Variety (August 1923)

It V^ LEGITIMATE r.,r5\>''.-ir=.^»7*«s.T„-;^aeF3K.'=s^.r!^ri2t'r^-j';,: Thursday, August 30, 1923 YIDDISH SUNDAY CONCERTS WITH "JEWISH HARRY LAUDER" May Be Solution of Equity-Thomashefsky Squabble —Equity Changes lU "Demand" to "Requett"— Hebrew Actors' Union Decision Today Today (Thursday) the Hebrew ▲ctora' Union will band down lU ««eUion on the Ekjuity imbroglio with the Thomashefsky Broadway Tlddlah Theatre Co., on the Sunday performance propo«ltlon. Equity object! to the Tiddisb troupe's Sun- day abows and the latter takes ex- ception to the Sunday lay-oft on the ground that the elimination of the Wednesday matinee perform- ance gives the Yiddish thesplans •ufflclent rest; that the Yiddish actors do not demand any further curtailment of their duties and that the fact each player has an under- study substituting In his or her part once a week provides further rest for the company one day a week. Meantime, Boris Thomashcfsky this week placed under contr.ict a Russian singing comedian, Sarama- toff, who Is termed the Jewish Harry Lauder. If the Sunday legit performances are banned, the Yid- dish troupe will substitute Sunday concert performances of YicWlsh vaudeville with Saramatofl as the kingpin of the programs. The sup- porting bill will be recruited from the stock company which Includei^ iMsides Thomashcfsky, Rudolph Schlldkraut, lAidwlg Satz, Regina Zuckerberg and a versatile and varied aggregation of minor players. The Sunday performance proposi- tion becomes a necessity in Yiddish show business since that Is their biggest day. The Hebrew Sabbath, Saturday, does not find as big a draw as on Sundays. Next to Bun- day, It'* a question'whether Friday night or Saturday night draws bet- ter for second place. Thomashefsky Is loath to submit to an Equity a*ltratIon. Instead the matter has been submitted to Rubin Guskln and Jean Qreenfleld, •the executive heads of the Hebrew Actors' Union for a decision. A special meeting of the executive committee of the Four A's was called Tuesday by Frank Ollmore for 'he purpose of resubmitting his resolution which had been defeated through objections by Harry Mount- ford at a previous meeting. The resolution has since been reduced from a "demand and order" to a "request" to the officials of the He- brew Actors' Union that they "re- quest" their members not to play Sundays ati Intended. The legal end of thi.; Equlty- Thomar'.iefsky squabble doesn't fig- ure. Thomashefsky states that he can perform his "Three Little Busi- ness Men," the opening attraction, ■ans make-up or costuming and thus qualify for the Sunday law provision against • theatrical per- formances. YIDDISH COS. HGHTING; UNION VS. INDEPENDENT Littman, of Buffalo, Heading Independents—Jacubovitz Opens Sunday in Buffalo NEW TICKET SYSTEM MAY BE WORKED OUT p. M. A. Committee Has Com- promise Idea—McBride-Ty- son Deal Not Monopoly CRITICAL DIGEST i^-' Buffalo, Aug. 29. Buffalo during the coming season will become one of the battlegrounds for the fight between the Hebrew Actors' Union and the Independents. The local Yiddish season opens Sun- day at the Majestic with Hyraan Jacubovlts Company, a non-ilnlon troupe, and will continue durint the week with the company switching to a small east -side house. vFor two seasons, Buffalo has been li. the foreground of the Yiddish actors' battle. Last year the Na- tional Toronto Company (non- union) alternated between Canada and Buffalo, giving the union forces of the Standard, Toronto (Local No 1). a stiff battle. Three companies occupied the local Yiddish stages, Local No. 6 supply- ing the third at the Temple and playing direct opposition to the Standard No. 1 company, witli the National skirmishing between the two. For the present season, the sit- uation is being dominated by Abra- ham Littman, an Independent pro- ducer. Littman has completed ar- rangements foi five non-union com- panies to alternate In Detroit. Buf- falo, Toronto, Rochester and Syra- cuse, with theatres under lease in each of these cities. The amalgama- tion of the locals makes It certain that the union will furnish com- panies to oppose Littman, and al- ready forces at? working in the form Oi warning publicity and local In- fluences to block the independents in the various towns. Llttman's scheme .8 the most com- prehensive yet attempted by the In- dependents and Is probably the first unit circuit movement in the Yiddish theatre. ANOTHER TICKET OFFICE William Everin Openi Next to His Former Boss's Place. Deals COHAN OPERETTA with PostrWar European Situation. George M. Cohan will probably produce by winter a new operetta l>y Samuel Rusktn Qoldlng with score by Harold Levey. It la titled "Oh Princess" and is a post-war liatire set In Paris and Constant - nople dealing with the social as- pects of Europe of today. Cohan Is impressed with the piece's possibilities. It Is looked on as another "Merry Widow." I,evy, who composed the last three Mitzi shows, Interested Cohan on the^r trip back from London recently. EVELYN GOODWIN "BROKE" Evelyn Ooodwin, actress, of 2C47 ■ Broadway, New York, filed a volun- tary petition In bankruptcy in the U. S. District Court this week set- ting forth $2,777 In lia"i:utlcs and $200 exempt assets c.n.sistlng of wcarlnt apparel. The creditors are hotels for lodg- ing bills and women's wear estab- lishments for merchandise sold. DUDLEY EEPORTED MARRIED Helen Eiiglcs (sister of Jeanne Eagles) and Edpar Dudley, agent. I are reported to have kren maniid, ,' Aug. 18. In Atlantic City. A new theatre iicket ag«'ncy has been opened on the south side of 42nd street west of Seventh ave- nue. The new broker ia William Everin, formerly in the agency of Louis Cohn, and the new office directly adjoins Cohn's. There are now four agencies In the short dis- tance from Seventh avenue to the New Amsterdam theatre, the others being the Tyson Company and the Ubrary. There are two agencies a few steps to the west of the house while several smaller ticket selling spots are located on the north side of the thoroughfare. Everin is being backed by his father-In-law, a ladles' apparel manufacturer. "NIFTIES" SHORT ROAD TOUR Bernard and Collier In "Nifties of 1923" will play a three-week out- of-town engigement prior to open- log at the Fulton, New York, Oct. 1 The show will open at the Majes- tic, Buffalo, on Sept. 10, then go to the Ohio, Cleveland, and spend Its last week on tour at the Detroit opera house, closing tkere on Sept. 29. The acting company will com- prise 84 people and will m.ikc all their Jumps via special trains. Those engapcd for the cast In- clude Sam liernard, Willie CoIIit-r. Haiel Dawn, Van and Schenck, Kay Doolcy, Harry Watson, Jr.; l^'ratik Crumltt, Cortei and Peggy, Helen Broderiik, Jane Green, Lina B.as- quette, William Holbrook, Elm Cif:y' (juartet, Fooshce Sisters, Florianne and Revel, Gertrudj McDonald, IC F;nBlish 'JCiller Ciirls and 38 chorus girls. Though the tlckkt committee of the Producing Managers' Associa- tion will not declare the central ticket agency a closed issue it ie stated the matter is up to Lee Shubert. It is conceded Shubert has the "balance of power" because of the number of theatres the Sbu- berts control and because of the withdrawal of ,A. L. Erlanger and the theatre managements asso- ciated with the "syndicate" Inter- ests from a participation in the central office, as proposed. The committee IS understood to be working on a system which would, in effect, be a compromise with the idea of Interesting the Erlanger group of theatres. It Is recognized all the important Broad- way houses must subscribe to any plan if ticket conditions are to be bettered. The new plan calls for a central agency, but without the power the original proposal con- templated. It would act as a sort of controller for the dist.-ibutlon of tickets to the recognized agencies, all others being shut off it caught gypping. It is claimed by leading brokers the bulk of gypping; now existing is in New York's exclusive clubs. The clubs are supplied by certain brok- ers, who are said not to exact excessive premiums from rcpiilar patrons who purchase through ihem direct. A reaction again"t paying fancy prices has been noted in agency circles for some time, theatre- goers apparently having tired of piiylng high prices, and the brokers are looking to the clubs for most of the excess. Instances of visit- ors paying double the box olllce price for attractions which have been running more than six months are known around the clubs recently. Last week's meeting of the P. M. A. resulted in an announcement to the effect the central agency had been "frustrated" by the withdrdVal of Erlanger. The P. M. A. an- nouncement was regarded as an of- ficial decision the central agency was "cold," forecast some time ago. The abeorjitlon of the Tyson Company by the McBrldes was ex- plained by the latter that through it they would be enablei to extend their own service of tickets at 60 cents premiiim. They also stated there was no attempt at monopoly and that they had refused control of agency distribution several times because opposed to the idea of monopoly. • Erlanger issued a second ^state- ment on the ticket matter'advo- cating supervision of all agencies and advising managers their func- tion was to produce wholesome plays Instead of delving into the ticket traffic. The statement may have referred to the Shuberts mu- sical "Artists and Models," which Jumped to big boslness mainly through the nudity of the chorus and "raw bits." At la.^t week's P. M. A. meeting the proposed change In the by-laws which would have permitted resig- nations to be accepted forthwith instead of the bI:^ months' periods now provided, was not acted on, the three-fourths membership required for the change not attending. The change was proposed becaube of the resignations of Erlanger and Zleg- feld. A skit on the ticket matter was reported being readied for the "Follies." It was due to have gone Into the show Monday, but Zieg- feld said he was holding It out. The reported ticket skit for the new "Music Box Revue" is now said to be an opening chorus bit. Opinions of tha metropolitan erities on the new legitimate pro- ductions. Publiehed weekly in Variety as a guide to the reliability of the critical Judgment on plays expressed by the reviewers on the dailies. The opinion if contrary will be repeated when a play closes on Broadway after a long or short run, with the critics to be box-soored at intervals, rated by percentage on their Judgment as recorded. "Little Miss Bluebeard" The "Little Miss Bluebeard" no- tices, when better than f-iir, were hung on Irene Bordonl. The better than "fair," however, did not exceed good. "Good" was expressed by the "Times" (Corbin) saying, "almost Parisian In its delicate impropriety." "News" (Mantle) said "Bordonl pulls it through," summing it up as a fair entertainment, with a similar expression by the "Tribune" (Ham- mond), while Variety (Pulaski) be- lieves the show Is in the Lyceum for •a run through Bordoni and her songs / Artists ancf Models" But one of four openings and drew but few of the first line critics. Those who did attend seemed mod- erately cordial, with a majority commenting upon the dlrth of clothes worn, the "Times" typifying it, "the limit in nudity." "Brook" A general air of mediocrity seems to prevail as regards the dallies' opinion of this premier. The "Tele- gram" called it "unconventional." the "Times" s.-vid "interesting," and the "American" (Dale) bewailed the fate of the heroine who has a fiuai'tft of lovers in the Rciipt. "Home Fires" This opfning appeared to pet the break ' August 21. the' "Times" (Corbin) compared it ecju.illy to tht- aiithor's former effcit. "Icebound," "Herald" (vVnollcott) deemed it both good and bad, "Mall" (Craig) called It "delightful," and "Post" (R. J. S.) said "entertaining." ■•>1 "We've Get to Have Money" Over half the quota of— writers "catching" the entrance of this piec into New York picked it as becoming a success, although they didn't like it personally. Variety (lAlt) said the show "ran go to Thanksgiving if it can ll\iC on $7,000 a week." /i.= . "Zeno" Generous skepticism in the dailies on thi.« Saturday nijTlit ■ oi)»iiing. Most of the scribes compared It, detrimentally, with previous crook and mystery dramas, with t^e "Times" (Corbin) styling it as "one of these things," the "World" (Broun) "illogical and ;)ropo.sterou8" and the "Sun" (Rathbun) "t'ne stage electrician Is ,i mure impor- t.njit perKon than the author * "Magnolia" Appiroiative criticism that as- signed the second act as the show's greatest accomplishment tireeted this stcond offering of Booth Tar- kington for the current season. Many hailed Leo Carrilio for his performance, with the "Times" (Cor- bin) the foremost, p!;uinj; his work alongside of that of Man:iliel(l. The "Sun" (Rathliun) de!ive!Cd the only real "pan" to the p.ece when Crilling it " jt much ot .i play." Variety (Lnit) says it will be a suc- cess, though not a rage. SIX NEW PRODUCTIONS, ZIEGFELD'S PROGRAM Billie Burke, Fannie Brice and Eddie Cantor Among Them —Total of Eight Due - Flo Ziegfeld has a new produc- tion program calling for six produc- tions due during the fall and giving him a total of eight shows, counting the current "Follies" and "Sally." 'Uiere will be a new play for Billie Burke In November. About that time a number two "SaKy" Is listed for southern territory. Prior will be the new "winter" "Follies," due Oct. 1, at the New Amsterdam. No cast has been announced, though chorus rehearsals have been called. Zlcgfeld has definitely decided on the musical which will star Fannie Brlce. Its authors are Ring Lardner and Rudolf Frlml. Oct. 18 Is the date set for the new show to star Eddie Cantor. It is being done by William Anthony Maguire with the score by Harry Tlerney and Joseph McCarthy. Gallagher and 8hean were out of the "Follies" last week and early this week, though expected back last (Wednesday) night Gallagher was HI with an infection of his face said to have started in his eyes. The comedians were forced out of a Fox picture making through the Illness. The "Follies" will leave for the road in two weeks with "Sally" fill- ing the ^ap until the new "Follies" Is ready. WIFE GREW TIRED AFTER 40 YEARS ilVife of John Herfurth, Scenic Artist, Quotes Cruelty in Cross Petition Cincinnati, Aug. 29. John Hi^rfurth, scenic artist fop leading theatres, has filed sui for divorce against Marie G. Herfurth, charging she deserted him. In hep answer and cross-petition she de- clares that during the 40 years of their married life she helped her husband in his business, which was very profitable, but she never re- ceived any of the profit- ^h* charges John with being us temper- amental as some actors and says h« treated her cruelly, was surly, nag- ging and quarrelsome at all times. Frequently, she declares, he would become peeved at mealtime and would arise from the table and over^ turn It, throwing everything on tha floor, and would pack his belonginga, leave the house and remain away for weeks. She says she even sewed together the scenery he painted and alleges he failed to provide a horn* for her since September 11, 1920. Mrs. Herfurth asks that he be en- joined from disposing of the contents of his safe deposit box and from changing the beneficiary of a $1,000. life Insurance policy, upon which shs claims she has paid the premiums. NO FAIRJA[EEK SHOW Wieting, Syracuse, With No Book- ing During State Fair Syracuse, N. Y., Aug. 29. To date no booking has been en- tered for the Shubert's Wtetlng here, the only legit house in the rity. "ROAD TOGETHER," NEW » Los Angeles. Aug. 29. Marjcrle Rambeau will do a new play called "The Road Together," by George Midilleton. following the run of "Tht Goldlish." It will be used by Miss Rambeau In New York. 6AITES' THEATRE GUILD REP. Jo«eph M. Oaites is assembling a cast to appear on tour In a reper- toire of former Theatre Guild pro- ductions. Including "He Who Gets Slapped" and "The Devil's Disciple." Galtes will also send out "The Monster" for another season on the road and will bring his musical revue, "I'll Say She Is," at the Wal- nut, Philadelphia, to a New York theatre at the termination of its Quaker City run. FRISCO OPERA STOCK Jefferson De Angelie Heading Com* pany at Capitol MRS. DILLINGHAM RETURNING The Dillingham offices have Issued a denial of the report that Mrs. Charles Dillingham was seriously ill in Paris and would be forced to undergo an operation. It was aaid that she had been slightly ill several weeks ago, but that £hc is entirely recovered now and expects to return to this country in a few days. . , . San Francisco, Aug. 29. Jefferson De Angells will head a light operatic stock to open at the local Capitol next week. Mabel Rlegelman will be the principal support. The opening piece is "The Fire- fly." Another Thomashefsky on B'way Bessie Thomashefsky Is the sec- ond of the Thomashefsky clan to aspire to Broadway. The Yiddish actress, currently In Yiddi.«!h at the Second Avenue theatre, has com- missioned Andy Rice to specially, write a new play for her In English for fall production.' Boris Thoma8hef.?l<y, her husband, from whom she is separated, trans- ferred his Yiddish company of players from the East Side to Broadway. , .