Variety (July 1923)

LEGITIMATE ThundtLy, July 19, 192S our OF TOWN REVIEWS THE RETURN »- Washington, July 1«. pply W^-bster Allen Buncc jMorty BfldcB £;<lw&r«S Doufflaa 1'I'hompson Joaeph Cr»'han I >iar'.e Marl* Wallace ! Jfciris Wa)lon Flora Sh^'ffleld * Nl Walton Fr«d Raymond, Jr. IS. renfleld, I>oris • mother • Josephine Drake Avery Ilopwood adapted this roni- u\y from the Prenrh of Robert .'^eflers and Francis Decrolsaet. He romcs closer to mlMlng the mark entirely than It would have been thoutfht possible. There are pos- sibilities, but It All seemed rather a ••hashed-up mess," Jumpy In con- •truotlon and oh. mo very talky! fThere are flashes of brilliancy in the dialog, expected from Hopwood. The possibilities are limited, how- ever. Hopwood hasn't run exactly tru« to form. The only atartling thing is the statement of the wife that because of her being bored to death she forewarns friend hueband ■he has simply got to be unfaithful to him. This scene and one other are the two only real flashes throughout it all. The other is when the iw men meet in the final act. Instead of <Mscus«ing the important thing, flucli as the happiness of the lady and wife In question, they discuss the part they played in the war. This Is a "knockout" to Mrs. Wife, who has decided to rid herself of her husband and go to the other man. There seems to be in this suffl- clent plot to sustain one throughout the evening, but it drags, the flret act being particularly slow, the sec- ond doesn't get under way until it is half over, and then the third, with a forced comedy scene at the opening, doesn't get going until nearing its end. The honors go to Edward Douglas as the friend. The Character is rather groteeque; he cries, romances and can talk in such a way as to bring the other couples together when they hear him. Bred Raymond. Jr., leading man «f the stock (trying out the piece f6r A. H .Woods), did very well in the flrst portion of the play, but rather spoiled his impression as the evening progressed. An Importa- tion in the person of Flora Sheflfteld as the young wife disclosed a sin- c-ere little being who flashed many momenta of actual genlue. Josephine Drake did very well with a flighty mother role. Time will Improve her performance, while Allen Bunce as the young naval oflUcer also is de- «erving of comment. His sincerity aided materially... Kdgar MacGregor has staged many successes. His work here wasn't above the ordinary. The two sets utilized are in extremely Kood taste, being the work of Horace E. Siller. ^ "The Return" teaches womankind that she may have broadened throughout the war, but it also Khowe her that something bigger has come to man. His love Isn't all. The piece may bo whipped into shape and have a vftgue, but It will never be an equal to the others of Hopwood's that have broken all «orts of records. Meakin, were provided. On these occasions he took good advantage and was rewarded with sincere applause. Three of Foster's most popular numbpra wore sung, and all by Pur- cell: "Old Folks at Home," "Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming" and "Old Black Joe." Strangely, the sweetest of the Foster ballad.s, "My Old Kentucky Home," was omitted. With the .exception of a few notes here and there the bulk of the singing was done by Purcell. Purcell was at his best in "Old Black Joe." This classic, which should survive all of Foster's nu- merous melodies, provided one of the most ubnorbing moments. For this credit should be giv<tn to Rich- ard Ca^sle. who .as Old Joe. an ancient Tiegro, gave sentiment, pa- thos and 8pl^Tdfd ciiaracterization to the part. It was only a bit, but artistic. The plot revolves around the ad- miration of Foster for Bessie. He has come from the North in search of material for new songs. He saves Bessie from drowning, and a friend- ship Immediately springs ^p be- tween them, which eventually cul- minates in love. Foster's fame has spread, and Bessie is an ever-ready listener to all of his compositions, whether in embryo or in the last stages of crystallization. At any rate, when the action seems to flounder—and it did this quite often—Foster went to the piano, composed new songs on the spot, sang them to his own accompani- ment, giving the girl credit for hav- ing served as the inspiration. The villain In the play is Phillip Tipton, a scapegrace and profligate uncle. The flnal act seemed to be the best. Here the interest was cumu- lative and natural. The comedy was contributed by the negro characters, all played by white actors. The scenes were be- tween thre- black servants. One. Lige (Harry D. Blackmore), an old darkey, aspired for the affections of a young wench, Jinny, played rather broadly by Frederika Going. She, in turn, was wooed by Neb, a young negro, LIge at the flnlsh being compelled to marry the pair at the instance of his mistreB.^. These three roles did not ring very true, the impression prevailing that real negroes with harmonizing voices would have created a better illusion and atmosphere. At any rate, they did not reflect the ne- groes of the days before the Civil War. One set was used. The play was PQoduced by Samuel Wallach, with scenery by Livingston Piatt and di- rected by Clifford Brooke. The cast, on the whole, was farily adequate. teaching them literally the dance steps and the chorus numbers. There were as many comments about the 'chorus as there were on any other portion of the shbw, not excepting the stars. San Francisco has taken "Topsy and Eva" to its heart, and even the wiseacres in theatrical circles ad- mit and even predict that It will knock Broadway for a goal when the time comes for Wilkes and Sam H. Harris to take it East for the big time verdict. It is reported here that the en- tire production is to be lifted intact for the New Tork showing, with perhaps one or two minor changes. Most of the principals were brought on here for the production. Harriet Hoctor made an excep- tional success with her dancing. She is interesting to the eye, with- out being unusually comely; but her dancing makes up for any de- flciencles in pulchritude. Nana Bryant was cast as Marlette and won her audience with heh singing as well as her delightful coquetry. The Aunt Chloe of Aimec Torrlani was effective; Netta Sun- derland scored laugh after laugh as Miss Ophelia, and Anne O'Nell made Mrs. Shelby a distinguished personage. Others who acquitted themselves were Carl Gantvoort and Thomas Chatterton. Ritert. SWANEE RIVER Long Branch, N. J.. July 18. T,iJ* Harry D. iJlahrmore Jinny FreilerloJi Going X«b Julen Bennett Mrs. Travcra Martha Mayo Mr. Travers Edward Fielding • leorge 'rurnry Leward Me«»ker Philip Ttpton Byron n<*a.sli>y Hetisle Trav»rH Florenro Rlttcnhc^ne Htpphen rolllnn Foster (.:har)e« Purcell .Iudg« Oalioway H. Conwny VVIngfloId Vhl Jo* Hichard Carlyle For the outstanding character of his latest play, "Swanee River," at th^ Broadway. Edward Locke, the ! Author, has Stephen Collins Foster, the original writer of "Maramy" songs. Charles Purcell imperson- ates Foster. The piece Is a mixture of com- ody, romance and a tinge of melo- drama, unfolding a plot which wav- ers occasionally, mostly for the pur- pose of giving the star a chance to vocalize. Purcell, who looks unlike Foster, according to tlie musician's accepted portraits, gave a good ac- count of himseir, Investing here and thfre a quiet leserve which the original is said to have possessed in life. Evidently the author wrote the Iilay with the purpose of dissemi- nating a certain charm across the lootlighta. The only one who seemed 1o bo in accord with his Ideas was 3'lorence Rlttenhouse. As Bessie Travers, A girl of the South, she got into its spirit Although she could not be mistaken a« a girl of 18. she succeeded in giving the role a sem- blance of reality. The entire action takes place in the Kentucky home of the Travers in iTie ante-bellum days of the iKpring of 1848, presumably during the unheralded period of Fester's Hf«, no mention being made of his later carcrr or traglo ending. Most of the best known Foster melodif's which were used suited Purcrlls thin tenor voice. When a •iHiaiJon failed for some vocal py- i Ifitfi.cbnics § X«w ioterpolated bars TOPSY AND EVA San FYanclsco. July 1ft. Chloe ^ Almee TorrianI Harry Margretta Curry Uncle Tom Baall Kuypdael QeorgA Shelby Carl Oantvoort Mrs. Shelby Anne O'Neal Helen Kenee Liowrey Ann Bmay Crlvel Besale Mildred Boots Jane Bern ice Hough Augustine St. CUr« "Wilbur Cunhman .Simon Legree Thomaa Chattertnn Oee Oee Oallen R. TJader KlIzA Fontella La Pierre Marlrtte An)es Anna Bryant Kraimius Marks '. .R. Burnet Pell Ophelia St. Clare ....Nettie Sundeflnnd Topny Roaita Dun<^an Eva HU Clare Vivian Duncan Pol Mnrla Blllie De Luxe Na.saciah Bobble De Luxe "Topsy and Eva," starring the Duncan Si.sters, looks like an un- equivocal hit. It opened at the Al- cazar to a packed audience, and the sent sale ha.s been exceptional. It is a mu.sicaliced version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." with plenty of liberties taken. Catherine Chls- holm Cushing, the author, brought out here especially to tailor the new theatrical garment for the Sis- ters, has done more than adapt the piece. She has ellmnlated all but the humorous features of the story. There is no whipping of Uncle Tom by Simon Legree, no death of Little Eva or other sad or tear-Inspiring situations. When the curtain rang up on the opening night every one connected with the enterprise knew that the show was too long. It ran past 12, but didn't seem to tire the audience. By the next two performances the running time was cut to 11» and elisions arc still being made to snap it up more. Four things In the production stand out—the work of the Duncin Sisters, clever handling of thr theme by Mrs. Cu.-^hlng. Bn.sil Ruys- dael as Uncle Tom and the bunch of "peaches" that made up the chorus. Incidentally, the picking of that cliorus up.sels all the accepted ideas of show business, for not one of the girls has been on the stage be- fore. Feeling the need of girls with real fro.shnes.s and charm, Os- car Eagle, who is responsible for the direction, resorted to the colunin.s of the daily papers and advertised for girls who never had had stage experience. Of course, hundred.** applied. From the army of pretty glrl.9 he 8< lected his needed number, and thtn epent hours and tours HONEYMOON HOUSE Cleveland, July 18. There are occasions when you know that everything is all rigM. but there is just a little something that seems to be awkward, or needs Just a tiny twist or pulL You don't know what it is—and you wish you did. You put on a splendid new suit or a new costume—but you don't feel quite comfortable the first time out; everything seems new and strange—but, after the initial ap- pearance In the suit or costume— then you feel Just grand! That's how we viewed "Honey-- moon House," Jack Norworth's new play, at the Hanna, >fonday. The comedy has a clever theme, the de- velopment is well done, the action fits in acceptably—and Norworth himself sounded the keynote last night when he said—"Gimme time, and everything will be all right." The theme of "Honeymoon House" seems to be: There never was a house big enough to hold two families. That is centuries old, but it never fails. More especially does this adage apply to honeymooners. Cave-man stuff is suggested as a means of restoration of married bliss; that proves a miserable fail- ure. It takes the voice of true love, the sweet nothings of connubiallsm to chase the dark clouds of disap- pointment and misunderstanding; the young hubbies play the right game and win the trick. Then when everything looks bright, an- other gloom arrives with the news that the bridegrooms have built their home on the wrong lot—they're dispossessed!—but this proves the ray of hope—then the Joy bells peal! ''Honeymoon House" needs prun- ing in some places; here and there Is too much "talkiness"; it was at these points that Jack Nprworth proved himself a real artist. Nervous sUm were covered instan- ter and deftly turned to good ac- count by him; this, however, did not detract from the eflfectiveness of "the scene. "Honeymoon House" will prove a worthy vehicle for Norworth; It suits his style, be gets full play for his idlosyncra8ie.«i, and he wins his audience. His acting as "Hod" was de- liciously amu-iing; his comedy is re- freshing; he was the Jack Nor- worth we expected—that's all. Of course, hi.s songfest Is one of the big Items, and last night he sang "The Mississippi Choo Choo Train," "Yet, I dont Know." "Got to Put Up With It." "Don't Think You'll Be Ml«.sed." and "Sleepy Little Village Where the Dixie Cotton Grows" In his Norworthian style. Dorothy Adolphi made an able accompanist to Norworth and played the role of the magnetic borrower In pleasing manner. Will Lloyd and Fay Courtney were one pair of honeymooners, and they were both very clever in their interpretation. Gretchen Thomas was fhe other bride, and her work was creditable Indeed. Earl D. Dwlre and Francesca Hill were par- ticularly noticeable as "Hod'.s** neighbors, and William F. Powell was "Hod's" boss, and partner In "Hod's" Invention. Elizabeth Shirley was good as the colored cook, and the other roles were well taken by Mabel Waldron, Fairfax Burgher, and Charles W. Emerson. The staging was effective. /foj/. STOCKS '."'. McGAftRY PLAYERS "ALMA, WHERE DO YOU LIVE?" Buffalo, July 18. Speaking of summer Bt<M:k8, Buf- falo's current >season is unique in more than one respect. For the flrst time within the memory of this re- viewer—which goes back some 20 yeara—the town possesses a stock organization apparently actuated by a modest "by-yeai:-leave" spirit X)i striving tB please. In a town ridden for years by a fixed autocratic stock idea, that alone should be cause' for gratitude. For the flrst time, also (with the possible ex(;eptIon of the Anson-GUmore Company in 1911) Buffalo is privileged to witness a body of hard-working young artists flying In the face of what the wise ones predicted was certain disaster and emerging after a monCh's trial into the light of what looks like sure-flre success. It's admitted on every hand that you've got to hand it to McGarry. The consensus Is, the kid's clever. What local showmen said this spring about the chances for a 'suc- cessful summer 8to<;k here would have halted heroes and gamblers. Jessie Bonstelle was on record that the town was a flivver. Everyone else agreed. But McGarry had an Idea and ho sold It to his backers. Now he's selling it to the public. With the result that Buffalo is back on the stock map. Two of the town's most substan- tial financial Interests are back of the project. The company doesn't owe a nickel and it shows In their bearing and demeanor. Takings have grown steadily from under $3,000 to $3,500 and now up to $4,000 —and this during the hottest spell on record. Bonstelle did only $1,900 many weeks last season. With the advent of a number of stars, business I.«? figured due for a big jump. And the most noticeable feature of the run is the fact that the patronage is coming from THE NEWCOMERS Asbury Park, N. J., July 18. "The N«wcomerK." muBlral review in twr> aotM, pro<tu<^«d by WUl Morrlasoy. liooU. lyrics and muRlc hy Joe Burrows and Will MorrlHsey. At the Main Ht^-eet theatrr, Anbury Park. N. J., July 17. Company includrs Will Morri«s«»y, Al KIrld.*, Pefity Hart, Orac* Matvtern, Elsl*' I<amont, Frank llobh, Rophi" Romm, Prank (iabby, Jimmy Morgan, Drtty Morgan. Ma.^on and Hhaw. Minta Durf^e (Mrs. Fatty Arbuckl'>), Kay and r*«.cil. Painloy Noon, Irv-inir Kluher, Gail B»»vrriy. Heer and Martin, Jo« Burrowi, and Helen tfpring. This show ha.4 real possibilities. It still needs revising and pruning, but even as it stands the audience ate It up. It is a plotless revlm- with even the chorus subordinate to the specialties. It starts off in Hitchcock fashion with Morrlssey talking to the audience. He explains that he will write the first act while Fisher plays something. When the selection ends, the cur- tain discloses Al Fields as a cab driver who protests that the new performers are not the equal of those of the good all days, while Morrissey demands new blood. Fields admits he has brought some new ones up from Washington square, introduces a few of the principals, and that is the last of even a thread on which to hang the review. Morrlssey slays In the or- chestra throughout most of the show, making a few comments .and singing a couple of songs. His stuff to the audience could be braced up and made more snappy to advant- age. The first act is practically a suc- cession of specialties run off with much vigor, but the almost inces- sant use of one got a little wear- ing and one longed for a sight of the full stage and the chorus. In this monotony a clever travesty on "Rain" was a pleasing break. Frank Gabby as the proacher and Helen Spring as Sadie Thompson carried off the honors here. The second act is a repetition of the first, but hardly up to Its standard. It seemed here as if Morrlssey might really be writing some of the show as he went along. The burlesque on the mystery plays was inferior to that on "Rain," and a long worklmr nut of Morrissey's song, "Mother, Me, and the Flag," (a satire on George Cohan), might be cut to good re- sults. Mrs. Fatty Arbuckle Is featured In the advertising, but she la in for notoriety purposes only. She sings twice in a harmless manner. The real hits are Betty Morgan, Frank Gabby, Irving Fisher, and Gall Bev- erley. The latter Is an elongated, wide-eyed eccentric dancer with a remarkable sense of comedy values, but she gets no chance. With half an opportunity she'd be the mak- ing of any show. Frank Gabby is most amusing*and does a ventri- loquist bit that is astounding. Fisher's piano playing threatened to stop the show, while Betty Morgan has everything that puta a comedy son^ across. She should, however, get more and better material. In the acrobatic turn, Barney Heer and Jack Martin went over well and did a toe catch that brought a gasp. The trouble with Mason and Shaw and Kay and Cecil, was not that they were poor, but one saw too much of them In very familiar stuff. They got a great reception on each appearance, however. Sophie Romm * also pleased greatly in a number of strnlght songs. ' ~"^— The music serves, hut Is not dis- tinguished. A good smashing song would help greatly. Perhaps the best numbers were "Panorama Bav" and an Interpolated number, "Take This, Little Rosebud." bv J. Plfirrp. (kmnor. The chorus numbers 16 and Is not bad. The costuming i.s quite the reverse of elaborate, but it is said to be still incomplete. It would seem as the show needed a little more 8pla.«?h. but It is possiblp that the very simplicity would np- rejtl as a novelty. . Austin, sources hitherto untapped. i|*- Garry was wise enough to enltol rather than antagojiize the elements behind the Buffalo Players—tha healthy younir community oganiiaZ tlon born here last fall—and the re« suit is a draw from the upper strata of local society such as has not been jEieen here for stock since 1911. Last week the McGarrys presented "Alma" for the flrst time in Buffalo since originally done here by Kitty Gordon and the late Charles Blge. low. It's the stock company's first musical try and indeed tlie first mu- sical stock production In Buffalo 1q a score of years. Its reception was whole-heartedly enthusiastic. The adaptability of this company oi eager young players Is remarkable! Rose Ludwig played Alma in gooA voice and striking style, althougli hampered in her assumption oC naughtiness by her natural chanm Don Burroughs did Pierre La Peach with a spontaneity and restraint rare for stock. Ruth Hoffman, brought on from Washington for "Seventeen," proved a pretty an4 vivacious Ingenue, adding to her fli-st week's favorable impiesslon. The * production was colorfully staged and well costumed. On ths direction end, however, it Is evident the McGarrys feel the lo^s of Elrio StiQwden, who resigned a fortnight agtt, due to press of work In ready- ing the "Passion Play." Last week* the production was conspicuously weak In this direction. i- This week, Tom Wise is starring with the McGarrys in "Cappy RIck.o." Present plans call for th* contlnuance*of the company up to August 81, which is perhaps th« best evidence of the player's recep- tion and success. Burton, Plans have been completed for the erection of a new theatre at San Antonio, known as the Booth» devoted to dramatic stock. It Is being promoted by Joyce Booth and Maurice Penfold, former members of the Edna Parks Players at the Royal. The decision to build was reached when several members ct the Parks company received their; notices In order to cut down ex- penses. The people let-out Joined the company at the New Princess* presenting one hour plays. Durlnif the engagement the decision waM reached to erect a new house for next season. Dr. Mae Booth-Smith« mother of Joyce Booth, of Spokane, Is reported furnishing financial backing with local capital also Jn^ terested. The Royal is a Famous Players house which installed stock follow- ing the failure of second run pic- tures. The stock was Installed by Jack Edwards on 40-60 sharing terms with the house on the lonj^ end. The Evanston, Ind., Players, vm* der the management of Clyde B. Elliot, who has the New Evanston Theatre, opened with "Fair and Warmer," and the company Is pre- senting "Scandal", tlvis week. Th^ night prices are 50. 'TS and $1. The company In the flrst bill included Barry McCormack. Margery Wil- liams, Josephine Hammer, Lorain# Wller, Edward Kohl, Charles Rich- ards, Don Merrifleld, Guy HItner. This Is the only dramatic stock 111 the vicinity of Chicago. ■^n Patricia Salmon, leading woman of the Hylan-Welty Players, at Shelby, Mont., the week prior to th* Dempscy-Glbbons flghr, has beeii sent a telegraphic offer of a posi- tion with Zlegfeld's "Follies" at thi New Amsterdam to begin Imme- diately. Miss Salmon, who Is 20 years old, Is the daughter of Pat Salmon, a Juggler and member of tent shows, and has been traveling with "rep" companies for tl.e past six years. "To the Ladles" maintained the fast pace set by Its predeces.sors, "The Faith Heart" and "Rose Briar," at Elltch's Gardens last week. About $6,500 was grossed, despite a week Of intermittent shoVers and heat, occasionally bordering on the sul- try. 'The Wasp" is the current of- fering. Other business at the Gar- dens showed the reflected prosperity, especially the Dance Pavilion. Paula Shay, leading woman with Keith's Alhambra Stock Co., which closed July 7, and Lorralno Ber- nard of the same company have ar- ranged to sail this month for a va- cational tour of Europe. Hai-vey Hayes, also a member of the stock, goes with Hazel Burgess Players at the Roosevelt, West New York, N. J., July 16. The Leonard Wood stock at Fall River, Mass., formerlly at White Plains, N. Y., is receiving favorabls (Continued on page 31)