Variety (Dec 1926)

Wednesday, December 1, 1926 LEGITIMATE VARIETY 29 PLAYS ON BROADWAY THIS WAS A MAN Come ly In thru- act* by Noel Coward' presented at the Klaw Nov. '22 by nasll Dean. Inc. Franclne I<arrunor«* marred; A. E. Matthew* and Nigel Bruco featured; staged by Mr. Dean. Carrol Churt Franclne Larrlmore Harry t. halloner . Terence Nelll Edward Churt A. K. Matthew* I.ady Mar got Butler Violet Campbell Berry Leonard Loan I<ord Romford Mackenzie Ward Zoe" St. Marvin Auriol Lee Major Evelyn Hat hurst Nigel Bruce Black well Horace Pollock (utterly and terribly, quite too much A. E. Matthews played Edward, a Last season Noel Coward and Basil Dean attracted attention on Broadway via Coward's "The Vor- tex," which rose to dramatic heights in the third act. For a time the show drew smartly, tapering off after an engagement of moderate length and doing very little out of town. The same author and man- ager now offer "This Was a Man," not an smart as the initial play, nor does it par in dramatic strength. It seems England's titled play censor turned down "This Was a Man" because of its family sox plot and frank infidelity. So Messrs. Dean and Coward transferred their Joint activities to New York. Had it been the husband who philandered, the British censor might not have taken it so hard, but in this case it is the wife. The hnsband knows of her affairs and so does everyone else in their set Carol Churt Isn't at all ashamed about it, in fact, thinks she has all the license to act as she pleases. Edward, the husband, takes it all rather calmly until an old flame turns up and he again thinks of wedlock with her. There is a show- down. Carol pleading for another chance, after admitting her several •affn Irs. Forgiven, it looks like she was set for a time, but along comes Major Bathurst, a close friend of Edward's, to blurt out about the night previous. Edward issues an ultimatum, she to .go away and secure a divorce, else he would start proceedings. The major has a good scene. He Invites the girl to his apartment for dinner. Confirming his belief in her harlot inclinations, he gives her the bawling out of her life. But Carol twists this stolid soldier around her fingers, tells him she loves him. makes him turn his back until she leaves and instead of go- ing enters his bed room at the sec- ond act curtain. That is a very good piece of writ- ing, yet thore is no particular kick in it all. One of the smart lines is in the last act, when "Evie," the major, comes to the Churt home in remorse and among other things tells her: "You came to my place last night out of curiosity and you st " od out of revenge." Tho first net is very tnlky, the final net b^ing the most amusing. Fiancine Larrlmore, starring as Carol, Is back in the same theatre, whore she scored a nice success in "Nke People." But her appear- ance has clinncred. Instead of the rumpled hair thnt was part of her stngo chnrm. hor trusses are slicked down. Of course, her funny "dogs" are in evidence as ever. Miss Lar- rimoro plnyed very well, though Coward wrote his Cnrol anything but tempestuous. Tn fact, none of the characters get very much oxcited. Nigel Bruce nearly did several times and he evrn thought of shooting himself when realizing the affair with his friend's wife. Bruce etches a like- able major "Fvlc" utterly sorry. Coward uses the qualifying words somewhat complacent husband at first, but finally proving the old adage that the worm will turn. Matthews seems rather bored and perhaps any chap would in his posi- tion. "This Was a Man" may attract agency trade for a time, but there is too much con ersatlon, hardly to be outweighed by the frank discus- sions of the indfidelities in hand. Indications are for ft short engage- ment. I bee. OPERA COMIQUE ("Girofle-GirofU") French-American Opora ComhfSS Co. In first American engagement. Managed by CJeorge B'.umenthal. Produced undof the direction of K Thomas Sallgnac, one-time Metropolitan Opera tenor. American com- pany directed by JelT>r*<>n de AngeHs. At Jolson's for a peason of light ooora, reore- tory. First production, "(.Irofle-Ciirofia," French and Amrrican casts alternating. At Jolson's 5&th Street. Inasmuch as this company intends doing a reptTtoire of many light operas, including "The Mascot," "Orpheus in the Underworld," "Peri- chole," "The Daughter of Madame Angot," etc., it is hardly necessary to go deeply Into the performances of "Girofle-Oirofla," that ancient and melodious work of Charles LoCocq. Suffice to say that the American cast which sang the work Tuesday night knew neither its lines nor its music; that the venerable Jefferson de Angelis forgot most of his speeches; that the voices of Ber- tram Peacock, Charles Hart and Anne Yago sounded nicely, and that the prima donna, Irene Williams, had mixed moments. All in all, they gave a perform- ance which fully Justified the action of the management In discontinuing the American wing of the company. That was done late in the week, and an announcement made that all fu- ture performances would be sung in French. The Imported troupe is pretty good. The comedian is M. Serva- tius, a fat, roly-boly fellow with a fine style of delivery, while the prlmft donna. Mile. Evrard. is good to look upon, light, and sings well. The others handled their roles well on the opening night. Presentation was Iw.d. Chorus terrible. The settings, fairly taste- ful and adequate, took some of the curse from what was obviously a hurried-up preparation for an open- ing. Yet even the capable principals could do so little sgainst a chorus which was apparently recruited from the ranks of the city's amateur singers. What's more, their costumes beggared description, so frightfully makeshift and pieced together. The male chorus in an interior scene wore flannel bathrobs which had been cut down from full length to knee length, and their makeups were as much out of place ss their clothes. It may truthfully be summed up that the principals of the French company are capable: music of the works they are presenting is melo- dious and beautifully played by an orchestra o* about 25 men, but the minor production details have been slighted so that they stand out like a sore finger. Particularly bad was the way ensemble numbers were handled. There would not be much point in raising all these objections If It were not for the box-office scale, $5.50 top. Broadway hns come to recognize a $5.50 top as at least partial guar- antee of a lavish and Dig show. The French Opera Comique offers noth- ing hke that. What they do offer is a capable group of principals, about on a par with those who play In the better summer musical stocks, and a poor chorus—to be seen in a group of recognized classics. Inasmuch as most of these pieces are non-royalty by this time, it sot ins thnt the heavy scale is all out of proportion to the entertainment, and that will surely hurt the chances for real money. Last week the houses were about half filled. Unless the general tone of the productions takes an upward leap the entire engagement won't be much of a howling success. PLAYS 011T OF TOWN KOLB AND DILL (Queen High) San Francisco, Nov. 25. Mualca! comedy by T.nurcnco Schwab and B. (J. DeSylva, with music by Lewis K. • •ensler. presented <.n the »oust by tColb end Dill and struriri?? themselves. Staged by Kolb nnd Dill. Danes* by Walter Craig. At the Wilkes, San Francisco, Nov. 24. JImmie. the Office Assistant. ..Tack Kearney Richard Johns, Johns' Nsphew, Walter CrnlR Patricia, a Model Winona Neilsbti Kitty, a Model Romona Nielson Oeorge Nettletoa, the Senior partner. ('. W illiam Kolh T. P.oKjrp Johns, the Junior Partner, Max M. Dill Tolly Nettleton, Nettleton's Niece* Mia Man Mrs. Nellie Nettleton, OeorK^'s Wife. Nan Sunderland Florence Cole, Johns' flaacea, Miirjorie Sweet Jerry Vandorholt, the Firm s lawyer. Donald Carroll Coddles, the Nettleton*' Maid . Audrey Dixon Ladies: Bdna Ltvingstin, MarftarSt Fones, Liliian H:innn. Velma Shall, Len..re Kin- ney, Olga BorOwska. Ir.-ne OConneM, Theresa Barber, Patsy Edris, Ruth Koehiin. Theresa Baduwska, Billy trues. Gentlemen: Jack Murray. <;oor«e C.rare, Peter Gardner, Charles Lands, Hal Wil- liams, James O'Brien. PLAYERS IN LEGITIMATE FLORENCE MOORE CLARENCE NORDSTROM in "QUEEN HIGH"^ AMBASSADOR. NEW YORK HELYN EBY-ROCK "HONEYMOON LANE" KNICKE RBOCKER, NEW YORK MARIE SAXON WITH "RAMBLERS" LYRIC THEATRE New York City PHIL TEAD IN THE PEARL OF NUITANE' ALCAZAR, SAN e^RANCISOO.'Cel. Kolb and Dill, perennial coast de- fenders and favorites, have what is generally regarded as the host show of their lonjr career as a team. "Queen High*' affords them every opportunity for their well-known lightHlg tricks with the plot keep- ing thorn at sword's points until the final three minutes. That's the way the coast likes Its Kolh and Dill, blustering-, pugnacious and stubborn. "Queen High" should make money in S in Francisco and in the other towns of the Kolb and Diil realm. The verdict of the first night was genuine enthusiasm. The cast got over 100 per cent, the production was neat and at- trnetive and the numbers staged by Walter Craig pretty and successful What few things were amiss were merely the minor details common to all first performances. The show opened "cold" except for a dress rehearsal the night pre- vious at San Jose. It ran until 11:50. due in large part to the ova- tion following the second net, when mountains of flowers passed up over the footlights and both of the .stars were forced to speeches* Lila Man was cute and demure ai the Iftgenue, working opposite her husb&nd* Walter Craig, who marie n v<-ry rnm.netpnt Juvenile, besides being responsible for the chorus work. Tho latter is composed of some pretty siris. They are dressed with becoming simplicity nnd make a great flash both as to looks and uii tli e d anci n g. — ■ A young chap named Jack Kearney, in a part hardly more than 1 a bit. created a favorable bn- pn-ssion find scion.i to recognition :;«* a first-rate hooft-r. CfftToll and Mnr.lnrie Sweet are th<» only two voire*. In the third art th"lr joint rendition of "My Lady** was a high- light. Carroll * made an excellent -sight Audrey Dixon as Coddles, the af- fectionate and slicbtly goofey housemaid, was a riot with her long-legged clowning. Nan Sunder- land was on par with the produc- tion which, with the orchestra In the direction of Leo Flanders, was top notch and first class. "Queen Hlfrh" will add plenty to Kolb and Dill's prestiere, and they hare been favorites out here for 25 years. Six chorus boys, all masculine. in spite of its population, Is a fair representst i \ e. Henry Duffy has yet to produce a "turkey." He has dono "flMii" right It should bring home the baron. yoshkeTchvat (IN YIDDISH) Chicago, Nov. 24. Musi al Comedy in three nets l«y Isidore Lssh, Htatring Mi«.).al MichalsskO. Musical arrangement* by Mortimer (Hickman. Staged by MUhuU'sko nnd preaenled at GlUkman a Yiddish Theatre, Chicago. Nov. 10. Itelie Soldat M. IV Kanmilow Murlatha. hta wife Jan.-tie Klngler I.uI'm their daughter Sarah Skulnirk Ciitele. their daughter Mrt». Shainfleld Yaahke Clival Michel Michaleeko Chaein Lenieahke Menaahe Skulntck Solomon. I.uba's sweetheart H. Gordon Alfred Shprinter Irving Jacotison Millie Clara Margolin Pan Sotwky A. Amasto This season looks very promising "or Kills Ollckmsn and his Yiddish house on the great side. His present stock company Is a prime favorite with the patrons. In Mlchaleako he has a star that is a big favorite among the Jewish people in this tOWti, With a $2.°0 top the crowds gather from near and far to substan- tially fill the house every night. So- cieties and organizations buy out at least three or four times a week. The only Yiddish theatre in Chicago, it has no competition. In Bhgli&h the*title would mean. "Joe the Schemer," or "Bravo Joe." The play is* well balanced, combining song, dance, comedy and Interesting situations. The vehicle gives the en t and Mi -haiesko in particular good opporlunity. A miniature sing- ing and dancing chorus, boys and girls, form a good background. The girls are young and sprightly. The plot entails the romance be- tween Joe, a soldier in the Kusslan army, and the daughter of the vll- !age cafe owner. The latter pre- pares to leave with his fsmily for America, figuring that he, having also been a soldier in his time and a big man in his town, would be welcomed with open arms In the "golden land.* 1 The young people are betrothed. Arriving in this country, however, the iz\v\ falls lo" a handsome young dancing teacher, who is fickle. Joe, knowing notiiing. soon follows bis Intended and falls heir to his uncle's fortune. .b»e, however. doesn't broadcast thi^ Information. Tho Mi l drives him from her home. The other members Of the family, al- ready rich, are of the same opinion. But with the father a promise is a promise. In face of such odds can do nothing but look on. Joe frames his rival through the assistance of the maid In his sweet* heart's home. The maid is to vamp this fellow, while he. Joe. plants the girl to pec it all. During the pro- ceedings Joe discovers he is in love with the maid and so secretly mar- ries her. Nevertheless, bis plans fur the frame remain the samo for sat- isfaction's sake. When the girl's family learn of J net's riches they implore him to marry their daugh- ter, who is still unwilling. Joe shows up tho false dancer and ex- plains he is already married, and the best thing for the girl to do is to marry her fickle admirer, who promises to be good. The girl con- sents and everybody celebrates. Michalesko is full of life and tem- perament. He has a good rich bari- tone and can danoe. Mae Shainfeld, the girl in the case, does full jus- tive to her role. This girl could probably find a spot somewhere on the English-speaking stage. An- other player of outstanding ability is Mcnashe Skulniek. His imper- sonation of a dullard and nit-wit is excellent. Irving Jacobson, the dancing teacher, is a good juvenile, who puts over sonars and dances that click. This fellow evidently had some experience In vaudeville. Clara Margolin as Millie the maid, departs from her customary diva role to play a soubret and li^ht comedy part. Her work Is com- mendable. Other members in the cast are all up to par tribute satisfactorily. EMPIRE Th . M y A 4«th St. Kv«. «:S0 reuHMAN ( If MCI I RAIN (Coast Production) San Francisco, Nov. 26. Henry Duffy production by nrransromcnt with Sam H. Uarriii Pre«ent«d Nov. 20 at the tfttli Street. Oakland. Cal. N'ative (lirl Lelane Sherwoofl N'ative Policeman FMwnrd Warrls Nativea Charles Mu and Jumea Hum Am^ena. wife of Joe Horn Irma Van Private Oriire:* 0 8 M C.Collins Mam t Corporal HodReaon. U. S. M. C Rolyrt L Held Sergeant O'Tlpra, tT. S If C. . Jeaa T^eRoy Joe Horn, trader of Pago IViko Howard Nuaent Dr. IfePhslI Frank Daweon Mrs Mpphnil Mario Dunkle Mrs. Davidson Mnri?uprite Allen yuarti-rm.uMer Uatoa. of "Tli* OrdSBS" Mitchell Inirraham Sidle Thornpjir»n Isabel Wlthera Itev. Alfred Davidcon Harold Salter THE P T I V ftdvurd ltourdet'a World Triumph! With HELEN MENKEN. BASIL RATH BOH K N«w Amsterdam ™\\- n «„« t * t ? Mat* Wed. ft Sat.. !:2* ■rtanaw. Dillingham ft Stt«r»ld Ma oat CILASLSS DILLINORAM preaeata MARILYN MILLER <CIIftlm1V> Aristocrat lompaar ■ Comedies Dir. A. L. r.AlFTY The*., n wajr. 4Cl» Si. •tflanurr 1 1 Mat*. Wed.. Sat.. 3:M t'HARLEH DII.1.INUI1AM pre«enU 'ON APPROVAL' A Comedy by FREDERICK LONSDALE with WALLACE KDDlNftKK VIOI.KT KKMIII.R COO FEB h Mill KM Mu'DONNKI.L and II COII WAKEFIELD BELASC0 5& aWJ*aC •* DAVID BBLA8CO Presents LENORE ULRIG as LULU BELLE Supported hy IIF.NKY HULL aid UXCWPTIONAXj CAST L.I IrE.UIVI Mat, Thura. ft Sat., 2 .19 DAVID 1IELAMCO preaeats mm *mm* "It la aenulnflly m »i %ki Resets itT .L-r/y out WILLABD MACK —BETH MEKKILT, Hehrr Duffy's production Is tip to snnfT in every respect. Tho set is without a flaw, the rast is uniformly good, and the rain effect even better than in the original. Duffy expects tho company to stay out a lonp time. It is reasonable, as he has all the territory west of Denver, and the .Te.inne Kagels company only hit three of the blf? coast cities. Isabel Withers has the rich but difficult Sadie Thompson role. She pets under Sadie's skin and makes the characterization strong and virile. On the opening night in Oakland she caught the changing moods of the volatile Sadie so well that she suggested Miss Eagels, al- though Miss Withers plays her own tempo. With a few performances Miss Withers should be burn in \- Imb s in the scenery. Working opposite as the roaring evangelist Harold Salter registered Strongly. He got the sanctimonious ring into his voice that the butt-in character calls for. Howard Nugent as Joe H»»rn. the lazy and philosophic trader, was very fine. Mr. Nugent is a "coast defender.** this being by all odds his jin iest part ;ind his best work. Mar- guerite A*fen as the prim wife of the Reverend Davidson secured her. self much plaudits in the seene w lit re Mho ronff-sM*^ the suppn ssm<| CRASLKS CLf ORF f n T. A T S ■ DILLINaRAKl ULUDt 46th st A B'waj Kvea.. 8:30. Mata. Wed. ft Ps>t.. 2;S0. CRABLB1 DIM.INC.HAM preaants FRED STONE la a K*W Musical Comedy "CR1SH CKOSS" with DOROTHY 8TONB rvnickerbocker BJ£ Wwl atu> a 30 An Indixpntnbla 8ncc«eMl A. I* RKLsiNOBR pree*nta In the New Musical Comedy Honeymoon Lane SELWYN «fc J A MRS W. BLUOtn GLORIOUS CASTLES in the AIR Am I SMaS parable C<imp«tii/ 10S Hlnarera, l>snerra sod Roman< GEORGE WHITE'S APOLLO ^1 POl'UI.AR MATS. WED. A SAT.. 2:29 GEORGE WHITE'S *** SCANDALS desires of her holy but dull life as ;i missionary's helpmeet. Frank Dawson, competent actor, made a lir^t rite I)r McPhSll. Oakland'! rccei>tion of the doctor's Speech about 4h« hills of Nebraska was a peculiar combination of re- ptess'rl giggling and shock. That $peerh will i>robablv CSUSS tnIk In u*e: huact ua-ns:df uuctf l»y C-LADTS CNOKB 1-1 I ILL Mat8< Wedij Bat( r . gi Amha«»flrlr.r Th ..IWi.W.ef B'f a>a • M HENRY MILLER'S rVRS. 1:30. MATS. TBUli. A SAT., 2 » CHARLRS FBOIIMAN prorata Holbrook Blinn In I Ell KMC M t »I.N A ICS THE PLAY'S THE THING' PHILIP QOODMAV pre*tmt9 /tmer- loo'S funniest comedian* in the biggeM m ut.ii ,ii comedy aue.re*$ of the «*.aaont CLARK and MgCULLOUGH "THE RAMBLERS" ""US? 1 "Crowd yriied. hawird. aareaaiee. raekatf tfouMaal OrephM. I YRIf Thoa.. W. 42d St. Rrea. L. I wntioeea Wed. and Sat.. TIMES SQ. Matlneee Thin a. A Hat. Irl A ... •:2#. ^ qentlemen Prefer Blondes With .11 Nil WALKKK I: I (NA IIIMItAKI) A i-'ltANK M«>i«JAN B ROADWAY BROADHUftaVf, W. 41th 8t. Eva8 3«. Mala. Wed. A Sit . 2 8S Ace of \Iuilcal Cotncrllea QUEEN HIGH with CHARLKfj RUOOLKS, I kank MefNTYRft, L\ Bl T .i Oil All ft fit Oth?ra lit*>•<••>•< >• I !• I • • ...... playhouse ROSALIE STEWART Presents "DAISY MAYME' A COMEDY By George Kelly