Variety (November 1909)

TEN CENTS VOL. XVI., NO. 9. NOVEMBER 6, 1909. PRICE TEN CENTS. GIANT AL FRESCO AMUSEMENT SCHEME R APIDLY FOR MULATING Beck, Anderson, Davis and Other Notables Combine for Country-wide Extension of Ballground "Hippo- drome" Idea. Demise of Summer Parks Expected in Consequence. For some time a campaign of organiza- tion has been carried on by Harry Davis, of Pittsburg (one of the first to produce summer "Hippodrome" performances in baseball parks), with a view to forming a syndicate to extend the idea to all of the principal cities throughout the country, or at least east of Chicago. Matters have so far developed that the scheme is practically assured, it is reported. Max Anderson, who recently sold all of his interests in the Shubert enterprises; Garry Herrmnnn, owner of the Cincin- nati National League franchise and pres- ident of the National Baseball Commis- sion ; Martin Beck, and Mike Shea will also be concerned in the project. The manner and amount of stock dis- tribution have not as yet been made known, but it is evident that Garry Herr- mann's presence in the roster of magnates assures the venture inside influence in se- curing ball parks in both American and National League towns. It is the general plan to take baseball parks and other large outdoor enclosures on a cash guarantee, or a split of the gate receipts. From sixteen to twenty-five acts will be presented in two rings and upon an elevated stage, after the manner of the regulation circus arena, with a charge of 10, 20 and 30 or up to 50 cents. Performances will be given only in the evening. Whenever rain interferes, checks will be handed out. Some parks have already been secured and the winter months will be spent in closing deals in other cities, sd* that the-scheme may start as early in the spring as weather will per- mit. The New York and Brooklyn clubs of both leagues have received propositions for this style of entertainment, and have them now under consideration. It is the plan where baseball parks are secured to nlso lease whatever open-air enclosures there may be in the town in order to shut out opposition. Opposition will be further choked off by the presence in the directorate of four members of the United Booking Offices and Western Vaudeville Association. It is not at all unlikely that the com- bine will extend operations to towns out- side of the two big leagues, taking in cities where the minor leagues have clubs. As the scheme works out its possibili- ties will undoubtedly be taken advantage of to the last degree. The impression spreads that the new enterprise will do what little remains to accomplish the final undoing of the summer park as an amuse- ment proposition to be seriously consid- ered. The incentive for the larger theatrical men to interest themselves in this summer "Hippodrome" plan arises from the pos- sibility of very large returns with practi- cally no financial investment. This was clearly shown last summer when the "Hip- podromes" at Philadelphia and Pittsburg literally coined money. M. W. Taylor, of Philadelphia, started the "Hippodrome" thing in his city. The results were noted by Mr. Davis, who derived the same suc- cess in Pittsburg. The two rings and stage used in a "Hippodrome" are portable and easily "struck." While all the ball grounds will not accommodate crowds that could gather in the National League enclosures in some cities, there are very few of the larger ones that would not accommodate KVOOtt easilv. ENGAGEMENT KEPT A SECRET. The engagement of Gertrude Hoffmann for "The Young Turk" has been kept a secret. Mis9 Hoffmann is rehearsing with the piece which Max Ropers and Maude Raymond will head. It opens Nov. 11 at Atlantic City. ANOTHER TALK IN CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 4. There will be a gathering of the "big guns" in Chicago next week. The deferred general meeting of the western managers, postponed from Oct. 28, will then occur. Morris Meyerfeld, Jr., president of the Or- pheum Circuit will attend. Martin Beck arrived in Chicago Wednesday, going on to Winnipeg, where he will meet Mr. Meyer- feld. Monday morning William Morris is due to view the opening of Harry Lauder at the American. While in the city, it is re- ported, Messrs. Beck and Meyerfeld, with C. E. Kohl and Mr. Morris will have one or more conferences. It is reported that the postponement of the general meeting was made with this coming week in mind. William Morris leaves for Chicago to- morrow (Sunday). The story during the week was that there would be meetings in Chicago after the arrival of the leaders ot the respective circuits represented. The presence of Mr. Meyerfeld is desired by both of the parties, who are not adverse to a solution of the present combat in vaudeyille. In the past Meyerfeld has been quite successful in operations of this na- ture. Nothing further could be learned this week of the proposed increase of capital stock of William Morris, Inc., reported in the second edition of Variety last week. It was 9aid the matter was formulating. BIG FELLOW IN WHITE FACE. Worcester, Mass., Nov. 4. Frank Morrell, "The California Baby," is playing here this week at l'oli's, in white face, having discarded the cork, with which Morrell made his debut as a "single" in vaudeville. What Morrell may have done in black- face is not known here, but he could not have possibly met with any more appre- ciation—and also Morrell bids fair now to become the star matinee idol of the vaudeville.girl. SMITH'S "WINTER" REVUE. Harry B. Smith has commenced work on the new "winter" revue which F. Ziee;- feld. Tr., says he will present on the New York Roof. Remick & Co. will have ihe production rights to the music. ANNOUNCES COMBINE OFF. (Special Cable to Vabiety.) London, Not. 4. It lias been given out at the Gibbons- Barrasford offices that the "combine" be- tween the variety managers lead by Os- wald' Stoll is positively off. The cause is unknown. Friction arose immediately upon S'toll's return from the Continent a short while ago. BERLIN'S NOVEMBER OPENINGS. (Special Cable. to Variety.) Berlin, Nov. 4 The new bill at the Wintergarten opened Monday. Of the Americans on it, The Em- pire Four did fairly. Rice and Prevost pleased. At the Wallhalla, Joly Vilolett in a new dancing pantomime, "Amours Tra- giiiues." scored verv big. TWO LONDON SUCCESSES. (Special Cable to Variety.) London, Nov. 4. Frank Le Dent, the American comedy juggler, opened at the Alhambra this week and was successful. Also successful was Dollie Toyc, appear- ing for the first time in London, at the Empire. ELTINGE A WOODS STAR? It was reported about this week that AI II. Woods had placed Julian Eltinpe, or was about to do so, under a contract to star the depicter of the American girl in a musical comedy written especially for him. The negotiations had reached a point, it was said, where they were satisfactory all around and that the tour will commence before the present season shall have ended. CRAZE FOR RUSSIANS. (Special fable to VaMETY.) London, Nov. 4. The craze for Russian acts, started by the ballet, is in full sway. At every big Ixndon hall this week there i* a Russian 1 urn of some kind. CHEVALIER AGAINST LAUDER. Chicago, Nov. -I. Next week will see Harry Lauder at the American, and Chevalier at the Majestic.