Variety (June 1954)

58 UBCTTOIATE pssaen WedmeKUy. Jane 3 , 1954 Several first-string New York critics, having Joined in the unani- mous opening-night enhtuslaem for “Pajama Game/' are now writing followup pieces to suggest that the John Raitt, Janls Paige, Eddie Foy Jr., gtarrer isn't the greatest musical ever, but by gen- eral consensus merely the bes^of the season. Who're they disput- ing? . . . Richard Watts. Jr., critic of the N. Y. Post, argues that U. S. ^reviewers aren’t occasionally chau* venistic, as British aisle-sitters sometimes are. So someone will have to start sending clippings of cases in point, which will of course be a. matter of interpretation. Helen Hoerle takes over as com- pany manager of the Broadway edition -of “Caine, Mutiny Court Martial,” succeeding Les Thomas, who transfers to the touring troupe. . . . Pressagent. Bob Hector back from Europe . , . Monte Proser hopes to produce “Hot Hocks,” a Negro musical with book and songs by Harry Nemo, on the straWhat circuit this.summer and perhaps on Broadway in the fall . . . Harry Rigby Jr. and William Costhi have optioned “Mister Zip,” a novel by H. Allen Smith, which they hope to have adapted as a musical comedy. Composer Arthur Schwartz plans a tour with at “musical illustrated lecture on the development of the American musical theatre from Victor Herbert to Rodgers & Ham- merstein” . . . Carol Haney, fea- tured dancer who clicked in “Pa- jama Game,” is out of the show this week with a sprained ankle. . . . London producer Donald Al- bery returned to England last week after a visit to New York. Legit-TV actress Cele McLaugh- lin sailed Saturday (29) for a vaca- tion in Spain, Holland and Scan- danavia. She’s due back Aug. 2 . . . James Barton is set to star on Broadway this fall in “With Drum and Colours”. . . Edward de Velde ! plans a Broadway production this fall of “Black Cotton,” a Negro mu- sical with book by Samuel John Park, Eddie Matthews and Carlton St. Croix Beyer and songs by the latter two. George Boroff announces plans for a fall production on Broadway of “Once Upon a Tailor,” Baruch Lumet comedy he is currently presenting at his Circle Theatre, Hollywood ... “A Moon for the Misbegotten,” Eugene O’Neill drama tried out on the road in 1947 by the Theatre Guild, will be one of the first three plays to he pre- sented on Broadway in repertory next fall by The Ensemble. It re- quires a femme lead over six feet tall. Paul Vincent Gordon will direct and Lily Turner will be produc- tion manager for the off-Broad- way production ‘ of “Major Bar- bara,” at the Greenwich Mews (N.Y.) Theatre this month . . . Bill Blair, manager of the Nixon Thea- tre, Pittsburgh, for the past two years, succeeds Jack Schlissel as company manager of the Pitts- burgh Civ|p. Light Opera, with latter remaining in New York as general manager of ’‘By the Beau- tiful Sea.” Wolfe Kaufman will flack for the al fresco operation, succeeding Howard Newman, long- 1 time CLO P.A., who’s Continuing on the road as advance agent for “My Three Angels,” Off-Broadway (N.Y.) Phoenix Theatre will inaugurate a subscrip- tion . policy for next season’s five- play series, which begins Oct. 5, with ensuing preems to be held on the Tuesday of every seventh week thereafter. Norwood Smith, male lead in “Guys and Dolls,” which wound up its road tour recently, into “Can- Can” (Shubert, N.Y.) June 7. Iva Withers, who had the femme lead in the musical, will vacation in Florida with her husband, Kasimlr Kokich, ballet dancer - choreog- rapher, who’ll handle the dance direction at the St. Louis Munici- pal Opera this'summer. Gretchen Wyler, another cast member, will appear with the St. Louis company this season. Joe Shea and Buddy Kusell, flack and company man- ager, respectively* for “Dolls,” are back in New York, with Shea plan- ning a rewrite of his play, “Eight Chevaux, No Hommes.” Netta Packer, after three years and six months with the New York com- pany of the musical on Broadway and the road, left last week for hej home in San Fernando Valley, _ Staging of the Topeka (Kans.) Centennial Pageant week of May 24 took.an unusual turn when Waldo Heywood, vet Topeka Civic Theatre actor, collapsed on the outdoor stage and died during re- hearsal four days, before opening. Heywood was not replaced, his lines being spoken by an offstage • *L5QQ-ft. out- door set was under direction of William Mesder, stage marfager of the Kansas City Starlight Theatre. Producer Shep Traube in Chi last week resigning members of tfib “Time Out for Ginger” cast to new pacts, in anticipation of the comedy staying In the Windy City through the summer. Melvyn Doqglas* continues as the star, with the oply change being Les Hendrix replacing Steve McQueen, who's returning to New York. Sammy Lewis, vet nitery pro- prietor-producer, will co-produce the new musicomed^, “That’s Life,” with Danny Dare, at Las Palmas Theatre, Hollywood, late this month . . . Anna Russell isj skedded for concert appearances in Washington with the National Symphony; at the Pacific Coast Festival in Santa Barbara; the Aspen Festival; with the Cleveland Symphony, and at Ann Arbor Fes- tival this summer, and then will star in “Travellers Joy” at the Berkshire Playhouse, Stockbridge, Mass!. Following - that, $he heads for Europe. * Lamar : StringAeld is back In' Charlotte, N. C., after a New York visit, and orchestrating the score of his musical “Carolina Char- coal,” for which he penned the book, lyrics and music ... Two short plays by T. Alexander Benn, “Answer the Sphinx” and “Love Game,” will be preemed at the Na- tional Arts Club, N. Y., Friday- Sunday (4^6) . . . Frank Milton, legituner performer, took off to London for a prolonged stay there . . . Howard Erskine and Joseph Hayes opened a production office in New York yesterday (Tues.) for their contemplated fall presenta- tion of “The Desperate Hours,” adapted by Hayes from his novel of the same name. Harry Belafonte exited the cast of “John Murray Anderson’s Al- manac” Saturday (30), with Tony Bavaar taking over his songs until a replacement is set * . . Yuki Shimoda, assistant stage manager and actor in the New York com- pany of “Teahouse of the August Moon,” resumed. his duties Mon- day (31) following his. return from London, where he served &s tech- nical assistant to director Robert Lewis on the West End production of the prize-winning play. Jeffrey Lynn will play the lead in the Omaha * Centennial Historic Spectacle. to be presented Aug. 23-29 under the. supervision of Alfred Stern, head of ANTA’s Dept, of Community and Industrial Showmanship. James RUsso will direct the extravaganza, assisted by Kendrick Wilson. Script is by William Gibson, with set design by Morton Haack and choreography by Ted Cappy. Dr. Richard Dun- can, director of the Omaha Sym- phony Orch, will serve as musical director . . . Max Tarr has succeed- ed Jay Blackton as batoner for “By the Beautiful Sea,” with latter off to Hollywood; where he’ll serve as musical director for the filmization of “Oklahoma.” Ethel Reiner’s production of N. Richard Nalsh’s “The Rain- maker” -is skedded. to go into re- hearsal Sept. 13 for an Oct. 28 Broadway opening . . . Norman- Rose exited the. cast of “Fifth Sea- rSoii” Sunday night (30) after a run Jof 71- Weeks, with David Kurlan succeeding . ; Kenneth S. .Lynn of Harvard U< and Jgifies W. Ar- nold of Stamford U. won . the sec- ond Annual ■ National' Collegiate Play writing Contest for, a three- acter and one»acter, respectively. Lynn’s “The Gay Deceivers” copped $500, ‘ while' Arnold’s "The Sheriff” was awarded $100. Com- petition is sponsored by Samuel French, Inc., author’s agents. . Pitt Gets St. Lon’s Perry To Stage 3 Al Frescoes Pittsburgh, June 1. Robert Perry, of the St. Louis Municipal Opera Co. staff, is com- ing here under lend-lease to the Civic Light Opera Assn, to stage its first three under-the‘stars musi- cals of'the summer at the Pitt Sta- dium. He’ll be filling in for the regular director. Robert H. Gordon, who won’t be on hand until early tin July, when he’s finished direct- ing Arabian Nights” spectacle for puy Lombardo at Jones Beach. Perry will handle the opener, “Show Boat,” week of June 21 with Don Ameche, Colette Lyons, Jack Albertson and Edwin Steffe- “Panama Hattie,” in which loeai « sa is coming home for tne Ethel Merman role, and “The Merry Widow,” for which Patrice Munsel has just been signed. Gor- don will stage the remaining five shows In the series. Scofield Buys Out Of Legiter to Debut in He London, June 1. Paul Scofield has bought him- self out of the cast of “A Question of Fact,” current hit at the Pic- cadilly Theatre, in order to make his film debut in “That Lady,” an Anglo-American C’Scoper in which he will co-star with Olivia de Havilland and Gilbert Roland. Scofield is being temporarily re- placed In “Fact” by Jack Meri- vale. The film, which is being made by a British company, Atlanta Films, is*being lensed partly on lo- cation in Spain and .will be com- pleted at the Metro British stu- dios in Elstree. The unit left last week for Madrid for the first six weeks of filming. The produc- tion is budgeted at $1,000,000 and will be given world release through 20th-Fox. Sy Bartlett is in charge *| of production. 'Almanac Stays Under an arrangement of con- cessions from the Shuberts for the- atre rental and graduated author and director royalty waivers, John Murray Anderson’s' “Almanac” is continuing, despite operating losses for the last several weeks, when general business conditions on Broadway have deteriorated. With its revised setup, the revue could probably keep going indefi- nitely, but in The face of the tra- ditional boxoffice decline during June and July, it may not be able to hold on more than a few more weeks. Fact that the show is a doubtful touring prospect and a negligible bet for a film sale mini- mizes the chances of the manage- ment being willing to underwrite sizable losses in an attempt to span the inevitable summer slump. As indicated, “Almanac” has been operating in the red for the last sev- eral weeks. However, for the four weeks ended May 1, the period covered by the last accounting, the Michael Grace-Stanley Gilkey- Harry Rigby, Jr., production earned $12,269 on a gross of $151,- 977. That brought the total operat- ing profit to date to $66,306, and left $187,713 still to be recouped on its $250,000 investment. The revue cost $254,019 to bring in. Of the $62,287 capital available, $41,900 is in bonds and deposits, $7,894 is due from the authors for orchestrations, $2,688 is still due on ‘ the overcall from the limited partners, and there is $9,806 re- serve. "Almanac” is currently in its 26th week at the Imperial Theatre, N. Y., with Hermione Gingold and Billy De Wolfe costarred. Hurok Off to Europe To Prep N.Y. Producer Bow With New Williams Play Impresario Sol Hurok is sailing to Europe Friday (4); where he’ll spend most of the summer in Eng- land, France and Italy scouting talent and propping fall visits here of several attractions, such as the Festival Ballet, Old Vic Co. in “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Emlyn Williams in his new play, “Someone Waiting.” ‘‘Waiting” will mark Hurok’s bow as a Broadway stage producer, as he’ll take full responsibility for casting, decor, etc. Hurok has imported shows for brief Broadway runs and national tours, and offered Williams In readings two seasons on Broadway, but this will mark first time he’s actually producing a play in N.Y. Ttys month will witness a gen- eral exodus of Hurok staffers to Europe. Martin Feinstein, Hurok press head, leaves with his wife and assistant, Bernice, tomorrow (Thui's.) for a six-week biz-vacation trip to England and the Continent. Mae Frohman, administrator for Hurok, goes abroad end of June for the summer. Even the secre- tary of the press department, Mar- ily Herman, is going abroad end of June. Going to Town London, May 22, Tennent Production*, Ltd., production of revue In two parts. Sketches by Alan Melville; lyrics by Melville. PAul Dehn, Marjorie Dunkels; music. Kenneth Leslie- Smith, James Bernard, Charles Zwar;*dl- rectlon, costume* and dance arrange- ments bv WlUlam Chapcell. Stars Her- mione Baddeley, Dora Bryan with Ian Carmichael, Eric Berry, Shirley Eaton, Rachel Roberts, Leo Clcerl, Myles Eason, Richard Logan. At St. Martin’s Theatre, London, May 20, ! '34. 92.33 top. Israel Philharmonic Orchestra engaged American soprano Fran- ces Yecnd, lead with the N.Y. City Opera Co., as soloist for eight per- formances of Verdi's “Requiem,” In Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and Haifa, between June 27 and July 12. The essence of revue should he snanoy dialog, topical skits and sophisticated songs. In this re- spect, “Moving to Town” is a step back, not forward, compared with recent similar productions. It had a successful tryout at the Lvric, Hammersmith, some months hack under the title “At .the Lyric.” but was renamed when transferred here when some changes were made. Unless ingredients are top- grade the'pot-pourri of this type of show tends to appear amateur- ish. and some of the early [scenes in this effort; fall into this category. It should attract here on the new- ly-awakened interest in intimate revue, and cash in. on the stars’ past successes. But It is definitely not. for exoort. Talent is mainly from the dis- taff side, headed by Hermione Baddeley. who relies too indus- triously on freakish characteriza-'] tions and waspish comments on her contemporaries. As an estab- lished favorite she gets away with much that is below standard, and registers best when partnered bv Dora Bryan, a younger up-and- coming comedienne. Miss Bryan’s dumb cockney type of humor fits neatly into various comedy spots. She is at her best as a patient con- sulting a psychiatrist blandly re- vealing her urge to push people over heights, then proving her ooint bv making the medico her fourth victim as he stands by an open window. Parodies of current Oriental plays, the tele mania aiid third- rate hotel habitues give scope for the entire coirtDanv. An inter- olanetary skit performed In the musical style of the 1920’s makes a lively contrast. Marjorie Dun- Veis sunolies excellent mimicry of Bette Davis. Vivien Leigh and Dorothv Tutin (star of “I Am a Camera”). The glamor Is repre- sented bv Rachel Roberts and Shirley Eaton, who make intermit- tent appearances in song and dance. Ian Carmichael leads the male contingent with skilled versatility. Commendable support is supplied I'v. Leo Ciceri, Eric Berry and Myles Eason. Clem. Void lo Jour (Day Dawns) Paris, May . 25. Yvonne Prlntemp* production of drama In three acts by Jean Lasserro. Stars Pierre Fresnav and Yvonne Printemps. Sets by rharle- K»*-r. At Mlchodiere 'Theatre. Paris. $3 top. Jeanne Francois* Yvon He Prlntemns contain Pierre w re«nay Fulano Aram Stepham Uondlne Nourreddine Aha U9her Jacques Herlln Secretary . Leo THAI N»*jve ....Marc Arlan NaOve .Alexandre Randal Native Daniel Lnrmont Genevieve Irene Montal dramaturgy, being the initial the- atre attempt pf it* author, a for- mer journalist. Direction—not credited—is probably by Fresnay and like actor’s performance and that of his wife makes a brave ef- fort to enliven long-winded script Curt. Yvonne Prlntemos and P(erre Fresnay are the Lunts of Paris. The most popular legit team in France, their following is tre- mendous. but even their most faithful fans will be disaDpointed in their new one. “Dnv” is shakv, preposterous meller which, though it offers thgm a couple of oppor- tunities for hieh histrionics, is in itself old-fashioned, meandering and dull. Script has a dusty flavor and might have served as good film fodder back in silent days when desert passion ruled the screen. Locale is tropical South American town during a native uprising against foreigners. It concerns the local escort officer who falls in love with a Mother Superior who has httd to flee her convent dur- ing the riot. Nun tries to persuade the officer to leave her, but for entire act he pleads his case, sug- gesting she break her vows and run away with him. When young nun murders : a native, the crowd demands blood and Mother Superior, emulating Sydney Carlton, sacrifices herself by taking the crime on herself and goes to her death accompanied by her Would-be lover. Printemps and Fresnay, expert and charming players, are wrong for heavy melodramatic pieces, Jjut struggle valiantly to bring its leading characters to life. Play, too, seetus out of place at Micho- diere. long home of sophisticated, boulevard comedy. Even on its own term*, it is a. crude piece of Seven Year If eh (FULTON. N. Y.) After several appearances in stock and on the road, film actress Sally Forrest makes her Broadway debut as the provocative dish from upstairs in the original production ° f u G ,f° r A e u A ^ od ^:‘ S even Year Itch,” at the Fulton, N. Y. As the successor to Vanessa Brown, who withdrew for a picture stint, Miss Forrest; demonstrates that this juicy ingenue role is a natural for almost any pert, competent young Miss Forrest's blonde looks and figger are pkay for the part and she’s believable enough, although she doesn’t give the impression of thinking much about the lines either hers or those of Tom Ewell* the star, with whom she plays ali her scenes. Since the character is a chatterbox, this isn’t too serious but in a couple of scenes, notably the Noel Cowardish reverie bit she and Ewell aren’t entirely audi- ble. Perhaps- most important. Miss Forrest appears to have watched Miss Brown’s perform- ance a few times, and seems to be at least unconsciously copying some of. her mannerisms. Otherwise, “Itch” holds up sur- prisingly -well for an 18-month runner. Ewell is again giving a standout performance as the sum- mer bacheldr with the runaway imagination and conscience. If he has, inevitably, grown somewhat mechanical In some respects, his playing has moments of real fresh- ness, and he admirably combines the necessary drive, earnestness and comedy for the marathon as- signment. As before. Ntva Patterson, Rob- ert Emhardt and George Keane are excellent in the principal sup- porting roles and, everything con- sidered, it's easy to see why this Cuortney Burr-Elliott Nugent pro- duction continues to be a boxoffice cleanup. Hobe. Stalatf 17 (GREAT NORTHERN, CHI.) M Chicago, May 20. This tale of life in a'World War II Goman PW camp wears fairly well despite some obvious revamp- ings to fit it into the “popular priced” touring classification. The Leonard Altobeli & Charles Har- row version, staged in a slambang fashion by Robert Shawley, makes at times an overly rough attempt to live up to its “uncut and unex- purgated” billings. Much of the tension and drama inherent in the prison situation has been swamped for laugh treatment and “men without women” angles. With a few notable exceptions, the cast is made up pf too many young men still learning their craft, an apprenticeship not much helped by Shawley’s mechanical direction. However, the Donald Bevan- Edmund Trzcinski play is sturdy enough for the clientele on this go- round. George Tobias continues to give tho affair Its big spark as the union-suited Stosh who keeps the proceedings alive. He’s aided and abetted no little by Carmen Filpi who treats the Harry Shapiro role tb a rowdy whirl. Ray Stricklyn, newest addition, is just a little too prettily immodest as the barracks’ baby, but the bathing bit still packs laughs. Those with the serious parts fare worst in the farclal context. Al- bert Dannibal shows Irregular flashes of ability as the suspected stoolie, but isn’t strong enough to bring off the abrupt changes in mood. Same goes for Ray New- comer as the group-’s leader. Len Wayward lacks authority in the part of the real Informer. Robert Bernard Is strictly cut to pattern as Corporal Schultz. Dave. London Logit Bits London, May 25. When Jack Hylton’s “Wonderful Time” comes to , the West End (there’s a persistent rumor that it follows “Guys A Dolls” at the Lon- don Coliseum) the star in it will be Billie Worth . . . Hans May off to the South of France on three weeks’ vacation, and expects to go to Paris to close deal for tne French adaptation of his hit musi- cal, “Wedding .In Paris.” currently at the London 'Hippodrome