Variety (May 1946)

W«hmd«y, May «, 1946 LEGITIMATE 59 Chi Staggers Through Blink-Out, Two Plays Cancelling Shows; Park' Hot 42G Chicago. May 7. < Loop's legiters •taagered through lo the weekend, following the Illi- nois Commerc« Commission s ban on chtlng because of the coarshortage, effective Thursday (2). Daily papers served only to confuse the issue, with their off-again-on-again an- notincements, as a result of- which ciisloiners never knew whether they were going to see a show or nave their dough refunded. Truth was, : however, that most all shows went forward as scheduled, with power supplied by generators released as Army surplus property towards the end of the week. .-. As a result, grosses were better than hoped for—mostly because lllm houses unable to get generators strong enough, hod to struggle along on a 2 to 6 p.m. basis. Only evening entertainment available, therefore, was in the legits and niteries, and if it hadn't been for the uncertainty of newspaper announcement? which no amount of radio and < newspaper advertising could offset .—ilie takes would have been, much better. Generators worked out okay in most cases, only one being needed for the small Civic, whereas the -larger houses needed two. Costs of -machines'.averaged $1/200 (including installation), and upkeep is any- where from $250 to $350 a week, including salary for a maintenance man. Generator at Studebaker. broke, down, so "Day Before Spring" can- celled Sat. shows. "Up in Central Park" remains the town's champ, with $42,000 this time (capacity. $49,000). Lowest take was $10,000 for "Late George Aplcy." Estimates for Last Week "Anna Lucista," Civic (32d week) (900; $3.60). Dimmed out to $11,500. "Day Before Sprint," Studebaker (2d week) (1,246; $4.80). Closed Fri- day (3) .omitting both Saturday per- formances. Last-minute rush brought gross lo $10,000. - . "Deep Are the Boots," Sclwyn (6lh week) (1,000; $3.60). Fair $11,000, helped by house parties. "Late George Apley," Erlangcr (10th week) (1,400; $3.(10). $10.000.. Cancelled Saturday (4) evening per- formance, and didn't open Monday (.6) nighl. "State of the Union," Black.stone (2cl week) (1.300: $4:20). Swell no- vticcs brought. $21,000—nowhere near capacity but very satisfactory. "Up in Central Park;" Shubert (3d week) (2,163; $4.80). Hotsy $42,000 "Windy Hill," Harris (9lh week) (1.240; $3.00). Small $11,000. Folds May 25, with "Antigone"-"Candida" due in for two weeks, starling May 27. ' 'Oklahoma!' Winds Up h Frisco With 494G Take San Francisco, May 7. Curran rang Up last night (6) on Jerome Kern's ''Roberta," starring Ltiba Malina, first in the seventh annual Civic Light Opera series. "Oklahoma!" left for L. A., moving from the Curran where it has made its home for the past three months. This hit has broken all Frisco legit records, chalking up $494,000 for its run. each week being a sellout. John van Druten's "Voice of the Turtle," continues to play to capacity houses at the Geary, where it is in its seventh week. Last week's grosses totaled the usual $23,000. 'Polonaise' 16G, Milw'kee Milwaukee, May 7. Although Milwaukee has a large Polish population, "Polonaise," with the Polish tenor Jan Kiepura, failed to excite the town, and the musical finished the week with a lake o? $16. 000, not quite tip to preceding week's "Desert Song." • One reason was competition of other big musical events. On Wed- nesday(!) Patrice Munsel sang to 5.000 in Auditorium for $5,000 tr.kc, Metropolitan Opera here gave ?, .'in- gle performance, "Madune Butter- fly." Sunday (5). and drew 5,000 at a $6 top. TORONTO 'BRIDES' 9G Toronto, May 7. Oh its third engagement here this season, and at a light. $2 top, "School for Brides" grossed an ex- cellent $9,000 at the Royal Alex- andra (1,525). Frank McCoy production still has Jack Shechan starred, but Ethel Brit ton is currently replacing Helen Twclvelrces as his opposite. •Wives' Merry in Wash., Garners 26G at National Washington, May 7. Theatre Guild'* "Merry Wives of Windsor," with cast intact, clicked to the merry tune of $26,000 at Na- tional. B.O. sounds particularly good after ihow did a flop in Pittsburgh previous week. Guild subscription, plus critics' kudos, plus Capital's bent towards longhair entertainment, guarantees a good second week. Katharine Cornell's combo of "An- tigone" and "Candida" extended to fortnight, beginning May 13. At this Roint La Cornell looks like a sellout. Uriam Hopkins in "Laura" skedded to follow May 27, Bway Post-Easter Sees See-Saw Biz, But 'State,'. 25G, mistress,' 24V 2 G, MZlGAreSROi'Pass'^Gin? Current Road Shows (Period Coiicring May 6-18) Chi. (6- 'HARVEY' LEAVES LA. WITH 188G IN KICK Los Angeles, May 7. Golden advances for Civic Light Opera ..season and "Oklahoma!" paced the takings for the last week of legit- offerings here. However, results for the shows are not in on their first frames. "Harvey" fin- ished seven weeks with $188,300 Kio-s. glnmming $26,500 on the clos-'i nig stretch at the Biltmorc. El 1 Capitaii's "Blackouts of 1946" dipped with a light Sunday matinee to $17,000 ror the 202nd week. "Over 21" was not too healthy with <?4.fl00 in the kick for the sec- ond week at the Mayan, with -man- agement, wavering about folding. •"Holiday Lady" locked up with sad $2,800 Cor the sixth week at the Bcl- asco. "Two In a Bed" look a climb to register $: J ..500 Cor the 11th frame at the Muxa-l. 'Ruth' OK 12G, St. Louis _ St. Louis, M,v 7; ■ 'Dear nmh." back Cor 'the second time this season, .vound up its one- week stand and 30-woek road tour Saturday (4) with a satisfactory b.o. record. 1.700-soalor American, soie legiter. here, was scaled to $3.05, and mile performances grossed- an esti- mated $-12,000. Crix again dished (.lit . posies for the piece and cast. Management, reports a nic: ad- vance for "Polonaise." fir.st and only ■■musical attraction at this house dur- »ng the current season. House is scaled at $4.27, tops for this'season. 'Bloomer'Oke 30G, N. H. . ' New Haven, Mav 7. Town went lor "B'loomer Girl" in a huge way last week (29-4). Shu- pert till tinkled to, tunc of approx- imately $30,000. At $4.20 top on eight shows, this meant practically capac- ity, with turnaway biz at windup. Run was fir.st road standout, from Eriyclway and involved minor cast it >'a"enients and production icfinv bi hing. "Anna LucasU"—Civic, 18 >. "Annie Get Your Gun"—Shubcrt, Phila. jti-11). •■'Anli(;one"-"Candidii"—Court Sq., Springfield (6-8); Aud.. Hartford (9- 11): Nafl, Wash. (.13-18). "Around the World" — Shubcrt. New Haven (6-11); Shubcrt, Phila.' (13-18). Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo- Opera House. New Haven (6-11).' "Blackouts of 1946"—El Capitan, Hollywood (.6-18).: BUckslonc—Colonial. Bosl. ifi-18). "Bloouier Girl" — Shubert, Bost. (6-18). "Cyrano dc . Berjerac"—Shiibert, New Haven (17-18).. -Dark of the Moon"—Royal Alex., Toronto (6-11); Opera House, Bosl. (13-18). "Deep Are the Roots"—Sclwyn, Chi. (0-18). "Desert Sons"—Temple, Birming- ham iG): And., Montgomery (7): Aud.. New Oilcans f8-ll). "Goose for a Gander"—Hanna. Clove. 16-11): Davidson, Mil. 113- 16): Parkway, Madison (17-18). "Hamlet" — Ford's, Brilto. (6-11); Nixon. Pills. ' 13-18). "Ila'rvey"—And.. San Diego (G): And.. Long Beach i7); Aud.. Pasa- j dona iBi; And., Fresno ilO): Aud., . San Jose (ID: And.. Oakland 1.12- , 13); Mayfair, Port land (15-18). I "LafTinir Room Only" — Forrest. Phila. (6-18 >. "Lambs Will Gamble"—Walnut. Phila. (6-18)'.' ••Late George Apley"—Erlangcr. Chi. ifi-18). "Laura"—Wilbur.. Bost. ifi-18). •■Merry Wives' of Windsor"—Nat'l. Wash. (6-11); Cass. Detroit (13-18). •■'Oklahoma!"—Biltmorc, L, A- '8- 18). ■•I'oloimisc'- Amer.. St; Louis <6- II); Hanna. Clove. (13-18); '••Ring Twlre Tonight"—Aud., Loin; Beach (16):. Aud.. Fresno (18). "School- for Brides"—Locust St.. Phila. (13-18). "Second Best Bed"—Cass. Detroit (6-11); Roy ill Alex.. Toronto il3-18). "State of the Union"—Blackslone, Chi. (G-18). "lip In Central Park"—Shubcrt, Chi! (6-18). "Voice of.the Turtle" — Geary, Frisco (6-18). "Voice of the Turtle" (2d Co.)— Plymouth. Bost. (6-18). •nvindy City"—Gt. Northern (13-18). . :.- "Windv Hill"—Harris, Chi. (6-18). 'Annie' 39G, O&J 29^G, Evans 25G, Set PhiUy Afire Philadelphia. May 7. There is only one word to describe Philly's legit biz last week, and that's "terrific." All four regular houses reported fine trade, and for the second time this season there were two musical smash .hits-con- tending, both plenty socko. As expected, of course, the spot- light was centered on "Annie .Get Your Gun." ,The Rodgers-Hammer- stein musical, aside from a special first-night free list, had a sold-out opening , and was s.r.o. every per- formance thereafter including the sometimes weak Wednesday mati-. nee. Show opened Tuesday and so played only seven performances, but with-.. Friday ■ and .Saturday night scales b.oth tilted to- a $6.20 top- first time that's happened in Philly for years—"Annie" hit $39,000 and with the regular eight shews will get several grand higher this week. Plenty of attention was paid to possible effects of "Annie's" sensa- tional last-minute appearance on biz of "Laffing Room Only" at the For- rest. Olsen and Johnson musical had a, strong, healthy advance and that saved the day. Gross, in second full week, reported at $29,500, plenty hot for this one. If it hadn't been for "Annie's!' sensational entrance and the ding- dong b.o. battle between "Annie" and "Laffing Room Only/' the terrific second (and final) week's biz. done by Maurice Evans' GI "Hamlet" at the Locust would un- doubtedly have been the news fea- | lure. This "Hamlet" soared from a trifle over $22,000 to $25,000 in its last session and that was plenty hot. Although it trailed the field. "Laura" at the Walnut certainly had nothing to complain-about: . In fact. :lhis stage version of the novel and film success, got a-robust $13,500 in its second and last week here with reviewers not too optimistic over its chances but name of show and that of Miriam Hopkins helping at b.o. Last night saw two openings, "School for Brides'' at the Locust and the new comedy "Lambs Must Gamble" at the Walnut—both in for two weeks' stays. Next Tuesday. Orson Welles' big musical, "Around the World." starts what is still announced as a live- day engagement at'the Shubcrt al- though well authenticated rcoort has it that the .show still needs plenty of lixing. Shuberfs Buy 'Bad Angel' Hollywood, May 7. Fiancis Swamv. screen writer, sold his legit play. "Bad Angel.'' to the Shubcrts for production on Broad- way. Piece was recently introduced at. the Phoenix theatre in Wcstwood Village with Reginald Owen in the top role. Swann recently completed the screenplay on "Howdy Stranger'' at Warners and cheeked off the lot to do a polish job on the legit play. Post-Easter week- reaction was re- flected in Broadway grosses, some, slipping as much as they climbed during the holiday period, others approximately holding their own. Moderately cool weather lias been favorable to theatres, but there is an atmosphere of uncertainty among showmen because of industrial con- ditions as the summer period ap- proaches. London's Old Vic repertory com- pany, which opened Monday (6), has the.limelight, abnormal advance sale making big .grosses virtually cer- tain. "This, Too,'Shall Pass" was last week's sole new play, drawing an adverse press. After the pre- miere, takings were sparse despite a theatre party on one night. Estimates for Last Week Keys: C (Comedy) , D (Dramo), CD (Comedy-Drama), R (Revue), M (Musical), O (Operetta). "Anna Lucasta," Mansfield (88th week) (D-1,001: $3.60). One of the shows that about held its own with the takings quoted around $14,000. "Apple of His Eye," Biltmorc (14th week) (CD-920; $4.20). Due to close after another week; has long route starting in the fall; ■ rated around $8,000. ■ ''■ "Are You With It?", Shubert' (26th Week) (M-1,382; $4.80). One of the season's liked musicals; business in new location fairly good with tak ings estimated- around $22,500.-. "Billion Dollar Baby," Alvin (20th week) (M-1,331; $6). Making a run of it: one of the nostalgic musicals which has been approximating $33,000. "Born Yesterday," Lyceum. (14th week) (C-993; $4.80). Figured as one of the biggest money makers on list; sells out all times; $21,000. "Call ? Me Mister," National (3d week) (R-1,142; $4.80). Newest musical hit seems destined for long stay in limited capacity, spot; around $28,500. . "Carousel," Majestic (55th week) (M-1,667; $G). Eased slightly but getting amazing grosses at this stage of run; estimated around $44,000 last week. "Dear Ruth," Miller (73d! week) (C-940; $4.20). Slipped back as much as gained at Easter time; esti- mated around $10,000; warm weather may stop this one. "Deep Are the Roots," Fulton (3)st week) (D-9G8; $4.20). Another drama r hr0UBh Ju i v i that slipped last week when the - l ■ count was around $11,000. "Dream Girl," Coronet (21st week) (CD-1,037; $4.60). Change in star part may have figured in busi- ness dipping last week. Around $20,500,-. which however, provided plenty of profit. . "Follow the Girls," Broadhurst (108th week) (-M-1.160: $4.80). Some talk of slaying: beyond May 25 but final two weeks announced; around $20,500. "Harvey/' 48lh Street (79th week) 'C-925; $4.20). Among the staunch draws unaffected in any way last week: count again 1 was close to $19,300. ' "I Remember Mama," Music Box (92d week) tCD-979; $4.20). Ap- proaching end of fine run. but no ittraction announced for summer: $15,500 e.sli- summcr continuance not definite; $14,500 estimated. The Voice of the Turtle," Moros- co (109th week) (C-939; $3.60). Nol capacity, blit commands very ' sub» slantial attendance for three-person play; $14,000 again. "This, Too, Shall Pass." Belasco (1st week) (CD-1,077; $4.20). Doubt- ful, with weak press; slightly over $5,500 in first seven times. "Three to Make Ready." Adclphi (9th week) (R-1,434; $4.80). Looks like real winner; intimate revue in large bouse around $33,000 last week. OLD VIC "Henry IV," Parts 1 and 2 (Cen- tury (1,6.70; $6). Shakespearean dramas opened Monday and Tuesday at $12 top; first of repertory from London; hailed by . press except •> tabloid dissenter. REVIVALS "Show Boat," Zlegfeld (17th week) (M-1,628; $6). With gross still quoted around $47,000, this musical got top gross; aimed through summer. "The Red Mill," 46th St. (28lh week) (M-1,319; $4.80). Engagement three times length originally planned; business strong at $33,500. Pygmalion," Barrymorc (18th week) (C-1,064; $4.80). Another great revival click, which will exit at end of month, but getting fine business; $24,500. < World'24^GWeak InHubilindyllG Boston, May 7. "Windy City," here for a week as a stop-over to kill time prior to B'way, got socked, from every direc- tion on opener at the Shubert this week as .neither fish nor fowl and never caught on at the b.o.,- all biz going to the advance sale on "Bloom- er Girl," currently at the Shubcrt. There. were no other openers last week, and- as the attractions had little horsepower at the b.o., biz was pretty low considering its level when things are hot. Legit also faces current session of Pops concerts now in-swing at Symphony Hall, a tradi- tional Boston seasonal event that grosses around $30,000 a week making some profit; mated.:. , "Life With Father, week) (C-G14; $3.B0). under S8.500, which break for run leader. "Lute Sony," Plymouth week) (D-1,063: $6). Entrance into I summer questionable; grosses vary I with pace lately hardly profitable for big comDany; slipped. $15,500. i "O Mistress M ne." Empire (14th 1 week) (CD-1,082; $.4:80). Could play , through summer, but there will be a vacation layoff; continues lo stand- i ~ j cc.-; $24,500. ; 'Gander' OK 7VzG. Indols. ' "Oklahoma!" St. James d«2il Indianapolis. Mav*7.. iweek) (M-1.509: S4.80) Cinch | Glo>:a Swanson. with HanOl J..', through summer, and another seaU Kennedy in his own com.vv. "A ! son s span I kely^ bonanza ipusical ] Goose lor the Gander." took an dec i "round $30,500 Ballet Russe opened last ilight 16) at the Opera House with strong ad- vance; "Laura" got off for a-run at the Wilbur same night with ditto and "Bloomer Girl," one of the big draws of the season, seems set to hit "Annie's" level during its stay here. "Dark of the Moon" comes back for a sesh at the Opera House May 13 and "Second Best Bed" fol- lows at the Wilbur May 20. This appears to finish heavy season of legit show prospects for time being, with no summer, shows so far men- tioned definitely. • Estimate for Last Week "Around the World," Opera House (3.500; $4.85). Expensive show didn't fare too well in the press and alter a . nice advance began to taper off. finishing with fairly weak b.o. aver- ages. Estimated fake for the nine , performances is $24,500. Biiou (335th'' Black)>tone, Colonial (1,500: $4.40). Kslinvilefl bil! Thir< ' weclt of mil B' c snow on evc " beUercd even kcc1 :,t estimated $12,000: profitable ocutrca even anywhcl . c above $8,000: show re- ( , 4t l,l mains through May 18. closing here for summer. "Voice of Uie Turtle," Plymouth (1.300: $3). Still lusty tm 20th week lo touch estimated $14.8'0. amazing. "Windy City," Shuliert (1.590: $4.85;. Play with music failed to click here cither with press or v.-ord- o'-nioi'i.hcrs. with disappointing es- timated $11,000 very low for any show V>erc with music. MovcJ out fur Chicago May 4. 'Lambs' Poor 3G in Pitt S7.500 in live performances it ;hc . English, 1.500-sea.tcr. here April 2*- I May 1. at $3 top. Press recopiion ; was lukcwarni. I Advance interest is lively for Mau- '■ rice Evans in "Hamlet" May 23-25, 1 last remaining item on house's : - ohcd- I ulc for this season. ROMBERG'S 9G jPEOV CONCERT Providence. May 7.. SigmuiKl Romberg did his last con- cert of the year at Providoncc Sun- day (5) night, setting an all-lime high for the Rhode Island Audito- rium, where 4.149 persons paid $9,- Chi. ! 196.10 lo hear him'. " 'Father's' Neat $15,800, Cleve. * Cleveland, May 7. "Life With Futher," bm>:-. into Hannah here last week, rueki d up neat $15,R00 for the stanza. .j "Goose For Guilder" current. 1 STOCK "The Circle"—Jersey, Morrislowii, N. J. (7-12). "This Thlnr Called Love"—Cherry Lane, N. Y. C, t!3). S!*ows in Rehearsal "The Dancer"—George Ablxilt. "Swan S ; oi , r"-Bcn .H-cht, Chas. M:"'Arthur i:nd John Clein. . "Cyrano de Berjerac"—Jose Fer- I rcr. On Whitman Avenue." Colt (D- 1.064: $3.60). Picscnled by Canada Lee and Mark Marvin in association with George McCain: written by Maxinc Wood: mixed-cast drama opens tonight <R). "Song of Norway;" Broadway (89th | week) (O-1.900: S4.80). Using a! scale with lower lloor split: $6 for| front rows: after spurting dropped under $29,000. "SUIc of the l uion." Hudson (25th week) (CD-1.057: MM"). Grosses are a couple of hundved within $25,000 mark; capacity Dins standees. "St Louis Woman," Beck (5th week) (M-1,214: S6). Rated around $32,000 last week: highest gross to date. Theatre nartics a factor. "The Gl2"» Meiiarerie." Playhouse (57th week) (CD-865: S4.20). Somr offlshness here, but still highly prof- itable la<'t <;cok, when gross way «• nd S) 5.500. '•' r be M^'nlft'-ent Yankee." Roynlr (15!h werV) (Cn-1.0?ii: S4.80). Fi 1 Pittsburgh, May 7. I Nixon was a place of great (.-pace's 1 last week. Show was the new Bon- | fils-Somncs production, "Lambs' Wi,'l ; Gamble." which nit 1 new ■■•\v ro,- 1 the season, ar.nind $3,000, at S2.50. I top. Opened ■ brutally and, after the !.notices came out, "Lambs"' diun't j have a chance. Midweek m? | iiicc, 1 in fact, played to less than 50 ner- sons. and the g.iiiig was just abo-it the same right d >wn the liir» Nixon is currently darlr, reopen'ulg next . Monday (13) *ith Aluur.ice Evans' "Hamlet." Tinl.t'.'-vely set to follow, but not definite vet, it "Po- lonaise." ! urcd to be well out in froiil, but''of darkness. Bergner's Balto 10G Repeat Baltimore, May 7. Elisabeth Bcrgncr paid a return visit to Ford's tierc li.st week in "The Two Mrs. Carrolls," and gar- nered a good $10,000. In currently is Mau -fce Evans, in '"Hanilt.l," with 'I^aura" listed- to follow alter a weeta