Variety (April 1923)

14 LEGITIMATE ^?. -*■/- •IT -•'.»\';r»iW«vr . TWirsday, April 12, 1923 sac 3C9C: -". *••*?■ INSIDE STUFF ON LEGIT ,..*•*••' ijt>. Gilbert Mill«i" "lost" a. bet with Gus Hlllsdorf, property man of tht EJmplrc, New York, M -nday night when "Zander, the Great" opened there. The ninnas« r feared the time necessary to strike the proloir and ■et the nrst ixct niight be unnecessarily long. It has taken 15 minutes to turn the trick out of town. Miller offered to slip props 150 If it was done In 10 minutts, and promised to double the "wager" if that mark was beaten. The first act was rcatly In eight minutes after the curtain dropped on the prolog and Tuesday Miller presented Hillsdorf with a 1100 bill. James T). Barton, who con^mutcs bttween New Tork and Japan. Is on his way East from the coast, having arrived from the Orient last week. He arranged for the American appearance of a number of artists while In the Far East. Including Willy Burmester, the German violin soloi.'-t. Burmester appeared here In concerts some years ago, but is said to be the first German Instrumentalist booked for America since the war. There are several Japanese artists designed for concerts also on the way. A letter received from Barton this week describing his importations could not be deciphered because of immersion. It Is the custom for government planes to take off mail from the Orient when the boats are 24 hours out to sea. In this case the piano was forced to land in rough water and the mail was submerged several hours. . , ' ' "The Exile," which attracted attention by being atiriounced for the Klaw, but which booked the Cohan after "The Last Warning" proved in court ita right to continue at the Klaw, Is said to have 25 stock- holders. A number of Broadway theatre treasurers Invested their sav- ings in tho production, the group said to include most of the box office boya In the 48th street houses. A company manager just In from the road got excited and took a chance as lato aa Saturday last, at which time It is reported he bought In for |2,006 worth. Eleanor Painter and Jose Ruben are starred In the show, and are also said to have In- vested. A publicity man who ha.i a friend In the cast tried for two ducats Monday- njght for the premiere. Failing, he wired the actor that he had bccu "crowded out by the mob of stockholders trying to cet In." : ; ''^ ■/■-.N^. ,.;\- ..Vv.' ''■••' -'v:''^ •;•■':■.■■•:..'■•■■■'••.:• •.■■ " ■" ■■'.■''■' Helen Reilly, secretary for Arthur Hopkins, was recently badly burned about the neck and chest. Though Able to be about, it will be several months before the bandnges can be laid aside, and she may be perma- nently scarred. Miss Reilly was Injured In a peculiar manner. She picked up a bottle of nitric add dropped on the office stairs by some visitor. For some reason the bottle exploded. * - Six ticket brokers who were forced to furnish bond to the collector of Internal revenue covering claims made by the government for Its share of excess premiums on theatre ticket sales have settled on the ba.sls of 25 per cent, of tho claims. The amounts ranged upward to $20,000 and the latter claim was settled for $5,000, the others being In proportion. The settlements, however, were made under protest, and the ticket men have already engaged counsel for a refund of all the sums paid. It is said the attorney who took the cases Ls so confident of win- ning that he accepted without a retainer fee. The brokers claim a former auditor, who took care of the books of all tho men accused of withholding money from the government, had a personal grievance and mado charges to the collector. It Is said there Is no evidence that the brokers did not pay the collector his rightful percentage and that the amount of the claims was a matter of guess work. Mme. Knipper-Tchekowa of tho Moscow Art Theatre will appear at the Bela.sco Sunday, April 29, before an Invited audience to read the letters of hor late husband, whose "Three Sisters" and "The Cherry Orchard" are rated with the greatest of Russian plays. The letter.'? were written while the couple were In Russia, but in different cities. They are said to be exceptionally Interesting because of Tchekowa's style as an author. A number of the social set have already accepted to act as patronesses for the rending. An admission charge of $2.50 will be uiado, tho money to be devoted to a Tchekowa museum In memory of the dramatist. The theatre has been donated by Belasco. The letters arc to be published in book form later. "Liza," the colored show, was the only attraction on Broadway which was on a half salary ba.si.«j Holy Week. Under an Equity rule, attractions which play must pay full salaries, but no salaries are required If laying off for the week. There are no colored members of Equity as far as Is known. "Liza," when it moved down from Daly's 63rd street, entered the Bayrs under a $3,500 weekly guarantee. When business failed to touch JG.'OGO tho guarantee was cut to $2,500, which, however, attained for Holy Week, And is still effective. It is claimed the show has been able to break even downtown. "Al!a« Mrs. Pepp," with Marie Cahlll, which was slated for produc- tion this spring by Richard Herndon, has been postponed until the fall. Tho piev.c wa.s tried out during the winter, and has been rewritten. It is u satire on mc-stery dramas. Walter Brooks, a director, turned down the r'e.staging of the dances In "How Come," tho colored show which enters tho Apollo next Monday. Brooks staged "Shuffle Along" and "Liza." He Is dark complexioned, and was mistaken for a sablo gentleman not long ago. That decided Brooks to pass up colored ehow.<?. Brooks staged dances In four current attrac- tions, having directed "Go Go," "Liza" and "Elsie" and the dance bit In "Kiki." Channing Pollock did the Drama League a good turn Sunday night at its dintier meeting at tho Astor, but the league didn't realize It until afterward. Pollock, as toastmaster, toasted the leaguers pretty beciuse of the leagues selection of 14 plays picked for its "Sign Po.st." Among tho cho.sen attractions w^re three or four dismal failures .and two had so bhort a run that It la a surprise the league included them. Pollock was frank enough to state that although plays from his pen had been pro- vluced on Broadway for 20 years, but none, not excepting his current dramatic snia.'^h, "Tho Fool." was ever "sign-posted" by the league. W. A. Brady got Into the mood and spoke his mind about a nunaber of things, digging the critics for making so much of the imported Hu.ssian attractions for one thing. Stark Young, dramatic criilo for the "New Republic," a highbrow radir.il weekly, picked up the pace and stinick out lustily in hit* own way. Then Marie Dressier made it a foursome with cnicks about iirtors and acting'. All of that got onto the front page of Monday's newspapers, with Pollock's comments featured. Members of the league were amazed at tlie turn tlio addresses took during the affair and sticklers for form tiiought the playwright was all out of order In directing an attack on tlio league ftum his position as toastmaster. They liKured that If Pollock li;id planned his talk he might better have declined the post of ton.st- niastrr and .ici ipted the invitation aa one of the speakcr.s. Tu i" • \H y <. ' Hi i iM). i» of thf Ipo -ku^ realiKod the frajik talking at their mretiTi: had resulted in ilic bo.«t publicity the organization was ever record, d. Tho dailies of tii.it date carrie<l replies from the leaguo, Henry .<'.llmat), the executive se( t, tary, hitting hack at Pollock and the latter lountcriMg. mf ntioning he did not think so much of Stlllman as a play- wr!i:>it af;cr i .iVing «i(en ono of his plnys. That meant, a travesty given at the dinr.rr rxnd en! it led "14 plays In Search of tho Sign Post and One Which D.-i Not Care." Tuesday afternoon Pollock received a letter fitillman referred to the event as a "nice little Irish free-for-all" wblcb la •'still echoing In the papers." Pollock didn't understand tho letter wad complimentary until shown the league had benefited by the publicity. Stllhnan was formerly stage manager for David Belasco. Ha wsb at the head of the producing unit, which put on "The Skylark," a fllv. at the Belmont last season. He was also stage manager of the Beechurst Flay- ers, who appeared In Frank A. Vanderlip's private theatre at Scarborough- on-the-Hudson. ^j*'i . » /i> «j,H It is understood the Bar Association of New Tork Is considering, the going on record as opposed to the alleged practice of Issuing season passes to Judges for Broadway's theatres by any Important managerial firm. Leaders of the bench are said to ho Inclined to discourage the practice, believing a wrong Interpretation may he put upon the acceptance of such courtesies and the possibility that it maj^ lay the judiciary open to the charge of favorIti.«m. The matter is said to have been called to the attention of the Bar Association by an attorney who has frequently opposed Shubert counsel In the court room. Statement current anent the los? which Laurette Taylor and J. Hartley Manners carried on "Huraoresque" say between $65,000 and $100,000 was written off on the wrong side of the ledger on the production. There won't be a chance to get any of It back through picture rights, for the screen had the production before the stage. Kelcy Allen of "Women's Wear" Is In arms against press agents who distort notices. Kelcy says that at the opening of "Papa Joe" at the Princess ho asked a "Herald" reporter the following question: "Do you think this is as good as 'Abie's Irish Rose?'" The reporter closed his review of the evening's entertainment with Kelcy's line and the press ogent cut it to read "As good as 'Abie's Irish Rose.'" Tho question Is whether or not Kelcy is sore at the cut or that the "Herald" used his line without crediting him with it. Kelcy, however, insists his publica- tions are the best advertising mediums for the hypodermic plays for they are certain to reach the needle workers. . , . LE THEATRES A plan to put the ban on a cut rate pre!»s agent who ha3 lately made his appearance on Broadway, has been promoted among a number of the dally and weekly papers. This press agent is of the younger school, and has been a Broadway hanger-on about shows for some little time. He has worked here and. there. Lately he has cropped up in several places, and now is representing three of four independently produced attractions running on Broadway. In two instances h« Is known to have cut under the press agent who had the job at a regular salary. ^ ^ The Sixty Club Is to have a clubhouse of Its own from all accounts. John W. Rumsey, the club's president, Is reported promoting the move- ment. Rumsey was largely responsible for the advancement of the Friars to Its present leading place in theatrical and newspaper clubdom. Rumsey was one of th) earliest guiding spirits of the Friars when it needed a strong, stern hand. Rumsey's work was belatedly recognized by the Friars when recently made an honorable life member of the or- ganization. With the 60 Club Rumsey has done as well, making that group country wide known. The Club has been giving its affairs at the Hotel Ritz, holding them bi-weekly. A story in Variety last week mentioned Famous Players is paying A. H. Woods $10,000 weekly rent for the "Covered Wagon" In the Woods. Chicago. That was in the legit department. In the picture department the correct story appeared, that the picture Is playing 60/40 with the house under a stop of $10,000. *n;V11dflower" eventually will be produced In London, by or In conjunc- tion with Arthur Hammerstein, its producer. Anticipatory. Mr. Hammer- atein when engaging Edith Day for the piece gave her a run of the show contract, which also Included England. Under that agreement Miss Day may appear In the musical show on both sides. She Is equally as well known abroad. Hammerstein will sail for England May 12 on the "Majes- tic" and will probably arrange for the foreign presentation of "Wild- flower" while over there. ...'',.. from .Stillman thanking him for the Flo Ziegfeld, Jr., Is due In New York today. He has been due for sev- eral dajs, hut could not tear himself away from Palm Beach. Mrs. Zieg- feld (Billie Burke) insisted upon returning, and the getaway started from the Florida seashore Tuesday afternoon, or It should have, the Ziegfclds are coming north In a private car. With Zlegfeld's arrival will be de- cided what Is to be done about a new "Follies." That has created more talk along Broadway of late than whether Joe Leblang can handle Shu- bert and Erlanger in the centralized ticket agency scheme. Gene Buck and Ned Waybum have lined up for Ziegfeld about 10 numbers and scenes for tho new "Follies," while Leo Morrison, the agent, has a list of names ready to submit to Ziegfeld for the cast. Just what Ziegfeld Is thinking about Isn't public, or whether he wants to follow one "Follies" with another In the samo house, or whether tho current "Follies" may not prove the surprise of the season by holding over at the Amsterdam Into hot weather. " The growth of th« little theatr* mgveniont and tho surprising tn^ tereat elicited la the New TorjK Drama Xjeague'a short one weel^ seamaAon Broadway with a series ot four one act plays »tartinff Aprtf 30 may, result in the founding of « permanent one-act playhouse la New York, made possible through the Tjnlque plan now being worke<t on by Walter Hartwlg, manager oi the Little Theatre Department ef the New Tork Drama League. It will embrace the whole UniteOj States. Each group will proceed with its regular plans each season, the prime objective to be made a trial in a Broadway theatre. The most capable and repre.sentativft companie>s In the various cities wIU be brought to New York to presetit their playlet as part of a week's program along with three others. H the (Remand warrants it runs wUl be nJmed for. Mr. Hnrtwig's plan is still mo» or less in the embryo. He has his eye on an Intimate little theatre like the Princess as an Ideal hou.se for a permanent one-act i»layhou.se. The Inter-organizatlon contest April 30 will have 20 entries, four performing each night for five nights from Monday through Friday, with the eliminations being judged the last night. Saturday's i)erform- ance will be presented by the four best offerings. Considerable inters est has been manifested by play- wrights, who find that their market is practically limited to vaudeville. There-is no such thing as a curtalii raiser In New York and tho little theatres present a new avenue 1C put on a practical paying basis. Some of the authors prt)po.=:ed \o stage their own effort.s at individual expe*ise and permit them to compete In the forthcoming competition. This was overruled, limiting com- petitors only to established organ* Iz.itlons that have present two or more bills. Tho next season's proposal may bring Into existence such author-* producing bodies. •' " That there is a commercial fleT4 for the little theatre is attested by Mr. Hartwig through the number pt Inquiries from laymen the New Yoijc Drama League has received. It has created wonderment with the mov- ing spirits, why they, acknowl- edgcdly disinterested In the mechan- ics and artistic end of the little theatre, should seek further Infor- mations from the league where cep#l tain companies are performing. The centering of all in a central play- house Is looked upon as a practical solution for a puhlic that prefers ita entertainment in four episodic allot- ments in preference to an extended three or four act play. '■■-if Edna Goodrich w^as reported when sailing from New Tork to have gone to Europe. It is understood Miss Goodrich, however, sailed for a South American port. Charley Gebest was given a party by George M. Cohan on the stage of the Liberty, New York, last Saturday night, after the performance of "Little Nellie Kelley." It celebrated Gebesfs birthday, also t^ie SOth year of his association with Cohan as musical director. Two orchestras and a stage full of show people attested to Gebesfs popularity, while Cohan himself endorsed his friend by remaining until the late hours of the next morning when the affair broke up, after one of the most enjoy- able and unique parties Broadway has known. Around the Hotel Algonquin dining room this week It was claimed the storm aroused by proprietor Frank Case's remarks anent his dislike of certain Jewish luncheon guests, was reported to have passed. Some of the "Knights of the Round Table" are said to still feel that Case was all wrong in his attitude, and several guests have not been seen In their customary places. They Include Morrlo Ryskind and Lewis Gensler. tho pair who listened to Case's bono chatter. It Is .said Case apologized to them on the suggestion of Prank P. Adams who asked the offended guests to call at his house for that purpose. At a birthday dinner given by Case, several of his Jewish friends were also absent, though invited. Since the outburst Irving Berlin, Rube Goldberg, Edna Ferber and Dorothy Parker are reported not to have lieen noticed around the Algonquin. Tho daily luncheon group of newspapermen and press agents around the Hotel Hermitage had a good laugh nt the Algon<iuin affair. The Hermitage bunch are ex-Cheese Clubbers who onco gathered for their noon-day breakfasts at the N. V. A. Tliey claim that Case did not want to serve motzahs during Passover week. They too havo gone the Al- gonquin one better, and have agreed to allow one Gentile to every three Jews at the luncheon table. . success of the leagues meetlngyi Some talk ha.s» b^'cn sent around, blamed upon ehorns giils of llie cin- rent "Music Box Revue," who claim they have been replaced by choristers from the road "Music Box Revue. ' The rei)iner(i girls sny it was unfair to displace them for the girls from ihc road show. Kmnlc T«nirs, the Music Box conductor did not ?ra\ o w.tli the reni.iiniln- (,f the troupe Tuesday for Tendon, a:; the strike of the miisici.ins detained him. Ho ox pccts to sail .Saturday. . During lunch time yestcrd.ty (Wednesday) in the Astor grill, a nervous bus dropped a tray. It hit the mosaic with a crash. .Someone started to Applaud and tho other diners Joined In. It greatly disgusted Nick, th<» gnyrn manager, who said: "What! An encore after $40 worth of dishes!" The Portland, ^Oregon, High School Teachers' Union is arrang- ing for a program of three one-aot plays to be put on at the Labor Temple by Moroni Olson, Janet Toung and Byron Faulger, a trav- eling troupe formerly connected with the Little theatres In Seattle and Salt Lake City. The Grangers are going in fof" the drama. At Watertown, N. Y4 for three days, starting April 25t there's to be a dramatic training school for grange representatives under the auspices of the Jefferson County Home Bureau and the NeW York State College of Agriculture at Cornell. Eighteen granges will have students at the school. Up- state theatrical men see an unusual signiflcance In this response to the dramatic urge In the rural sections* There was no performance of "Charleys Aunt" by the Dramatic Club of St. Lawrence University In» the Canton Town Hall Thursday night. The playhouse was closed to tho collegians until the college set- tles for damage done during a battle between freshmen and sopho- mores at the close of an under- graduate basketball g;ime. The town wants $400, and the students refuse to meet that figure, claiming that $150 would cover. Llonell Dobell has taken a lease on the Minnehah.a studios in Spo- kane, now controlled by the Pan- Amerir.m Film Corporation. Do- bell has started ".shooting." The Dramatic Club of the Unl- ver?!ity of Pennsylvania will pre- ."ent John Mas( lleld's tragedy of" "tNan" as its annual production April 2«-L'9 nt the Plays and Play- ers Clubhou.'e. formerly the Little Theatre. Philadelphia. "The YclloW Jacket" arid the -'Admirable Crlch- ton" were presented by the club in I former years.