Variety (April 1911)

Vol. XXII. No. 4. APRIL 1, 1911. PRICE TEN CENTS WHITNEY HAS STRAND THEATRE TO RENAME IT THE WHITNEY Takes English House The Shuberts Deserted—Charles Frohman's Losses in London Said To Have Averaged $200,000 A Year. (Special Cable to Variety;. ) London, March 27. Fred C. Whitney, who owns the English rights' to "The Spring Maid" has taken over the Strand theatre (formerly the Waldorf) and will re- name it "The Whitney." Col. Mapleson, Whitney's English representative, attended to the details. The house will open under the new management with "Baron Trenk" around Coronation time. The Waldorf was the theatre the Shuberts were possessed of at one time in London, and over which there is still some slight differences between the owners and the Shuberts. The latter closed the house and left, re- gardless of the lease in existence at the time. The brothers have given the English capital a wide berth ever since. One of the Interesting topics about town the current week is the with- drawal of Charles Frohman from the English production field of theatricals. It is conservatively estimated that since he entered "the enemy's" coun- try he has averaged a loss there of $200,000 yearly. Charles Frohman, personally, was never a popular man In London, not through any personal prejudice, but due entirely to his natural diffidence and refusal to "mix." The average theatrical manager in England is well known about town and mingles with 'the smart set." This Frohman never could be persuaded to do, either here or in Europe. He has steadfastly refused to ap- pear personally In the limelight, re- fusing always to accede to any over- tures leading to his sitting for a photo- graph. EVERY LITTLE THING IS O. K. Arrangements are being perfected between Al. Counihan and Harry Som- mers on the one hand (parties of the first part) and Nat M. Wills on the other mitt (of the second part) by which the comedian will come under the managerial wing of the aforesaid first part parties for a term of years, commencing in the fall, to be starred in a high-class musical comedy. The only obstacle in the way at the present time Is the selection of a suit- able vehicle. One will be decided on in the next few days. A. L. Erlanger has given his official sanction. AND ANOTHER NEW THEATRE. A new legitimate theatre will prob- ably be erected on one of the side streets, within a large-sized stone's throw of Times Square, in time for opening of the next regular season. The location is almost directly op- posite a well known clubhouse. More definite particulars cannot be published at this time without betraying confi- dences, for the reason that there is a difference of about $18,000, between the asking and the offered price for the ground. The proposed theatre will be erect- ed and conducted as a production house by one of the best known firms of theatrical managers closely allied with "the syndicate." PICTURES IN K & E CRESCENT. New Orleans, March 29. As announced in Variety several months ago, the Crescent theatre will play pictures the coming summer. The Crescent is a Klaw & Erlanger theatre, presenting Stair ft Havlin at- tractions during the regular season. HARRISON "COMING BACK." Chicago, March 29. Although the theatrical managers here are, as a class, not much inter- ested in politics, there is a strong sen- timent i<n their set in favor of the election once more of Carter Harri- son. The mayoralty election occurs next Tuesday. It looks like a "walk- over" for the once Invulnerable Car- ter. While the matter of Sunday closing is not an issue, theatrical managers fear that if a reform administration gets into power there Is a possibility that someone might start something along those lines. According to "inside information" the Lorlmer faction (Republican) will be with Harrison as against Merri- man, who is running on the straight Republican ticket. The Roger Sulli- van crowd are for Merriman on ac- count of the recent primary fight, which was a bitter one. The United Societies, which represent the saloon interests, comprising the wholesale liquor dealers and saloon keepers, are a unit for Harrison. The independent republican vote, known as the John Maynard Harlan crowd, is also for Harrison. The business Interests on State street will be, always have been and always will be, behind Harrison with campaign contributions. Merriman is looked upon as a "re- former" of the hypocritical calibre. The combination favoring Harrison will, It is conservatively figured, run up a majority for him between 60,000 and 80,000. If elected, It will be Harrison's fourth term In the office. He is now called "The man who did come back." COMMITTEE THROUGH. The Registration Committee of the Actors' Fund is no more. Organized a year ago with three members and establishing headquarters with the Fund officers in the Gaiety building, the committee was expected to do much towards collecting the registra- tion fee of one dollar from the new applicants, but It was decided to aban- don Its work. NEW JEROME PLAY. (Special Cable to Variety*) London, March 29. J. E. Vedrenne will produce a new play by J. K. Jerome at the Royalty theatre about April 25. It will be called "The Master of Chllvers." Lena Ashwell, Auriol Lee, Edmund G. Wenn and Leon Quartermalne have been engaged. NEW SHOW AT REPUBLIC. "Rebecca," which has been at the Republic for twenty-six weeks will bring its season to a close April 8. Business at the house during the stay has been good enough to make money, although from casual observation pa- tronage has appeared light. The up- per portions of the house have held up the business. It was strongly reported that Sir Charles Wyndham was to produce "Rebecca" in London during the Cor- onation, but this seems to be off. There is very little likelihood of the Lon- doners seeing the piece. The Republic will remain open un- til May 6. A new show, the name of which the Belasco management may not know yet will go in for the short interval beforo the commencement of •necessary alterations to widen 42d street. NO PROFIT IN DENVER. Denver. March 2*J. The twenty weeks guaranteed by the Shuberts at the Auditorium end next week, when Edward Terry ap- pears there in repertoire. Neither the city, which leased the house to the theatrical managers, nor the managers themselves have realized any profit from the venture. The Shuberts will have a house here next season. It is now under con- struction. Capacity will be about 1,200. SOMETHING I'P IIONCIS SLEEVE. Aiessandro IJonH, the F'alian t«■!>"r, despite three big 'ifiVr.; !":»."! I ■! u <>;ir;in opera houses \n ■'■'.::: o\ «"■ then' next season, will v.tv !?■-♦-1 v- return to America, h !s said he has something big up his sleeve as the result of an offer from a Chicago millionaire.