Variety (March 1911)

VARIETY MANAGERS' PROTECTIVE ASS'N MAY HA VE ITS " BLACKLIST * Incorporation Papers Filed, With Twelve Temporary Di- rectors. Dues $10 Monthly; Initiation $200 and $100. Object, Protection of Vaudeville Managers. The blossom of the bud started by vaudeville managers, Dec. 7 last bloomed forth yesterday, when incor- poration papers for The Vaudeville Managers' Protective Association were filed in Albany, after having been ap- proved by Judge Platzek in New York. The temporary directors named are B. F. Keith, Martin Beck, Harry Da- vie, S. Z. Poll, M. Meyerfeld, Jr., F. F. Proctor, E. F. Albee, William Ham- meratein, Percy O. Williams, Marcus Loew, Walter Vincent, Michael Shea. These, with all other managers looking through the big agency, are members of the Association. Alex Pantages and Sullivan-Consldine have Joined, while numberless "small time" circuits, not connected with any booked by the United Booking Offices, have signified a willingness to enter. The initiation fee was set at $200 per manager for the "big time," and $100 for the lesser grade, the board to decide the classification of an ap- cant. The yearly dues are $120, di- vided into monthly payments of $10, covering all members. The objects of the Association, as stated in the charter, all relating to vaudeville, are to promote and reform; resist and protect, take all lawful measures necessary for the protection «ind to foster and encourage the im- provement of. All vaudeville managers are eligi- ble. The initiation fee with the pos- sible expulsion for violation are con- sidered equivalent to a bond that might be required of managers to obey the rules and regulations that may be incorporated into the by-laws. The actual purpose of the Associa- tion is understood to be the accumu- lation of a fund for the assistance of managers who may be oppressed in the operation of their theatres. Ks- pecially is it intended in this way for the "small time'' manager, who, if a member of the Association and threat- ened with labor troubles, will place his case with the Association, thereby becoming protected against loss, which is to be borne by the society of managers. The larger managers, in case of trouble, will not call upon the Pro- tective Association for financial relief, although the Association may act in concert as the matter may require. A Variktv. representative was .in- formed this week that a "blacklist" would be maintained, having upon it the names of all people who might "strike" against or in the house of any manager belonging to the group. In that event, no manager-member could play a "blacklisted" person, without violating the rules and subjecting him- self to expulsion. Initiation fees and dues are for the manager or circuit, regardless of the number of houses that may be inclu- ded. THEY COME SO FEW. The MacDowell Club, a "high- brow" organization, has appointed a "Committee on Drama," for the pur- pose of solving the problem of how to influence the public to rally to the support of good plays. A mass meet- ing was held at the Lyceum theatre one afternoon last week and the gist of the arguments of the speakers was that an effort should be made to en- courage good dramas during the first fortnight of their runs, the assump- tion being that after that length of time they will be sufficiently launched on the wave of prosperity to take care of themselves. Daniel Frohman, manager of the theatre in which the meeHng was held, and a man of vast experience, has this to say of the agitation: "The public will support every play that is good of its kind, whether it be tragedy, drama, comedy, melo- drama or farce. The difficulty seems to be that so few are good of their kind." SUTHERLAND AGENCY IXC. The agency conducted by the late Albert Sutherland has been incor- porated aind will be conducted by a committee of vaudeville men, who will preserve the business for the bene- fit of Albert Edward Sutherland, son of the agent, and his widow, Julie King. Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, with Mr. Sutherland for several years, remains in charge of the agency. He will act with the committee, which comprises Clark Brown, Charles J. Stevenson (treasurer), Fred Schanberger, Charles Ixnenbejg, and Frank .Tones. LINING IP FOLIE COMPANY. During the past week the daily papers printed an announcement sent out by the management of the Folic Bergere to the effect that Ethel Levey was to be the leading lady at the new 4 6th Street playhouse. This is a verification of a story which Yakik-m printed several months ago. Among the other members with the company at the Folic will be Otis Harlan, Kathleen Clifford and Laddie Cliff. Marthe Lenelud, a noted Parisian artist, who has been the rage of all Paris, is due to arrive this week, to join the company in re- hearsal. Another famous Broadwayite who Is to be a member of the permanent attractions at the house is Mauri.-" I/evi, the eccentric bandmaster, who for the past year or so has been en- sconced at Churchill's GENEE NEXT SEASON? Despite reports of the retirement of Adeline Genee. the Danish dancer is contemplating a further exploration of vaudeville next season over here. She will close her present season in April, sailing May 9, for the other side. COUNT'S SHOW CEASES. Chicago. March 1. The vaudeville road show launched by Count De Beaufort, with himself as the feature, stopped working at Hockford, 111., last week. It is re- ported the Count promised to pay some of the members when he re- turned to Chicago. WILLIAM NORKIS AND SKETCH. William Norrls has selected a com- edy for his return to vaudeville, un- der the direction of M. S. Bentham. The new piece is entitled "The Food Tester," by Edgar Allan Woolf. Like Nat Goodwin and other well known comedians, Norrls believes that legiti- mate dramatics are his life's calling, but the public elects otherwise. He has not appeared in the east since starring in "The King of Cadonia." PITTING MONEY IN A PARK. Cleveland, March 1. Cleveland capital, with that of East- ern moneyed men, closed a deal where- by they gain control of a big amuse- ment park, traction and lighting sys- tems at Meadvllle, Pa. Oak wood Park of forty acres, three miles from Meadvllle, will be remod- eled and new features installed. The park property is worth $40,000. THE FAMOUS HIDALGOS. THE FAMtM's II! I ).\ !/'■( )S hi i new ariivals in this country. rcaehlnt; Sun Franclaco direct from Madrid. Spain. live months a^o The Hidal^oa have a laifce lepertoir-- of dances i-nd enough wardrobe In allow a < haiiK'- ev« ry day lor a month. MISS EEI.A 11 I I >.\ I .< !< > Is a i. ii. t>|'< of tin- Spanish Hinoiiia. ponHi-Hflliik' an abundance of charm and beauty mh well a« ability and t-iace SEN'UK MAMJKL IIIDAMJO cn|oyn the reputation ol' Ixiim tin- ninut t-; i : i < < T m I darner in Spain At present THE l'\.M<>l'S lllh M.titiS nic IuIUMIiik an unlimited erma KelT.ent at the ODEON, SAN ritAN'i'lSi'U, alter which tiny will lie Been In the East The act Ih under the personal direction of HEUT EEV'EV, San l-'runclato. to wh>m all communications should be addressed. YOUNG FELLOWS HRANCIIING OUT Those merry little youngsters, Ward and Curiam will have a new act next season, to be called "Ward & Cur- ran's Footlight Serenadcrs." Four people all told will be in the act, three men and a woman. MVEHS ItETUHNH HURRIEDLY. H. A. Myers, who sailed but a few weeks ago for a tour of Furope, cabled his New York office he sailed from Hamburg Thursday last, and will reach New York March 11. JoHophine Snhel opens April '.• on the Sullivan-Consldine Circuit. Coming Soon' SI\ (UKK8MITII SIHTKRH. NAMED AFTER PICTURE. A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Simon*' Feb. 2 5 and the happy father, who is assistant man- ager of tin Nestor Film Company, will christen the youngster Charles Nestor Simone. Jr. This is the first time a child has been named after a film. His dad says he's as pretty as a picture, and that is why. IIEIlltEWS DIDNT AGREE. "The Hebrew Minstrels" were book- ed to open at Cane's Manhattan, Mon- day. The failure of two members to appear for rehearsal and a squab- ble between the remaining collide, re- sulted in the act disbanding until a reorganization 'an be effected. CJoforth and Doyle art- rehearsing a new act. wriifen by Frank T Conroy. In it Miss Poylc will appear in black- face.