Variety (June 1924)

1 t VARIETY LEGITIMATE J.. •'' Wednesday, June 4, 18M >! FALL WEATHER HELPS CHICAGO AND MIR iraCALS DO $96,000 Topsy and Eva/' $25,500 in 22nd Week—''Green- wich Follies" $58,000 for Two Weekc—"New Toys" Almost Low Record With $2,600 CHANCE LOST IN PHULY; BUSINESS HAS HELD DP SHOWSINIIY^ANDCOMME^^ Fiaur<M •■timatad and comment point to aom* atliraetioni balni •uccaatfui, whll« th« •am* groaa aecraditad to ethara ihlvht auggaat madiocrity tor ktta. Tha varianca la axplainad in tha'diffal^nca In houaa eapaeitlaa, with tha varying evarhaad. Alao tha alsa of eaat, with eonaaquant diffaranea In nMaasary gresa for profit. Variaiiea in buainaaa nacaaaary far muaieal attraction aa againat dramatl* play ia alao eonaldarad. Chicago, June 3. ▲n approximate toUJ rroaa of $•6,00 was drawn laat week \>y the four muatcal attractions featuring fba waning spring season here. Great impetus was given the general boz-offlce sales by November weath- «r, which reached its peak for the holiday (i^ecoratlon Day) and week- snd rush. "Greenwich Village Follies" (Gar- rlck) set the pace with a smash |29,< 000 week, giving the attraction around tSS.OOO for the limited two weeks' ■tay. Two sell-outs, Friday and Sat- urday nights, boosted "Wildflower's" (Apollo) flnal groes to around $26,- 600. "Top.sy and Eva" hurig up a new record (22d week of the engage- ment) at the Selwyn with the wonT der gross of around (26,500. "No, No, Nanette" perked up considerably at the Harris, climbing to (16,000. Cut rates, with a little dash of the holiday spirit, helped both "E^asy Street' and "The Whole Town's Talk- ing." "Sun-Up" Improved on Its merit. "The Climax," also offering cut rates, but not with the system of "Easy Street," held about the same as the previous week. "New Toys" again slipped for Its flnal week at the Central, not bettering $2,600. "Simon Called Peter" Was glad to get out of the Great Northern Saturday night. "Abie's Irish Rose" stuck around the $12,000 mark. Which will be a high mark for the Studebaker card to reach with the new summer prices BOW in use until the first of Sep- tember. The earliest sell-outs of the week were checked at the Selwyn for "Topsy and Eva." The hotels did a thriving buBlhfese On "The Follies." The dub bifsfness was divided be- tween "Wildflower" and "No, No. Nanette." The clientele at both the hotels and clubs always make lata sales for the attractions sought. A week ago yesterday found the longest box-offlco line of the season for any attraction in town seeking the Sel- wyn buy. This was termed thor- oughly remarkable on the fact of the attraction being in its 22d week. It was figured "Topsy and Eva" was sold out for the entire week as early as Wednesday morning. Of the mu- sical shows the Selwyn money-win- ner was the only one to give a Deco- ration Day matinee, which, strangely, sold out ahead of the other three matinees given, despite the parade and ball game opposition. "Able" and "The Whole Town's Talking" were the other attractions in town to give a holiday matinee. The In- dependent "specs" squeezed into the picture by wholesale activities for the Garrlck attraction and signs of increased lite for "No, No, Nanette." The same "specs" made up some re- cent losses by buying heavy for the ball game on Decoration Day. Six houses were affected by the changes which took place Saturday night, yet only four of these housee brought new shows to town. Cast changes gave the Harris a new showing "out front." "Wildflower" moved from the Apollo to the Gar- rlck. The new plays brought "Were- wolf" to the Adelphl; "Artists and Moleds" to the Apollo, "Leah Klesch- na" to the Great Northern and "On the Stairs" to the Central. "Artists and Models" got away to a heavy advance call. It will take more than nudity to hold up the Apollo's de- mand If conditions, viewed from the chief of police's office, run true to form. Harry Fraaee, by adding LiOuise Groody, Muriel Hudson, Charles Wlnnlnger and Bernard Granville to the cast of "No, No, Nanette," Is evi- dently assuming ihe last stab to hold the attraction at the Harris for the summer. Phyllis Cleveland, Anna Wheaton, Richard Gallagher and Francis X. Donegan were the origi- nal principals let out. Until the weather becomes season- able no accurate figuring can be done as to how the Loop's summer bill will shape up for the legit houses, yet if by July J2 there are more than five housee open It will be a better record for Chi than In several years. It'a going to be an interesting situa- tion to watch, since three shows, known to be eager to weather the hot months, are far In excess of ex- penses for summer operation. Last week's estimates: , "The Greenwich Follies" (Garrlck. 2d and flnal week). Played to prac- tically full capacity on the limited fortnight's stay. Figured a strong $29,000. "Wildflower" opened here Sunday. "Wildflowar" (Apollo, 6th week) Close figuring gave attraction $26,600 ky the way sales piled up Krld.-iy and Saturday. May suffer a trifle In moving to the Garrlck. but scaled good there and should keep over $20,000 mark. "Topsy and Eva' (Selwyn, 22d week). California night (Wednes- day) was a rouser. Credited with being official June commencement and summer show in Sunday ads. Gave 11 performances last week to strike $25,600. Back to nine per- formances for the summer weeks. "No, No. Nanette" (Harris, 4th week). Another encouraging jump and greater sales anticipated, with costly cast improvement. Advance sale promises better than $16,000, gross attained last week. "Abie's Irish Rose" (Studebaker, 23d week). Added holiday matinee helped to hold close to $12,000. Big splurge made in ads for low prices for the summer months, with prob- able expectations of $10,000 grosses satisfying. "The Climax" (Cort, 8th week). Kxit put off until June 8. when "The Deluge" will be tried out. Last week's gross hard to reckon better than $6,600. "New Toys" (Central, 10th and flnal week). Size of audiences usiiig cut rates very deceptive counting money, but here's a gross almost the record of the year for low figures, $2,600. "On the Stairs" started Sun- day. ■"Easy Street" ' (Playhouse. Sd week). Getting last ditch campaign- ing and may yet count right with the help of the cut-rates. The show received wonderful notices, which are having their effect at the box office. Estimated gross placed around $6,300. "Sun Up" (La Salle, 4th week). Got a quiet play from conservative playgoers, pushing the gross Into the $9,000 class. This marks good profit for the attraction. "The Whole Town's Talkino" (Adelphl. 6th and flnal week). Big houses all week through the help of the cut-rate i>asteboards swamping the wholesale houses and neighbor- ing welfare clubs. Cutting every- thing in halves, because of the two- for-ones, gross looked like $9,000, or close to It "Simon Called Peter" (Great Northern, 5th and flnal week). Went out without a murmur. A play that started with a hurrah campaign, but slipped fast. Apt to be heard from elsewhere. Checked for $7,000. 'Top Hole" and "Thief of Bagdad" Only Remaining to Good Business • Philadelphia, June S. It looks as if the theatrical pow- ers-that-be pulled a very big, Juicy boner as far as Philly was con- cerned this spring and early sum- mer. This week only two houses open, one with a road-showed fea- ture film. This year, without even a sug- gestion of summer weather up to the present time, it looks very strongly as If two or three good musical comedies or first-rate non- musicals could have kept the box office men business counting. As further proof of the fact that the city, due to tha cool, early spring weather, is still ripe for good shows, has been the continued suc- cess of "Top Hole," which started out with the intention of staying two weeks, or at the outside three, and is now in its fifth, with an- other one assured, and probable continuance to June 22. "The Thief of Bagdad" continues to collect a royal profit last week, although capacity was dented slight'^ iy. Gross for week at Forrest eati- nnated as nearly $16,000, and pic- ture will continue to July 19. U had been intended to take it out July 1. "America" continued its nine weeks run at the Chestnut, turning In $6,600 gross. There isn't a sign of anything new for the legit houses, the possibility of a summer show at the Walnut having apparently died. Estimates for last week: "Tha Thief of Bagdad" (Folrest, 6th week). Off onu w two nlghtit, but grossed almost $16,000. Ca- pacity evenings still rule. "Top Hole" (Lyric, 6th week). Surprise of town, steady gains. lAst week $11,750, despite rains. May stay three more weeks. "Runnin' Wild- (Garrlck). Closed Saturday after four-week run, house going dark for summer. Gross nearly $19,000, extra matinee Me- morial Day not counting tor as much as expected. "America' (Chestnut). . Closed Saturday after nine-week I'un, house going dark. About $6,600. POWEKS, TBL% NEW VENTUEE Los Angeles, June 3. Harry J. Powers, Jr., of Chicago has arrived here and Intends to go into business. He is to become one of the coast's realtors. BOTCE OUT—MITCHELL IN Edward Royce, having "stepped out," Julian Mitchell, alone, wlU stage the new "Folliea" ehow. Up to Saturday Royce was working on one act and Mitchell on the other. So far as Is known, there was no difference of opinion between Zleg- feld and Royce. PAT ROONEY and MARION BENT Celebrating their twentieth year of matrimonial and stage partnership at B. F. Keith's srst Street, New York, this week (June 22). Indeed a gala one In their present vehicle, "Shamrocks," which after |)laylng B. F. Keith's Palace, New York, next week (June 9) and Brighton Beach following, will conclude a season of 44 weeks, mostly played in New York City. Also starting an additional 44 weeks next season In the Greater Keith E^astcrn theatres and on the Orpheum Circuit. We take this means of thanking our friends who so kindly appeared with us at the 81st Street in this celebration. Twenty years, and It seema but yesterday. "Abie's Irish Roaa," Republic (107th week). Enters June quite ahead of other holdovers. Last week $12,500 with one extra matinee (Memorial afternoon). Stopping of "Rain" and "Seventh Heaven" by Equity leaves run leader the only attraction holding over from last season. "Beggar en Horaaback," Broad- hurst (17th weolt)- Originally "marked" to close by Equity, but Lee Shubert owns 60 per cent and not among strike victims. Last week fairly good at $12,000. "Blossom Time," Jolson's B9th St. (3d week) (return). May b« continued under theory closing of shows through strike will give this one paying business. May have made little profit last week at $7,600. "Charlot'a Revue," Selwyn (22d week). Played extra performance last week, takings going to around $23,000. English show held true to form from start, and one of season's outstanding successes. "Cheaper to Marry," Belmont (8th week). Fair business with last week's pace estimated between $6,000 and $6,000. Probably is profitable as house and show under same management. "Cobra," Hudson (7th week) Ear- marks of money show with tak- ings around $12,000 in last two weeks. With other dramas forced off by strike this one should more than hold pace. "Cyrano da Bergarac," Natlon.-U (28th week). Plans now call for Hampden's smash revival holding on through June, with out of town orders dated this side of 'conven- Uon. Getting $12,000 and atl'.l making money. "Expressing Willie," 48th St. (8th week). Eased off slightly last week with gross about $14,000. Appears to be largely supported by club trade and thus far is among best gross getters on list. "Fata Morgana," Lyceum (14th week). Although drama of for- eign source has not drawn big money since moving up from Gar- rlck it has made money. Around. $7,000. May stick through June. "Flossie," Lyric (Ist week). N^w musical comedy tried out and. brought back for recasting iast week. Opened Tuesday. "I'll Say She Is," Casino (3d week). Marx Brothers to bo starred; de- mand equals anything on Broad- way and last week with extra performance went to $26,000. "Innocent Eyes," Winter Garden (3d week). Mlstlngruett show do- ing big business but not capacity trade new Garden show figured to do. Estimated about $27,000. "Keep Kool," Morosco (3d week). Off to strong start. Last week, which was flrst full week, takings about $16,000. House compara- tively limited in capacity for revue and gait is probably not much better than even break. "Kid Boots," Earl Carroll (23d week). Unless strike trouble in- terferes this musical smash will ride through Rummer without change of pace. Quoted around $32,000 right along. "Little Jessie Jamas," Little (43d week). Holding this musical in for convention. Business lately around $6,000, but even break or better, producer being Interested in house and net small. "Lollipop," Knickerbocker. Stopped by Equity ordering players off at end of 19th week. Could have remained well into summer. Gross last week around $14,000. Com- pany was on summer basis and all set to stick. "Meet the Wife," Klaw (28th week). Over $8,000 claimed for farce success last week and likely to remain through June or longer. Laugh show that has held to steady business right along with- out capacity. "Moonlight," Longacre (19th week). Cast changes continue. Frank Crumlt now In show. Business around $11,000, profitable In meas- ure, house and show being under same management. "Mr. Battling Buttler," Times Square (36th week). Slated to run through June. Recent pace of around $10,000 satisfactory, as attraction Is pooling with theatre. "One Helluva Night," Sam H. Harris (1st week). Announced as the "world's worst show," opens tonight <Wednesday). Pre- sented by group of publicity men (Cheese Club). Maybe will last week or two and has chance to be kidded into popularity. "Plain Jane," New Amsterdam (4th week). Attraction making money and house may show profit also. Between $13,600 and $14,000. Will move to Sara H. Harris in few weeks, aimed for summer Stay there. "Poppy," Apollo (a9th week). W. C. Fields starred. Show expected to stick until July 4 and may last longer with other musicals forced out of the field by Equity strike < Laat week better gross beine $10,500. Satisfactory under pool* ing arrangement. "Rain," Maxine Elliott. Stopped by walkout of players on order of Equity Saturday, when com- pleted 82nd week. Last season'*! dramatic smash and completed . two seasons on Broadway. Could , have run through summer. Laat wfeek $9,500. "Round the Town," Century Roof: Closed suddenly Saturday after' Sticking week and four daysu' Gross last week $2,800. Attrac.^ tion stands loss of about $26,0004 "Saint Joan," Garrlck (24th week). Theatre Guild holding Shaw drama in with chance of staylne ' through June. Reported around $6,000, satisfactory with show in 1 Guild's own house. - I "Seventh Heaven," Booth. Stopped! by walkout of players on order of Equity Saturday at end of 83rd week. Like 'Rain" it was hold- over dramatic smash and achieved two seasons on Broadway. Could- have lasted through June. Around $8,500. "Sifting Pretty," Fulton (9th week). Will be moved to Imperial next week, scale revised downward for that house where it should last- through June. Pace last week about $11,000, better than an evea ' break for show. "Spring Cleaning," Eltlnge (31st week). Continues to do paylnc ■ business with both show and house pooling and company on • summer basis. Takings lately around $8,000. Chance to con- tinue into July. . i "Stepping Stones," Globe. Stopped^ by walkout of players on ordacj of Equity Saturday at end of 2»tli^ week. Getting $30,000 weekly^ ^ closing heavy blow to manage- ' ment and company. Could hava' run through summer easlly«-j Original plans called for shoif laying off during July and starts i ing again. ; "Tha Bride," S9th St. (5th weeky*- Peggy Wood missed matinee last- week through illness. Busines* moderate, but maybe - profit «(i pace of $5,Q0O to date. Last week down to $4,000. "Tha Fatal Wadding," Ritz (Isi; week). Reproduction of "tan*! twent and thirt miller" of at yeltrs ago, now on Broadway at $2.60. Same old style of setting* and acting. Opened Monday tA $4.40 top. - • "The Kreutzer Sonata," Frazee (4tli week). $5,000 last week and doubtful if company made any^ thing. Star (Bertha Kallch) in- terested in attraction explain* continuance. "The Goosa Hangs Hrgh," Bljoil (19th week). Rated as one ffif season's comedy successes. AbW to make money at moderate grosses and spotted In right house. Down to $6,000 last weal^ but slated indefinitely. "The MiiMcIa," Century (20th week); Last month of Morris Gest's hero* ic production, rated biggest evt attempted in theatre. Business tops Broadway, but though ovaf $26,000 weekly there is little profit at pace. "The Melody Man," 49th St (4t« week). Moved over from Rltt, Monday. Extra advertising count-i ed on to perk up trade, not goo4 to date. Around $6,000. "The Nervous Wreck" (Sam H. : Harris). Stopped by walkout of, players on order of Equity Sat;, urday at end of 34th week. Could have lasted through June or long* er. Business lately $10,000. "Tha Outsider," Ambassador Stopped by walkout of players b* order of Equity Saturday at end of 13th week. Counted on tot summer with average of $14,000» _pown to $12,000 last week. "Tha Potters," Plymouth (26th week). Nearing end of run, al-« though show may pick up ■ with field narrowed down by strike. Business last week $8,000 and over which is satisfactory both ways at this stage of season. Now In cut rates. "Tha Right to Dream," Punch and Judy (2d week). Final week, ac- cording to dope, early this week. First week's gross about $1,200 with house getting guarantee In advance. Cut rates In a 299 seater; show drew uniform pan- ning; no chance to land. "Tha Shame Woman," Comedy (34th week). Likely to run through June. Several dramas forced off by strike may benefit this one which appears to make money at moderate grosses, $5,000 or Uttla more. "Tha Show Off," Playhouse (18th week). Rated leader among non- muslcals now, only houso ca- pacity holding down gross. $14,000 and over for last two weeks. "Tha Swan," Cort. Stopped by walkout of players on order of Equity Saturday at end of >2d (Continued oi» page 16)