Variety (Mar 1947)

Plays Oit ef Till Tenting Tenight Philadelphia, Marcli 18, J«(H(;li Abbott and Mary Mosou iinjiliii'- t)oii ot play in three acts by Fran!; Uonld. Slaged by Hudson Faussett. FeatmeH IJi un Harens, Jean Mulr, Jackte Kellt, Joshua lUeney, Michael Road. Sets Ijy John Bool: ?o!itume», ICermit Love. Opened at 3joi-iisi, Philadelphia, Mftreh IT, W. Peter Hoborts Sldna Roberts I.ester Pringle.. teohi* Hoberta , Phil Alexander Stanley Fowler...... Sue Fowler. Theda. Henderson... • Marvin Henderson.. ■ Joe Wo}Unsltl Sllliot Smollena...... Ifoek JanowsSl.;,... gheFmaii.....: •. INancy. Harry Naah filly Hefternan , ainmy Foley..,...., , ....Kiohard CInrW ,i*»,#.,,June ']>Mytini .......Michael Koiicl ,Tean -Miiir >•.««..3>eai1 linrcns ......Robert 'WhllB .Betty, Caullieia .,,... .Ethel llemey .William Wavid .Joshua Shelley ........Jackie Keik ,,,.«.Henry l.uscoe , Michael l.ewin ,., .Teah Jlos'an .FoiT63t 'J'aylor, ,1r. ...Edward de Void,- .......James I^'allon ."Tenting Tonight," new play by Frank Gould and presented by new ftvni oi Judith Abbott and Mary IVIa- son, which opened here at the Locust for a single week's tuning up, was Whispered in advance as a possible sleeper. . The possibilities are there but a little exaggerated in advance reports. Show is sharply trimmed for time with final curtain before 11, and cast in general knows its way around and gets most of values from' script save for expected fumbling, a ftowever,' main trouble so far is that "Tenting Tonight" leans too heavily on the author^ desire to put over some propaganda for a theme that seems close to his heart-^the tough break that many ex-Gl's are getting in their attempts to obtain higher education because of lack of roorti, facilities arid money in many colleges and, according to the autlior, the unwillingness of sonie institutions to even try to cooperate, tntiat's a worthy thenie and Gould hais developed it vyith apparent sin- ceiuty, but if "the soberer aspects of it are unduly emphasized it's to be doubted how many playgoers, eithej; ejCrGI's or out-and-out civilians, will care enough to fork up the requisite CashJEor tickets. That may be a harsh outlook but tonight's audience here seemed visibly restless in the serious stretches of. the |>iece and obviously wsiitlnis f or the Coinfedy. ■ "There is quite a hit of that, some ■ of it pretty obvious, but some more thM IS spontaneous and imforeed. The dialog, When It's on the lighter sldor is fresh and there- ate a few piquant scenes including an amusing heavy-petting scene which brings in the required sex. Action all takes place in honie of Peter Roberts, hlm- aielf an ex-serviceman, and now a teacher in a sniall college town. , His particular institution is over- criowded and in a moment of gener- O'Sity' his pretty wife inserts ah ad in the town paper that! the KOberts will board one of the student ex- Gl's.fdr a semester. Hubby, who is studb^ing for a degree, isn't pleased, especially when the first candidate, wi6o gets by on « ruse, brings in a coi^e of buddies and the young wife of ohe. The prof's living room be- comes a regular dormitory. ■Stuffy dean of college is incensed and matters are made worse when one of the "boarders" brings in a crowd of gambhng nightclub friends. Idea is that site of a proposed night spot may be turned into sleeping and living guarters. Roberts" reverses himself and allies himself with boys, which means he's ilired. However, through another ruse, whole country IS mad$ aware Of scheme and con- gratulatory letters pour into college firexy. He's a vain old duck and is Snaw won over. Hudson Faussett's direction has its good t>oints but show can stand some restaging by a topnotcher. Cast is generally good throughout, although opening night here was marred by too muceh fumbling in early scenes. Dean Hai-ens, Joshua Shelley and Jackie Kelk are outstanding as the ex-servicemen, June Dayton is cute as the gal in the necking scene, and Jean Muir and Richard Clark, as .the Roberts cOuple, and Henry I,ascoe as the nightclub ftromotSr won over MUSICALS "Allah Be "A Lady Soy» Y««" NBC 2 Yean VINO.MERyN. SAMUEL FREICH 8IKCX! 18S0 Pia^f Brokers and AnthOfs' Representatives gS W«i« mb Stntet, Hew XnxTf. U West nil StiMt, &M AtttBlm to patriotic Ideals, are all okay. Play is a one-setter in three acts. Re-emphasls or rather great em- phasis on farcical elements rather than trimming or sharpening is the need. water*. Tlie Whole World Ovef Wilmington, Del., March 14. ^^■aner Fried and Paul F. Mossi produc- ilon of comedy In three bcI» (Ave scenes) liy Ifunstantlne Slpionov. EnKlieU adapta- tion by 'rhelma Sohnee. SettinK by Ralph AlsivanR. Directed by Harold Wurman. I'rosented at the Playhouse, Wilmington, March 14, $3 top. Feodor Vorontsov .Toseph Buloft .Nady;ij Beatrice do NoefKuard Olya Voronbiov.. Uta HaBcn Mergei Stnitsln..,...., Saiitord Meisncr Kasha.,,, ,,Elisabeth Neumann .siepan Cheezov .....I'Vpd Stewart Dmitri Savelev... ...Stephen Keltaasy .N'icolai Nekln .....Michael Ptronpt Vanya ShpolyansW George Bartenicff Colonel Ivanov..r., liou I'olan Atuia Jo Van Fleet If excellent characterizations and^ flne individual scenes were the lone key to a play's succesij then Kon- stantine Simonov's ''The Whole World Over" would havfi little trouble on feroadway. But at present there's something lacking. It shapes up as an okay road show but it's not ready I'or New York competition. There are too many trite passages between some of the really funny scenes in this Russian comedy. A conventional plot and ditto dia- log aren't much help either. Thelraa Schnee made the adaptation from the Russian and it could be that some- thing was lost in the transition. Hap- pily Simopov has shunned political significance in developing his plot. The play's setting could just as Well be New York or London. The whole thing revolves around the housing shortage. Moscow's most famous and also most escentric engi- neer, his daughter and sister are oc- cupying the apartment of a colonel in the Red armiy. The war is over but its afleimath is evident in the broken homes and loss of loved ones. The colonel returns, disillusioned by war and embittered by the death of his wife aM daughter from German bombs. ' The engineer's daughter also lost her fiance at the front and is now engaged to an engineer who thinks of blueprints rather than romance. The father for some reason decides to promote a match between the colonel and the girl so he insists the officer share the apartment. Complications develop when two of the colonel's buddies—* hardened officer and teen- age corporal—arrive for a visit. The romance follows the usual pattern of dawning love, misunderstanding, parting, then reconciliation in time for the final curtain. The cast is tops. First honors go to Joseph Buloff, whose eccentric engineer characterization spreads good humor oa every appearance. He milks the dialog, for all possible laughs and sets them. Uta Hagen is competent and attractive as the daughter! Elisabeth Neumann's .peas- ant sister role is another ace comedy performance, while Sanford Meisnef is properly stuffy as the unroma'ntic fiance. Stephen Bekassy is gloomy but plays with authority as the col- onel. An appealing performance is turned in by George Bartenieffi as the teenage corporal who is amazed to live in a'world at peace. Lou Polan is outstanding as the gruffl peasant officer who Joyfully heads for home despite the fact his family is living in a cave. Michael Strong, as the colonel's aide; Jo "(^an Fleet, as a woman ai-my surgeon in love with the colonel; Beatrice de Neergaard. as a woman returning from war. and Fred Stewart, as the janitor, ai»e all outstanding. The party scene in the third act is a highlight of Harold Clurman's sensitive, laiowing direction. Ralph Alswang's cluttered up, styleless liv- ing room setting is excellent - Klep. New Haven, March 13. Howard Lang^ production oJ^ comely in two nets, 10 scenes, by Donald Jticliardwm. Veaiures Kosoi>e Kara*, Mary Wickey, John Craven, Timothy ICearse. Staged l>y authoi'; aeis, by ,stew«rl Ohaney. Opened at Shu- hei-l, Now Haven, Mawih 18, '47; .!i;t top. Mr. Popper,,. .Ko.<(coc Kama Duclor. .HiiBlt li'ranulin •Molly Pepper...., ....Mary WIcUes V.riilns T.ovelaee,,,..., ...Jcjliii Craven i'atrulinaji................ .Andrew .UngKan sinvn O'Plaherly,.., Robert Keith. Jr, Kipper, ..,,..«•,«.........,. ,, ,,lobn .Marsh l'iiil(y,,,,.,...,,.,,j..,,,,.Ii{;Bi« Wollingtoa ■Mmjorl*., .Hai'Kot Klevclwon liuijIce ,.,,,,,., .KUisabelU Dewing .\(,-ania...... Patitine ■ nrakiv I )ium:i. Itafferty. ■.....,,... .TInioth,v.J{ear»e 1 «l Bodyguard.John 11Ix iiiil Biid.vgHnrd Shi Hinvyer Ttr. l.curtian , Bcri wiici.x Mlpctifpneei- , Adilis-.s .Mr.v, o't'lMlierly KaUilcfn Bolton appearing later in spirit form. Im- pression Is that he took the script with him on the way out and forgot to bring it back. Story has less sub- stance than a pail of steam and is just about as elusive for the cast to get Its hands on. Theme has a Harveyish angle in that Pepper, the smalltown merchant of the last century, gets rid of his troubleSjVla the bottle, which enables him to see only the thitiss that make him happy. He was roped intp an unhappy marriage and he seeks to prevent a similar fate for a likeable lad who works in his store, and on whom Pepper's own unattractive daughter has designs. After his death Pepper returns in wraith form to guide the boy. The resultant mixture of fact and fantasy is a complete vac- uum as far as diversion is concerned. A fairly competent troupe gets no backing whatsoever from the script. In this respect, the cast would bi^ jus- tified in tossing a non-suppdi't suit at the author. Interminable passages are about as illuminating as a tun- nel—-and just as windy. Laughs are practically an unknown quantity and an attempt to capitalize on the charm angle of fantasy gets completely lost in the shuffle. Roscoe Karns is an actor, not a magician, so he can't pull a satis- factory rabbit out of the Harvey complex. This leaves him with noth- ing Hat, - except a star for. trsring; Mary Wickes suffers similar treat- ment and would probably appreciate no further comment. John Craven tackles the store-boy role valiantly but it throws him for a loss, Tim- othy Kearse plays Craven's love in- terest. She is said to have left a part in "Joan of Lorraine" to join this troupe. She must have crossed the seer's palm With fhe wrong silver. Hugh iVanklin lends the play Its only semblance of a comedy performance. He's okay as a nervous medic. ^ Settings, five in number, are be- low par for Stewart Chaney, pos- sibly due to budget influence. Only one, a lake scene, has any real eye appeal. Staging is lacking in imag- ination and never strikes an interest- ing tempo. ChaUt up one more candidate for oblivion. Bone. (Folded i»i New Haven Sat. <13). Aceid4»ntally Yonrs Sac,ramento, March 16. James S. Blllott and Herbert J. Freezer production oi; comedy in three acta by Pau- line William.^. Stars BilHe Bnrlte, Grant Mitchell. Staged by Harry Kllerbe in assn. •with Elliott. Settinff by Ben Edwards. At Junior College Auditorium, Sacramento, March 16, '47; ?8 top. Gladys Mosby. Billio Bijrke Marietta , .Leora Thatcher Olive Betty de Cormier Vlvlenne Barbara Billingsley Lawrence ; Conwell ' Phil \A'arren Jean Erwln..,.; Kve MoVeagh apencer Mosby. .....Grant Mitchell Alias Feafherby Kathryn Sheldon Llewellyn Johnson Don Gruuso Mrs. Bsterhazy .Paula Trueman Wartin Liam Dunn Photographer i. .Jack Wlitttnore Dr. Field . .David Bond Mr. CavendLsh ..Edwin Cooper In another of her hilarious charac- terizations of nitwit females, Billie Burke and. her new play, "Accident- ally Yours," by Pauline Williams,- Were enthusiastically received Satur- day (15) by a first-night audience of 1,400 in the College Auditorium of Sacramento. "The plot rests on the improbable foundation of a professor's belief that ha has found another Aladdin's lamp which miraculously seems to bring him a much-needed manuscript for his new book. Entitled "Did I Sin?" it seems to be the story of his mi- merous love affairs and almo.st breaks vip his home until the last curtain explanations show his innocence. Miss Burke is her usual zany, amusing self as the professor's wife Grant Mitchell is the unworldly col- lege professor, and there is a large company of otjier skillful comedians, including Betty de Cormier, Barbara Billingsley, Philip Warren and Eve McVeagh. "Accidentally Yours" still needs some pruning in length but it is good, clean fan-and just what Miss Biu-ke"s admirers expect of her. It is likely to have a successful; cross-country tour. •Mita. ludlty fteturnS; Continued from page 1 "Heyday," a fantasy about a char- acter from' the Great Beyond, is strictly out this world—which is the best place for it. This opus about a sjiectre hasn't a gho.*** of a chance. To state that it misses the boat would be to put it mjldly~it doe.sn't even arrive at the pier. Central character plays the entire show in a sleeping gown. They shoulda provided one with each admission ticket. Early in the play an ailing store- keeper departs this vale of tears, re- will bec'ome an accepted custom by the summer because of the many conventions slated for that period. Among the confabs coming to N. Y. is that of the American Legion which is never noted for decorum. Some cafe men feel that retui-n to nudity is the only method by which some spots can get sufficient busi- ness to remain open. It's felt that the inavailability of names and'the high price of talent, makes the nudity a must, since they must have a gimmick to lure the trade. At the GV Inn and Kio Gabana, policy is apparently successful. In addition to the increasing signs of midity is the fact that other cafes are. returning to the line policy. Wednesday, March 19, l5i|7 h^ m Broadway Brigadoon Theryl C'lawJord production of musical play in two acts (nine scenM) with boolt and lyrics by Alan Jay Lonier nnd music by ii'rederlck Loewe. Features .Marlon Bell, David Brooks, I'amela BrHton, WO Sulli- van, George Keane, WllUam Hansen and .Tames Mitchell. Dances and musical nuui- lier« staged by Agnci de Millej production staged by Robert I,ewis; soltlugs by Oliver Smith; costumes by l>avld Ffolkes; orches- trations by Tod KoyoV; musical director, Franz Allora; lighting by Peggy (Jlarke. Opened Klegfcid, N, Y., March 'i7; $4,(!lt (?« Frldny and Sattirday nights). Tommy Albright David BVoolts Jeff Douglaa,,.,.............George Keane Archie Benton..........i...Blllott Bnlllvan Hurry Beaton......James Mitchell FlBhmonger Bunty Kellcy Anms MacWuffio Walter .SchefC tiaiiily Dean Ifayes Gordon Andrew Maclinren Kdward Clullen Fiona JIacLaren,,, Marion Bell Jean MacL.iren Virginia Hosier Meg TSrockie ,, ramela Brltton Charlie Dalrymple .Lee Sulllvaa Maggie Anderson.,.,......Lldlja Franklin Mr, i.undle .... .WlUlufn Hansen Sword Dancers.. . ..Koland Gucral'd, George ' . Drake Ji'ahk .John i'anl .Tane Aihton...............Frances Charles Bagpipers ....Jamci Ma>?Faddep, Arthur Korn Stuart Dnlrymple....,, .,.«> .Paul Anderson MacGregor. , ,Karl Ucddinj; Boston liked "BrigadoQh," PhilaT delphia did, too, in spades, and New York will go all out for the new m'usical fantasy that was r'ated a good thing befoi'e it entered rehearsals. "Brigadoon" has no names but will doubtless make more than ohe. Its melodies were not outstanding at the premiere but more than one hit will develop from the splendidly orches- trated score that is integrated with the book, which seems to glorify the heather and the kilt. The cast and ensemble are youthful and exuber- ant, making for a performance that offers one of the pleasahtest evenings in the theatre to be presented this season. If there is any one individual who is the major contributor to the per- formance, it is Agnes de Mille, who staged the dances and also the musi- cal numbers. It is Miss dO' Mille's best directional exhibition since her terpslqhorean adornment of "Okla- homa!,'' which started a hallet vogue in musical shows. For "Brigadoon" she concentrated on the dances of Scotland, doing research and absorb- ing that type of stepping thoroughly, as shown by the dances in the new click. The dancing stands out espe- cially in the first act which is the best part of the musical, although the shorter second portion has its high- lights. lAJcale is a mythical village in the Scottish highlands, a town and its in- habitants that are supposed to come to life only once every hundred years for one day. Into the place come Tommy Albright" and Jeff Douglas, American latls Who arrive on the centennial day and its attendant country fair. Then, too, there's to be a wedding between Charlie Dal- rymple and Jean MacLaren, Harry Beaton also wants the lass and he nearly spoils the ceremony, leading to a bit of melodrama. Then there's Fiona, the bride's sister, who, with Tommy, carry on a fast romance, one of the show's most attractive attrib- utes. Marion Bell, from the film studios and Coast operatic circles, i.s Fiona. She scores first with "Waitiii' for My Dearie," and, with David Brooks, who is Tommy, plants "The Heather On the Hill." which may be the show's top number. But there are other jingles that are very likeable, such as "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean," warbled by Lee Sullivan, who I.S Charlie; "Come to Me, Bend to Me," sung by him, too, and "Almost Like Being in Love," by Miss Bell and Brooks, who also give "From This Day On." There's a lighter lyric by come- dienne Pamela Britton (who is Ethel Owen's daughter), called "The Love of My Life," and an even mdre amus- ing ditty, "My Mother's Wedding Day,' during a comedy scene with George Keane. Latter is the show's comic, getting a fair number . of chuckles but "Brigadoon" is not a bellylaugh musical. The dancing department almost stops the show in the first act, with a number by Lidija Franklin, a Rus- sian girl, and James Mitchell, who is the jealous Harry. Both Miss Frank- hn and Brooks were in "Bloomer T^^^'^ » ^word dance led by Mitchell, Roland Guerard and George Drake that looks quite the real thing; a ballet led by Virginia Hosier, who plays Jean (why the girls are ba»e-i foot and necessarily show their soiled soles IS a directorial mystery), and a wild number (partly acrobatic), called "The Chase," participated in mostly by the men. That leads to a clannish tuneral procession with a number led by Miss Franklin, who came up from tlie ensemble. That portion of the proceeding is a bit dour and too long. Alan Jayv Lerner with hook and lyrics, and Fi'ederlok Loewe with the music, knocked on the door last sea- son with "The Day Before Spring," but they laud solidly with "Briga- doon." Robert Lewis does an excel- lent staging job; that also goes for David Ffolkes with the costumes, Oliver Smith's scenery is most attrac- tive, with some set pieces but plenty of painted drops which are easily flown. Orchestrations are another valuable factor as delivered by Tm Royal. Some tricky lightihK ii .i fected by Peggy ClarkefcrX'! t illusjon of a town emerging from S! mists and disappearing that way There are two bagpipers on once but accorded billing. "BrieadtS! seems to be the product of S. work with Cheryl Crawford, S scored with "One Touch of Venns" coming forth again a^ a skiUfui nrn dueer. ibeef TIm^ €lio«ol«te S4»ldlct> . J. II, Del l»on<tio and Hans Bortsch (u. the Delvan Co.) production ot revival S operetta in throe act.'i. Features Blllv nii nert, Keith Andes, Erneat McChcnnev Jlenry Oalvln, Francos Sli^t'aun, gS Hamilton, Hhivy Mllett Moylan, i-raJS Monclon. Directed , by Felix Brentano. choroiigraphy, George Balancliine; sets !» Allelislner; cratumes, Luclnda Ballard. Musln by Oscar Straus; book by midelph S nauei-, Leoptdd Jaoob.ion; American ve™i™ l.y Slanlslans .Stange, Book revised Guy Bolton; lyrics and other revisions bV Bernard DonlRhen, Orclicstmtlons., mh mnsioul direction, Jay Blacklon, At'rpn. tur.v, N, y,, March I'J, 'i7| $1.S« top Nadlna.,,,, Vrancea McCimn ^'a«;l'" Gloria ifilK Aurellii Muriel O'itallcv Bumci-li , Keith Andes Massalirotf. .................... Henry (^uivln ropotr....,... ,. .Billy Wtint Alexius...........Krnest McCliesnM- •^j'']'","--' ' • .Michael Maim Kntrliia..,, ,Aima Winiuii .Mremicic Dan.wuse Mary Kllen Movlan Premiev DuiU'er , .l/'ranciKco Mun'cion When it's old revival time on Broadway, as how, "The Clwcolate Soldier" stacks up well enough against other such refurbished musi- cals. It has good music, fresh voices, something of a book and some color If it shows its age, or rather if some of Broadway has grown up since the show's heyday in 1909, there stiU seems to be enough patronage around i to go for it. Show should stick, ' "The Chocolate Soldier," however, is less the prized bonbon it appeared while on its triumphant out-of-towi tour, and more the tart lemon drop now thsit it's wrapped up at the Cen- tury. Though great care was taken in its revival, something has gone wrong. The revival is lame and on the dull side. It limps along to dated dialog and feeble gags, coming to life fitfully when familiar old tunes sound out. The book—Bernard Shaw's amusing "Arms and the Man" story- has been mi.shandled. Show moves faster in those moments when Bilty Gilbert really gets rolling, but e*en he bogs down more often than not. But the trouble Is that this revival is done in the wrong style, bur- lesqued frequently instead of played straight, and somewhat badly cast. The Bumerli of Keith Andes, for in- Stance, is brash and youthful rather than sUave and polished. The Popoff of Gilbert is jovial rather than pom- pous. The show is badly directed throughout. What attracts, of course, are the flne tunes that still seem fresh on rehearuig—"My Hero," very well sung by Frances McCann, and "For- give" and "The Letter Song," as agreeably handled by Miss McCann and Andes. The amusing marching song in the "Seek the Spy" episode comes up to snuff in one of the brighter' humorous moments in the show, and some of the new songs Straus has interpolated are catching, notably "After Today." This one is sung in fine fashion by Ernest Mc- Chesney. Show is colorfully costumed, with an attractive chorus to increase its eye-filling quality. The ballet bits and sequences furnished by Balan- chine are a little nondescript and dis- appointing, although dancer Mary Ellen Moylan reveals herself the graceful artist when she can. Miss McCann and Andes are an attractive- looking romantic pair, and can sing. Gloria Hamilton is properly perl as a young cousin, and McChesney sul- '' ftciently starchy as the stuffed-shirt Alexius. Muriel O'Malley is a SPiT matron and Gilbert surprises wim his amusing patter-sohg, ' Just a Con- noisseur." Henry Calvin adds the proper buffa touch as a sergeant. Bro». FOR REKT Summer thaaM seating 600 In New York State, 100 mllei from N«w York City; WtlifhnowU loeoHsn In i»t»sretion for IS years. Write " , Variety. 154 West 46tli New Ybrii \% I IB lex I 3 SCENERY FQR SAU % coinplete modern «*t», tormerly osei' at I'eekskill l'Iu.v]ious«; eteellent <!on- ilitlon; rensoniibly Jirlcrd. Write J>avlit Clleiliermaii, 108 Ho. »l>i«'"" St,, 1'eeksklll, JSeiv \V,rli. PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Exp*riinc«d young woman, formtrlv aiiOdaKd with « thootrical produur, wants potilion in proclo««r'« offi«- Ouoliflfd (• t«k* charge *f any d*- partmenl. Bex t760, Vori«ty, IS* 4i»h Street, Now Y*rk 19.