Variety (Dec 1944)

Wednesdcj, December 20, 1944 LEGITDiATE 41 'Victory'Sellout $45,000 in 1st 6 To Pace Chi; 'Okla.r 30G, Odiers in Slide Chicago, Dec. 19. -f "Winged Victory," heavily bally- hooed, got rave reviews and |45,- 000 In Its first six performances at the Civic Opera House last week. Only one of the long-terniers here, "Oklahomal" remained status quo In face of the blizzard that hit Chi tor two days last week, remaining $30,- 000 sellout. "Kiss and Tell,"^ with small $0,S00 is skedded to move out of the Studebaker Feb. 3, with "Over 21" returning from a weak tour to try to recoup some of the heavy dough it walked out on last Nov. 4 after eight big weeks. "Voice of the Turtle" slipped for the first time from $20,600 sellout to $20,000, with "Ten Little Indians" down to $15,000 and "Star and Garter" down to |19,000—all victims of the weather and Christmas shop- ping. ■ . Estimates for Last Week "Klsa and Tell," Studebaker (84th week) (1,400; $3). Slipped down to $9,500 this time. "Oklahoma," Erlanger (57th week) (1,500; $4.20). Only three weeks to go for Theatre Guild smash, and still a $30,000 sellout; "Star and Garter," Blackstone (5th week) (1,200; $4.20-$4.80). But for big advance sales, a la "Okla- homa!" tmd "Turtle," this one would have done even less than $19,000 It drew this stanza. ' "Ten Little Indians,". Harris .(6th week) (1,000; $3). Ditto for this one, although $15,000 ' wasn't bad. ' "Voice of the TurUe," Selwyn (11th week) (1,000; $3.60). Just $600 under sellout, with $20,000 in' the tin. "Wliiced Victory," Civic Opera House (3,600; $3.60). Advance sales for this one, spurred by rave re- views, make it look like a record- breaker, with $45,000 for first six performances. 'Rebecca' $17,000 In Del;'King'$15,600 Detroit, Dec. 19. Yule shopping has Anally trimmed grosses along the rialto here but all three houses are back in operation. "Rebecca," in its first week at the Cass, came close to $17,000; . It con- ' tinues another week, with the Burnside "Gilbert & Sullivan" com- pany taking over for two weeks starting Dec. 25. "The Waltz King" also dropped to i15,600 in its third week at the atayette at a $2.50 top. The musi- cal continues to Dec. 25 when "A Goose for the Gander" settles in. The Wilson relit last Friday with "Porgy and Bess." It will be fol- lowed Jan. 15 by "Winged Victory." mw' (Shoberts) OK $14,200 b Denver Denver, Dec. 19. Finishing a run of four shows, three nights and a matinee, ending Saturday (16), "Merry Widow" (Shubert Co.), ran up a line $14,- 200 at the city auditorium with 3,271 seats and a top of $3.05. The auditorium, booked by A. M. Oberfelder, will be dark until "Sons «f Fun" comes In Jan. 2-4. 'Kiss'Pulls 9G in L. A.; *Baron' Starts With 18G Los Angeles, Dec. 19. Bottom of the Christmas slump seems to have been reached, al- though managers look for slight dropoff to continue right up through St. Nick's day. "Kiss and TeU" closed its second and final week at the Biltmore with' $17,600. "The Doll's House" moved in Sunday night, with healthy advance for one week stand. "Gypsy Baron" out of New York creaked into the Phil- harmonic last Monday night to, a coollsh press and picked up tl 8,000 in five days. Musart's "Petticoat Fever" fi- naled in its 14th week with $1,700. Ken Murray's "Blackouts of 1944,^' normally loading the El Capitan each night, felt the pinch and scaled off to $14,200. Belasco's "Maid in the Ozarks" went down to $8,000 in its 10th section. .' 'Sophie' Hefty In New Haven, $7,500 New Haven, Dec. 19. Sophie Halenczik, American" stopped over at the Shubert for a last half (14rl6) and garnered an ex- cellent; pre-Xmas, estimated $7,500. This was on four shows at $3 top. House is dark this week, but comes back into action again next week for the break-in of "Hope for ttie Best" (Franchot Tone) (28-30). Another preem follows when "The Overtons" hits town on Jan. 4-6. In addition to this being busiest legit season in years, '44-'45 also represents a record-breaking num- ber of try outs here. Tather'$10,000, Cincy „ Cincinnati, Dec. 19. Here for the fourth time, "Life with Father" did a fair $10,000 last week in the 1,300-seBt Cox theatre «t $3 top. Au*^?!" ^"5*8 in "Harriet" tenants ttie 2,600-seat Talt theatre Dec. 28-30 lor Ave night ^rformances and two Biatinees at $160 top. Week of Dec. 31 has "Blossom Time" in the Cox at $3 top. 'Steep* Napii SO. SL L. „ . St, Louis, Dec. 10. The shuttering of the majoV flicker houses last week, along with the Babes, lent a big bio, hand to "Sleep No More," which closed Its two.week ^agement at the American theatre Saturday (16). The second stanza, mne performances with the house ■ctded to |3.«4, grabbed ■ fair |S,000. TMlor Helmet grabbed « few Voucs tcwQ the crix but the viece ^ gigged plenty. 'Heart' NSG $9,000, 'Bemice'Fine $1830, Town'lOG in 4, Hub Boston, Dec. 19. Three, openers here this week amidst plenty of confusion along the rialto. "Hasty Heart" opened as scheduled on Monday (U) at the Wilbur and caught only one dissenting note in the press. Nonetheless, it being only a fortnight prior to Christmas, the show did riot attract overly solid biz, but still fairly substantial. Dave Wolper's "Glad to See You" was originally set to open on Tues- day night (12) at the Opera House, but the opening was postponed as the stage setup was too complicated. As "On the Town" was to open Wednesday (13), Wolper put his show over to Thursday (14) to get the flrst-string critics. Late Wednesday "On the Town,' which had sold out the house to a local society group, announced to the press that it could not admit critics that night as the show wasn't ready. As the critics had agreed to do "Glad" on Thursday, "Town" threat ened to suspend its Thursday per. formance if second-string critics were sent. The result was they caught the Feigay-Smith production on Friday (15), two days after the show opened. Both.shows drew gen- erally cordial though not ecstatic notices. This week "Sophie" opened On Monday at the Plymouth; "The Young Know Best" begins on Satur- day at the Copley. On Christmas night the openings are "Many Happy Returns" at the Plymouth; "A Lady of ?" at the Colonial, and "SUr Time" at the Shubert. On Tues. (26) "Brief Holiday^' begins at the Wil- bur. Then on Jan. 8 "The Tempest" comes into the Colonial; "Ballet International!' to the Opera House and "Merry Widow" to the Shubert, Estimates lor last Week "Errand ' for Bernlce," Plymouth (1,300; $3.60). Remained staunch on second week on name draw, with $18,200, very strong In pre-hoUday going. First week was under-esti- mated, Gertie Lawrence show get- ting $20,000. "Glad to See Yoo," Opera House (3,500; $4.20). Opened Thursday night to draw so-so comment, but is doing business, with $15,000 esti' mated on four performances. RC' mains through Dec. 30. "Haaly Hewt," WUbur (1,200; $3). Opened Monday and was well liked with but one exception. -Lack of name draw and generally offish quality of biz currently meant an estiniatetl $9,000. Final week current. "LaHlBg B«om Only," Shubert (1,500; $4.20-$4.80). Finished sixth week at slambang pace, only one matinee being other than sold out. Means another $32,000 estimated. "Ob the Town," Colonial (1,500; $4.20). Debuted Wednesday (13) but no critics were allowed imtll Friday. Result was no notices until Saturday, and Thurs. and Fri biz was not up to 'usual musical show .standards here. However, an okay .iestimated $10,000. Saturday matinee was can- celled, Nancy Walker l>elng out with a bad throat Gordon-'21' $18,000 In Week at Wash. .', Washington, Dec. 19. Ruth Gordon had to compete with Christmas shopping, and in eight performances of "Over 21" at the National theatre, grossed estimated $18,000. Since the boxoffice sale opened for the Eva Le Gallienne-Joseph Schildkraut revival of "The Cherry Orchard," there has been two long lines, Play comes in under the auspices of the American Theatre Society and can't fail with 11,000 subscribers. Franchot Tone in "Hope for the Best" arrives on New Year's eve. First Sunday opening for a new show' this season. B way Lag Not As Much As Expected;. 'Ruth'Latest Hit, $12,000 in 1st Five, 'Arts'Sellout$45,0iihlstFullWk. lady'$25^ In Philly Despite Crix Philadelphia, Dec. 19. There wasn't much of any sign ol the traditional pre-holiday slump in Philly's legit houses last week. The entire quartet were open and all turned in neat b.o. figures. Leader of the four was "Lady o( ', which, despite notices that ranged from unfavorable to so-so, got a rugged $25,800 in its first, full week at the Forrest That repre- sented capacity during the latter part of the week. Reports, both printed and by word-of-mouth, of show's off-color features may have attracted some of the customers and curiosity to see Carole Landis, de- spite crix' lukewarm reception of the film star, probably combined to build attendance. Show's gorgeous production and personal contribu- tions of Bobby Morris and Sue Ryan, were generally admitted. Real surprise of the week, how- ever, was scored by the Theatre Guild's musical production,- "Sing Out, Sweet Land." On top of weak Boston press and a first-night scepti- cism here, this one was enthusiastic- ally received by a not-too-big first- night audience at the Shubert. Notices here were all raves but one, and latter joined the bandwagon in his Sunday follow-up. Biz built steadily all week , with $22,700 checked in; show was fifth of Ameri- can Theatre Society's subscription, offerings; "Oklahomal" (in will be last. Third musical here last week was "Tropical Revue" with Katherine Dunham. In a return at the Locust, where it did very welMast year, this dance revue got $12,400, not as big as expected, but generally okay with a substantial boost expected this week, its last session. Only non-musical, "Many Happy Returns," reported $9,700 in second and final week at the Walnut. Couldn't buck weak notices; sweep- ing cast changes and re-staging will be in order immediately. .Walnut is only house dark this week,, other three shows can-ying on. Next week's layout of openings has just been altered again, with Michael Todd's musical, "Central Park" pushed back to Friday, the 29th, instead of Thursday the 28th. at the Forrest It will play two full weeks thereafter. Two shows open Christmas night; they are "Over 21" with Rtoth Gor- don at the Walnut and "Good Night, Ladies," at the Locust. First named will probably play six weeks here, with latter listed for. four. Cheryl Crawford's Shakespearean revival, "The Tempest," has Its preem at the Shubert on Tuesday (26); in for two weeks. Only January bookings now men- tioned are "Star Time" at the Shu- bert on the 8th and "Ballet Intema- Uonal" at the Forrest on the 22nd. First is for two weeks; latter for one although first booked for two. No w»rf now of date of "Carmen Jones'' return. 'Sons'eiC MpU. Minneapolis, Dec. 10.. ■ Playing a return engagement, "Sons o' Fun." scaled at $3.60 top, did good $6,500 for two nights and mati- nee at the 2,300-seat Lyceum. Shew also-had-played here last season without Olseni & Johnson. OBdiea* IMM, l-NI(er Cedar Rapids, la., Dec. 19. •Vood Night Ladies." at Iowa theatre, - graaaed <93,900 .Dec. IX House scaled 1123 to $3.05. Bliz Wilts 'Blossom' For $11,000, Toronto Toronto, Dec. 19. Greatest blizzard here since 1876 cost "Blossom Time" easily $6,000, but operetta came through for a good $11,000 at the Royal Alexan- dra, with 1,525-seater scaled at ^50 top. Tuesday night (12) performance was cancelled but extra Friday mati- nee was thrown in, Tuesday night reservations beini; exchanged for any other performance. 'Orchard'17G, Balto Baltimore, Dec. 19. "The Cherry Orchard" benefitting from a big advance subscription un- der American Theatre Society<Tbe- atre Guild auspices, chalked up a pleasing $17,000 at Ford's here last week. Houise is dark currently, wltl^ the new Russel Crouse-Howard Lindsay production of "The Hasty Heart," by John Patrick, set for Christmas week against the New Open Co. produc- tion of "The Merry Widow," booked into the oversized Lyric Conceit Hall for two weeks. Strong advance action reported for latter. The business graph on Broadway was supposed to curve downward last week and, it did. There was distinct matinee weakness for some long-running favorites, more so than the week previous, but indications are for better attendance currently even though it's the week before Christmas. Much of the gift buying has been completed and the schools will be closed. Another comedy hit came to town, "Dear Ruth" living up to its high out-of-town rating, In five perform- ances it topped $12,000, building to capacity quickly after , mostfy rave notices. "Dark Hammock" tied the quick-flop record, being taken off after one performance. "Seven Lively Arts" got alljt could accom- modate and "A Bell for Adano". im- mediately became established as cinch hit Estimates for Last Week Keys; C (Comedy). D (Drama), CD (ComtAv-DTama), R (Revue;, M (M\isica\), O (Operetta). "A Bell for Adano," Cort I2d week) (D-1,064; $4.20). Capacity takings lor first full week - were around $21,000; only, party at slight concession prevented higher gross. '•Angel Street," Bijou C157th,week) (D-6l4; $3.60). One week more to go; newer successes probably factor in weakening boxoffice; under $5,000; "Kiss and TeU" due to move here. "Anna Lncasta," Mansfield (16th week) (D-1,033; $3.60). No change in pace of hit colored-cast drama, which was rated over $20,000 again. "Bloomer Girl," Shubert (11th week): (M-1,382; $5.40). Smash musi- cal selling out at all performances, and with limit of standceSi gross around $34,000; parties still figure. "Carmen Jones," Broadway (55th week) (M-1,900; $3). Although busi- ness improved with Sunday per- formances, colored-cast operetta .here more than a year, advertising last weeks. "Catherine Was Great," Roy ale (20th week) (CD-996; $4.80). Eased npuuHA Off to around $15,000 or less; slated April) for louring after New Year's and should be cleanup out of town. "Ctaioken Every Sunday," Ply- mouth (37th week) (C-1,075; $3.60). Has been tapering in takings and slated for road soon; under $10,000 estimated. "Ten Little Indians" due move over from Broadhurst. "Dear Ruth/' Miller (1st week) (C-940; $4.20). New laugh click that should make real run of it; bettered $12,000 in first five performances; can get $22,000 at scale and should get it "Embecslcd Heaven," National (3d week) (D-1,164; $3.60). Res^med last week and hailed by audiences; with Theatre Guild subscriptions gross was figured around $17,000. "Follow the Girls," 44th Street (36th week) (M-1,482; $4.80). First material drop in takings last week sent gross to around $31,000; should promptly bounce back, for it's a favorite. "Hand in Glove," Playhouse (2d week) (D-865); $3.60). Moves to For- rest next week; this spot gets "Sophie" next Monday (25); "Glove" dipped under $5,000.' - "Harvey," 48th Street (7th week) (C-025: $4.20). A . wonder-draw; they'll give odds that it will be around a year hence; $18,500, which is all it can get "Hata OB to Ice," Center (26th week) (R-2,9e4; $1.98). Hlnk revue annually cleans up around the holi- days; should climb this week with schools dosed; over-estimated; last week; $26,500 but with. 14 .perform- ances next week may top all growes. <^ Remember Mama,' Musie Box (9th week) (CD-979; $4.20). Another, of the new sock shows that is now' figured to be among the shows pres- ent during 1945-46; $21,500; capacity always. "In Bed We Cry," Belasco (5th week) (C-1,077; $4.20). Mild busi- ness for. past several weeks but should get share of holiday trade; under $6,500; probably .finales next week. ■ "Jacobawaky aad the Colonel," Beck (40th week) (C-1,214; $3.60). Approximately $16,000; should .'beat year's engagement. "Kiss siri Tell." BUtmore (OOtli week) (C-B26; 13.60). Moving to smaller Bijou at Mew Year's but has been off like other long stayers; dipped under $8,000. ' 'Lamar Baeaa Only," Winter Gar- den (R-l,t>23; $6). Presented by the Shuberts; with Olsen and Johnson, touted as dnch and pulled big busl- ness in Boston; opens Saturday (28). "Laie-Oeerie Apley," X^ceum (4th week) (C-M3; $4-20). Hay be mostly for carriage trade but It's in the chipa with around $18,000. •UUt With raOwr." Empire (267th week) (€-1,088; $3.60). Another New Year'a to see the run leader, on Broadway; should recover recently slowed pace: approximately $10,000. ntttsSm kmlde.* Maicstlc (S6th w«dt> (M-1,M6; 18). About held its own . last week, when epiint was around $37,000; moved here from Winter Garden Monday (18). Oklahoma!", St. blames (89th week) (M-1,529; $4.80). When at- tendance slips here it'll be news; ho such sign in . sight for the still-ca- pacity longrunner; $31,000. "One- Tench of Venus,".. 4eth . Street (63d week) (M-1,319; $4.80). Matinees dented here for past three weeks but should come back with arrival of holidays; $27,000 claimed. Sadie Thompson," Alvin (Sth week) (M-1,388; $8). Eased off fur- ther; gross estimated around $25,000. which isn't big at the scale; slated through January in this house. ."School for Brides," Ambassador (20th week) (C-1,117; $3.60). Has been off but management says en- gagement is Indefinite; $9,000 esti- mated. . "Seven Lively Arts," Zie?feld (1st week) (R-1.626; $6). Sold out throughout first full week; capacity parties almost nightly; $45,000; com- mission of about $2,000 more to^ party people. "Snafu," Hudson (8th week) (C- 1,094: $3.60). Nearly as much as previous week; not among leaders but doing very well; $12,000. "Soldier's Wife," John Golden (11th week) (CD-789; $3.60). Held to previous week's form, and pace was around $12,000; looks set through season. "Song of Norway," Imperial (17th week) (0-l,427; $6). Unaffected in any way; claimed over $41,000, which means standees right along. "Ten Little Indians," Broadhurst ■(24th week) (D-1,160; $3.60). Climb- ed slightly, with, takings around $12,- 000; will move soon into Plymouth; "Lady-of ?" conies here. •'"The Perfect Marriage," Barry- more (Sth week) (CD-1,115; $3.60). Dipped under $11,000 and Is pen- ciled in out of town about mid- January; "Rebecca" slated to fol- low. "The Searohing Wind," Fulton (36th week) (C-948; $4.20). Leaving for road next month; rated around $8,000; "Hope for the Best" prob- ably follows . here; "Wind" only show on list laying off this week. "The Two Mrs. Carrolls," Booth (66th week) (C-948; $4.20). Long- staying melodrama still making goodly coin and should span sea- son; off further; around $10,000. "The Voice of the Tnrtle," Morosco (45th week) (C-896; $4.20). Has been cleaning up and should con- tinue to do so although Margaret. SuUavan withdrew from . three-per- son cast and Betty Field replaced; nearly $22,000. ADDED Ballet IntematloDal, International. Final week; lays off and. then plays Boston; "Sing Out, Sweet Laild'' foir lows next week, when ."On the Town," another musical, comes to the Adelphi. BCVIVAI. "LitUe Women," N. Y. City Center (1st week) (0-2,693; $2.40). Drew favorable press; slated for threii weeks, so. wlU benefit holiday going. OTHELO' 128,700 IN WBiHllj£(l Mm. Winnipeg, Dec. 19. "Othello/' with the colored star, Paul Robeson, is proving to be a touring cleanup. In three perform- ances here the Shakespearean trag- edy grossed $12,500 at the Audi- torium. Earlier last week the show gave four. performances in Minne- apolis, where the takings were $16,- 200, The total on the week in seven times wa« $28,700.. House managements were elated over the attendance so close to Christmas, usually, a slump period. Tanuly* Fair $7^ In 4 at Kansis City Kansas City, Dec. 19. "Diree Is a Family" drew a fair $7,500 for four performances in the. 2^72-seat Music Hall ot the Muni- cipal Auditorium her^ Jast week-end (14-16). House was scal^. up to a $3 top. . ■ Crix threw posies at the show, hut Ohrlstmas shopping made iU usual inroads on the take. "CSood Night Udies" comes I» Thursday (21) for six .performanc|e|. 'Harriet'27(i€leTi Cleveland, bee. 18.:; - Heaviest snoWstorm of tiw y«ar. which disrupted tiratlic tot Itotm days, didn't hurt business partfcur larly for Helen Hayes' "Harriets s* the Hanna last week. Aided by. ~ Eocky advance sale, play autaMdrv swdl 127,000 at .$3.60 top, i the season drama. so fbr for a