Variety (Nov 1948)

WeAieaJay, November 10, 1948 Total Broadway Grosses The following are the comparative figures based on Variety's boxoffice estimates, for last week and the corresponding week of last ijeason: This Last Season Season Nund>er of shows current 21 30 Total weeks played so far by all shows 434 486 Total gross for all current shows last week. . $556,400 $636,500 Total season's gross so far for all shows.. . $10,302,400 $10,209,300 Jiumber of new productions so far 21 24 UEISIIIMAIV On B.O.StiilOby;'Rolierts'$28,000, 'Shoes' 24G, 'StrMcar' 236 Chicago, Nov. 9. -f Week of n.s.g. weather hasn't altered existing legit b.o. boom here, "Mister Roberts" and "Streetcar Named Desire" con- tinue at virtual sellouts, with mail orders giving January as first avatlables. "Heiress" is picking up momentum after slow starter, hypoed by crix raves and chunky ads in the daily sheets. "Silver Whistle" under Guild sponsorship is doing, neat biz, despite crix nix in its second week" of a three^week stay. -Estimates for Last Week "Brifadoon," Shubert (5tb wk) <2,100; $4.94). Moderate business with convention aiding; $34,000. "High Button Shoes." Great Tforthern (25th wk) (1,500; $6.18). Heavy matinee uid' convention ac Cnrrent Road Shows (Nov. 8-?.0) ' — Shubert, P h i 1-1 y count for over $24,000; will close local engagement after Tliantegiv- ing. "Heiress," Selwyn (2nd wk) (1.000; $3.71). Crix kudos hiking take $4,000 over opening with stout $15,500. "Allerro' (8-'20); "Annie Get Your Gun"—Palace, Youngstown (8-10); Aud., Roth. (11-13); Erlanger, Buff. (15-20), "Anne of the Thousand Days"'^ Forrest, Philly (8-20). "Blackouts of 1948"—El Capitan, L. A. (8-20). "Born Yesterday" — Hanna, Cleve. (8-20). "Brigadoon" Shubert, C h i . (8-20). "Carousel" — Hartman, C ol ; (8-13); Victory, Dayton (15^17); Capitol, Wheeling (19r20). . "Command Decision"— Studer baker, Chi. (8-20). '■Desert Sonr"—Playhouse, Win- nipeg (8-13): La Crosse, La Crosse week, (15); Lyceum, Mpls. (16-20). Escape Me Never"-^Plyhse "Mister Roberts,'^ Erlanger (9th l Wil. (8-13); Locust, Philly (15'20). Fine week at wkl (1,334; $4.33). almost $28,000. "Streetcar Named Desire," Kar- ris (7th wk) (1,000; $4.33). Near- capacity biz; $23,000. "Silver Whistle," Blackstone (2nd wk) (1,358; $3.80>. Second week under Theatre Guild sub- scription holding at $13,500. Rainbow" — Shubert, "Finian's SOst. (8-20), "For Heaven's Sake M«ther"i^ Walnut. Philly (8-13), "Goodbye iHy Fancy" — Town Hall, Toledo (8-10); Erlanger, Buff. (11-13).-: ■ ■ "Happy Birthday" 1^ Biltmore, L. A. (8-20). ''Harvey?'7--Golonial,, Bo^t; (6^20). "ifiieii Bltttdn ShO(i»*»-S(C}t, Norths ern, Chi. (i8-20). ^ -'^^^'vv-h','- --.y., "Japhet^'-^Rbyal Alex., Torionto Toronto Nov 9 :(8-13); Wilbur, Best. (15-20). On first Toronti visit, Breden-("Liffht Up the Sky" — Locust, Savoy .Gilbert & Sullivan troupe P^^.l^l^^ j8-13). ^^^^^ ^.^ ^^^ ^^^ "Man and Superman" ~^ Nixon, Pitt; (8-13); Boyal Alex., Toronto (15-20). ■^/■:v-^ "Medea"—Capital, Salt Lake (9); KRNT, Des Moines (ill)] Viiiv^; Columbia (13); American,' Stv E-oHiS (15-20), ■ . "Mr. Roberts'? — Erlanger, Chi. (8-2*)).. ■'■ "Oklahoma!" — Majiesty's, Mon- Itreal (8-lS); Court, SpgfId. (14-17); Aud., Hartford (18-20). i "Oklahoma!"— Aud., Nashville I (8-10); Aud., Memphis (11-13); Col, i EvairtsviUe (15-17); Union, Blooiii- i tii.gton:dfi-20).- ' j "One Fine Day''—Geary, Frisco !(8^20) Los Angeles, Nov. 9. | ..n^j Gloves" — Shubert, N. Town's longruns contmued at, Haven (10-13); Ford's, Balto (15-20). their usual pace last week but the ; "ghow Boat" — Royal, Victoria sole visitor, "Happy Birthday, ' fg-O); Met, Seattle 111-20) failed to impress in its first frame at the Biltmore. Third week ■of the scheduled three-frame stand already has been cancelled. No new entries are due for a couple of weeks. Estimates for Last Week "Blackouts of 1948," El Capitan (333rd wk) (1,142; $2.40). Same SRC $17,000. "Happy Birthday," Biltmore (ls( wk) (1,636; $3,60). Lewis and Young production, starring Miriam llopkins, only fair in first week with $17,000, brought in mostly from Theatre Guild subscription. "Lend An Ear," Las Palmas Revival (21st wk) (388: $3). Usual capacity ' one-night Does $1,200 (2) in Albany In Roi^h Bus-Jumping Wk. Albany, Nov. 9. The Margaret Webster Shaken speare Co. climaxed a week of en- gagements in college towns by pre- senting "Macbeth" and "Hamlet" to capacity audiences Friday (5) in the 950-seat' Page Hall of State Teachers ' College: - G o m p a n y grossed a good $1,200 with an afternoon performance of "Mac- beth" and a night "Hamlet'' under auspices of the college's Dramatics and Art Council'. Additionally about a third of the matinee audience and half of night were admitted on student's asso- ciation tickets. Reported that the company took $300 as its afternoon share and $700 at night. Reaction to "Hamlet" was better than to "Macbeth." This -was the first pro' fessional show sponsored by the Dramatics Coluncil since: the. Abbey Players were here 10 years ago and it's believed to warrant others. ■Strangely, the two Albany dailies didn't review either produc- tion. A rugged week of bus-jump- ing, with performances at St. Lawrence Univ. in Canton, dlark- son Tech in Potsdam, Skidmore College in Saratoga, Williams Col- lege in Williamstown and Benning- ton Wonven's College, in Benning- ton was climaxed by a Saturday- Sunday hop to Kalmazoo, Wis. G&S TROUPE $12,000 Hi 1ST TORONTO VISIT i grossed a heavy $12,000 at the Ro.val Alexandra here, with 1,525- seater scaled at $3 top. Company will be back week of Dec. 6, fol- | lowing Buffalo and Montreal en-1 ■gagementsi i Schedule here was six perform- i ances of "Mikado," one each of i "Pinafore"' and "Pirates of Pen-1 lance," latter two sold out a we^sk | in advance. ;"Mikado" did,virtual capacity. 'Birtyay' Unhappy 17G; 'Blackouts;'Ear'SRO, LA. "mm mgro' im In \m, Plully ^^^^^^ ,;■ ■ ■ Playwjigte are having' a tough, time getting the' riei* Maxwell Aii- derson historical drama, "Aiiihe of. the 1000 Days," open here.' N^^^ show had its preem piifc back for the fourth time ;early yesterday (8) and tonight (9) sees it bow at the'Forrest, Show Will have one performance under two weeks here and will probablj^ continue tryouts Elsewhere' iis Fw^fest 'now has a booking the week of the 22nd; There's a lot of mystery wrapped around "Escape Me Never,'' the Elisabeth Bergner statrer too. Originally skedded at the Locust Nov. 1, it wfas suddenly cancelled and then announced; as; .rie-l;odked at same house next Mbhday (15). However, although press copy went out, no ads appeared in last Sun- day's drama, sections and local management .sayi!"they don't know for. sure'' aS- to jivhether show' will stick to original date or postpoiie again. Estimates for Last Week "For Heaven's Sake, Mother," Walnut (1st wk) '1,340: $3.25). Crix all rapped this new comedy which preemed Tuesday and kept election crowds in scats until mid- night; $6,700 in seven peirform- ances wasn't too bad, considering. "Light Up the Sky," Locust (1st wk) (1.580; $3.90). Crix liked this Silver Whistle" - Blackstone, I Plenty although there was rhi i« Vass npt (1')-20) isome adver.se word-of-mouth on ^•".ic. ■ 4^' L.W'__Har last act. Got a walloping fine $20,- ■ on^*™"* , 000 in first of two weeks ns, Chi.. (8'-20). ■■ . „.„ ■ „ „, . ,. ,. "The Heiress" — Selwvn, Chi ■ "Allegro," Shubert (1st wk) fl.- (8-20) I $4.55). Opened Thursday and "Wihslow Boy"—WRVA, Rich- I won rave notices. First two weeks Election Wdlops B way Grosses; Teople $10,500 in S Performances, 'Edward/ 'Mother/ 'De^/ SRO As usual, interest in the'election knocked Broadway theatre attend- ance into a spin; Business last week started below the previous stanza, fell sharply election night and recovered ■ slowly thereafter. Receipts were back to more or less normal by weekend, but the week's grosses were- severely hit, except for the shows with advance sell- outs. Midweek matinees were gen*- erally brutal. Brokers were hit a couple of nights, 'having to swal- low some tickets ■ rather than re- turn them to managements, This , week brings , two openings, "Bravo" tomorrow night (Thur.) at the Lyceum, and "As the Girls-Go" Saturday, (13) at the Winter Gar- den. Three preems are listed for next week, "For Heaven's Sake, Mother," "Goodbye, My Fancy" and "Light Up the Sky." There were no closings last week; but there may be at least one this week. Estimates: for Last Week Kevs. C (Gomedi/), D' (Drama) , CD (Comedtz-Dromo), B (Reoue), M (Mttsical). O (Operetta). "Annie Get Your Gun," Imperial (130th wk) (M-1,472; $6.60). Felt the- general election night slump and suffered at the midweek mati- nee; week's total down to $36,000; due-.to bouncy back and: probably set for indefinite-stay. "As the Girls Go," Winter Gar- den (Mrl,519; $6). Musical com- edy with book by ' William Roos, score by Jimmy. MeHugb and Har^ old Adamson,-pifesented by Miehael Todd, opens Saturday night (13). "Born Yesterday," Lyceum (144th Wk) (C-993; $4.80). Long-runner was also hit by the prevailing skid; off to $12,500; moved Sunday (7/ to the !940-seat Henry Miller. "Bravo," Lyceum (CD-993; $4.80). Comedy by Edna Ferber and George .Kaufman, presented by Max Gordon, opens tomorrow night (Thur.). "Edward, My Son," Beck wk) (D-1,214; $4.80). One of the sagged to $11,200, but gets a profit at that figure. "Set My People Free," Hudson (1st wk) (D-1,057: $4:80). Theatre Guild's first presentation and sec- ond' subscription offeriiig of the. season got a divided - press and pulled about $10;500 for the first five> performances; chances :seem doubtful. "Small Wonder," Coronet (8th wk) (R-998; $6). New revue sub- sided to $24,000, but should re- cover; has been earning an operat- : ingi,j>rofit. "Streetcar Named De8ire,'^ Barry- more (4gth wk) (D-1,064; $4.80). Longest-run sellout had enough ad- vance to do capacity all perform^ nnccs; $27,200 and'still not an un- sold ticket as it approaches; the one-year mark; remarkable for a serious drama. "Summer and Smoke," Music Box (5th wk) (0-1,012; $4.80). New Tennessee Williams play had an offish midweek matinee, but-'eve- nings are always strong;contra- versy in the press; and-by wordK>f<> mouth is figured a help; about $21,- 600, still plenty potent. "The PliiT's ihe Tirinc." Booth (25th wk) (CD-712; $4.80). Molnar revival dipped again to $12,000,: which is profitable.: "Where** Charley?" St. James (4th wk) (M-1,50S; $6). - Another show that's'selling.out; $36;800. Iravof $(im 'Boy'lSG.Ifab ■ V ■ ■ '.'Bbstoia,-' Nov, 9.;' Not an,'opener this week, first time since first of: September, but (6th 1 the five shows in towii are doing the i okay save for the debut offering of few shows with enough advance to [ the Boston Repertory Assn., which get standee trade election^ night got off to a good start -Friday: (5) I and looks like it will build. Its and midweek matinee; $28,300. "For Heaven's Sake, Mother*" Belasco (C-1,077; $4.80). Play by Julie Bems, presented by David Kay, opens Tuesday night (16). "Harvey." 48th St. (211th wk) (C-921; $4:20). Long-run leader was also knocked down by the gen-, eral basiness dive; fell to $12,000. '<High Button Shoes," Broadwa^ (57th wk) (M-1.900; $6). Smash I musical was off to a trifle over i $45,000, but . is expected to re- 1 gain its former great pace at this ; huge house; Eddie Foy. and others [from the Chicago company took, over the leads here for the next ■<■ few weeks, while Phil Silvers isj hospitalized. { first, "Road; to Roime," :was ; Well liked and coibpahy got a big send- off except , fronj the Christian S<;ience Monitor, which wouldn't' accept its ads. ■:: ' ■ ; Estimates for Last Week"^ : '■ ■ "Bravo!" Wilbur (2d wk) (1,200: $3.€0). Second week got estimated $6,000, which isn't bad for at shew that got no help at all irem the crix. ■,.,■■■::..■•■:■:■., "Finian's Rainbow," Shubert (3d wk) (1,750; $4.80). Steady biz keeps this one just below estimated $33,000. "Harvey," Colonial (7th wk) (1,- 500; $5 60). Jumped back close to an estimated $16,000, okay. "Road to Rome," Copley (1,200; "Howdy, Mr. Ice," Center (20th , $2.25). First offering of the Bos- \vk) (R-2,964; $2.88). This time the ton Repertory Assn. and company skate show joined the general i well-liked, but will need all the mond (15-20). 'Show Boat' Strong • n 1*. till uecause oi c $31,000 in Split Wk. floor ca pacity on -ATS subscription but gross of $21,500 for initial four perform- ances made it look as if lowered subscription won't hurt: this one's gross top as it does some. That's because of Shubert's big lower- trend; down again to $38,000 and will probably continue to ebb as the season progresses, as usual. "Inside U.S.A.," Majestic (28th wk) (1,659; .$6). Felt the prevailing slu-mp; subsided to a trifle under $42,000. "Life With Mother.' help it can get to survive in. this star town. First three perform- ances, following opening Friday^ got an estimated $2,000. "The Winslow Boy," Plymouth (1st wk) (1,200; $3.60). Here under Theatre Guild-American Theatre Society auspices, tHis lOne was given a nice sendoff and got an estimated $15,000, which is, okay for no marquee attraction. $7,000. ■Vancouver, Nov. 9 of "Show Boat," in date in Tacoma a and 'Man' $26,000, Balto Baltimore, Nov. 9. Maurice Evans in "Man and Su- perman" opened Ford's here last week after an extended period of darkness and mounted: a very ro- bust $26,000 for the week. House is again dark until Nov. , tliree-night engagement here, pull ed a combined grossiof $31,000 last ! Show divides this week between ! Victoria and Seattle. 15 when Jean Dalrymple brings in Broadway uom< Charles Boyer in "Red Gloves," di-1 ja^s at tlie Shubert (2-6), left town I ground on' Election Week. Biz reeled by. Jed Harris. ■ ' ......>... 'Girls' 23G in 7, N.H. New Haven, Nov. 9. "As the Girls Go." doing a pre- brusliup stand of five 'Born' lOG, Pitt Pittsburgh, Nov. 9. Apparently "Born Yesterday" got everything that was coming to it two seasons ago when it played Nixon for a fortnight. Last week it came back and got' excellent no- tices again, but reviews and couple of film personalities in the cast, Jean. Parker and Lon Chaney, couldn't overcome the general dis- interest and it wound up very poorly at around $10,000. : Comedy got a bad break coming Empire (3d wk) (CD-1,082; $4.80). One of the exceptions that rode a strong ad- vance to, sellout houses for all. per- formances; $24,100. I , . "Love Life," 46th St. (5th wk) n || <r« 7 nain (M-1,319; $6). This was one of the tarroil- raucv Z4m shows where theatre parties helped * resist the down-pull; $38,500. I "Magdalena," Ziegfeld (7th wk) 'Carouser $32,700, Det 'Roof $15,800, Frisco San Francisco, Nov. 9. Town's only legit last week, "Raze the Roof," with Jerry Lester, chalked up a nice $15,800 at the -—- „ , Tivoli (1,400; $2.88) for its seventh | fotj.^four-day^stand "Ed" Wynn's Laugh Carnival''(Willie Hovvard musi>l, occurs Nov. and "One Fine Day" bo'Wed this i 24-27 Jenny, week. I Leo G. Carroll with a sizable hunk of coin in its wallet. Seven performances at .$4.20 top clocked an approximate $23,000, fair for this 1,600-seat liouse.,: Tomorrow (Wed.) gets premiere of Charles Boyer in "Red Gloves" picked up sharply after midweek but not enough to make up for early slack. Kiss Me," with IS due Dec. 2-4v 'Medea' Mild 15G, Seattle Seattle, Nov. 9. "Medea," starring Judith Ander- son, proved very disappointing at the 1,500-seater Metropolitan, land- ing a mild $15,000. House was scaled from $3.75. '0-l,628; $6.60). Also off a bit to I almost $35,000, below operating I costs; but the management indi- j cates the intention to continue in- ( definitely. : I "Make Mine Manhattan," Broad- i hurst (43d wk) (R-l,160;.$6). Also felt the rough going; slid to $23r 800; will probably have to move shortly for an incoming production. {Hammerstein musical, "Mister Roberts," Alvin (38th ' wk) (CD-I ,357; $4.80). The advance ; sale here was enough to get. standee; trade again; $35^000. "My Romance," Shubert (3d wk); (0-l,387; $6). Theatre Guild sub- ni I ■ il/i d I Subert'Se?e1?a7orto1ri7^^^ Blackstoue IIG, St. Loo 500; may be taken off shortly to ' make way for "Anne of the Thou-; .sand Days." :. "Private Lives," Plymouth (5th wk) (C-1,062; $4.80). Noel Coward '• revival was also hit, easing to $25,- ' 1400, which is plenty profitable, i r "Respectfol Prostitute" and i "Hope Is the Thine," Cort (39th jwk) (D-1,064; $4.20). Double bill; ■was affected by the downtrend; Detroit, Nov. 9. Theatre attendance was perky here last week, despite the distrac- tion of tho' election. Stimulus was figured to be the strong attractions, one being Madeleine Carroll as star of the pre^Broadway tryout, "Good'^ bye. My Fancy,'' the other the re- turn engagement of the Rodgers- 'Carouselv' "Fancy" :; pulled an estimated $24,500 at the Shubert-tiafayette, and "Carousel" grossed a potent: $32,700 at the Cass. St. Louis, Nov. 9. Harry Blackstone and his magie extravaganza wound up its twor week .stand at the American Satur- day (6), eight performances gar- nering an estimated $11,000. B.o, for the two-week stand was $21,000, with the 1,700-seat house scaled to $2.54. "Medea," with Judith Anderson, i.f due next Monday (15).