Variety (January 1953)

LEGITIMATE PlSffifr Wednesday, January 28, 1953 D.C. Barron Amphi; 4 Ogling Site Debin to Liebling-Wood For Musical Scripts Nat Debin will join the Liebling- Wood agency next week to be in charge of musical comedy scripts. He resigns the Lew & Leslie Grade agency end of the week to take on the new assignment. Prior to joining the Grade of- fice, Debin was personal man- ager Of Lena Horne and had been in the music publishing biz for 15 years. ‘Opera-in-Original Snobs’ Seen to Blame for Holding Art Form Back in America Washington, Jan. 27. +* The Government today (Tues.) invited bids from showmen inter- ested in operating the Carter Bar- ron Memorial Amphitheatre next summer. Applicants will be required to furnish a list of productions they want to offer during the three- month summer season, together with a statement about availability of the attractions. The successful bidder must post a $25,000 per- formance bond, and pay a daily rental for the Amphitheatre plus a percentage of the grpss, and ab- sorb all production costs. Applicants are asked to write to EdwardJL-Kelly, superintendent oTTihe National Capital Parks, at the Interior Dept., in Wash'ngton. There are already understood to be four "groups interested in ob- taining the place. One of these is Super Music Attractions, local Taking a crack at “opera-in-the- firm which has been booking a original snobs,” John Gutman, as- week stands around town, ranging slstant to Rudolf Bing, Met Opera from longhair to hot name dance general manager, is for opera in bands. English, in the main, in America Another group is reported to as the only way of popularizing the include Constance Bennett; Bazie art form here. • “Keeping'.’ opera Tankersley, niece/ of Col. Robert longhair'and foreign,” he says, “is R. McCormack; Martha Roundtree, one reason we don’t have opera in and Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, America Jr. Third group comprises New Gutman is translator from the York showmen with a D. C. con- R USS i an 0 f the “Boris Godunov,” nection. The fourth group isnt which will be done in English at disclosed.. _ the Met this winter. He translated The 4,000-seat Barron Amphi- the German “Rosenkavalier,” which theatre, located in Rock Creek was preemed by the San Francisco Park here, was launched with two Opera last fall, and which will be Reasons of the Paul Green specta- done for its TV premiere by the cle, “Faith of Our Fathers.” Last NBC Television Opera Theatre this August, it tyas taken over for 16 spring. He’s also production super- nights by the Ballet Russe De visor for the Met and gC j. ipt editor Monte Carlo. Although rained out 0 n the Howard Dietz Epglish-ver- twice and with business hurt by a S ion of “Fledermaus” on CBS-TV’s couple of threatening nights, the “Omnibus” next Sunday (1). ballet nevertheless grossed $50,000, “outside ‘.of the professional o houses' like the Metropolitan and Place is equipped with a large g an Francisco Opera, which must stage, dressing rooms and p.a. sys- have too many foreign artists like tern, and is handsomely set ip the the Milanovs and del Monacos, corn- park. Summer season generally paides should present their operas Refake Mr. and Mrs. Sol Hurok were hosts recently at a special pre- view of the 20th-Fox film, * To- night We Sing,” for a group of local concert managers ^tend- ing a N. Y. conclave. T.ie film, story of impresario. Hurok’s earlier days, describes in de- tails the manager’s problems with some of his temperamen- tal artists and the way his ab- sorption in them always kept him from going on an oft* promised honeymoon with Mrs. Hurok. When the lights went up after the screening, Hurok ' spoke up, “Now I think I’ll go on my honeymoon,” he said. Plays On Broadway Continued from page 56 Current Road Shiws (Jan. 26-Feb. 7) “Affairs of State”—Geary, S. F. (26-7). The Filth Season for pretty models, and« the tide turns for the better but not be- fore there’s a romance between Whorf and Phyllis Hill, one of the models; Skulnik becomes involved romantically with Lois Wheeler, a refugee bookkeeper, and Whorf’s wife, played by Augusta Roeland, starts off for Reno only to become reconciled with her mate when the ingenious Pincus patches it up. ‘Season” has considerable s.a. value in the parade of unclad models, whose projection is all in good taste and. flavorsome to the comedy. In addition to good per- ’formances by Skulnik and Whorf, who get costar billing, there is some good support by Nita Talbot, Lois Wheeler and John Griggs. The single set, a two-part show- room and workroom of the garment The Hat “Bell, Book and_ Candle” (Joan house,, has been neatly designedly Bennett, Zachary Scott)—Parsons, Hartford (26-28); Shubert, New Haven (29-31); Ford’s, Balto. (2-7). “Call Me Madam”—Shubert, Chi (26-7) Sam Leve. Mid-Summer runs here from early June to mid September. BARN REHEARSAL RULE UP FOR EQUITY RETAKE in English*,” says Gutman. “Even at the Met, all its comedies should be done in English. So should all its new works. Just compare -the difference between the funeral-par- lor atmosphere in the Italian ‘Figaro’ and the amused eptertain- Protest by strawhat managers ment of an audience in a good Eng- against the new Actors Equity rule Rsh ‘Figaro’ performance. As for requiring five-day rehearsals for all television, anything in opera on TV guest-star shows, will probably be should be in English.” given final consideration by the Returning to the snob argument, union council at its-regular meet- Gutman says that “it is a sad ing next week, The Equity stock though undeniable fact that in this committee will make a recommen- great and rich country of ours, still dation after a conference with rept no Operatic life worth that name resentatives of the Stock Man- exists.” He ties up “this shameful agers Assn, tomorrow (Thurs.). situation” with the “snob attitude A representative stock group at- prevalent in- “so many • places, tended last week’s council session among critics as well as patrons, fo air its grievances in person, This snob argument, Gutman says, after a preliminary huddle with the was summed up perfectly, for him stock committee. Most barn pro- by one opera habitue after a per ducers claim the rehearsal require- formance of his English version of ment is discriminatory and ,consti- “Rosenkavalier” in Frisco last fall tutes unwarranted interference in “I really don’t care a bit what lan managerial prerogative, and fear guage your opera is sung in,” the that it might Iefad to an invasion of man told him, “as long as I can the strawhat field by stagehands be sure I don’t understand it.’,’ and other craft unions. .h y A »“ la ;ears le afo^ e a d s I Equity Council Mulling withdrawn after an opposition cam paign by the managers. Paul Crabtree-Frank J, Hale produc- /rr Q tu n vin*» Pnr- tion.of comedy-drama in thrpe acts Jsix ■ vonstant Wife, (Katnarine uor scenes )‘ jjy Vina Delmar. Features Mark nell, Robert Flemyng John Emery) Stevens, Geraldine Page, vicki Cum- —OrDheum Davenoort (26): Iowa, mings, Howard Smith, Edgar SteMi. Jenny r’orio? p„niJlc /om. Trpivrr THpu+tp Hecht, Paul Andor, Suzanne Caubaye, Cedar Rapids (27), K.KJN1 meatre, Robert Emmett, Mary James, Billy Des Moines (28); Orpheum, Sioux Jeffries, Barry make'.’ staged by Crab- City (29); Paramount Omaha <30- ^..Tan 31); Civic, New Orleans (2-8). * 53 ; $ 4.80 top ($6 opening night). “Country Girl” (Sidney Black- Rosie Mary James mer. Dane Clark, Nancy Kelly)— Vai Mark Stevens Caas, Detroit (26-7). Sifu, “ oir vicklcummtaK “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” (Richard Mr.strobeV ‘.V.’.T.V. .. Howard Smith Greerte)—Harris, chi (26-7). BUI.Moore Robert Emmett Diokens Headings (Emlyn Wil- X"."::::"::::”.Ba?J e m.kl liams)—Plymouth, Boston (26-31); Dr. Emsiey % Edgar stehii Royal Alexandra, Toronto (5-7). “Emperor’s Clothes” — Wayne It has been nearly eight years Univ., Detroit (26-7). since Vina Delmar was last repre “Fourposter” (Jessica Tandy, sented on Broadway, and it’s un- Hume Cronyn)—Ford’s, Balto (26- fortunate that her current play, 31); Locust, Philly (2-7). “Mid-Summer,” couldn’t have had “Gigi” (Audrey Hepburn)—Na- more dramatic content in this day tional, Wash.* (26-31). where middle-of-the-road ; plays “Good Nite, Ladies”— Hartman, have little chance to survive. “Mid Columbus (26-31); Cox, Cincy (1-7), Summer” is a middle-of-the-roader “Guys and Dolls” —Nixon, Pitt, that has some fine performances, (26-7). but Paul Crabtree’s direction is too “Hazel Flagg” (Helen Gallagher, frequently muddling and unable to Thomas Mitchell, Benay Venuta)— clarify or project the characters or •Shubert* Philly (26-31). - narrative. 7 £ m o a + “Mid-Summer” is notable for the Aud., St, P. (26-27), Davidson, Broadway debuts of three per- Milw. (28-31); Hanna, Cleve. (2-7). formers — Mark Stevens, from ,o^ ep o hl i ne St ’ L * fihus; Geraldine Page, from the lit- 2 ?<r rn'iiv tie. theatres, and nine-year-old L Vff Sjiijf Jenny, Hecht, daughter of author- wood G (26~7)^ ar ^ a ^ ^ LrC ^ e ’ playwright Ben Hecht. Of these “Maggie”—Forrest, Philly (26-7) “Maid in the Ozarks”—Majestic, Boston (26-7). “Mister Roberts” (Tod Andrews) —Shubert, Wash. (26-7). “Mrs. McThing” (Helen Hayes) —Colonial,' Boston 426-7). “Oklahoma” -r- Biltmore, L. A. (26-7). James Withers Elliott revival of mys- tery melodrama ’ In three acts, by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood. Features ZaSu Pitts* Lucile Watson. Shepperd Strudwick, Harry Bannister. Directed by Jonathan Seymour; settings and lighting, Ralph Alswang; costumes, Alice Gibson. At National, N. Y., Jan. 20, '53; $4.80 top ($6 opening). Miss Van Gorder Lucile Watson Billy ... -, Harry Shaw Lowe Lizzie ZaSu Pitts Stranger Bert Bertram Brooks Peter Hanson Dale Ogden Paula Houston Dr. Wells Harry Bannister Anderson ....Shepperd Strudwick Richard Fleming ..Laurence Haddon Reginald Beresford ....Charles Proctor Unknown Man Raymond Bailey WALTER “Dare" WAHL Featured in Comedy Hit "TOP BANANA" Currently 70th Week Now Playing GREAT NORTHERN, Chicago Direction JOSH MEYER JACK DAVIES Steady Night Meetings As a convenience to players who have regular daytime radio-and TV assignments, Actors Equity council is experimenting with evening meetings. First such session was held last night (Tues.) and the next will be March 3. After a third eve- ning confab, probably April 7, the idea will be considered and, if sat- isfactory, may be made permanent. Notable among those who will find the evening meetings conven- ient is Ralp'h Bellamy, Equity pres- ident. His “Man Against Crime” tele-film series has a daily shooting schedule, so he is generally unable to. attend any council sessions merely attending executive com mittee confabs Monday nights. CAB CALLOWAY Sportin' Lift PORGY AND BESS" Now (16th Week) Stoll Theatre, London . . play* th» real villain of fh* piece with xe»t and point."-T/ia Taf/cr. Mgt.: BILL M1TTLER, 1619 Broadway, Ntw York the critical, eye is particularly fas tened on Miss Page, who spectacu- larly drew Broadway’s attention last season to her performance in “Summer and Smoke” in an off- Broadway production. Here is a play that never sug- gests any vitality in its writing, nor in the direction, though occasion- “Oii Borrowed Time” (Victor ally the performances come through Moore,. Leo G. Carroll, Beulah on their own. It is a comedy dramal Bondi)—Wilbur, Boston (26-7). “Paint Your Wagon” (Burl Ives) —Blackstone, Chi (27-7). “Paris ’90” (Cornelia Otis Skin- ner)—Mayfair, Portland (28-31); Metropolitan, Seattle (2); Interna- tional Cinema, Vancouver (6-7). of another generation, of a young New York schoolteacher with a yen for the vaudeville stage; of his wife, who longs for him to go back to teaching, so she can have that little white house she has always 4W dreamt about; of their nine-year Picnic”—Hanna, Cleveland. (26- old daughter, who can recite the 31); Plymouth, Boston* (2-7). ’ Gettysburg Address and Robert “Point of No Return” (Henry Ingersoll with equal facility. Fonda)—Erlanger. Chi (26-7).- It is a drama that allows Miss “Shrike” (Van Heflin)—Lyceum, Page, as the focal character, a wide Minneapolis (26-31); Aud., St. Paul range for her still-undeveloped tal- (1-2); Orpheum, K. C. (4-7). ent, and to a considerable extent “South Pacific” (Janet Blair, she acquits herself with astonish- Webb Tilton)—Dade County Aud., ing maturity. Her faults, such as Miami Beach (27-7). they are, are those of the director, “Stalag 17” — Walnut, Philly for with paceful staging she would . show to better advantage. Miss “Strike a Match” (Pat O’Brien, Page underplays beautifully at the Eva Gabor, Richard Egan)—Aud., first-act curtain, and it is an ex- Memphis (27). pressive, moving performance; her “Top Banana” (Phil Silvers)— long third-act scene with her hus- Great Northern, Chi (26-7). band, however, is a confusing “Touchstone” — Locust, Philly blend and notably requires a re- (2 ««r' j * , „ straining directorial hand. This is “Wonderful Town” (Rosalind not to suggest that Miss Page isn’t Russell)—Shubert, Boston (26-7). • governed by honest emotions in There’s nothing wrong with “The Bat” that a music hall presenta- tion, 'with beef and pretzels, wouldn’t cure. This 1920-21 hit by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, the granddaddy of mys- tery thrillers, now seems about as timely as a needlepoint sampler on the parlor wall. It might be great stuff for kids of, say 12, But for anyone older than that, frankly no. The production is okay. Lucile Watson as the indomitable old lady who figures out the skullduggery; ZaSu Pitts as the; but definitely, fluttery maid; Shepperd Strudwick as the bland detective; even Harry Bannister as the suspicious doctor, and the others of the cast,'give it a skillful performance within the limits of the one-dimensional char- acters. Jonathan Seymour’s stocky direction is good enough for the lie - went - thataway marathon of thunder-and-lightning' sound ef- fects, flickering lights, sliding panels, secret rooms, faces-at-the windQw, shrieks, pistol shots and scrambled clues. But 30 years of theatre crafts- manship, several thousand B pic- tures and interminable half-hours of radio whodunits have made this kind of. hokum hopelessly archaic. It’s not without interest now, as a sort of museum piece. And it does have moments of fun, but' in a ludicrous way. It is, in fact, pretty devastating evidence of how the theatre has changed since those innocent post-World War I days. Not necessarily improved, perhaps. But changed, definitely.' In this top-quality cast, Miss Watson is excellent as the old dame who won’t be scared out of the remote mansion she’s rented for the summer, and Miss Pitts is laughable, if a trifle too busy, as. the jittery biddy. Strudwick, who replaced William Harrigan during the tryout, Is plausible as the ubiq- uitous gumshoe, while Bannister is properly unetious as the schem- ing sawbones. Harry Shaw Lowe, Peter Hanson and Paula Houston are acceptable in supporting parts. Ralph Alswang’s settings are hand- somely ominous. Perhaps the effect is best ex.- pressed by one of the characters late in the third act. “What are you doing here?” the old gal asks him. “I don’t know,” he replies. It gets the biggest laugh of the eve- ning. Hobe. < Match > $13)700 in South New Orleans, Jan. 27. her performance, for she has di- mension and conviction, but the third-act portrayal sorely needs a governing influence, for she is all “Strike a Match,” with Pat over the “stage," She certainly “wifi OBnen, Eva Gabor and Richard be heard from again to greater ad Egan costarred, drew a total of vantage, $13,700 for nine performances last Stevens gives a forthright sin- week. Metier got $2,600 in a on®* cere portrayal of the confused hus- and Jenny Hecht provides • Sk rev ®P 1 or ti . and added some” amusing moments with her eight-perform- precocity. Vicki Cummings can al- here ways fee depended upon for one of m ght (24). those stereotyped portrayals of a Show folds after a one-nighter woman with a flin 11 d Fdgnr MSmnhii TueS ’ ) at the Audltorium - stehii, as a cleric come to fnter- iviempnis. v j ew young wife in order to scumisE/ determine the husband’s moral fit- SHRIKE $20,500, M W KEE nei>s for a Staten Island teaching Milwaukee, Jan. 27. post, also acquits himself neatly, as “The Shrike,” with Van Heflin do Suzanne Caubaye and- Paul An- as star, grossed a healthy $20,500 dor, who play the benevolent oper- last week at the Davidson here. ators of a cheap hotel; Howard Joseph Kramm drama is at the Smith, in a .bit role; and Mary Lyceum, Minneapolis, this wteek. James, in the small part of a cham- -— — beriiiaid. The Temple TJ. Concert Choir Howard Bay designed the play’s will make its first appearance in effective single set, the bedroom- Town Hall, N. Y„ Feb. 7* . parlor in the hotel. Kahn. Canada'Nat’l Ballet Sock $28,600 in Toronto Stay Toronto, Jan. 27. Established three seasons ago, but with this its first engagement at the Royal Alexandra, the Na- tional Ballet of Canada grossed a sensational $28,600 last week, with the 1,525-seater scaled at $3.50 top. Opening night was a sellout, ditto the second half of the week, with matinees big. Prima ballerina is Celia Franca, formerly of the Sadler’s Wells Bal- let, with Lillian Jarvis and Joyce Hill featured. Troupe has just completed five weeks in the west; is currently at the Grand, London, I dhmquiq qWtTmwiu. CUid £A\fo{thwm£#i to tie Uftfiek Mid uteri. THIS WEEK at th« ' inicrTkeaitf ^iy J&tye tfhtoetifo artur Bll RUBINSTEIN DULUTH Saturday, January 31