of Norway," Imperial (14th week) tO-1,427; $6). One of few shows which played to standees on Thanksgiving afternoon: over $40,- 000; hot hit from.Coast top grosser last week. "Ten Little Indians," Broadhurst (2Lst week) (D-1,160; $3.60). One of season's new hits, too; drama around S16.000 last week, not capacity but plenty for this one. "The Perfect Marriage," Barry- more (5th week) (CD-I,115; $3.60). Among those attractions that slipped sharoly last week, when gross ap- proximated $13,500. "The Searching Wind," Fulton (33d week) (C-948: $4.20). Among successes which held up, and count was again aiound $14,000. "The Streets Are Guarded," Miller (D-940: S3.60). Press friendly but somewhat ouzzled: same reaction anions; audiences after debut; first week's $6,000 not so hot. "The Two Mrs. Carroll*." Booth (03d week) (C-948; $4.20). Business so consistently strong that second season should be spanned by run drama: $14,000 and better. "The Voice of the Turtle," Morosco f42d week) (C-896; S4.20). Margaret Sullavan resumed after slight illness and gross bounced right back to $22,- 000: .Betty Field rehearsing to take over Miss Sullavan's part. ADDED Ballet International, International. Another four weeks for new venture, reported operating way in the red; several new musicals angling to book house. REVIVAL "The Gypsy Baron," N. Y. City Center (0-2,693; $2.40). Revival fol- lowed pop grand opera; opened two- week engagement Tuesday (28). VAUDE--BEVUE "Star Time," Majestic (11th week) (1.695; $3). Leaves after one more week, house getting new musical; around $18,000; goes to road, Dunham Neat 231G In Detroit, 'Abie' Good $9,600, 'Widow' 35G Detroit, Nov. 28. Grosses in the legitimate houses here continue at a strong pace. Kalherine Dunham's "Tropical Revue" clicked Up $23,500 last week at the Cass at a $2.50 top. It was fol- lowed Monday by Helen Hayes in "Harriet," set for two weeks. "Abie's Irish Rose" in ils third week at the Lafayette added a good $9,600 at a $2.20 top. It was followed Monday by "The Waltz King," scheduled for three weeks. The New Opera Co. version of "The Merry Widow" ended a potent three-week stay at the Wilson with tumuWay biz in its final week for quoted $35,476 which is over capacity on the week. RUTH' BUILDS AFTER N. H. BOW TO $6,700 New Haven, Nov. 28. From a very light advance sale, break-in of "Dear Ruth" last week (23-25) built, via favorable press and word-of-mouth, to a substantial closing figure. On four shows at $3 top, gross of estimated $6,700 was okay. Shubert continues its steady march of at least one legit attraction per week. Current is another preem, with "Many Happy Returns" in for the weekend (30-2). Next week gets still another opener, "Hasty Heart," for Dec. 7-9. Following week brings "Sophie Halenczik, American" for a last half (14-16). "Ice Follies" has big advance for local stand, Dec. 4-10, at Arena. Merkel-Tamily Good $12,800 in 6 at Seattle Seattle, Nov. 28. Una Merkel, with "3 Is a Family" did estimated $12,800 at 1,500-seat Metropolitan last week. Scaled from S3, played five days with one mati- nee. Rccheck on "Doll's House," where Sunday matinee alone did $2,600, tipped gross folr four-day engage- ment to fine $15,500. It's back at Metropolitan for week opening j(vtcrrliiy <27) and again looks oko.