Variety (August 1925)

Wednesday, August 5, 1925 LEGITIMATE VARIETY U GUARANTEE FOR MUSICAI^IS NEEDED Springfield Concert Pro- moter Claims Lom of V $250,000 Springfield. iluatL, Aug. 4. The only way he can bring costly rnuslcal attractions to tbia city withoat suffering a Ipes is that som« local group professes a willingness to meet the loss. Thus does Rudolph eteinert, who, with bis brother, has t>een in the business of presenting concerts for many years, explains .Why be has found it necessary to •liminat« the New Tork Fliilhar- monlA Orcheetra' from his list of bookings for Springfield Cor the coming season. "nnt and last." says Mr. Stein- iert. "I think I have lost about $160,000 on orchestra and other en- gagements in Springfield." He reveals that be has been obliged to guarantee |14,000 in addi- tion to meeting all expenses of pro- motion, for Rosa Ponselle, Roland Hayes. Jeritaa and the ^ Reszke Singers. Mr. Steinert takes note of the tact that there have been numerous complaints because his bookings for 1925 do not include instrumental soloists among t)A headliners. £x- plaining the reason for this, he •ay*: "It happens that the first-rate 'cellists, pianiiits, etc., hare gotten Into a way of exacting guarantees which are above their drawing capacities, and the commercial man- ager can only wait until this period of inOatlon subsides^" HIGH BEMTALS CauM Squawk From 8to«k Man' •gers Higher rentals and increased sharing terms demanded by a ma- jority of house owners for the com- ing season may seriously militate against the return of stocks in the communities thusly affected with stock producers complaining that the increases are prohibitivs and that under former terms many had difllculty in getting by last season. Stock managers were surprisad last week when attempting to ef- fect renewals, especially In the face of the fact that bouse owners were well aware of last season's spotty business and figure the Increases an unjust holdup. Some liouses which operated wHh low rentals last season are demand- ing a 60-40 x>ercentage arrang^ement for coming season these houses practically assured of a tilt in the previous rental, no matter how l>ad business may be. The percentage houses are also incorporating clauses necessitating that first class bills must be given, presumably high price Broadway releases. Man agers resent this and other interfer enco in operation and are scurry' ing abont for new stands. Floiizaley Qnartet Tide The Flonzaley Quartet titles which haa been in the courts for several months, finally found Louis Bailiy successful in bis suit against Adolfo Betti, Alfred Pochon, Andre de Coppet (the other th^ee members of the famous chamber music or- ganization) and Loudon Charlton, their business manager. Bailiy. formerly a member and partner in the Floncaiey Quartet, was given — notice his services would not be re- ^ auired after June 1, 1934, for which reason an injunction suit was started, Bailiy ^tsking that a re- -celver be appointed to supervise the aale of all assets, including the Flonzaley name. Ballly's complaint was dismissed both in the. New Tork Supreme Court and by the Appellate Di- TisioB but the Court of Appeals • reversed these decisions and gave Bailiy 1553.26 In costs in addition to permission to try his case on the regular calendar. Tile I^onxaley Quartet meatl>ers are Victor artists and from their concert work each has averaged about 110.000 annual income. Tri-CiUes Will Again Have Concert Series R<:>ck Island, 111., Aug. 4. The Tri-City Musical Association is to again sponsor a. series of eon- cwrtM in the trl-clties this season. Artists and organizations signed for' the course this winter are Sigred Onegta, contralto: Francis Mao- inllleat violinist; Paul Aulthduse, tenor, and Arthur Middleton. bari- tone,'In a Joint recital; the Russian eymphonic choir and tiie St. Louiif Symphony orchestra, Rudolph Oanz conducting. Popular prices will prevail; ticket holders to hear them all for $6. STOCKS Kay Hammond has been slismefl for leads with the Oarry McGarry Players at the Majestic, Buffalo. N. T., She Joins the company next weak. TEYING OUT NEW FLATS "Drought." a drama by Reginald Ooode, will be tried out next week at the Hurts, Bethlehem, Pa., by the A. E. Anson stock. Anson haa^he production rights t othe piece, and will try It here prior to launcl^g It as a regular legit attraction. "Jonesy," a new comedy by John P. Tuohey and Anne Morrison, will be given a stock trial by the How- ard Lindsay Players, Lakewood, Me., nex^ week. The piece will be re- produced as a legit attraction In September by Kliboum Gordon. Actor Finishes Shvw on Crutches After First Act Dayton. O.. Aug. 4. Ralph Kellard, leading man of Stuart Walker stock at the Victory, sllppod and fell to the floor, sprain- ing a ligament In his right foot. The accident occurred at the Wednesday matinee of "Her Tem- porary Husband" and delayed the performance SO minutes. When the cui^taln rose on the second act Kellard was on crutches and was forced to use them the bal- ance of the week. Garry McGarry Players Buffalo, Aug. 4. Yon can tell the world for Garry McQarry Shakespeare was wrong when he opined that the "play's the thing." It's not the play, it's the Players—the McGarry Players, to be exact. And what's more, "that McGarry boy" has them believing it in Buffalo to the taine <.f about eight "grand" each week. They're eating It out of his hand week after week, and it apparently doesn't make any difference whether^ its fish or fow)^-or even musical com- edy. And In Buffalo—the town that broke a million shows, "the deadest show town on the map," the ingrate which refused to respond to its last stock impresario's uplift efforts—Is the same town that is now buying extra matinees from the McGarry- Ites to sell-outs, and to the biggest stock grosses In local history. The same town is now talking about building a permanent theatre for Its favorite theatrical son. It's a fact, whatever the reasona Tou can take it or leave it at that This is the company's third sea- son in Buffalo, and by far the big- gest. For weeks the grosses have been above |8,000 at $1 top. with last week's "The Gingham Girl" going close to nine because of extra matinees. The attraction Itself ap- parently ihakea little difference. The company's the thing. One week, a try at "The Pool" brought the news- papers clamoring and knoklng about the doors. But business held up amazingly and the following week was bigger than ever. The only ex- planation is that McGarry has caught the town by the ears. And with arrangements completed to continue the run well up Until the end of September, It looks like a clean-up for the Impresario and the backers. There Is easily $;,;o,000 on the profit side of the ledRe- up to now, and the season should be Kood for another <ig(f)00 with half a break. And don't forget, this la BuOalo. ^'or the company, not a great deal need b« ibald. On the strength of It. Darry jo'ild qualify as a local Gus Edwards. It's a great troupe of boys and girls—«nd its potentialities and faults may be gauged by Just that standard. In light oomedy pieces, the ensemble is unapproach- able. And McGarry has shown rare Judgment in his selection of plays fitted /or this medium. "In Love With Tx>ve," "Just Married," "The Nervous Wreck," "Chicken Feed" and *'The Goose Hangs High" have clicked consecutively and loudly at the gate. And the end apparently la not yet in sight. Any criticism directed toward the histrionic tal- ents of the corapanj^ or the absence of heavy names and guest stars finds its answer at the box offlce— beyond which there is no cavlL Don Burroughs, ths leading man of the McOarrys' first season, is back again flaying his own usual Ingratiating self. Jean May makes an attractive opposite for the female leads. LlHle Miss May is pleasing though underweight histrionically for heavier woric Hugh Banks Is a personable Juvenile and Harry Ir- ving. Georgia Neese, Stanley An- drews complete the ensemble. Dan- iel Frawley, the "Llghtnln' Bill Junes" of the theatre, is on the directorial end. The presentatlonn have been lavish and Frawley brings, a life-time of experience to bear on' the production side. And then, of course, there Is McGarry who is tl>e father, the son and the whole goat of the project and whuse showman- ship and theatre-sense is the corncr- .stone of the organization. The success of this stock has a special significance for those who win see It. It means that there is no town so dead but that good theatres will fiourlsh if properly fostered. Garry McGarry had the good sense to line up the backing and the rank and file of the Buffalo Players—the local community theatre movement which has come to occupy a real place in local affairs. To what use the commercial man- agers may put such community movements is well shown In the present instance. The communal theatre Is here—and there—to stay. It is at the throat of the commer- cial manager everywhere. Should any of the gentlemen request aid or information on the subject, refer them to Mr. Garry McGarry. Burton C. W. PIcquet, Pinehurst, N. C, has been appointed as the national executive iK>mmitteeman from that •tata in the Motion Picture Thea- tro Owners of Anierica. * i .4 PLAYERS IN THE LEGITIMATE BLANCHE BATES 4 HSBMCeneat, OOTHRIl! MeCUMTIO N«w TOBK crrr FREDERICK BURTON ^ "trniTB COLX.AB8" Bsm H. Harrla. New Tork PHYLLIS CLEVELAND "mLI. MS MORS" Oateiy Theatre. N. T. JOHNBYAM <VT GUlU" >7th WMk MaitMrement. E.YI.B ANSBSWf CURTIS COOKSEY with "THK OOBIXXA" AdelpM, Chicago SIBYLLA BOWMAN As WAKDA Witeds, Chieaso Pcnonal mep.—JBMUI JACOBS BDIYBURRESS w«h "Tine BIO TOP" Majurtla Thestm, Lm Aassiw JOHN BOLES "Mercenary Mary" KiMiaacte Thaatre, Maw T« SHEPCAMP la "BAnr* OmtrUk IlMMtra, NAT. ABT FLAYERS AGADT The National Art PUyers. wlilch wound up after internal trouble in Omaha last weelc. will be reor- ganized and will reopen Aug. SI at the Lyceum, Patterson, N. J. The stock lield forth at the latter house-last tfbason on a co-operative plan, going over sufficiently well to operate after the first three weeks on a salary basis. H. C. Blaney Producing Harry Clay Blaney, stock play broker, is planning a flyer as a legit producer during the coming season as sponsor of a comedy-drama, "A Straight Girl." probably destined as a road attraction. Avenue stock. New Torli, which r»- oi>ens Sept. 14. . Dwlght Meade will play leads with the Bainbrldge Players, Minneapolis. He Joins the company next week. Dulcie Cooper has been engaged by Al H. Woods to play the lead in "The Pearl of Great Price." which Rol>ert McLanghlin will prevent at the Ohio, Cleveland, on Aug. M. Carl Way, recently leading man at the Temple, Hammond, Ind., was placed with the Redpath-Harrlson Chautauqua production of "Adam and Eva" by A. MUo Bennett. tieorge Engesser. who Is doing "Barney Google" under canvas, an- nounces he will continue right through the winter, in southern territory. JAMES C CARROLL "The StraDser" with the "OoHna" 0«. AJelplil, Chle^ HILDA FERGUSON "ZIEQFELD FOLLIES* ■ New Amsterdam,, New York SAHHEARN "MBBCKNAKT MABT* Laacaan TbaatM. M. T. ULALEE •H'HE BRIDE RETIRESI* NaUawU. Mew York FLORENCE MORRISON "The Ladr FaiataB of Moalcal Comadjr" rha Grand Ducbaaa, e( Mew Terlc Com- paay of "THK 8TVDKNT PBtMCS" Jolson Theatre, New Tork ROBERT OBER M* VKTIC THKATBB, I>Og ANOKUH TIIR M*IB8. MXW TCOUK HARRY PUCK Managetnmnt LYLE ANDREWS WIH pi««luee saw shew avaMiAg Taa- derWlt Utaittra la Aagsat. ^ CHARLES RUGGLES Orpheum Circuit * NOW ! Oiraeiion—ALF. T. WILTON GEORGE SWEET "My Girr WILBUR, BOSTON Foster Williams, leads, and John Moore, Juvenile, have been signed for tha Warburton stock at the War- burton, Tonkers, N. Y., which re- opens Aug. 31. Mr. and Mrs. WiUard Kant and James Billings and wife have JoIaM Horace Slstare's stock, the Majestic, Waukegan, Dl. Luks Cosgrove has been rs-en K«g«d as director for Loew's Seventh I "My Castle in Spain," by Philip Bartholomae. will bv given a stock trial by the Poll Players, Spring- field, Mass., next week. RICHARD TABER "IS ZAT BOf" ritaeeaa Ttieatre, 43Ucaco CHARLOTTE TREADWAY Jj»m4» —Moro*«a Theatre LOH ANGRLES EDMUND FirZPATRKK •a Caele Tom "Tepar and Sva" Helwjm, Cnleaso Peraonal Dto., IKORHH * BICHABDC TAYLOR HOLMET •Ma, Ma, Man«4te" ra«l<lo CeasI Corraa Thaatra. San Franclaeo WHUE HOWARD . "Sky High" . Cwiao^ New York Personal Mgr. eUQCNC HOWARD HARRY G. KEENAN •MT OIBI."—DIracttoa. Lyto D. Aadiwws Wtlb«r, Ba e tea. Indeflnltely. JAMES C MARLOWE (MR. OABBITT) with "THR OOBnXA" Adet^hl Theatre, Chlcaga What London Said of MIRANIRSKA ■s WANDA in <'R06E-MARIC" at DRURY LANK "But the hit of the evs>iiing last night was scored py- Mifi Nirska aa a squaw." —"WESTMINSTER GAMJTTE AND ELLIOn *NORHALEE "THE POOR NUr» Henry Miller's Theatrs, New York IMDEPINITRL.Y CYPLUNKETT Blaekfaea Comedhw Appearlns la "SPOOKS" GUY ROBERTSON Americc^B Leading Juvenile Tenor DKiartloi»—MAX HABT Mirt.—ABTIIVB HAMMEIfUiTBUr HARYBOLAND i I Maw Tartc SIDNEY ElUOn I.ewlaohB) "Wha* Prfsa OlsryT" nynumtli. Mew Torti ERNEST GLENDINNING Psryanant Addrasst * £• W. Ninth MU NEW YORK Stayvaaaat tm LONHASCAU. (MX. KVIXIOAM) wUh "The OOBUXA" Adaiphl, CMoace EDNA Tremendous Hit Singing JTONDELEYO" "ZIEGFBLD FOLLIES" New Amsterdam, New York JOHNMARSTON •TrHlTB OOLtABtr m ■. Haiila. Maw T< •^ 1 FRANK OCTO "IS ZAT sot" Theatre, Clileaca BRANDON PETERS CEIUNI in 'The Firebrand^ MOBOSOO THBATBB. M^ TOUK • MARIE SAXON DIrMti<m LTLE ANDKKWS Vanderbilt Theatre, New York CHARLEY SYLBER AS Hard Boiled HermMt **RoB€-Mari€** woods', CmCAQO BILLY TAYLOR JUVENILE Care of EQUITY, New York FRANK K. WALLACE aa SImoa I/esrea "TOPHT AMD F.VA" belwya. Cliicasa If yon don't Advertise in VARIETY don't Advertise NANCY WELFORD "Ma. No. Naneti*" rarlfle r«aiit Carran Thenire, San PmnrUea H. PIERRE WHITE ^VIUi "B08K-MARIK" Huoilo, OlilvRSo lM)ICriMTBI.T ■U ALFRED H. WHITE T/vadlDS Coma<1Ua •AWe'n Irt*h..no«e," Hrpubllc^Npw Tork Maattgcmeat. AMNK MlOiOUr liiyiiii