Variety (April 1953)

Wednesday, April £2, *1953 P^SiBty Helen Hayes Kicks: Tain t Chi Crix, Bnt Boxoffice Nix That KO’s Shows Chicago, April 21. Helen ’Hayes, in- a battle of wits with three Chi drama- critics, ab- solved them- of’ contributing to the so-called* downfall - of • the- Windy City legit -theatre. • In WGN-TVJs televised “Press Conference” last week (14), billed ' as a discussion of the charges that Chi crix are too harsh with road companies, Miss Hayes came Qff with top honors. Lee Schooler mod- erated with a panel of Herman Ko- gan, Sun-Times critic; Seymour Raven of the Tribune drarfia desk, Roger Dettmer, Chi-American cri- tic, and Tony Weitzel, Daily News gossip columnist. In reply to the No, 1 question, Miss Hayes, currently here in “Mrs. McThing/-’.said the decline of the theatre has. been, going on for many years, and that almost every pos- sible excuse had been made for the slump. .But she .added this was the first time she has ever heard newspapermen blamed. On the question of J. J. Shubert’s edict of no first-n-ight passes for Chi crix, Miss Hayes said it made no difference when the critics come —first night or second week—the actors always find out they were there and their presence puts the performers under pressure and makes them tense. Generally, Miss Hayes said, she does not like first night audiences as they are a “special type,” not representative of the audience which Will see the 1 show in the remainder of the' run. * The public, and not the critics, she added, really decides the fu- (Contiriiied on page 60) r- Coast R&H Concert Group Makes Good Impression; Ed Arnold as Narrator San Francisco, April 221. “Rodgers & Hammerstein Night,” Sam Kerner presentation, with Ed- ward Arnold as narrator, which played here last week at the Cur- ran Theatre, at $4.20 top, with a tour in mind, is-evidence of two things. First that Rodgers & Ham- mersteiri music, even sans produc- tion and book, can be worth the in- vestment of two hours* sitting time. And secondly, that live songfesting, if adequately directed, has an in- terest value which justified box- office prices usually invoked for more pretentious cavalcades. Kerner, with the aid of music director Robert Wagner and his troupe of 24 singers, 12 femmes and 12 males, has contrived a live- ly, interesting and tuneful com- pote of choraling for this pop con- cert, which has gleaned the best of R&H. Further, the i|ems have been judiciously sequenced, so that while there is no lull in the pro- ceedings, the total builds to a logi- cal, climax. Thus, beginning with selections from “Carousel” and carrying through “State Fair,” “King and I” and “South Pacific,” the big payoff, which nets a hefty bowoff mitt, is “Oklahoma,” though all items were appreciated throughout. Troupe is presented with two pianos, one placed on a higher level so that each can be seen, and two rows of singers, girls on a lower level and men on upper im- mediately behind them. Wagner does his conducting from a podium at front stage. Arnold, the narra- tor, has another podium at left of stage, at which he provides short gabfests concerning the proceed- ings. Unfortunately, Arnold was the least impressive part of the festivi- ties, uncertain as to what he want- ed to convey, and halting in his delivery. Another week point was production, and lighting, which was unimaginative, could have .also been improved. Individual and group performances, however, were superior. Ted. New Buffalo Barn Buffalo, April 21. Playhouse, new summer theatre, will open June 1 at Clarence, neighboring suburb, according to announcement made by Johnny Dee, producer and director, and Ross Davis, business manager. Strawhat, which will operate for 14 weeks, commencing with “Here We Come Gathering,” is located on Route 5, Kraus Road. Ready Coast Version Of Equity Library Theatre Los Angeles, April 21. After more than a year of talk and planning, the Equity Theatre Project, experimental Coast ver- sion of the Equity Library Theatre, wilj get under way next month on the first of a series of four produc- tons. Equity Council has approved a grant of $3,000 to get the series rolling, and expectation is that pub- lic response to the initial efforts will prpduce sufficient coin to keep the project moving. Casting gets under way this week for the first play in the series, “Ned McCobbs’ Daughter,” by Sidney Howard, which will open -May 19 at the 400-seat Las Palmas The- atre. It will be followed by Shaw’s “Major Barbara.” Unique fix Plan For Toronto ‘SP Toronto, April 21. At $5.50 top, tax included, the national company of “South Pa- cific” has been set for an extended run at the Royal Alexandra here but, though newspaper ads com- mence Saturday (25) on announce- ment and mail order sale, manage- ment will be unable to give open- ing date of Toronto engagement, this dependent on length of the show’s run, commencing May 18, at the Shubert, Detroit. Meanwhile Ernest Rawley, man- ager of the Royal Alexandra, and Morris Jacobs, general manager for Rodgers* & Hammerstein, have worked out a plan whereby tickets will be sold under imprint of first week, 4 second week or third week, with initial mail order ad promis- ing customers that “South Pacific” will possibly open the Toronto en- gagement early in August, with opening date here to be announced later and contingent on Detroit, where the musical is expected to run 10 to 16 weeks. While mail orders for the Toronto engagement go on imme- diate sale in order of receipt for the first three weeks only, cus- tomers may have to accept alter- nate dates than those desired but, if unable to attend, may exchange for future performances beyond the initial three weeks.’ Expected that “South Pacific” will run eight weeks in Toronto. This is the first city where the unique ticket plan has been introduced but same set- (Continued on page 60) 'PEEPERS’ LEGITER DUE FOR STRAWHAT BOW A play based on “Mr. Peepers,” the NBC-TV airer, is currently in the works for projected presenta- tion on the strawhat circuit this summer. Legit adaptation is being done by Joseph Hayes and his wife Marri Jane. Deal for the TV-to- legit transition was negotiated by Samuel French, play publishers and authors’ representatives, with “Peepers” creator David Swift and Fred Coe, producer of the tele edi- tion. Hayes, incidentally, has turned out a number of plays, including “Leaf and Bow,” which had a short Broadway run during the 1948-49 season. Poetic Critic With Brooks* Atkinson* drama critic of the N. Y. Times, currently in London on a play-catching safari, second- stringer Lewis Funke thought of using a famous Browning quotation for‘the lead of his review of last week’s flop open- ing of “A Date with April.” However, he decided it might seem flippant, so he substituted a straight opening lead. The intro he considered and dropped was, “Oh, to be in England now that April’s here.” Coast Equity Rep to Come From East; Council To Turn Down O’Brien Bid Ouida Rathbone Preps ’Angels’ in Barn Try Ouida Rathborne, who's sched- uled to have her original play, “Sherlock Holmes,” done on Broad- way next fall, is pitching another new work for presentation on the strawhat circuit this summer. Play, labeled, “Dark Angels,” is based on a story by the late John L. Glowes, an Englishman, Her husband, Basil Kathbone, is a possibility for the starring role. However, if he’s un- able to appear an English actor will probably be recruited to fill the spot. The offering will be produced by j the Rathbones. 1 N.Y. Crix Payoff; ‘Picnic’ Netting 6G “Picnic,” William Inge dramatic click, is now earning an operating profit of over $6,000 a week. Since the Theatre Guild-Joshua Logan production was cited by the N. Y. Drama Critics Circle as.best play of the season, attendance has spurt- ed slightly to almost solid capacity at the Music Box, N. Y., so the net has probably risen a trifle. On a total gross of $102,624 |or the .four-week period ended March 28, show netted $24,778, bringing total operating profit to $26,132 for its six-week run, as of >that date. With a revised production cost' of $66,833 and a revised tryout loss of $25,281, that left $65,981 still to be recouped. Assets included $20,000 cash reserve and $4,019 available for distribution. % Operating statement on the pro- duction indicates that Inge gets the standard minimum royalty of 5% on the first $5,000 gross, 7V6% on the next $2,000 and 10% on everything over $7,000, Logan gets a straight 3% as director (plus his share of the profits as co-producer), with Jo Mielziner getting $110 a week royalty as designer. There is also a $50 weekly fee for the use of recorded background music. The cast payroll is $3,550, with no one on a percentage. Venture was capitalized at $75,- 000, plus $15,000 overcall. The management put up the bonds and deposits. “Picnic” is currently in its ninth week on Broadway. ROSE GOLDSTEIN QUITS AS GEN. MGR. FOR STYNE Rose Goldstein, general manager for Jule Styne, has resigned after a disagreement with the producer. She will probably not be replaced, but her duties will be divided be- tween Mike Goldreyer, company manager of the Styne-Anthony B. Farrell production, “Hazel Flagg,” and George Gilbert, who has been serving as Styne’s production as- sistant aiid casting director. Miss Goldstein has^no immediate plans. Although it is unrelated to Miss Goldstein’s departure, Samuel J. Friedman resigned last week as advance agent of Styne’s revival of “Pal Joey,” which opened a tour Monday night (20) in Washington. The p.a. assignment will be taken over' by Reuben’ Rabinovitch. Sylvia Kay (Herscher), Styne’s secretary, is leaving in a couple of weeks because of approaching motherhood. * No successor is set. Balto Silo Bill: Play Contest & Gabor Preem j, Baltimore, April 21— Local strawhat picture is shap- ing early here, with Don Swann set to open his Hilltop Theatrq at Emerson Farms May 25 with Magda Gabor in “The Play’s the Thing.” Swann will again sponsor a na- tional playwriting contest, with winning script to be produced dur- ing August. Joan Blondell is serv- ing on the judges’s committee. En- tries will be accepted until June 6. Swann has signed Ray Boyle as resident director. Pine Tree Players, collegiate stock group, will open its second season June 23 at the Avondale Playhouse near Laurel. Non- Equity group will have Rudolph Pugliese of Maryland U. returning as resident director and J. Allen Bowers of Lehigh U. back as set designer. Pugliese and Bowers will co-produce as well. N.Y. ’Love’ Stay Uncertain; Harrisons to Tour it With Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer under contract as costars of “Love of Four Colonels” until June 16, the Peter Ustinov comedy may continue at the Broadhurst, N. Y., until that date. But on the possibility that the season boxoffice decline may substantially reduce receipts in the interim, the man- agement is tentatively figuring on closing the show May 30. In any case, the Harrisons plan to spend the summer in Italy, prob- ably appearing in a picture, but are under contract for at least 16 weeks’ tour in “Colonels,” starting next September. Their coit tinuance with the Theatre Guild- Aldrich & Myers production be- yond that may depend on the criti- cal and b.o. reaction on the road. “Colonels” moved to the Broad- hurst this week, after 14 weeks at the Shubert, N. Y. ‘Joy’ No Uncertain 63G Road Flop “A Certain Joy,” Kermit Bloom- garden-Thomas Hammond produc- tion, in association with Peter Glenn, which recently folded dur- ing its tryout tour, involved a loss of $63,826. It was capitalized at $60,000, with no provision for over- call. Production cost of the Irving Ra- vetch play was' $36,805, and the loss on the Wilmington (three per- formances) and Philadelphia (eight performances) engagements was $14,606. In addition, there was $12,- 315 closing expense, including $3,- 928 cast payroll for an extra week, $1,500 paid on the theatre guaran- tee for a cancelled second week in Philly, and $5,000 for the full guar- antee for the Playhouse, N. Y., where the show was booked. Bloomgarden is understood to Jiave protested the latter charge. ■ Backers of the venture included theatrical accountant J. S. Seid- man, $20,400; co-producer Ham- mond, who brought in $12,500; Robert W. Dowling, president of City Investing Co., $2,400; Mrs. Marshall Field, $1,200; playwright Arthur Kober, $1,200; Louis A. Lotito, president of City Play- houses, $1,200; theatrical attorney Jesse Moss, $1,200; Actor’s- Fund president Walter Vincent, $1,200. Also, producer Elaine Perry, $600; actress Juliet Forbes (Hess), $300; Gabriel Katzka, of the Stone & Sloane production staff, $300; Mrs. Edward KoOk, wife of the Century lighting executive, $300, and Anne Gordon, Bloomgarden’s production assistant and secretary, $300. 1 Next permanent representative on the Coast for Actors Equity will be appointed from the east, will be trained in the home office and will not be associated with any current or past controversies within the union. That has been decided by the Equity council, on the recom- mendation of Angus Duncan, exec- utive secretary. After studying the matter and conferring with council leaders and staff members, Duncan recently submitted a report to the .council containing the above recommenda- tion. The governing body accept- ed the plan with reservation. Al- though' no one has been selected for the Coast spot, efforts* are be- ing made to do so as soon as pos- sible. The appointee will be given at least a couple of months’ train- ing in the New York office before being sent to the Coast. Mean- while, Francis Clark is continuing as temporary Coast rep. Recent resolution adopted by a Coast membership meeting calling for the reappointment of Christo- pher O’Brien as the union’s rep there will be ignored by the coun- cil. Not only was the matter con- sidered closfed a year ago when the council accepted O’Brien’s resig- nation, but reports from the Coast indicate that the recent resolution on the subject did not represent the wishes of the majority of the membership there. It’s understood that the issue wa* presented near the end of the meeting in question, when only a relative handful of members were present. O’Brien adherents are figured to represent a noisy but in- consequential minority. When the permanent Coast rep is appointed, it’s expected that he will not have assistant secretary status. Willard Swire, the only one with the assistant executive secretary title, is remaining in the New York- office, as are adminis- trative assistant secretary Alfred Elting and Paul Jones, recently appointed assistant to exec sec Duncan. AS ANIMAL TO ‘ANIMAL,’ CHIMP MUGGS UP LEGIT Chicago, April 21. Jose Shea, who’s been both a egit and film pressagent, is using picture angles, but with a differ- ence, in the ads for the local en- gagement of “Male Animal.”" His dea is to get away from the con- ventional quote ads used for most legit shows and at the same time try to suggest what the James Thurber-Elliott Nugent comedy is about. For the Saturday'before Easter, the display Copy included a bally- hoo quote written by Shea himself and attributed to “Chicago Play- goer:” It read, “We’ll treat our family to an Easter gift of loving laughter. And what a relief this zestful, antic comedy will be after all the dryad dramas about the sad, sad people.” Another display insertion featured the fictional quotes, “A great audience show.” “A perfect woman’s show.” “A ro- bust .man’s show.” “The male and female show.” For the clincher, in last Satur- day (18) papers, Shea used a shot of Muggs, the chimpanzee on the Dave Garroway television show, with a quote reading, “I had more fun than a barrel of people,” and signed J. Fred Muggs, NBC-TV star. Palmer House. ‘Carnival’ Production Hinges on 125G Coin Raised by Stone-SIoane Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, respective composer and lyricist of “Carnival in Flanders,” are tentatively set to be co-pro- ducers with Paula Stone and Mike Sloane of “Camivffl in Flanders,” slated for fall production on Broad- way. However, the deal is under- stood to hinge on whether the Sloanes are able to raise their $125,000 share of the required $250,000 capital. Burke and Van Heusen are digging up the other $125,000. If the coin isn’t raised," production may be dropped. Under a tentative agreement of about two weeks ago, the partner- ship arrangement was for Harry Zevin, general manager for Stone- SIoane on “Top Banana” and “Country Girl,” to be co-general manager on “Carnival,” Sharing the assignment with someone to be named by Burke-Van Heusen. Also, the latter designee was to have served as company manager of the show. However, that deal is now un- derstood to be in abeyance pend;- ing raising of the entire bankroll for the production. Meanwhile, the Equity bond has reportedly been posted and contracts have been signed with Dolores Gray; William Gaxton and John Raitt a§ costars, as well as With Bretaigne Windust as director, Jack Cole as choreographer, Oliver Smith as scenic designer and Lucinda Bal- lard for the costumes. / Pacts have also been signed for the building of the scenery and making of cos- tumes. Sam Schwartz, on loan 'from the Academy of Music, Philadelphia, is temporarily representing Burke and Van* Heusen as manager in the Stone-SIoane office in New York. The composer and lyricist are also in New York, as are Windust, Cole and Miss Stone. Slohne arid Zevin. are on the Coast, reportedly hoick- ing back auditions and setting details for the “Carnival” tryout engagements this summer uhder Los Angeles and San Franci6ct> Civic Light ; Opera subscription sponsorship.