Variety (April 1926)

18 LEGITIMATE Wednesday, AprQ 7, 1926 CASTERS PANICKY OVER DELAYED COMMISSIONS Legit Agency Business Sounds Somewhat. "Shot"—New- comers with Tricks Tho panic Is on aisain with Broad- way casting agents! These gents who serve as C0B> tact between manugen and actors in securing tho latter employment In the former's shows are squawk- ing that their clients or mc ;t ot them are not doing right by the home office. Those who have • bothered to •pologite for the delinquent remit- tances have blamed Easter pur- chases as the reason for withhold- ing three or four weeks' commis- sions. The agents are trustful their shows hold out long enough until they can balance the Indcbted- XLV&3. Others have not bothered to forward alibis. From a general survey the igency rnckct is becoming worse fr m sea- son to Feason. More engaging is being done direct than through the a^ren^ief by regular line producers About three agencies out of the list of those confining themselves to legitimate casting is doing any bu'i>im>ss to shout about. Even at tliat these three have more "on the cuff" accounts than their weekly Intake. Also ro means of protection since the managers are not interested in the affairs between agent and player. They have consistently re- fused to make the deductions at tbe other end putting it up to the agent to collect if he can. Kickbacks, spMts and other modes of so-called "lawful larceny" Introduced by some of the new- comers have affected business of the staple casting agents refusing to stocp to this practice. SIMPUCITY A gag to those who knew S. Jay Kaufman's speech about thr> coming of Raquel Meller at the Greenroom Club Revel Sunday night at the Manhattan Opera House. To an audience in at $10 a head but not filling the house. Kaafman delivered .a long complimentary speech about the Spanish songstress, wind- ing up by saying that he wished E. Ray Goetz, the im- presario in this instance, would give him a door pass so th4it he could wander In and out of the Empire at will. The laugh is that Kaufman Is handling the publicity for Meller with several assistants credited working under him. Before Kaufman went Into his speech about Meller. he an- nounced that the lengtf of the show to follow made an inter- mission QQwise. Then :.e took up the intermission time talk- ing. Kaurman is president of the Greenroom Club. 6 SHOWS OUT Six shows leave Broadway at the end of the week. Three are dis- tinct failures, tbe others rating suc- cess. *'Devlls/' produced at the ElHott by W. A- Brady. Jr.. and D. D. Win- man. la due to depart after playing four weeks. It opened. at a bad time but exceptionally favorable comment from the press waa not reflected at the box office. Weekly ts kings estimated under $2,000. DEVILS Opened March 17. This play accounted good piece of writ- ino, and Hammond ^Herald Tribune"), Osborn (**Eve. World") and Anderson ('Post") were enthusiastic, but all doubted if it would attract the public Mantle rNews") said 'not much chance of popular- ity." "Easy Virtue," producod by the Frohman office, goes to the road from the Empire after 18 weeks. It maintaUied a pace of $14,000 to 15,000 the first three months, easing off to $12,500 and down to 10.000 lately. Shows in Rehearsal (AND WHERE) "Bunk of 1926" (Marwaldean productions), 49th St. '■Kitty's Kisses" (Brady A Shuberts). Playhouse. ''Bubbles"' (Earl Oarroll). Carroll. *Sex" (C. W. Morganstem). Wallack's. "Qarrlcic Qaleties" (Theatre Guild). Guild. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (SMgar Selwyn), Times Sq. "Love in a Mitt" (Charles Warner), Harris. FUTURE OPENINGS N0.2 lOVE'EM" Jed Harris will organize a second company of "Love "Em and Leave 'Em," with the latter destined for 9,' summer run in Chicago. Harris lnt(<Tnis keeping the original at the Harris. New York, as long as busl Hess holds to its present gait. Harris has juggled his future production plans. He has set back "Vicky." scheduled for this month, because of his inability to secure the release of a feminine star cur- rently employed by another man- agement, but who will be free next aeason. Instead Harris has set the machinery in tnotion for "Slim Foot Jim," a western comedy by George Abbott Earl CarroD's Lawyer Up to yesterday (Tuesday), Earl Carroll had not decided upon the attorney to defend him under the indictment filed against Carroll last week by the Federal Grand Jury in New York for perjury. At his grand Jury arraignment he was represented by James Timony. Carroll is reported figuring every angle in the selection of an at- torney with politics a prime factor. The producer of "Vanities" was indicted upon his statement that there waa no liquor on the Carroll theatre stage the evening that Joyce Howland was slipped into a bathtub filled with something be- sides Joyce. Many witnesses were called in contradiction and the same witnesses will probably testify upon .the trial. Carroll is considered In a real Jfiim at present. Bunk" Finds Backer John Cort has bowed out of the Idea of taking over the former Heckschcr Theatre revue. "Bunk of 1926." Frank Mattens, representing the Marmaldean Productions arranged to have his firm take over the mu- sical revue. Several cast changes will bo made and a new production built before reopening the revue. The Marmaldean Productions la currently sponsoring -$0 Horso Power." Unionizing Treasurers Chicago, April 6. The fellow who has been trying to ' Unionise" the Chicago box of fice men has popped up ag.'iln. He's disappeared almost as fast as ho sliowed up this time. For a couple of days there wos consternation among the box office men with arguments pro and con galore but the whole matter has been quietly discarded on the basis that each and every box oITlce man "go out for himself." • Meanwhile another standard of nnior.ism has cropped out. This time somebody wants the back stage firemen and the hack stage doormen "unionized." This matter h;\n hoen brought to the attention of tho managers. The managers will fight this latest endeavor. Capt* Mains Out Captain Q. H. Mains, generally credited with having publicized and promoted "Dearest Enemy" at the Knickerbocker from a simmering loser to at least an even break. Is BO longer with tho show. George Ford, husband of Helen Ford, featured, is said to have ad- Tlscd the captain the show cannot afford a press agent. BCHILDKRAUT LEA VINO BBONX Ru<lolr>h Schildkraut will not re- new >iis lease on the little playhouse bearing his name, at 1196 Boston road, when his tenancy expires May 1. Instead, he will go to (ho Coast to make a number of pictures. Schildkraut has done exrfllcnt business at the Bronx playhouse, but continuous lawsuits with ^^ldney fitavrof, owner of the pro])«irty, have tired him out. fitavrof intends to run the playhouse himself. Another Garage Springfield, 111., April 6. The Chatterton opera house, for decades the center of Springfield's theatrical history, is being remodel ed for a garags. The famous old building wa_ owned by the Chatterton and Hickox estates. It has been closed since 1924. Liveright Takes Off Show "The Best of Us," sponsored by Horace Llverlght and starring Frances Starr, stopped in Detroit Saturday instead of proceeding to Chicago, where a four weeks' guar- antee had been up at the Harris. Llverlght caught the show In the last stand and figured it not ready. The play may be revised and sent out again In the autumn for an- other try. EASY VIRTUE Opened Dec. 7. Anderson ("Post") and "Times'* the dissenting notes in a fet of good reviews. Gabriel CSun") summed up when he said ''it serves," implying later that the play waa thin but excellent in •pota. Variety (Lait) reported "it is rather thin," but also count- ed for the star's performance and said 'Svill be a success." •The Enemy" closes at the Times Square after a run of 26 weeks. It was produced by Crosby Oalgc. Takings were high around $16,000, but the show held to between $11,- 000 and $12,000 consistently until February. It, too, w*».«" given wide publicity. THE ENEMY Opened Oct. 20. Liked by Hammond ("Herald Tribune") who said, *"The Enemy' is a play." Mantle ("News") didn't like it and predicted it would have to struggle to live. Variety (Ibee) said "can hardty fail to win wide atten- tion and profitable attendance." "The Jest" revived by Arthur Hopkins at the Plymouth -will close in Ita 10th week. Considering the long run of several seasons ago with star names, the revival has done fairly welL Takinirs of $7,000 to $8,000 weekly probably turned a slight profit The revival was made to prime the show for the road next season. THE JEST Opened Feb. .4. Liked all around, Anderson ("Post") eaytng "is exciting entertain- ment and should not be missed." Weolteott <'*World") called it one of the ''inevitable things to see.*' Others were as whole- hearted in their expressions of praise." Variety (Sisk) said "looks like one of the season's in- betweenere." "GorillaV Year Old Washington, April 7. The original company of "The Gorilla." playing a repeat here com- pletes its 52nd consecutive week Saturday. The uttr.ictlon opened here Just one year sko. AGAIN TRYING ^MISSION MARY' "Mission Mary." whirh tried oui and was withdrawn after a brief road tour earlier in the season. Is preparing for another try with M. J. Nicholas sgain sponsorinp. It is due for rehearsal in two weeks. Jean Schwartz's Musical Los Angeles. April 6. Jean Schwartz, composer, is re- ported to bo writing a musical show for Thomas Wilkes In which Nancy Welford will be starred. "The Virgin," produced by Jules ; '^T, will ston at the Central after playing seven weeks. It opened at the Elliott, moving hero three weeks ago. Indicated takings around $6,000, not profitable. ' THE VIRGIN Opened Feb. 22. Mantle ("News") was the only first- line critic to like it. Gabriel "Sun") characterised it as the backwash of the drama— semi - smutty — outrageous." Others also called it a purpose- ly dirty show. Variety (Sisk) said, "chances are against its landing." 'The Romantic Young Lady^ Due to supplant "The Dybbuk" at the Neighborhood Playhouse, New York. May 4 was placed In re- hearsal last week. "Thou Shalt Not Squeal" Harry Clay Blaney la planning a comeback as a producer and baa acquired this one by Clayton Ham- ilton Webb. The piece will be given a stock trial in Los Angeles. Signs All Hoffmans All of the Gertrude Hoffman g>l troupes to be produced for a certain period are said to have been placed under contract by the Shuberts. "The Milk Kings" Next In line for the Triangle, New York. Went into rehearsal this week with opening set for May 2. "Sour Grapes" Comedy by Vincent Lawrence has been accepted for production next season by William Harris. Jr. STOCKS Tho Grand, Cincinnati, will re- open this summer for the Btoart Walker stock next Monday. Nel. son Trowbridge will be buslneaa manager. George Pat Wood ha« been re-engaged to devise the stag* settings. The personnel Include George Somnes. ♦ George AIIsoq, Elizabeth Patterson. Beulah BondL William Evarts. Judith Lown^ Larry Fletcher, and others. Stuart Walker's Indianapolis compaoy iCeith's. opena about May IL ' Bestrice Seville after wlntorlnf with the Frank Winniger Players in Wisconsin has Joined the Earl Ross fttock at the Washington, Bay City, Mich. Stock goes Into the Hartman, Co« lumbus, O.. April 19. John Haydea is organizing the company out of New York. Among those signed are William Ingersoll, Donn Cook, Jeaa Ford and John Lott AHEAD AND BA(X Neil Kinsgley Ls now agenting "The Creaking Chair. Campbell Casad and Arthur McHugh have left Carl Reed's office. Roy Siebert Is t>acic with "Queen High," Charles Hertcman ahead. Cambell Casad la agenting "Sweetheart Time." Arthur McHugh doing .publicity for "Sex." Freddy • Kohlmar Is company manager of "Glory Kallelujah." Helen Glenmoro, formerly in the 52nd Street box office, la manager of "Beau Gallant." 2 Grand Rapids Stocks Grand Rapids, April 6. Broadway Players, a Grand Rapids institution by virtue of three years' stay hfcre, are leaving the Rfgent and going back to Powers'. Manager Tom Ealand says that there ir going to be stock In the Regent and he has contracted for a company. Ekiland announces Maude Feeley as leading lady. SHIFPT MASOirS gOUEBACK Snippy Mason, considered one of the best tenors In colored show ciicles. Is going to **o a comeback after having lived In retirement at his home in New Rochelle. N. Y., for some time. It Is Snippy's boast he has never worked in a "flop," having been been with "Shuffle Along," "Eliza and "Runnin* Wild-" i "What's the Big Idea?" presented at the Bijou by Richard Hern- don, is duo to go off Saturday, end- WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA? Opened March 22. Osborn ("Eve. World") gave this one its only good notice, saying it appealed to the people who liked "Abie."* Mostly caught by second-string men. Variety (Sisk) said would be a failure. Ing Its second week at the Bijou. EiSUmated takings under $1,500. FIIHMEBS IN "THE PLAY" "The Play's the Thing" a satirical comedy by Walter Pllmmer, Jr., son of the independent booker and an actor on bis own account, will l>e given a trial performance by a Lit- tle Theatre group at the Academy of Music, Brooklyn, neit week. If It lives up to expectations It may be reproduced for Broadway with the author's father holding the bag for the production. A Poll stock opens at the Hy* perlon, New Haven, April 12, with' "Tho Goose Hangs High." Gladys Hurlburt and Donald Miles are the leads. Mark Kent, Edith Spencer, Harry Moore, Harold Kennedy and Bernlce Vert are among others in the company. James O'Nell is stage manager and Warren Wade, direc- tor. The Davidson. Milwaukee, opens summer stock with '^Grounds for Divorce" as the Initial. blU. April 12. FranK McCoy directs. . Charles Meredith and Clara Moores ars lead9;- others Include Mildred Mc« Leod, Harry Clark, Mabel Mont« gomery and Charles Lawler. Gllda Leary and Walter Gilbert will be the leads of the summer stock which replaces Taudevllle at the Albee, Providence. R. I., next month. Miss Leary sailed last week for a three week's trip abroad be* fore encountering her new assign^ ment. Joe and Carl Graff, operating the Carmel, have leased the California, formerly neighborhood picture houst from West Coasti^ and will in^tgX dramatio stock. Harlan Tuclf^, fromerly leading man at the Mo* rosco, will head this one. The National Players (stock) at the Cox, Cincinnati announces that Herpchel Mayall has been appointed stage director. He succeeds Clyde Armstrong who has gone to Sloux City, la. W. H. Belmont will open bis second summer season at Calgsry* Can.. April 19. Mr. Belmont*s stock at Butte. Mont., has a record of IB weeks of consecutive playing to Its credit. Nan Bell has been engaged for Ingenue roles with Jules LeVenthaFs dramatic stock at the Hudson, Union City, N. J. Norma Deane, former leading woman Clonlnger Players, Salt Lake, has gone to Calgary. Can., to Join a company there. Wilbur O. Mayo, last In vaude- ville, has Joined Ralph Clonlnger stock, Salt Lake, as a prIncIpaL The Rockford theatre, Rockford, 111., ccncludcd its season of stock < la.:t Saturday. ENGUSH GROUP IN TOUKNEY Llttlie theatre interest has spread internationally to the extent that a little theatre group from Hudder- fleld, En{?land, is specially coming over to compete In the Little tj^e- atro tournament tho week of May 3. Walter Hartwlg is again in chartro of the tourney, >^ HARRISBURG LEGIT Han isbiiffc, Ai -il 6. Tho Mnjcstic orif;in:il1y con- strnctrd for Icrritimatc rro<l\iotlon««, I'Ht usod during tho past decade by Wilmer A Vincent for vaudovillo, last night became this city's play- house once more for lepit. The "Student Prince** opened for a week's run. Vaudevillo will go back to the Orpheum. renamed State. "White Coflars" Closing After 116 Weeks on M Los Angeles, April 6. After 116 weeks, the West Coast record, "White Collars" closes April 17 at Egan's Little Theatre. "Charm" Is the succeeding attrac- tion. Faversham Again Doing "Squaw. Man'' for Stocks William Faverfhnm will plaT "The Sqnaw Man" for several months this- summer as the guest star of various stick companies through th'^ envt ami m!iMlo west. This makes the third time he has mado nse of the f nnntjs old vehlclo for lepit comebacks. "Girl in Garden** Closed Cosmo Hamilton's '^he Olrl In the Garden" clof?od aft or a brief road tour. It may be revised and sent out again next season.