Variety (November 1953)

58 LEGITIMATE Wednesday, November 4 , 19',3 French Rap B’way Crix, Hit-Flop Setup For Parisian Plays; Call U.S. Prudes I»aris. Nov. 3. ♦ Now lt '^ tin* French drama critics and press who are blaming New York l«*i*it reviewers and Broad- way's hit or flop propensity for the early demise of Parisian play-, transplanted to Ainerira. Talk has been heightened by recent N. Y. Hops of "The Strong Are Lonely. h V Fritz llochwalder. which ran for two years here as "Sur La 'Jetre Coniine Au ( iel’ '"On Earth as in Heaven”), and Andre llous- sins “The Little Hut.” which ran here for four years and three in I ondon. '"llui” closed on Broad- way Saturday <31) after three and- a half weeks). Regarding the failure of "Hut. the French are claiming that Amor ieans are more prudish than even the Knglish. while also pointing to the paradox of tin* U. S. accept- ing such sexy plays as "lohacco Road,” "Streetcar Named Desire” and "Picnic.” As to "Strong Are Lonelv,” Vidor Kraheen. who played in both the Parisian and Broadway versions, feels that the play might .have succeeded in N. Y. if the producers could have kept it on for a w hile for word of- mouth and other response. French crix also mention other Parisian casualties in the l . S'., such as Jean Anouilh s ' Legend of Lovers” < "F.tirydiee"), “Ring Around the Moon ("Invitation Au Chateau"' and “Cry of the Pea- cock" ' Ardele"). Jean Bernard Luc’s "Le Complexo De Philemon." Koussin’s "Nina." Colette's "Chen and the Anna Bonaeei. Henri 'lean- son "L'lleure Ktilouiv>ante” C the Dazzling Hour"'. Top Critics As Czars Boussin says that three or four of the top N. Y crix control the destinies of all plays there. He said that when his "Nina" opened in N. Y. it was already sold out for three weeks on the name of its star, (Hoiia Swanson, but after a catastrophic series of reviews many of the people sent hack their tick- ets He concludes that with the public hog tied by critics, making a play an immed'ate hit or flop, there is little chance to have a rich and varied theatre in N Y. Conversely, many l\ S. hits have gone into limbo here, such as ‘■.Harvey," adapted by Marcel 1 Aehaid and starring top draw Fer- nard Gravey; "Mister Roberts,” with Claude Dauphin, which got a fa>t bruMiofT here; Mel Dinelli's , "The Man." various English plays ! such as ".lane” and many others. ! However, in spite of this, play ex- changes go on and the Paris season will have a flock of L\ S. and Eng- lish plays on the boards tffis sea-, son "Seven Year Itch” is floun- dering here, and "Deep Blue Sea” might get by here on the acting of Madeleine Robinson. "The Rope" looks in for a run. as well as "Dial M for Murder.” Tennessee Williams has had moderate success here with "Streetcar Named De- sire” and "Rose Tattoo.” Another tough legiter to cross the borders is the musical. The French still like the vintage-stilted variety of musical and their long- run» "Le Chanteur De Mexico” and ‘ La Belie De New York" would pet short shrift in N. Y. Some sea- sons ago "Annie Get Your Gun” had a moderate season’s run at the h.g spec hou>e. the Chatelet, here. Though grandiose aspects wore added, the nu>« of the d: i accept the s } irit« ar.J t:ie fact that there were so many scenes withi only two people or. the j here has been talk of doing Pal Jpey" and "Guys and D'vi- h»*-re which might get the } ■ mg-r set ar 1 perhaps bring S' out i < at . •: tjiuiiial cor. t. >r. here Wayne, Silver Stepping Out of London ‘Dolls’ London, Nov. 3. First changes in the cast of the London production of "Guys and Dolls" are skodded for the end of November, at conclusion of the first half-year at the London Coliseum. Feucr & Martin musical proemed in the West End May 28 after a week’s tryout at Bristol. Major changes concern Jerry Wayne, who costars with Vivian Blaine and Sam Levene as Sky Masterson. and Johnny Silver, who plays Benny Southstreet. It's understood that Canadian vocalist Edmund llockeridge, who was in the Drury Lane production of "Carousel." is stepping into the Wayne part Lou Jacobi is reportedly exiling the Liver Lips Louie role. Harry G. Smith nostalgically roviowt Tom tiling on the Old Tvnt Ground saga of tHo loro and tradition of 'Tom' shows * * * another editorial feature in the forthcoming Anniversary Number of 4Hth Z^KtETY Inside Stuff-Legit Backers of "Escapade.” the Alfred de Liagre, Jr -Roger L. Stevens production of Roger MacDougall's comedy costarring Roger Livesey and Ursula Jeans, include de Liagre’s father, attorney Morris L. Ernst, re*>. resenting an undisclosed client, former actress-writer Nancy Hamilton and scenic designer Donald Oenslager, $700 each; orchestra leader-con- tractor Meyer Davis, de Liagre, attorney Arnold Grant, Louis A Lo- tito, president of City Playhouses, Inc., and manager of the MartVn Beck. N. Y , and actress Peggy Wood. $1,400 each; theatre owner How- ard S. Cullman. Saul Lancourt. of Leblang’s ticket agency and mar.- ager of the 48th Street. N. Y., where the show is to open next week $2,800 each; former producer Joseph Verner Reed. $7,700, and co-pro! ducer Stevens. $14,700. Venture is capitalized at $70,000, with prov.- sion for 20 r t overcall. Europe Seen as Ripe, Wide Field for U.S. Longhairs; Audiences Readymade A ripe, wide field for both the young American artist and the vet concert performer lies uncultivated in western Europe, according to David Lihidins. indie impresario and manager of Vladimir Horowitz. Wanda Landowska and others. Lihidins lias ju-t returned from a month's survey of towns and fa- cilities in Scandinavia. France. Germany and Italy. He found tre- mendous longhair activity every- where, unlike anything here, he says. Out of 33 towns with state or city opera houses or theatres in western Germany, 22 had their houses partially or completely de- stroyed during the last war. Yet music activity Is undiminished. with makeshift theatres in use. and presentations and production tech- niques, way ahead of the U. S. Europeans in the mass like to go to concerts and operas, says Li bi- dins. unlike America. The audi- ences are there, readymade, flu- rope is also interested in hearing American talent, vocal or instru-^ mental. If an artist is successful in one place, there's immediate demand for his services elsewhere Engagements come promptly, un- like the experience of artists over here. For the young artists, Lihidins sees Europe as a fine training ‘Rigoletto’ Impresses In Bouncy, Crisp Return To N.Y. City Opera Rep Return of "Rigoletto” to the N Y. City Opera Co. repertoire at City Center, N. Y., last Friday (30), after a couple of seasons’ absence, j was most welcome. Under con- ductor Julius Rudd’s bouncy, crisp guidance, the old melodious Verdi warhorse came olT again as a lusty, tuneful music-tragedy, examplary in most respects. Eva Likova, as Gilda, was main onstage reason for its success, re- vealing a line well-schooled col- oratura and excellent stage deport- ment. Handling of the "Caro Nome" aria, singer holding herself properly in reserve for the big moments, was a treat to behold as well as hear. Walter C’assel was a vocally, as well as dramatically, effective Rigoletto, although ham- ming things up a bit. Walter Fred- ericks made a thoroughly accept- able Duke, with a neat lyric vocal line, although he strained occa- sionally in the long stretches. Supporting roles were well taken, especially by Norman Trei- gle as Sparatucile and Richard Wentworth as Monterone. /iron. Producer-director Shepard Traube was cleared last week in Flush- ing <N. Y.) court of a disorderly conduct charge brought by the Long Island R. R In a written opinion tossing out the case. Judge J. Irwin Shapiro said in part. "If there was any disorderly conduct here, it vva> upon the servant and agent of the railroad, who, by his actions caused whatever incident happened. It is clear to me from the testimony . that the only reason for applying for. and obtaining a summons an i bringing on this proceeding was to try to get .the Long Island R. R om from under an improper and illegal arrest, which has been so held !>v the judge who passed on that arrest ... It was only because the de- fendant Traube dared to invade the sanctity of the complainant's em- ployment thereto on ville, L. I., last July 30. on complaint of a trainman. They were en route to Fire Island. N.. Y., having just returned from Europe. I UUItM v.tv VWllljMUIihlHl .'l fill- by asking for his number, that the entire incident subsequent •curred." Traube and his wife w’ere originally arrested in Sa\- Baekers of "At Home with Ethel Waters,” one-woman show recently presented by Charles Bowden and Richard Barr (producer Herman Levin was also partnered in the project, but withdrew several week, before the premiere, and returned the financing he had raised) at the 48th Street. N. Y . included actress Fay Bainter, $500; James E. St rood*, president of Brooks Costume, $500; TV-radio executive Willson M. Tuttle, $500; producer-director Martin Manulis, $500; actress Ona Mun- son. $500; producer Francis Curtis, $500; ( Lucille Lortel, operator of the White Barn Theatre, Westport, Conn.'. $250; production assistant Billy Matthews. $500; dancer Harold Franklin, $500; radio-TV writer Elaine Carrington. $1,000; actor George Keane, $500; souvenir program agent A1 Greenstone. $500; Queenio Smith, Coast rep of the Theatre Guild. $500; producer Joel Schenker, $1,000; theatrical accountant Charles Renthal. $500; producer-director George Schaefer. $500; author- composer Charles B Gaynor, $500, and actor Peter Cookson. $5i)n. Venture was capitalized at $25,000. PLEASANT MAY RETURN AS BALLET GROUP MGR. Lucia Chase, director of Ballet Theatre. Is dickering with Richard i Pleasant, co-founder with Miss Chase of the troupe in 1939. to return to it as director or general j manager. Pleasant, more recently, 1 has been in the legit-concert pub- j licity biz, teamed with Isadora | Bennett, who would continue that j operation. Prospects look good for the BT deal to go through. Troupe will observe its 15th anni next year. Recently returned from a long European trek. Ballet Thea- tre will open its- American tour Dec. 28 in Philadelphia. But it will put on a one-night gala at the Film actress Leslie Caron, who will make her Broadway stage debut as a ballerina with Roland Petit’s Ballets de Paris in January, is the daughter of Margaret Petit, who danced in Broadway musicals in the early ’20s, in "What’s In a Name,” "Greenwich Village Follies," "Sweet Little Devil” and others. There’s no relation between the two Petits. She is the niece of Lucette Caron who covers the Paris fashion front for Variety. Miss Caron, on four-months’ leave from Metro, is now in Paris re- hearsing a new ballet, about a modern Sleeping Beauty, which Petit has especially choreographed for her. It will be tried out in London and Monte Carlo before New York. Miss Caron is due back at Metro March 1. Backers of "Ladies of the Corridor," Walter Fried production of the Dorothy Parker-Arnaud d’Usseau drama which opened recently at the Longacre. N. Y.. include the producer himself, $5,400; Wallace G. Garland, president of Broadway Angels, Inc., representing the in- vestment group, $3,600; writer Arthur Kober, $1,800; Gabriel Katzka, former production assistant to Paula Stone and Mike Sloane, $1,800, Frances Starr, featured actress in the play, $1,800; songwriter-pro- ducer Ray Golden. $1,800; production secretary Gertrude Applebaum, $1,500; souvenir program agent A1 Greenstone, $1,200; investor-produc- er Ethel Linder Reiner, $1,000; Louis Azrael, columnist of the Balti- more News-Post, $1,000; Mrs. Lawrence Weiner, w’ife of the ad agency head, $900; Mrs. Marshall Field. $900; film theatre executive Edward L. Fabian. $450, and producer Elaine Perry, $225. Prospect is capitalized at $75,000. Rodgers & Hammerstein are in the throes of casting suitable cus- todians for a pair of Siamese cats which they have asked Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald, the radio-TV Mr. and Mrs. team known for their attachment - —„ ..., v - . t° felines, to supply as a regular prop of "The King and I.” Oscar ground, to acquire stage experi- 1 ^P c T a “° l i se * . * - r , e j Hammerstein 2d. just returned from London, found the West End com- ence. check on repertoire, etc. before ‘^ ec * main idea being pany’s utilization of a Siamese cat as a stage prop very effective, hence to raise funds towards next sea -1 the request to the Fitzgeralds who insisted that a pair would be more humane r one to keep the other company"), and also that the right ea-t member—one who knows how to handle cats, which apparently differs from the average dog pet routine—be selected to take cate of the Siamese felines. repei Furthermore, a budding artist can arrange a debut concert in a Euro- pean city for $2.50 to $350, with all costs, like manager's fee. included, whereas the same dehut appear- ance in N. Y s Town Hall would cost $1,500. With acceptable publicity from that concert, the artist can receive remunerative dates elsewhere di- rectly after. And he can return to America with a reputation, for a further career here. son's anni celebration. * public never I ted goings-on Markova Inked by Cuevas; To Dance With Metopera Bale a q • S r b* A! fp * i -A Vlicia ' ’ irkova left E irope Sunday *1 » to artist w ,th the Mar- ae.vav’ Grand Ballet de • •> She ll' appear with in Par.- for two weeks; 17 She's aloi been .**. firv Met Opera ap- dahre in N Y. in performances of 23, partnered by V Ro. and Dar. of a no' ar., : v .. ,iu.l Jar. 3 a >quez. er w as on (i O NBC-1 V Show 24 and is due back . (deo appearance Jan. 2. New Balto Impresario Team Ups Concert Sked J Baltimore. Nov 3. Emergence of David Gilbert and Harry Slieelv a> local impresarios is giving Baltimore a large num- ber and diversity of concert attrac- tions this season. Four years ago. the team branched out .from their finance busirv is when they front- ed a Mario Lanza recital Since that time, they have added more presentation-, to their sh,*e and opened the Central Te km \goru> to serve a> an outlet for their en- terprises At present, they have taken over prominence in this field locally from I.diian 1 1 owe 11 B annoy, who now confining hor- se.f to her ticket brokerage firm after several spotty sea-ons doub- ling a> entrepreneur. Last sea on. they inaugurated a Celebrity Series which they are repeating this season with -ox events, including appearances by Jan Peerce. I tilde Guedon. Lubo- shut/ A NcmenofT. Roberta Peters and Arthur Rubinstein The series is insured by 2,100 subscribers. Columbia Artists’ French, III, Quits Top Exec Post Ward French, chairman of the board of Columbia Artists Mgt.. has resigned that post due to ill health. Early next month he's leav- ing N. Y. for an extended rest, to shake off effects of an operation last summer. French will still head up the Community Concerts division of CAM. however. Walter Brown, a Columbia veepee, has been elected exec veepee of the board, and he and Frederick Schang, Jr., prez of Columbia, will share French’s former board duties. Robert Ferguson, cxcc veepee of Community, and Kenneth Alexan- der will administer Commu- nity'-, affairs during French’s ab- 'cnce. Another important Colum- bia change finds Arthur • Judson. t’AM'i honorary prez and head of it> Judson, O'Neill & Judd divi- sion. returning to the Columbia hoard after a three year absence. Touring "Misalliance" is now offering an extra-added attraction. As an afterpiece, Martyn Green, the D'Oyly Carte comedian who replaced Barry Jones in the Broadway revival of the Shaw comedy last season and is continuing in the role on the road, steps out front at the final curtain and gives out with three or four of his famed Savoyard patter songs while the company sits around on the stage set behind him. Green did the Shaw-Savoyard double feature for the first time opening night of "Misalliance" at the Nixon in Pittsburgh last Monday <26> and it was a roaring success, so the act stays in for the remainder of the show's travels. Claire Drew, currently playing femme lead in Canadian Repertory Theatre’s "The Biggest Thief in Town.” is the second U. S. player the Ottawa winter stock has imported in four years. She's a young B<’'* tonian who got a few TV jobs in New York last season, modeling the rest of the time. Past two summers she was ingenue with Brae Marne | Playhouse, Knowlton. Que. Yale Drama 1-Acters New Haven. Nov. 3. Yale Drama Dept, will inaugu- rate its 1953-54 semester of major productions with a pair of one- acters on Nov. 4-7. ‘ Mogo and the Little People," by Hugh Hill, and "Another Summer," by William Snyder, are the ice- breakers. Attendance at Eli productions is » by invitation only, ) Hunter A1 Fresco Drama To Be Staged in Tucson Greensboro, N Nov. 3. Kermit Hunter completed a new l outdoor drama, "The Bell and The Plow," which w ill be produced next spring at Tucson, Ariz. This will be the seventh produc- tion to come ouLof the tJ. of North Carolina, where Hunter works and teaches. It will be the fourth for Hunter. Paul Green has done three such shows. The music for the Arizona pro- duction. which has been built around the life of Father Eusedio Kino, a Jesuit missionary who died in 1711, is being written by Jack j Frederick Kilpatrick, Cherokee In- dian composer, who did the musi- j cal score for "Unto These Hills,” French Govt. Theatres Lockout Nearing End Paris. Nov. 3 End of the lockout of the ( > > die-Francaise. Opera and Ope ** Comique. which started two wee.",' ago, looks imminent. Brought on by refusal of the stagehands to • <> scenery fflr the preem of a < *', play, "Honeymoon In Mourning the Ministry of Beaux Arts im- posed a lockout on all the govern- ment controlled theatres. Talks between theatre reps i.r.a syndicate heads have been Ro-| - on the last two w-eeks while ' was deprived of its top specian^ a theatres at the height of the season- Other houses were not affecteu n. this hassle.