Variety (Mar 1948)

so ubgiumaiv Wedneailay^ March. 3, 1948 B'way s Top Week of Late UTinter; Roberts' SRO $33m Gertie 22G, Gate N.(l$7miony'Looks OK The anticipfited late-winter peafc oa Broadway was reached last week, startiBg with Washington's Birthday. About 70% of the shows gave mati- nees, with nearly all, getting virtual capacity and many having standees. In addition, the holiday night busi- ness was surprisingly strong both at the tooxofflces and the agencies, Whereas there is usually a lull on such evenings. Number of incomers during March is limited, but the present productions are generally regarded as oi high order. "Mister Roberts," In its first full wecTt, Ijfi'oame the top straight play grosser, with taltings over $33i300. a level Which will be upped with the addition of two rows of seats. "Tonight at 8^30" got approximate $22,0Q0 in its first full week, despite a distinctly critical press. "Where Stars Walk," third Irish play, was received better than -the first two itnd is held over but closes Sat, (6). "Hedda Gabler" rated no bet- ter than >"'Ghost!5,''' first Isben drama and folds too, ;,"Me and Molly" was . adcorded iriendly. notices and may land. ■ .. . Estiiuates fpr Last .Week Keys: ■ C (.Comedy), D (.Drama) , CD (.Comedy-Dramcf), R (.Revue), M (Musical)^ O (.Operetta). ''Alleero.", Majestic (20tli week) (M-1,695; $6). Top grosser on Broad- way has not been materially under marks of first three months; again got gi-eat $46,000. ' ''Atieel in the Wings," Coronet (12th , week) (R.998; $4.80), Holds to amazing' figures for intimate musical; last week's count was again around $28,000. , "Anni^ Get'Tour Gun," Imperial (94fh>eek) (M-1,4'72-$6.60). Looks as if the run smash will coast past the two-year mark with the gross' going up to capacity; $4S,000. "Horn. TesierditT.'f Byceum (108th Mireek) ■ (C-993; $4.80). Continued popularity of Max Gordon's longest- run production was Again indicated last week, when- the §ross. went to around $18,000; ' ."Brleadpoii," Ziegfeld 051st week) (Mri;628; $4'.80). Skipped the holi- day matinee and. was the only musi- . cal td play Thursday" afternoon (26); gross jumped to $38,000. "Command Decision,*? JFulton (22d week) (D-968; $4.80), Did not play the holiday 'at a^l,; hut rboth Sunday (22) performances drew excellent business and the-gross-improved to -nearly $19,000. : ''fe'lniknts,; Rainbow,'.' mti .Street (eotli ii^eek) (Mrl,319; $9).' Well lip Ih'the.higli grossing parade and rose witlj t-.fhe' field last week; apprbxi- mateia $40,000. ;.. > ; . .^'Fo'r' love' ox Moh«n'« Miller (17th w,eek'); (C?i;94<);',$'iv30). ■ -JPerfced almost .a,'&%much'..as some musicals, with the -iSross' gpinsi .to fkrounS. $15^d0; cinch Slntb spfing," ■.. : = • ' "' ."Happy Birthday/; Plymouth (70th .week)' ('0-1,063;-, $4.80). Also' im- proved" and'-got^'Satisls^ctory gross . around $17,500. - ••■ "Harvey," 48th St.. (175th week) (C-902; $4.20). With James Stewart taking over., as'star March 29, the - straight play run leader will set - through the spring to good grosses VI* last wfeek;'$16,000. . • "High Button .Sboes,".,Shubert ,(22d , ,week) (M-1,387;W. Road'company for , Chicago btflng readied . the ' ■' original continueis to play to standee's; • $38.000.* ,. • • I , . • -"Icetlme t>f 1948," • Center (4i>th week) (B-2,894; $2.40). Dated to continue until-April 3; skating revue is hajling another highly profitable season; with II. performances last week takings.- leaped; to corking $45,000. ' ■;■ ■ "Look Ma, I'm Sanoin'," Adelphl (5th -week) (M-X,434; $4,80), One of halfi-dozen high- grossing musicals, altbQUgh not 'u^itnin Times Square , proper; went .over $40,000; best gross to date. '; - , .'*M^e Mine Manhattan,"' Broad- hurst (7th week) (B-l,ie0; $6), An- other- in' the same' feategory; revue click generally bas,stiAldeeii'- and ' With an 6xlra matinee Went td new high; $39,500. "Me and Molly," Belasco' (1st week) (C-1,077: $4.20). Opened last Thursday (26) and drew cordial press air around; goodly chance for the dialect comedy which got $8,500 in first four times. "Misler Roberts," Alvifl (2d week) (CD-1,331; $4.80). Broadway's new- est sensation drew that kind of gros.'s ■{or straight play; $33,500; limit ot "' istandees all times. "Oklahoma!", St. James (264tK week) JM-1,505; $4.80). Still flour- ishing against a field of strong musi- cals; the take improved to $22,500. "Skipper Next to God," Playhouse (7th week) (D-865; $4.20). Started last week strongly like others and ihe pace improved to $16,000. "Strnnre CiBedfellows," Morosco (7th week) (C-935; $4.80). While not selling out, the laugh show is doing quite goodly business; again around #16,000. "Streetcar NankMl Detire," Barry- mottf (13th week) (D'1,(N4; $4.»»J ■ >, »• « pi «i <i ■> ■ . ^-il m Agency demand for dramatic stand'* out is stronger now than it was in the early weeks; over $27,500, with "The Heiress," Biltmore (22d week) (M-1,505; $4.80). Real money- maker and among leading candidates lor Slimmer holdover; rated ovfir. $22,000. • "The Hallams," Booth (D-712; $4.80). Presented by William Brown Meloney; written by Rose Franken; lilsed ih Boston; opens tomorrow (4). / '■The Linden Tree," Music Box (C-i;012; $4.80). Presented by Mau- rice Evans; written by J. B. Priest- ley; scoring a run in London; opened last night (Tues. 2). ; "The Winslow Boy," Empire (18th week) (D-1,101; $4.80), Slated to continue until the end of May then tour; making money; up last week; around $16,500. BeviTais "Antony and Cleopatra," Beck (14th week) (D-1,214; $4.80). One more week to run; goes on tour at the end of the month; another strong gross last week; $22,000. , n'Oylv Carte Opera Co,, Century (9th week) (0-1,670'; $4.80). At least another month for British Gilbert and Sullivan specialists; "The Gon- doliers" is reneating this week; "Pin- afCire" and "Cox and Box" last week got around $34,500. Dublin Gate Theatre Co., Mans- field (997: $4.80). Final and-fourth week; "Where Stars Walk" was accorded a fairly good press and holds .over, this week, but closes Sat. (6): $7,500; "Hedda GaWer," Cort (D-1,064; $3.60). Was received no better than its companion.''Ghosts" and will fold this (third) wjeek; "The Respectful Prostitute" arid a curtain raiser moves untown here March 16, "Man and Superman,'' Hudson (21st week) (CD-1,057; $4.80). Sha- vian oldie is still getting great busi- ness, especially last half; $23,500 quoted. . ■ ' • "MeAtia.'' Royale (0-1^025; $4.8Q). Laying oil lor second straight, week; played 17% weeks; .due to resume Mondav. (8). , ." ', '. "TonlKht at "8:30," National (2d week) ' (1,064;' $4.80). Despite weak press, the first fullweek . fllgured, aroundf'$22.000; three theatre parties wereva factor; business: under ex- pectations. ' » . ^ Added " • "The . Respectful rrostitute," and "Church Street,"',New Stages,' Selling dut'in dqivntowh 300-seater; $5,00Q; ihoves Match -16.'to the Cort. with .','The. Happy , Journey" replacing '-Street'"* '"* ' . Manrice. Cltevalter.'<'Golden.- Solo SliowinB lor-tour weeks started Sun- day (29)!: I^ipse '^hsis been showing pictures "this-season. .. 'SOLDIER'OKAY $22,000, W CURRENT, BALTO Baltimore, March 2, "Chocolate Soldier" built well at Ford's la.st week, drawing good re- sponse from local crix and capacity at weekend. Nothing is current*, but Peggy Ann Garner arinves Monday (8) in "Pick-Up Girl." , Estimate for Last Week "Chocolate Soldier," Ford's (single week) (1,500; $3.66). Well received at good total take of $22,000. 'Joy'MiUm 'Carousel' W 71/2^ Philadelphia, March 2. Last, week's two legit newcomers didn't cause much of a ripple, "Joy to the 'World" got mixed notices and fair business in the first of two ses- sions at the Forrest. "Pick-Up Girl" got pretty good opening day biz, but was slow-paced thereafter. The Theatre Guild revival of Shaw's "You Never Can Tell" opened last night (Mon.) at the Walnut, and "Blossom Time'^ bowed at the same time at the Shubert for its umpty- umpth PhiUy visit. Next Monday's (8) pair include the n^w musical, "My Roipance." at the Forrest for three weeks, and "The Glass Menag- erie,'' a return, at the Locust for two weeks, this time with Helen MacKel- l^r featured. - Attempt is being made to stagger three openings now dated on March 29. Hope is to bring "Harve.v," with Frank Fay, to the Locust the pre- ceding Saturday (27) for an indefi- nite rum Other two openings skedded for then are "Antony and Cleopatra" and "Inside U.S.A." Katharine Cor- nell's revival is in for two weeks at the' Forrest and would presumably keep the Monday, opening date, but the revue is booked for^ three weeks at the Shubert and might be pushed back to Tuesday (30). , . tlstimates tor Last Week "Joy to the -World," Forrest (1st week) .(1,786; $3.90). Comedy try- out got mixed notices and not a great deal of word-of-mouth; $10,500. "Pick-Up Girl," Locust (1st week) (1,580, $3.25). Opened with holiday I matinee -Monday ' (23), -but skipped midweelr afternoon'show; under $7,- ^00 after promising start. "Carousel," ; Shubert (5th week) (1,877; $5.20). Approached $28,000 in its final week-, with, no musical com- petition. .. 'BLOSSOM' SWEET 166, CMPTEENTH PITT DATE : . , - • Pittsburgh, March 2.- , , "-Blossom Time" obviously still h?i? It; Tt^e 'Oper'ettk.came back to Nixon last week for ' the umpteenth 'tinte, on the heels of "Student' Prince,*' and, like its predecessor, played ^io okay attendance. : ' |V Nixdn is currently dark, tgxA -will be.;next weekv tod, first, time; al} sesi>- son' house will have been shutter^cl foi-.so long'a; period. Relights-March is;; when Mary Martin's "Annie Get Your Gun', opens for' two' weeks. Estimate .for Last Week '^Blossom* Time," Nixon (single week) (2,100; $3.25). There's still plenty, of gold for this perennial; $16,000 last week, with no oo'ni- plaints anywhere, . 'Windermere^ Big $22,000^ Despite Circus, M'l'wkee ■ Milwauljee, March 2. , ■ "Lady Windermere's Fan" had near capacity business at the David- son, Four blocks away the'Hamid- Motton winter circus, playing at the Auditorium, turned away 1,000 and more at every performance, after- noon and evening. Estimate for Last Week "Lidy Wivdermere's Fail," David- son (single week) (1,500; $3.60). Third lilay in Theatre Guild-Ameri- can' Theatre Society subscription series .was well patronized and praised; $22,000, 'Inspector' 12G, Cincy 'Cincinnati. March 2. Legit is recessing here this week and resumes next week with Tallulah Bankhead in "Private Lives," to be followed by "Song of Norway." Last week "An Inspector Calls," with Thomas Mitchell, racked gp a win- ning gross, E^timiiie for Last Week "An Inspector Calls," Cox (single week) (1,300; $3.60). Theatre Guild subscripfion support helped for'a moderate $12,000 on eight perform- ance?. 'mm m $is;ooo, 'SOLDIER'CURRENT, D.C. '' ' , . Washington, March 2. "The Linden Tree," J. B. Priestly's philosophical drama with Boris K&rlofI stirred up fail'- interest at the' National last week. Critical re- ception was fairi though Maurice ■Evans'T production and cast's were 'generally favored. Estimate (or Last Week "The Llndeiii Tree/' National ■(single w'eek) (1^680; $3.60). Wordy, philosophical drama managed .a moderate : $15,000. "Chocolate Sol- idier," with Billy Gilbert," began .a fortnight run last night (Mon.) and the Spik0 Jones Music Deprecia-: tion .Revue" opens March 15 for a 12- day run,/ • . 'Menagerie' SRO 6G, L.A.; Preem Bill Titden Play Los Angeles, March 2. Town's, three attractions roared along in high gear last week. Success of 'The Glass Menagerie" brought it a speedy extension at Las Palmas and it will remain through March 21. Only newcomer this- week is "New Shoes," William T. Tilden play which world preems tonight (TueS;) at El Patio. , Estimates for Last Week "Blackouts of 1948," El Capitan (297tb week) (1,142; $2.40). Usual capacity $17,000. ''Deep Are The Roots," Belasco (6th week) (1,061; $3). Anothet' strong $16,000 frame. . "The Glass Menacerie," Las Palmas (2d week) (388: $3). First lull week drew capacity $0,000. 'Sweethearts' $16,000 First Wk. Chi; 'John-Mary' $W Lunts Mesiiue'Big $21,500, 'laspector' Current, St L St. Louis, March 2. "Burlesque," with Bert Lahr and Fay McKenzie in: the top roles, proved a spring tonic last - week. Raves from the crix and moderating temperature, comboed for a nice gross. "An Inspector Calls" moved: into town last night (Mon.): for a one-week engagement. The house is scaled to $3.81. Estimate for Last Week "Burlesque," American . (single week) (1,700; $3.81). Eight perform- ances grossed an estimated $21,1300 for ne^it biz, despite stiff opposish from several quarters. TuHuWannim lary'OK10G,DeL - " - ■ ' A. Detroit, March 2. Competition was tough here last week. Sonja Henie drew 13,000 cus- tomers niglitly at her ice revue and the other trade was shared by the Detroit Civic Light Opera show, "Music in the Air," with featured Irra Petina and Wilbur Evans; Frankie Laine at Barbaro's Ham- tfamck spot; Tallulah Bankhead in- "Private. Lives;'' and "Mary Had a Little." , i Estimates for Last Week "Music in the Air," Masonic Audi- torium (single week) (5,000; $3). Still a good draw, but slipped a trifle more to $37,000; "Gay Divorce," witli Grace McDonald, is current. "Mary Had a Little,", Shubert- Lafayette (1st week) (1,950; $3.60). Comedy with Edmund Ijowe only fair $11,000. Current week is the finale. ' "Private Lives," CaSs (2d week) (1,432; $3.60), Tallulah Bankhead's popularity netted $17,000; moves out this week. 'BOAT'WHAMMO $62,400 IN K.C.-DES MOINES SPLIT Kansas City, March-2. "Showboat" steamed into tlie Music Hall last week and sold out at all four performances,' 'despite the $4.27 toPi Next legit- is "Lady Windermere's'' Fan" due- in March 10-13, with Cornelia Otis' Skinner starred. .'^Estimate tor Last Week "Showboat," Music Hall (four per- formances) (2,572; $4.27). Had what it takes and the stillest prices of the season failed to dent trade; capacity $30,000. 'Mama' $17,000, Indpls. Indianapolis, March 2, "I Remember Mama" played six days to good business at the English here this week, getting a break in the springflike weather and build- ing nicely on stoength of reviews and word-of-mouth. Bert Lahr took over in "Burlesque" for three days starting last night (Mon.) to a satis- factory advance^ Estimate for Last Week . "I Remember Mama," English (single week) (1,500; $3.00). Char- lotte Greenwood and the play got kudos from the critics; nice $17,Q00, SRO $32,000, Ses Moines Des Moines, March 2. '.^SHawboat" was a sellout $32,400 for three nights and one matinee at the 4,200-seat KRNT Radio theatre last week. It was the best showing of any production here this season. "Song of Norway" arrives at the house for.a three-dfiy (four per- formances) engagement, starling Thursday (4). Ballet Theatre's 46G In 10 Shows at L. A. Los Angeles, March 2. Ballet Theatre grossed an esti- mated $46,000 in its 10-performanee stand at the 2,679-seat Philharmonic auditorium here, ending last Wednes- day (25). The engagement included nine evening n^rformances and one matinee, at a $3.60 top; The total take was $4,000 better than last sea- son's 10-perIormancG gross. - Troupe is now playing one-nighters in nearby towns, works east for a, stand March 12-14 -at Kiel audi- torium, St. Louis, then plays the Eng- lish, Indianapolis, March 15; the Par- amount, Toledo, March 16, and winds up the tour with two performances March 20 at the- Mosque, Newark^ After a two-week layoff, it opens an engagement April 4 at the Metro- politan Opera House, N. Y, 'Prince' $20,300, Toronto Toronto, March 2. With tumaway business, "Student Prince" had its biggest engagement in Royal Alexandra history since this perennial started its annual visits here a score of years ago. With rave reviews, the week's stand topped its previous local record by over $2,000. -Estimate for tast Week "Student Prince," Royal Alexan- dra (single week) (1,525; $2.50). Capacity" $20,300. • Chicago, March 2, . Lenten sag hasn't been felt here sn far. Grosses are getting the uplift latecomers at the about-to, clbse "Annie Get Your Gun," "o Mistress Mine" and "Red Mill" Katherine Dunham and her dance troupe also close this week. Revue lias been doing fair biz, but not in the brackets of the others. "Show Boat" opened last night (Mon.) at the Shubert with a hel'tv advance. "Burlesque" is set or March 8 at the Selwyn and "Sleep It Off" arrives March 7 at the Black- stone. '"^ Estimates for Last Week "Annie Get Tour Gun," Shubert (17th week) (2,100; $6.18). Record run closed Saturday (28) with usual sellout; top $51,000. Katherine Dunham, Studebaker (4th week) (1,246; $3.71). On the light side with $13,000. "John Loves Mary," Harris (3d week) (1,000; $3.71). Up again to fancy $21,500. "O Mistress Mine," Sclwyn (16th week) (1,000; $4.33)., Lunts close here Saturday (6); latecomers hyped gross to $20,000. "Red Mill," Blackstone (5th wk)' (1,358; $4.40). Revival was doing well enough but eased, -^19,000; cloSIs Saturday (6). "Show Boat," Shubert (2,100; $4.94). Onened last night (Mon.) to $150,000 advance. "Sweethearts," Erlanger (1st wk) (1,333; $4.3,3). First eight perform- ances $16,000; light at matinees. Teff mm Hub; 'Romance'$27,500, ~ 'Hallams' pOOO ■ Boston, March 2. There were no openers last week, and there's only one this week, "Carousel" at • the Opera House for two weeks and a virtual sellout - in advance/ Flickering legit season will get a little hypo with the addition of "Red Mill" on the Shubert's bill, "Joy to the'.World," on the Plym- outh's,. and the possibility of the Gate .theatre coming to town. I'lce Follies" ■ cleaned up here last ■ week, running more than $250,000 take at the Boston Garden.'. Estimates for Last Week " "My Romance," Shubert (2d week) (1,700; $4.20). Gained plenty on its second and-final week to reach excellent $27,500. - . "The Haliims," Wilbur (2d week) (1,300; $3,60). Second .week gained, to touch estimated $10,000; opens on Broadway this week. "lou Never Can Tell," Colonial (2d week) (1,500; $4.20). Sock on tl)e Guild-American Theatre Society 9u$pice's, gaining on- second week to w<i<ir $23,000; house is now dark. 'BRIDE' HAPPY $7,000 IN 4 TIMES, N. HAVEN New Haven, March. 2. "There Goes the Bride" broke in a road tour at Shubert last Thurs- day-Saturday (26-28). Negligible ad- vance got a- window sale hypo, with total gross ending on the good side of the ledger. House hits pix'for a couple of stanzas, then go,es musical with a lull week of "Carousel" .for March 15-20. It's the show's first re- peat here since it originally preemed at this. pre-Broadway springboard a few seasons ago. Only other definite booking is try- out of "Held: It," which lifts its initial curtain here March 25-27. "Pick-Up Girl," originally skedded for Apru 1-3, has been cancelled. Estimate.for Last Week "There Goes the Bride," Shubert (4 performances) (1,700; $3.60). Peak price was regarded as high, but ap- proximate $7,000. 'Sleep It Off Had To; $3,000 in 5 Shows, Mpls. - Minneapolis, March 2. With such boxoffice help as the Jackie Cooper, Ann Corio and 'Vince Barnett names, "Sleep It Oft" ran in- to a near blizzard, icy pavements, subVzero temperatures, and public apathy induced by the reaction to the immediately preceding show, "Mary Had a Little." In consequence, despite favorable customer word-of-» mouth, business was miserable. Estimate tor Last Week "Sleep It Off," Lyceum (5 perform- ances) (1,900; $3.60). Couldn't over- come the multiple handicaps, plus n mixed press; all-time low of $275 on the second night and finished to a pathetic $3,000 for four nights and matinee.