Variety (Mar 1948)

(Incago Shak^ M iMm Lethargy; lkMt'Clafy'19a'BiirIes(|iie'n^ Chicago. Msrch 23, -f Except for "Sleep It Off," which Aa^ o« Ssturday im, rest of i«dt fare has shaken off Its Lenten iSSartjy. Sligh* bettering of gros- i«( laS^week can be attributed to fhe fact that, aside from 'deep,' only three plays are avaflable. He vised date on "Student Prince" brinei it to the Blackstone Anril 1. ""i^ Bomance" reopens iKe Great Northern April 12, and Bi competition the Stadebaker wiH offw"Mary Had A Uttle."- Katha- rhie Cornell bows into the Black- stone April 2S, hut "The Inspector rails" stiU has not found a place to show. "High Button Shoes" is rumored for May at tKe Shubett. Eitinafes for lAst Week i^vrteMne." Selwyn (2nd week) (1,000;: $4,33). Picked up at the matinees to okay $17,000. "John Loves Mary," Harris (Wh week) (1,000; $3;71K Light farce fot nice play over the weekend, ioe .$19,000. "Show Boat," Shultert (3rd week) (2,100; $4.94). Gaining momentum right along. Handsome $40,000: "Sleep It Oif," Blackstone (2nd week) (1,333; $4.33). Company broke up here March 20. Bclow- par $S,000. W 246. Hnb; Metl30GiB9 Boston,. March 23. "My Romance" returns to town for another couple of weeks tliis week, going into the Opera House this time. Show got its best recep- tion in tbi«l town and should do well for its additional frames be- fore going to Broadway. Two shows set for next week, "First Mrs: Frascr" at the Ply- mouth March 29, and "Hold. It" at the Shubert March 30, both for a fotthi^t Ahead is. "The Cup of Tramblihg" at the Colonial AprU 6. Estimates for Last Week . Metrop<ditan Opera, Opera gouse (first week) (3,000; $8.80)— ine performances only, wholly subscribed for by local guarantors and complete 'sellout cvci-y per- formance. Estimated $130,000 at scale. First time Met has ever had such a short visit in Hub, which could easily sellout for three weeks. "My Romance" here now. Red Mitt," Shubert (secmid week) (2,700; $4i!0). Gained to estimated $24,000 on second week, very fine. Final week current. 'BROOKLYNmSCLJL; TOTS^lOiG/GLASS'BG Los Angeles, March 23. Two houses went dark over the weekend, but rekindling of> the BUtmore with "O Mistress Mine" after a five-week drought kept four houses functioning. Departures, "The Glass Menag- erie" and "Deep Are the Roots," both went out in a blaze of glory. "Menagerie," at the small h»s Palmas, was SXiO at each perform- ance. "Roots," in for nine weeks, and three. days, was about 75% capacity at all times. Las Palmas rekhidtes Thursday (25) with Actors' Lab production of "All My Sons." Lab incidentally is shopping i'or a downtown house for a run witli "Declaration," new legiter whicl) it has been showing weekends only at its workshop. Estimates for Last Week "Blackouts of 1948," El Captain, (300th wk) (1,142; $2.40), Marked the 300-week milepost with the same solid $17,000. -' "Brooklyn, USA," EI Patio (2d wk> (796: $2.40). First full week registered $5,000. Will hold' tlu-ough April 3. "Deep Are the Roots," Belasco (9th wk) (1.061; $2.40). Finaed Saturday (20) with okay $10,500 for frame and $131,000 for run. "The Glass Menagerie," Las Palmas (5th wk) (388; $3). Closed Sunday (21) with another SRO: $6,000 week and a lush $27,400 total. * "The Vigil," Coronet (2d wk) (255; M.eO). First fuU week far below hopes with a dour $2^500. lama'Faff 16G, Minneapolis. March 23. Imminence of picture version, already being advertised for April 1 at Orpheum, plus Lent and a gen- eral abrupt business slump, got in some nasty licks for "I Remember Mama" which, compared to its fine talcings elsewhere, fell down rather badly at Lyceum here. Estimate tor Last Week "I Remember Mama," Lyceum (single week) (1,900; $3.60). Started slowly, but play and cast very well liked; grosses built steadily for nice weekend turnouts. Final $16,000 total pretty good, but disappoint- ing, e.spectally for play about Scan- dinavians in Scandinavian com- munity, Uttle Change in ITway Grosses; 'Joy OK mm, 1st 4 w no. 'Prostie' 1^/26 in 6; 'Stipper' Skips IBstress'20G, DtHor Denver, March 23. Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne In "O Mistress Mine" packed the Broadway for all six shows, four nights and two matinees, having been sold out almost two weeks be- fore show tbne. There is $5,000 advance sale on "I Remember Mama," with Charlotte Greenwood due at the Broadway April 26-27. Estimate for Last Week "O Mistress Mine," Broadway (6 Serf., $4.20). Lunt-Fontanne com- ination sold out for $20,000. 'Marietta' 45G, Detroit; 'Inspector' TViG, 'Bride' 6G Detroit, March 23. Pre-Kaster week business in legit houses here was hit by an unusual slump, with the exception of De- troit Civic Light Opera Company's presentation of "Naughty Mari- etta," where the b.o. took a leap over the previous week. v Both Ca.ss and Shubert-Lafayette will be dark the current week. On March 29, "Pick Up Girl" moves into the Sliubert-Lafayctte for two weeks, and Katheruie Dimham's "Tropical Revue" returns for a week's run at the Cass. Estimates for Last Week "Nanghty Marietta," Masonic Aud (single week) (5,000; $3.60). Remarkable rise to $4!>.000. "There Goes the Bride," Shu- bert-Lafayette (2d. wk) (1.950: $3.60). Itka Chase's frothy play at-> tracted an estimated $6,000. "An Inspector Calls." Cass (2d wk) (1.432; $3.60>. Very disappoint- ing $7,500 for J. B. Priestley who- dunit. 'Romance'21|4a 'Qass' 6G, Finlly Philadelphia, March 23. Philly is now without legit en- tertainment. Drought will last till Monday night (29) when three top- flight attractions make their bows together. Last week, with only two legit offerings, the lone pair of holdovers picked up a tittle in biz. Of next week's shows, "Inside U. S. - A.," the new revue which comes into the Shubert for three weeks and will probably draw the first-string crix, contrary to prece- dent, has the loftiest scale—-$5.20, with $6.50 Friday and Saturday. The mail order sale was terrif and window sale now open looks the same. Katharine Comell's revival of Shakespeare's. "Antony and Cleo- patra" is'in at the Forrest for two weeks at $3.90 top. and same' goes- for "Harvey" whidi is skedded for seven weeks (at least) at the Locust although Miss Comell's scale will be tilted to $4.45 Friday and Satur- day. Estinuites for Last Week "My Romance." Forrest (2d week) (1,786; $3.90)—Started to pick up about time curtailment of run to two weeks was announced. Well over $21,500 last week and considerable- audience interest. House dark with Katharine Cornell coming in next Monday for two weeks. . "Glass Metta|!!erie." Locust (2nd week) (1,530; $3.25). Again around $6,000 mark' which rcportedly. meant some profit House dark this week with "Harvey" in for stay- of at least seven weeks next Monday^ 'M&cbetk' 16G, Toronto Toronto, March 23. Despite rave notices, b.o. on Mtchael Redgrave and Flora Rob- son in "Macbeth" disappontcd, presumably due to a recent surfeit Of Shakespeare- here. Five-night Ice carnival also hurt. Estimate for Last Week "Macbeth," with Michael Red- grave and Flora Robson, at Royal AJexandra (1,525; $3.60 top). Dis- •PPoibtiAg $16,000. TRINCE' $10,000, K.C. Kansas City, March 23. Student Prince" in four days yive performances) in the Music «aU turned in fair business with >o-so $10,000 take. "I Remember Mama" due Thursday (25). "Song or Norway" playing six days bc- «"imng March 28. Estimate for Last Week "Student Prince" Music Hall (5 jei'i.) (2,572: $3.00). Rang up $10,- JJOO, March 24-27, not bad for a P'ay seen so regularly Jierfc Shows in Rehearsal *"High Button Shoes" (road)— Monte Proser and .Joseph Kipness. "Sword by My Side"—Arthur Traub. "Rats of Norway" (Hollywood) —James GUiott and Carl Schruer. "To Tell You the Truth"—New Stages. ^•Harvey" (rmad)-—Brock Pem- berton. ♦"Inside U. S. A." — Artliur Schwartz. "The Play's the Thins"-T-Gilbert Miller, James Russo and Michael .Ellis. "The First Mrs. Fraaer" (road) — Gnat Gaither. s RAIN HITS mOPICiUL' IN INDPLS^ 6G IN 4 Indianapolis. March 3. Katherine Dunham's "Tropical Revue'' hit a I..enten slump and found tough going in her third an- nual visit to the English here Thiursday through Saturday (18-20). English now recessed until after Easter, with "Private Lives" due April 8-10 and "Lady Winder^ mere's Fan" April 15-17 as only sho\\rs in view for remainder of season.' Estimate for Last Week Tropical Revue," English 1 There was little change in busi- ness despite spring catching up with Broadway and while there were slight increases grosses are well under winter levels for many attractions. For some years Holy Week saw surpris,ingly improved attendance,. but this season it isn't indicated either by advance sales or agencies. Latter half may see better business as Easter holidays arrive with school vaca- tions. Next week should i>e okay for theatres but thereafter it's con- jectural. Divided notices went to "You Never Can Tell," which did fairly well because of advance sale, "Joy to the World" also drew mixed critical opinions with a couple highly enthusiastic. "Me and Molly" climbed further. "Re- specttul Prostitute" fared well in its first week on Broadway. "Skip- per Next to God" is slated to close Saturday C27). Estimates for Last Week Keys: G KCcmedyy, B cOroina), CD (Comedy-Drama>, R IRemie); M (Musicah, O (Operetta). "Allegro," Majestic (23d week) (M-1,695; $6). Management look- ing forward to summer holdover;' still best grosser though takings well under midseason form; $39,- 000. "Ansel in the Wings," -Coronet (15th week) (R-998; $4.80). Has varied somewhat in recent weeks but still getting excellent business; $25,500. "Annie Get Your Gun," Imperial *97th week) (M-1,472; $6.60). Ap- proaching end of second year and still well up i in the chips; rated around $37,500. "Bom Testerdaor,"' Lyceum (111th week) (C-993; $4.80). Vari- ance for laugh show last week but bettered $15,000 to goodly profit ; and likely to play into, another summer. "BriEadoon." Ziegfeld (54tti week) (M-l,eZ8; $4.80). Pubhcity attendant Inusical's-passing of one- year-run mark helped im:^vve- ment to $36,000. "Command Deeiston," Fulton (25th week) (0-968; $4.80). Has completed six months and con^ tinnance into warm weather looks set; slightly off; $16,000. "Finian's Rainbow," 46th Street (63d week) (M-1,319; $6). lUdhag along to goodly profit at presmii levels, with takings last week- around $35,500. "For Love or Money," MUter (20th week) (C-940; $*.20). Con- tinues to fare' moderately well and making operating profit right along; rated aroimd $13,500. "High Button Shoes,*' Shubiart (25th week) (M-1,387; $6). Has also completed six months to ca- pacity—^plns business which is close to $38,0i()0 weekly, "leetime of 1948," Center (43d year will he completed; stiU mak- ing some profit; $18,500. "Skipper Next to God,'» Play- house (D-865; $4.20). Advertised to close this week, the 11th;. wfU pas* sibty continue however; again rated- well over $1!J,000. "Strange Bedfellows," MoroscA tlOth week) fC-935; $4.80)r. Al- though not exceptional, laugh (dacr doing Well enough with takings quoted at $14,500. "Streetcar Named Desire," Banymore (leth week) tD-1,064^ $4.80). Business varies for most . shows according to conditions, but not with smashes like this; $27,900 and more according to standees. "The Heiress," Biltmore (2Sth week) iD-920; $4.80). Another show that has attained a six months run and still. making real coin; around $19,000; not much under capacity. "The Respectful Prestitnte" and "The Kawy Journey." Cort (1st week) (D-1,164; $4.20). First week uptown strong and expected to climb; opened in 300-seater down- town; started on Broadway Tues- day (16); over $11,500 in first six times; should go over $15,000 full :.week "The Winsleiw Boy." Emtrire (21sl week) (D-l^Ol; $4.S0>. Some- what better last week when basi- ness was figured araund $13,000; slated to stay through May. Revtvals D'Oyly Carte Opera Co» Ceor tury (12th weekl (O-1.670; $4,801. "Yeoman of the ^uard," current Gilbert and SuUivan operetta, re- peating; "Patience" last week rated around $25,500. "Man and Supeitnan." Hudson (24th week) (CD-1,057: $4.80). Somewhat better for best, of Shaw revivals this season; estimated around $22,000. "Medea.."^ Boyale (2QU( week) (D- 1,025; $4.80). Comeback after hiy- off indicative of-classic's'draw? and is slated through spring; $18,000. "Ybu'Nevcr Can Tell," Beck (tst week) (C-1,214; $4.80). Fairly strong after divlcted press and in first seven perfmanauces, takings were around $17,000. . . ' Added Maurice Chevalier, Golden; Takings again topped $17,000; I'ourth and final week plna-s bene- fit performance for the Xteart Fimd Sunday (28). (4 perf.) (1,500; $3). Mild $6,000 for poorest showing Dunham troupe has made here to date. Heavy rain and wind storm hurt Friday busi- ness. ■ ,N.H. * Musical. 'Windermere' ITVjGr, St. loo St. Louls, March 23. Legit is apparently cooling off liere First of the two-week .stand of Oscar WUde's "Lady Winder- mere's Kan" was mild despite good critical reception. Gloria Swanson and Robert Alda in "There Goes the Bride" to follow. Estimate for Last Week "Lady Winderniicre's Fan" (1st week) American (1,700; $3.81) K^t performances grossed a mild $17r 500. New Haven, March 23. "Carousel" came to town for a full stanza at llic Shubert last week I (15-20) with the season's top tai-iff I ($4.80). This week has brcakin of i "Hold It/' Sammy Lambert musi- cal (25-27), Another initial per- formance is due next week when Louis Calhern heads a revival of "The Play's the Thing," April 1-3. Estimate for Last Week "Carousel," Shubert iluU wk.) (1,700; $4.80). , Original premiere here three yeafs ago drew $16,000 On four shows at $4.20 top. This trip, the full week at upped figure, pulled $28,000; good but not super. week) (R-2,994; $2.48). Will get benefit of school holiday vacations; skating revue ends season next week; $29,000. "Joy to the World." Plymouth (1st week) (CD-1.063; $4.80). Opened* Thursday (18) to mixed notices but goodly business there- after; approached $10,500 first four times. . "Look. Ma. I'm Dancin'." Adel- phi (8th week) (M-1,434; $4.80>. Musical with comedy punch looks set- into summer; among the lead- i ing money shows; $37,500. I "Harvey," 48th Street (178th week) (C-902; $4.20). Advance-sale for James Stewart who steps into lead for limited stay next Monday (29); $14,000. "Make Mine Manhattan," Broad- Jiiur.st (10th week) (R-1,160; $6). One of the season's popular song and dance shows getting close to $36,000; capacity in this house. "Me and Molly," Belasco (4th week) (C-1,077; $4.20). Improved much more than any other show 'ANNIE'S' 44&1^ PITT GROSS m wm Pittsburgh, March 23. First of Mary Martin's two wefta in "Annie Get Your Gun" at Nison did around $44,000, record high for the year and just about the biggest figure any show has hiing up here in recent memory. House was practically sold out by mMl orders alone, with very little left when window sale finally opened. Incidentally, show 'got highest top here in long time, $5.20, with $4 base and 20% federal and 10% city tax. Estimate for Last Week "Annie Get Your Gun." Nixon (1st week) (2,100; $5.20). Biggest thing in town in years, with $44,000 representing everything house could possibly do. Crix here who saw the N. Y. version, by the way, labeled the Mary Martin production better of two. 'Norway* $25,000 in Cincy; Town Quiet for Fortmght - Cincinnati, March 23. "Song of Norway" rollicked here last w&ek. Bookings are recessing for a. fortijight): next road show being (3orrtelia O^ Skituier in "Lady Windermere's Pan" at the' last" week"when takings were iCox. April 5. For the engagement Jones' 23G in D.C. Washington March 23. . . Spike Jones and his "Musical De- ! ^^'^t:^^^'''^J'!{'^ n..!^^.^^f*^o preciation Revue" made p 1 e n t y , and should make stay of it. noise at b.o. of the NaUonal last I "M'stw Roberts,'' Alvm (5th week. Capacity expected for cur-! week) (CD-1,331; $4.80). With 29 rent stanza. "An Inspector Calls" : extra seats inserted downstairs bows ui Mai-ch 29. - | gross for smash up $1,000 to $34,- Estimate for Last Week l^^- , ,„ c.. t "Musical Depreciation Revue," "Oklahoma!,'* St. James (257th National (1st wk) (1.680; $3.60). ; week) (M-1.505; $4.80) Theatre Rang the bell with $23,000; SRO I Guild plans quite a celebration for over weekend. I next Wednesday (31) .when fifth. Gun," April 12, the Shuberts have renewed rental of the Z,500-seat Taft theatre for the first time In nearly two years. Estimate for Last Week "Song of Norway." Emery (on* week) (2,100; $3.60). Clicked for a robust ^5,000. Swell notices aod audience retecticm hypoed biz alta light advance sale.