Variety (July 1923)

'^Wjwr-.i^.'r;;-^; -'^^.^^ ^'^^r'Wr. u LEGITIMATE >; Wednesday, July 4, 1923 THAT CRAZY CHICAGO TOWN EVEN GOT SNOW IN JUNE Weather Turned Over Night—Lucky Seven Hang On—"Dangerous People" New—Much Talk J pver Cut-Rates and Specs Chicago, July t. Numerous and varied a«BortmentB M xepLyiH from Lake Michigan at a anap of the finger, causing .Igta and lofty tumbling of the mercury, make rapid changes in temperature iMHreabouts pas:^ unnoticed, but laat week's chronicling of the elements •truck a new one for the book, for In the contribution there came snow. Tes, snow I Truly only a few flakes, melting as rapidly as they appeared, for they descended upon earth that was boiling under degrees of 95 and thereabouts for over a solid week, but the point is that it snowed. Several of the seven theatres now •pen for stmimer trade were quiv- ering under the oppressive heat, for ■ad, yea, extremely sad. were the gross receipts of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. Lute Tuesday night a thunder and lightning storm tilted the scorching heat somewhat, but Wednesday returned tempera- tui« Of around 80, only to have the weather surprise package come late Wednesday night in the shape of a drlsBle which developed Into a steady downpour until the early mom, when the mercury did a prize somersault, landing in the throes of record June cold, creating the ■now, and giving the community the swiftest change presto weather con- ditions that aged weather sharps found impossible to find equalled among the tabulations of other years they had placed in cold storage for future comparisons and disputes. Thursday (June 28) was a blis- tering cold day in Chicago, and if you desire a better idea of the rapid weather change that Chicago had let it be stated the baseball players wore their sweaters to keep warm. The balance of the week kept Old Bol busy thawing out the populace from the effects of the Thursday blast. Two paragraphs of weather con- ditions are quite essential to this report of loop legit theatre grosses, because the freaky weather alone kept intact the "Lucky Seven" the- atres. Where the flrst half of the week spelled disaster tfor at least three of the thows, the last half of the week brought the business to the peak, where the Idbp calendar will not be disturbed for at least another fortnight. "Steve" got a wallop that Indi- cated a shut-down Saturday, but now arrangements have been made to keep the Princess show longer. "Blossom Time." working on a week-to-week basis, perked up un- der the goodness of the cold wave. "Rolling Home," with an estimated house of 5850 Thursday night, drew a little gladnesa out of the situation. The musical shows caught the crowds, which were driven out of the summer park restaurants. Whethei;' or not the local legit managers who raised such a yell about cut-rate tickets during the height of the winter season only stood pat in their opposition to this epccifled system of lillinK theatres when the regular sales do not for the regular season, the fact is some of the loudest shouterp against the cut-rates are now employing them, Indicntivg they have faith in an ar- rangement that insiders Insist must be employed in the loop for the new year. Cut-rates were used last week at the Cort, Playhouse, Central, Great Northern and Princess. It is claimed by thoee who are close to the situa- tion that cut-rates, whether in sum- mer or winter, educates the local playgoers to them, and if they hurt show business in Chicago in the winter they surely hurt likewise in the summer. Cut-rates In Chicago have advanced further than perhap.s the New York managere realize, and if there ever was a golden spot for a cut-rate ticket office it's the loop, and the strength of this asser- tion will manifest itself the moment somebody alert steps out and opens a cut-rate ticket office on Randolph •treet. Many say the whole trouble with the Improvement of the loop legit situation it the Inconsistency of the managers arriving at a de- cision that will do good for many angles that are now drawbacks. These same Judges insist thie quiet period of the year is the hour to comment upon certain points, have them either thoroughly approved or else squashed, so that there will be more consistent headway made to give Chicago playgoers their posi- tion of righteousness in the theatri- cal firmament. The same unsatlf^factory angles which make speculating In the loop troublesome is popping up in the cut-rates. The ticket scalping situa- tion in Chicago has been a thorn in the sides of the mannperw because they never agreed upon the eaMiest way to trouble. get at the heart of the They knew and still know where the trouble is, but it appar- ently is an Alphonse and Gaston act with the managers, until now it looks as If the new state polltic« will interfere and cause further trouble all around. During the winter season the Cole offices were forced to close down because of threats ^made to the Couthoui system because of Cole'e connections thereof. Cut-rates were reported dead in Chicago. They were said to be antagonistic to the ideas of the managers. It has been noticed titat theatres opposed to the Cole cut-rates are now handling the cut-ratee. not in the systematic way noted In the Cole offices, yet in a manner that keeps educating the local playgoers to be on the lookout for split-price tickets, whether or not the managers know it. The playgoers have had an alto- gether too big a taete of cut-rate tickets to have them taken away when the new season opens. There are several theatres In town which will In the future be labeled cut- rate houses. Low operating ex- penses, particularly in the casts, will always make it profitable for theee houses to continue along with the cut-rates. If there is an agreement among the managers of the leglt theatres In the loop to taboo cut-rates, it's broken to smithereens with the hap- penings of the last three weeks. There will be a wide-open cut- rate ticket office here, properly functioned with the indorsement of some of the loop theatree, before another season gets far under way. It took last week's story in Variety to wake up local interested ones anent the welfare of the ticket scalpers in what happened at Springfield, when the bill featured with a 112 to 0 vote was passed making it a penalty for scalpers to sell theatre tickets for more than th% price printed on the tickets. Be- cause of the multitude of bills that were passed during the closing hours of the last session at Spring- field, the ticket scalping bill is late reaching the attention of Gov. Small. It may prove to be forti nate for the scalpers, who, upon realizing what the whole thing was about, got busy quick. There are rumb'ngs of influential pressure being brought on Gov. Small not to idgn this bill. It is known the ticket scalpers haven't made the flght against this bill like they did against similar bills. This is reported to have re- sulted from disheartened conditions. The ticket scalpers got a financial wallop the past season that makes it a lean summer for them. Re- K'ardless ofl what Gov* Small may feel Inclinca to '^o for the scalpers at the 11th, hour, there still remains that opposition from the local muni- cipal administration, now considered opposite to Gov. Small's ideas, which will have to be faced by the ticket scalpers, who frankly admit they are in a quandary as to what the laws really will force them to do in the way of reorganization. -' For the first time in years the in- dependent scalpers are as politically strong as the leader of 'em all (Couthoui ofllces) and for this rea- son it is said whatever laws are finally signed will affect the whole array of speculators and not any particular angle of ticket sca'ping in Chicago. Comment, Instead of the grosses done at the theatres, furnished the conversations among the managers during the week, but the only pre- miere of the summer season ("Dan- gerous People," at the Cort) wasn't overlooked Sunday. "Rolling Home" finally made Its departure, losing a good-sized figure for the owners. "Dangerous People" stars William Courtenay, with Harry Frazee an- nounced as the producer, althou|;h It Is reported two outsiders are con- nected with the production. If there is any destruction of the "Lucky Seven" caption for the sum- mer loop calendar It will flrst come from either "Blossom Time" or "Steve." Lester Bryant and John Tuerk propose to outdo the field with "Up the Ladder" and "Chains" via the extensive gambling which is featuring both productions and mak- ing fame for the j^uthfu*! magnates with the protection of William A. Brady. Last week's estimates: "Rolling Home" (6th and flnal week In Chicago, 3d week at Cort). Kept below $4,000. making it doubt- ful if piece drew $30,000 on six weeks here. "Dangerous People" opened Sunday. *'8teve" «Princess, llth week). First planned to close July 7, but will keep going. Figured around 18.000. ''Bloasom Time" (Great Northern. 16th week). Cut rates holding bet- ter than summer average for sum- mer trade.-' Cast now arranged whereby profit possible on $9,000. not reached last week. "Chains" (Playhouse, 6th week). Profit for house and company on every $6,000 we^. Moment they take this play out Bryant will have new one to produce. ''Up the Ladder" (Central. 13th week). Few spots left yet to be cov- ered with cut rates. Saturday trade pulled week's gross better than $4,000. *'The Passing Show" (Apollo, 10th week). Held around $14,000. ''The Dancing Qirl" (Colonial. 4th week). Little better than $15,000. EASTMAN CHANGES Alf Kiingenberg Couldn't With Geo. Eastman Agree Rochester, N. T.. July 8. The resignation of Alf Kiingenberg director of the Elastman School of Music since Its opening, has been accepted. Announcement was made by Dr. Rush Rhees. president of the University of Rochester, that Mr. Kiingenberg was quitting because he was unable to agree with Mr. Eastman. Ey the terms of George Ealit- man's gift of the school, theatre and endowment to the university, con- trol Is Tested in a separate board of directors. Members of this board are nominated by Mr. East- man and appointed by the trustees of the university. The directors of the school are Dr. Rhees. Mr. East- man. George W. Tood and Mr. Kiingenberg. It is said Mr. Elastman will now bring here as head of the school the greatest man that he can And for the Job. It is believed that money is no object to Mr. Eastman in fill- ing the Job, as one saying here is that he would cheerfully engage Paderewski if he would come. Vladimir Shaitch was recently en- gaged to conduct the Eastman Theatre orchestra. He will wield the baton during the Overtures and Victor Wagner, the present acting conductor, will conduct during the pictures, it is said. Mr. Wagner was associate conductor with Ar- thur Alexander, resigned. He has been conducting the orchestra for several months with the assistance of Herpaaa Martone, second concert master. Alexander Roman hi con- cert master and flrst violin. Edmund Gousson is soon to come here to take up the work of building the Roches^r Philharmonic Orches- tra, of which the Eastman Theatre orchestra will be the nucleus. H% will conduct the Philharmonic in some of Its concerts and work under Albert Coatcs, of London, whose en- gagement as chief conductrr was recently announced. Miv Coates^ cannot come here until next -Janu- ary. In view of developments it is ex- pected that before the summer is over announcement will be made of additions of other world famaus musical men to the staff of the theatre and school. In the mean- time Arthur M. See. secretary of the school. Is administering thAt In- stitution. "BOSIE" DID $19,000 Boston, July 3. Cohan's show and Cohan's show alone. Is the story for Boston. There Isn't a sign of anything eHe on the horizon, and unless all plans go astray. "Rosle O'Reilly" will be the sole attraction for Boston until the end of August. "Rosie" did $19,000 last week, of course, of? a few thou- sands from capacity, but when everything is considered it is re- markable, especially for a show playing a city where the possibil- ities of outdoor entertainment are practically unlimited. Lyric, Minneapolis. Offices Minneapolis, July 3. The Lyric, one of the oldest In the northwest, is being remodeled to serve aa an office building. The house, owned by Flnkel.stein & Ruben, haa been dark for nearly a year. The name of the theatre hns transferred to the Blue Mouse, a picture house. The loop movie place In the future win be known as the Lyric. It i" also operated by "F-R." SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT Figures astimatad and oommant point to soma attractions being auocasaful, while the same gross aceraditad to others might suggest mediocrity or lose. The variance la explained in the difference in house capacitiaa« with tha varying overhead. Also tha aize of cast, with eonaaquant diffaranoa in nacasaary gross for profit. Varlanea in businasf necessary for musical attraction as against dramatic play is also considered. ''Abie's Irish Rose," Republic (59th week). After Tuesday of last week weather became cooler. Ad- vance reservations killed off al- most entirely and recovery not what it should have been. Some grosses slid down further. But '^Abie" went to $7,500. ''Adrienne,'' Cohan («th week). Made up part of drop occasioned by rec- ord heat, though takings consid- erably under high mark of three weeks aga Gross quoted at over $16,000. "Aren't We .AII7»* Gaiety (7th week). English comedy's sparkling dia- log assures it going through Into new season. Stood up very well In the heat and rates with leading non-musicals. Buslnees last week about same; gross beat $11,400. "Follies," New Amsterdam (57th week). Summer edition claimed to have started off close to record of present show, barring premiere week last summer. Gross quoted over $37,000; topped all Broad- way. __. , "Go Go," Apollo (17th week). Final week; Cort musical moved down from Daly's last week, getting nothing first days and hardly beat $3,500 on week. "Helen of Troy, N. Y(," Selwyn (3d week). New musical hit. Second week started briskly in face of heat, pace hitting better than $2,500 nightly^ from Wednesday on and gross going to over $16,500. "Icebound," Sam Harris (21st week). Final week. Prize play dropped among low grosses of list during heat visitation and did nOt im- prove la.st week, gross being about $4,000. "Little Nellie Kelly," Liberty (34th week). Final week. Rated for summer continuance, but heat wave and new musicals pushed takings to losing pace for several weeks. Company will lay off about a month, then scheduled to open In Chicago. Last week about $12,000. "Merton of the Movies," Cort (34th week. Elimination of summer contenders finds this hit among survivors as predicted. Business went off. but show still making money and ought to stick into fall. Takings about $9,000. "Music Box Revue," Music Box (37th week). Could not recover heat wallop, last week's business being under that of week previous. Quite probable* new musicals have af- fected this one. Under $13,500. which Is losing pace. On form it ough( to pick up. "Not 8o Fast," Morosco (7th week). Last week's business about same as during heat wave; gross ap- proximated $3,600. Most of cast on percentage basis explanation of being able to continue. Attraction might have landed if presented in regular season. "Passing Show of 1923," Winter Gar- den (4th week). Figijred to im- prove last week, but rated running second to "Follies." Garden much better this summer than last. and show expected to run through fall. "Polly Preferred," Little. Closed Saturday after running 24 weeks. Badly affected by heat, business dropping off 50 per cent. Man- agement claims closing temporary and that highly rated comedy will proceed later In summer. "Rain,". Maxlne Elliott (35th woelc). Business drop dates from terrific heat of two weeks ago. Last weeks $12,000 is further drop of $1,000. Advance sale cut into. "Rain," however, holds lead among dramas'. "Seventh Heaven," Booth (36lh week). Collapse of advance sales during heat counted nere also last week. Further derli.ie of about $800, gross being little under $10,000. "Scandals of 1923," Globe (3d week). Classy revue had no trouble In pulling capacity for second wo?k. Business quoted at $26,000, which 0.11 house can get at $4 top. Monev pace best of new music.ils aUir "Follies" and "Passing S:il,ow" and demand equal to any. "So This Is London," Hud.son ( ir.th week). Final week. One of best money makers of season. Indica- tions did not point ro .sunimrr continuance. Hc-ut tut gioss in half within two weeks. La.st wiok about $1,000. "The Devil's Disciple," Garrick (llth week). Slump sent business hero to around $3,500. Claimed better business this week anJ Theatre (Juiid will keep show s'oin.? bit longrr. "The Fool," Times Square r3'.th week). Will keep playini,' as \ovk as ran break even. Thouqh af- fected like the others, thi^ drama .said not to have had losing wrrk. Around $6,000. Satisiaclory, at rent period is ovor. "Vanities of 1923." E.irr Carroll »Ivi week). Earl Carroll cnl'..» fcum- mer revue field Thursday night with production claimed as costfy as others. First night top $n. Opening postponed again from Monday to Thursda/ (July 6). "WiJdflowar," Casino (22d weok^. Thicr^uslcal success got $15,80t last week. Like others, decline la advance sale occasioned by heat held down gross to level of pre. vlous week. "You and I," Belmont (20th week). Slight improvement here UtSL week, with takings about $5,5(i«. Management expectant attraction can weather heat and hold on un- til visitors arrive. ''Zander tha Qraat," Empire (ISth week). About $7,000. around IbOO over previous week. Better re- sponse from two-for-one tickets accounts for slight betterment. 1^ dicatlons for continuance through^ summer. "8un Up" in the secluded spot in Greenwich Village appears able ta hold Its own. Can operate oa amaller gross than any uptowa attraction. '-3, PHULT'S REVUE DID |ll,00a Philadelphia, July S. Business continued O. K. at tha Walnut, the only legitimate housa open last week. The Galtes-Beury revue, "I'll Say She Is," grossed a few dollars ovef $11,000, despite the scorching hot days at the beginning of the week. It is expected to continue 'TU Say She Is" at the Walnut Street for the balance of the summer, that being announced by Joseph M. Galtes and J«unes P. Beury. who produced the attraction. The latter is owner of tha Walnut. WOODS'CHI BOOKINGS ^. -J Pictures at Woods Until New Yaiir'a-46,000 Weekly. Chicago, July 1. A. H. Woode* Chicago policy fo* the new Jieason Is practically set The Woods theatre will house no leglt shows, according to present plans, until the first of the year. Paramount has the lease on the house with '*The Covered Wagon** up to Sept. 1, when Metro takes over the theatre tor a new special film feature. The rental Is $5,000 weekly for the four walle. The Apollo, currently holdbiff "The Passing Show," will introduce "Battling Butler" to the Windy City In mid-August, following which tha "Scandals" will assume occupancy. The Adelphl, the former Columbia burlesque house (Columbia) taken over by Woods. Is nearing interior renovation with an undecided at- traction due the latter part of August. Speculation as to tha choice of the new house manager, eeems concentrated on Gene Wilson for the post LEGIT ITEMS The Canadian rights to "Abie's Irish Rose" have been secured by Harold Hevia, who opened a com* pany In the piece at the Orpheum, Montreal, last week for a run. '-^ ■rv'j A. H. Woods has not leased tha-'.^; Morosco, New York, for his P'O-^Vt ductlon of "Red Light Annie,*^|i with Mary Ryan, produced In con- "3 Junction with Sam H. Harris, ^3 opening there August 20. The ■?■ house will play the attraction on a % regular sharing basis. k A one-night stand circuit on .J Long Island, including six towns, f^ has been organized to play musical '^ tabF, The tabs will play one night in each town. Including Patchogue and Oyster Bay. O, E. AVc'^ in orgaiiizinp a musical show for the one-nighters for next season. The piece will Include 26 people pnd is to be a musical version of a straight comedy. I^lllian K«»rnblc Cooper has been—^ engaged for the feminine lead In i "The Camel's Back," the .Somerset Maugham drama which the Selwyns win produce In the fall. Kenneth Douglas will play opposite her. The Will Morrisey "Xowcomers" «:how is annoiinred to open nent v.'^ek i.Iuiy 9) at the Apollo, At- lantic City. ,, , .. ,'.'v'.v/ ^' . •):«