Variety (October 1954)

68 LEGlTIMATV! Bell, Book and tandle London, Oct. 7. H. Ms Tonnent Ltd. (by arransement with Irene Mayer Selzntck) production of. comedy in. three : acts* by John van Druten. Stars Lilli; Palmer, Bex Harrison. Directed by Harrison; setting, Alati lagg. At Phoenix Theatre, London, Oct. 6, ♦ 54; ■ $2.35 top. Gillian Holroyd .., ... Anthony Henderson ,.. MlsS Holi’oyd . . . . . * Nicholas. Holroyd. ..... Sidney Redlitch .. ... Lilli Palitier■ .,.. Rex Harrison ..; Athene Scyler David Eyans Wilfrid Lawson Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer, appear to be greater spellbinders than John van Druten. That “Bell, Book and . Candle” will have a profitable London run is hardly in doubt. Its success,, however, will be mainly a personal tribute to the two. stars whose performances en- rich and. sustain the play. Even an experienced craftsman of the calibre of Van Druten has had difficulty in Sustaining a single joke over three acts. At half time, the action shows signs of limping along rather uncertainly, and it al- most fizzles out by the time the final curtain is reached. The great strength of the play is in the powerful and wholly amus- ing, first act which establishes the romance between Miss Palmer as the witch 1 and Harrison as the un- suspecting man upstairs. The opening act is tautly writ- ten, with the strong laugh situa- tions spaced at regular and fre- quent intervals. • ’ The general theme, however, makes it impossi- ble to maintain that standard, al- though there- are some lively bits, of dialog to provoke audience chuckles; The Harrisons are a match for the excellent'comedy of the first act and are able to rise above the in- adequacies of the subsequent acts. Their performances are a delight and set a high standard for the small, select cast. ^ Athene Seyler, vet character ac- tress, plays the aunt with obvious goOd humor, and David Evans turns in an amusing study as the warlock brother v Wilfrid Lawson gives another superb performance as the author of a best-seller on black magic. . Harrison, with his personal ex- perience ini the original New York production behind him, has direct- ed the play with assurance, and is. helped by the attractive single set-, ting designed by Alan Tagg. Myro. D»s Klcinc Tecliaiis (TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST' MOON) Berlin, Qct; 5. Berlin Cultural Festival production of >medy in three acts,, by John PatrioK »sed on. novel ,by Vern Sneidfer; German laptation by Qscar Karlweis. Stars Kail- els; features Bruno Fritz, Karl_ John, r alter Gross, Dolores'Ling. Directed by eo Mlttlej;; scenery. Ita Maximowna; loreoKraph; Yoshio Aoyama. At Renais- mce Theatre, BerUn; $2.50 top. .. iklnl ;....... Oscar Karlweis >1, Purdy ..... ipt. Flsby^... . ipt. McLea"n ... •rgeant Aldrich itus Blossom .. r. Oshira •. r. Seiko . .... : .. Id Woman ...... er Daughter *. Id Man , . iss Higa-Jiga ... r. HoKaida .. . r. Omura r. Sumata ..... is Father ...... r, Keora Bruno Fritz Karl John .... Walter Gross Heinz Palm ...: Dolores Ling ; Martin Berliner Michael Chevalier ,,,. Anni Battmer ■ Cilly . Liu .. Josef Wilhelmi .. Dorothea Thiess . . . Walter Renter . Reinhold Pasch , Gerhard Mueller • ' Hans Binricr Walter Wlenecke John Patrick’s “Teahouse” is one of the most enjoyable and laugh- able comedies seen in Berlin in some time. It’s an' American con-: tributiori with sure appeal to Ger- COMMON STOCK 1 The Company wHi employ itsfunds m in. diversified entertainment enter-- || prises corinected with televisi || motion pictures and the theatre, jl Price 50£ o shore jl IfiOLlY WOOD ANGELS, IRC. Dept, Vl* 1 29 West 65th St., H.Y. 23, N. Y. I I TRafalgar 4-1015 I I Send free Offeri ithout cost! ! I | J- Atirlriitt ■ . I I CltK ... • , 7nnti I J State. Phone , I — — — — — — — — — — _ IS.Y.C; — EAST SIDE Near Pork Avenue Several Charming Unfurnished Apartments on Street With Theatrical People, For Ootallt MRS. DETMOLD 230 East 49th Street EL 5-1927 Abroad mail audiences. Story about U.S. Army officers trying to ; bring deniocracy .to a Japanese village has immediate, unmistakable appli- cation to American-rfccupied Ger- many. “ Although in many instances “Teahouse” makes fun of. the American way of life, it is, at least in one respect, a credit to: Ameri- cans as seen through German eyes. Most of tlie Germans have always admired the Americans’ readiness to laugh at themselves. They regard “Teahouse” as another example of American self-kidding; After only a few days, “Tea- house” s has become mustrriot-be- missed item with the public, with word-of-mouth an enormous factor. In all; this comedy seems to have the making of a long run in Berlin. Oscar Karlweis .has obviously done art outstanding adaptation job. Moreover, as Sakini, the inter- preter, he steals the show with bis heart-warming and charming per- formance. This role of an Oriental Figaro has boosted the star to a new high here,, and there are’a number of local thetregbers who say. he . should remain here per- manently. Th,e actor had an estab- lished, career in Berlin In the 20’s, but Was forced to flee Germany, during the Hitler period. A brilliant performance is also given by Bruno Fritz, as the red- tape-happy Col. Purdy. Other ef- fective portrayals are given by Karl John as the earqest, likable Gapt. Fishy, Walter Gross as the horticulture-hipped Cat>t; McLean, while Austro-Chinese- actress Do- lores Ling has exotic charm as the geisha. Direction by Leo Mittler, a Vet whose reputation dates back to the Max Reinhard area, is smooth. Ita Maximowria’s scenery is colorful and imaginative, especially consid- ering the Renaissance Theatre’s limited space. The musical accom-r paniment adds greatly to the com- edy’s, mood. Hans. Ei it Mond Flier Die Beladeiieii (A MOON FOR THE MISBE- GOTTEN) Berlin, Oct. 1. Berlin Cultural- Festival production of drama in four acts, by Eugene O'Neill.. Stars. Judith Holzmeister. Fritz Tillmanii, Hermann Erhardt, Gerd Martienzen, Guenther Pfitzmann, Directed by Kurt Hirschfeld; scenery and costumes, WU-. helm Reinking. At Theatre am Kurfuer- stendamm, Berlin; $2.50 top. Josie Hogan Judith Holzmeister Phil Hogan Hermann Erhardt Mike 1 Hogan . Gerd, Martienzen James Tyrone Jr. Fritz Tlllmann F. Stedman Harder. .Guenther Pfitzmann Eugene O’Neill's “A Moon for the Misbegotten” had its German preem at the 1954 Berlin Cultural Festival. The show is brilliantly staged, by Kurt Hirschfeld, guest director from Switzerland, and ex- pressively played by well-chosen cast. The drama about a Connecticut farm family in 1923, is one of the most successful modern classical offerings of Uie current Berlin art presentation/ It has been enthu- siastically received by crix and sophisticates, and should be strong enough to run here for quite a While. However,, a number of ordinary theatregoers regard “Misbegotten” as too stark. They object to O’Neill’s apparent pessimism and the heavy dialog, although the pro-, duction' is orie of the best ones seen here in recent years. Hirsch- f eld’s understanding direction brings out the difficult undertones of irohy to advantage, and gets magnificent performances from the actors. Fritz Tlllmann, as James Tyrone Jr., a -drunkard, gives his best portrayal here to date. Judith Holzmeister is convincing and memorable Rs Josid Hogan. Also notable are Hermann Erhardt, Gerd Martienzen and Guenther Pfitz- mann. Wilhelm Reinking’s settings, with changing light effects, suit the mood of the drama. Hans. Elefctra Berlin, Oct. 3. Berlin Cultural. Festival production of drama in two acts, by Jean Giraiidoux, translated by .Hans Rothe. Stars Joana Marla Gorvin, Roma Balm, Waiter Franck. Directed by Leopold Lindtberg; scenery and costumes, Caspar Neher; music* Her- bert Baumann. At Schlosspark Theatre, lerlin; $2.50 top. Elektra ... ........ Joana Marla Gorvin Klytaemnestra: Roma Bahn Aegisth. ........... Walter Franck Orest ;......,,,. Kurt Buecheler Theokathokles .,,. Otto Graf Agathe, his wife Eva Li 9 sa Beggar ; . Edwin Kaiser Gardener Hansi Hessling It- doubtful whether Girau- doux’s “Elektra” will have a long run here. Piece seems patterned for arty audiences, and is perhaps more suitable for dramatic reading than for a stage performance. Play has little, conventional en- tertainment value, but should be a treat for those who like sophisti- cated wordplay. This Giraudoux version of the Greek tragedy is re- vised chiefly in that Aegisth is not yet king, nor has he married Kly- thaemnestrai, Elektra’s mother. * .Leopold Lindtberg’s direction manages to get an artistic perform- ance, but doesn’t succeed in rem- edying the dull moments inherent in the character of drama. So, despite that and the Well-balanced arid iritellig^ntly writing, “Elektra” probably won’t appeal to most theatregoers. Acting is superb, bs usual, at the Schlosspark Theatre; It’s primarily an ensemble.achievement, with no outstanding individual perform- ance. Caspar. Neher’s scenery arid costumes are up to his high stand- ard. Hans. i i ivm Playwrights Co, production of Samuel Taylor’s comedy; “Sabrina Fair,” earned $57,754 net profit on its 3i7-perf6rmance Broadway run ended last Aug, 21. On the basis of the standard 50-50 split between management and b a c k e r s , that gives the latter nearly 589& profit on their $50,000 investment. Total distributed, profit as of Sept. 20 Was $57,500,. with $254 available for future distribution. During the last three weeks of its. run, play lost $449, while closing expenses canie to $41,170. Adjust- ment of New York State uriiricOjr- porated business tax brought in an additional $491. Royalty income came to $3,410. Ex-Harvard Dental Prof Mapping‘Ballet Ballads’ Revival for Broadway A revival ol “Ballet Ballads” is planned for 1 Broadway production next January by Robert Fanning, who’ll be making his managerial debut. When originally produced in New York in 1948 by T. Edward Hambleton and Alfred R. Stern, under the Experimental Theatre bander, show was comprised of three ballet dramas. A new pliece, “Red Ridirig Hood Revisited,” will be added to the revival. Dramatizations are by John La- touche, with music by Jerome Moross. Sono Osato, who appeared in only “Willie The Weeper” in the original production, will have the lead in three of the vignettes in the revival. Paul Godki , who was one of three choreographers on the original, will repeat his assign- ment, Production Will be directed by Elliot Silverstei , who recently staged “The Crucible” for the Arena Stage, Washington. 4 . Scenery Will be by William Pit- ki / costumes by Ariel Ballif arid musical direction by Ben Stein- berg. Fanning, incidentally, was formerly a dental instructor at Harvard College and served as a major in the army. Selection of a theatre hasn’t beep made yet, but it’s understood the Bijou is being considered.. Current London Shows London, Oct. 12. . (Figures denote premiere dates) After the Ball/ Globe (0-10-54), , Airs Shoestring, Royal Ct. (4-22-53). All For Mary; Duke York (9-9-54). Bell, Book, Candle, Phoenix (10-5-54). '■pth Ends Meet* Apollo (6-9-54). Boy Friend,. Wyndham’s (12-1-53'. Dark Light Enough,- Aidwych (4-30-54). Day By The Sea, Haymarket (11-26-53). D'.Oy.ly Carte Opera,:Savoy. (9.-13-54), Dry Rot, Whitehall. (8-31-54). Duenna, Westminster (7-28-54). Folles Berg ere, Pr. Wales (9^24-53). Hippo Dancing, Lyric (4-7-54). I Am a Camera,. New (3-12-54). Intimacy At 8:30, Criterion (4-29-34). Joyce Grenfell, St. Mart. (6-2-54). Keep In Cool Place, SaVille (6-16-54). King and I, Drury Lane' (10-8-53) Love Match, Viet. Palace (11-10-53): Manor of Norlhstead, DucheSs (4-28-54). Mousetrap, Ambas. (11-25-52). Never Too Late, Strand (6-3-54). No News Father, Cambridge (9-15-54). Old Vic Rep, Old Vic (9-9-54), Pal • Joey, Princes (3-31-54). Party Spirit, Piccadilly: (9-23-54). Relations Apart, Garrick (8-3-54), Sabrina .Fair, Palace (6-4-54), Salad Days, Vaudeville (8-5-54): Separate Tables, St. James's (9-22-54). Teahouse Aug. Moon, Her Maj. (4-22-54) Wadding in Paris, HIpp. (4-3-54). Witness Prosecution, W. Gard. (10-26-53) You'll Be Lucky,: Adelphi (2-23-54). SCHEDULED OPENINGS Can-Can, Coliseum (10-14-54). Joan of Arc, Stoll (10-20). Matchmaker, Haymarket (11-4-54). Equity Show (Oct. il-24) Fallen Angels—Lenox Hill Play- house* N. Y. (20-24). Wednesday, October: 13, 1954 John Golden’s UN Essay Contest for Equityites Members of Actors Equity and Chorus Equity are being given an opportunity to earn some extra coin : by switching their talents from performing to writing. In a tieup with United Nations Day, a special essay contest on the sub- ject, “Why the U. S. Needs the UN,” has been established for members of the two . unions. Cash prizes totalling $500 Will be awarded to the three best contribu- tions. Essay idea Was initiated by legit producer John Golden, who. for the past six years has held the post of N.Y. City chairman* for UN Day. Contest is being supervised by NBC and a special cominittee compris- ing such show biz personalities as Ralph Bellamy', Tex and Jinx Mc- Crary, Helen Hayes, Victor Bprge and Cornelia Otis Skinner* Win- ders will read their pieces on tv. Stagehands Into Act Detroit, Oct. 12. .The “show-must-go-on” tradition has no meaning for a GibsonsbUrg, Om garageman who caused the opening of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” to be an hour and 10 minutes late at the Shubert The- atre here. After repairing a sheaired rear axle on the show’s truck, which contained scenery arid other prop- erties, the garageman refused to let it go until the $47.89 bill had beeri paid: Truckdriver Joe Se- moriis only had $15. Semonis called company manager Joe Grossman in Detroit, who promised to send a check to the garageman immediately. No go. Shubert manager David Nederlartder’s phone plea was also nixed. One of the cast members rernembered a friend in Fremont* near Gibson- ville, and called him. The friend rushed the cash to the garageman and the truck rolled. Meanwhile, a capacity audience in the 2,050-seat theatre waited pa- tiently, watching as stage hands hung the-show. Orily 21 asked for their money back, explaining they had baby-sitters they couldn’t keep up. The stagehands, incidentally, put on quite an act, riot being, able to resist hamming it up: Only one surly remark marred the' wait. That came .When orch leader A1 Evans decided to practice a num- ber while waiting for the curtain. A voice from the balcony yelled: “Practice it tomorrow; let’s go.” y' . . Ballet Russe 34£G, D.C.; Espagnol Preems Next Washington, Oct. 12. One-week engagement of “Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo” hit a solid $34,500 gross at the National Thea- tre last week, biggest at the thea- tre for several months. Last three performances were SRO. National is dark this week, but reopens next Monday (18> with a seven-day pre-Broadway' stand of the Ballets Espagnol, Spanish im- port. Engagement will be the American preem of the troupe. Shubert Theatre, dark since last May, reopens Oct. 25 With a single week of “Fifth Season.” Shubert has' nothing else firm, but Will probably get “Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker” on' the Theatre Guild, subscription schedule some weeks hence. - ■ : ' - l Town & Country, Indpls* Ends Big First, Season Indianapolis, Oct. 12. Town &. Country Playhouse, first local strawhat, closed a highly successful Inaugural season with Arthur Treacher in “Clutterbuck.” Only two weeks in series of 10 were not Winners. The tent, originally, accommo- dating 600 at $2 a head! had to be enlarged to 700 after the second week. Town 8c Country will operate in same location with longer season, starting earlier, next year, accord- ing to producer Paul Sicanoff. William Tregoe, director and lead- ing man of resident company, has tentatively agreed to return. Tent’s capacity will be upped to 800 to avoid weekend turnaways preva- lent this season. Playhouse Was started by Alex- ander White, with Sicanoff as chief, backer* Tamworth, N.H., Oct. 12. This community has launched movement to save the Barnstorm-, ers, one of New England’s oldest professional summer theatre groups, operated for a number of years by Francis Cleveland, son of President Grover! Cleveland. Following an ahnouncement that the troupe would not operate next year because of rising production costs and dwindling patronage, a local committee was riamed to so- licit advance sales, Frank Whipple is the chairman. ‘Poster’ Suryives Ottawa 1-Day Ban, But With Cuts Ottawa, Oct. 12. Jan de Hartog’s domestic com- edy, “The Fourposter,” has sur- vived a orierday ban, but with cuts. And Canadian Repertory Theatre, the capital’s winter stock, has reaped a publicity bonanza for its sixth season’s premiere Oct. 15- 23. It will be attended, a!s planned, by (Gov-Gen. Vincent Massey, brother qf actor Raymond Massey.. Thursday (7) the play was def- initely banned for performance ! La Salle Academy, Roman Catho- lic school whose hall is the only theatre available to CRT and which has been > its home since birth. Then someone, heard about it, tipped ;off the Ottawa Citizen, and a frontpage story .resulted. Canadian Press ♦sent /it' out, and N. Y. papers and! magazi phoned for details. Friday afternoon, after a con- sultation between CRT’s new. gen- eral manager, Harry Geldard, and Rev. John A. MacDonald, repre- sentative of the archbishop of Ot- tawa, who scans all CRT scripts— and who two years! ago thumbs- down ed Noel Coward’s “Private Lives,” ariiorig others—agreed to permit the production, provided certain cuts were made. It’s un- derstood the play’s, first scene —r honeymoon night — was the one found chiefly offending. ‘Itch’ Scratches Up 30G In 10 Shows in Seattle Seattle, Oct. 12. Gross for “Seven Year Itch,” winding up a 10-performance run tonight (Tues j will hit! a potent $30,000 at the 1,500-seat Metro- politan. Advance for the* Eddie Bracken starrer was a nearrrecord $18,000. Hugh Backet Attractions, long at the Met, moves operations Nov. 1 to the Moore. ‘Dial’ OK 7G, Montreal Montreal, Oct. 12. “Dial M for Murder,” starring Donald Woods, perked last week, following a slow start, to gross nearly $7,000 at Her Majesty’s. “Oklahoma” is current, with the Jose Greco dancers in next week; A MAX YORKE PRODUCTION BOSTON. MAJESTIC THEATRE Loit Wook, Tapped $54,000 (Pravioiu Weak, $56,000) SALE OR RENT New Modern Summer Theatre InPocono Mounlaiht Rosort Area , Seats .500 — For Particulars Write Herald Auten, Bushkill* Penna., Phone Bunhkill 51. . . and anyone who says, that “FRAGILE FOX’* Company Is not tops can answer to mo. angel A. N. DEMETRIS