Variety (Mar 1927)

40 VARIETY LEGITIMATE Wednesday, March 16, 1927 SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT •ueemtful, whil* th* MMi gro.ii*>* c d , th ditf , r , ne , ■- „.diocr,ty .r lo... ^Th. v.n.ne. hWW" ' |h> f with consequent diff*r*nc* in in bu»in*S* necessary ' play i. «l.o eon.id.red.__ i; __ 0>p . eit „ nd top pric , of «h. cast, groti of prom. V*riane* attraction a* against dramatic Classification of attraction, .dmitsion acala givan below. O (drama)I B (ravua)i M (munc "Abia'a Irian Roaa," Republic (252nd week) (C-901-$2.76). Business hardly any better last week; Lent to some degree and income tax payments enter Into present busi- ness situation; "Abie" off like others, but run leader around $9,000. •American Tragady," Longacre (23d week) (D-1,019-$S.86). Trade In next few weeks will decide con- tinuance- of engagement: prob- ably making some money though down around |9,000 mark. ■Broadway," Broadhurst (26th week) (CD-l,118-$3.85). Scale lowered to original top after Washington's Birthday with non-mualcal smash rating between $27,000 to $28,000 since then; capacity and far In lead of field. "Brothers Karamaxov" (5th week) and "Pygmalion," Guild (11th week) (D-»14-$8.S0). Latter show presented last week and continued to profitable gross though trade last week slipped down to approx lmately $12,000. "Bye, By*, Bonnie," Cosmopolitan (10 th week) (M-l,4»3-$3.85) Moved here from Rltz where pace about $11,000; in Columbus Circle house show will be handled by cut rates under guarantee plan. ■Chicago," Music Box (12th week) (CD-»45-$3.30). Slightly ahead last week with, gross bettering $13,000; under pace of first two months but money maker. "Crime," Eltlnge (4th week) (D-892 $3.85). Standing up to excellent trade last week, again climbing; estimated above $1«,000; moves to Times Square next week; more capacity. ■Crisa Cross," Globe (22rd week) (M-l.4i6-$5.50). Not capacity for some time but still making money; last week about $26,000. "Countess Maritza," 44th Street (27 th week) (O-l,32«-$5.50) Slipped badly with last week esti- mated around $15,000; not la cut rates yet. •Fog," National (6th week) (D 1,161 -$3.30). Getting fair share of mystery play fans and will prob- ably stick through spring; rated over $10,000 weekly. •Gay Par**," Winter Garden (Uth week) (R-l,498-$5.60). Sophie Tucker going into revue next week as first of several added tea tures designed to keep revue go Ing into warm weather; $25,000 estimated. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," Times Square (26th week) (C-1.057- $3.85). Final week; made good run though not as big as first In dicatlons based on Chicago sue cess: around $24,000 at start; re- cently $14,000; "Crime" moves here from Eltlnge next week. •G.rti.," Bayes (18th week) (C 860-$3.30). Regarding engage ment of this length, mystery ex cept to Insider* who know trade 1* two-for-ones; $5,000 to $6,000 profitable. "Honeymoon Lane," Knickerbocker (26th week) (M-l,042-$3.86). One of favored musicals hitting pacity right along with consist ently good business Indicating summer continuance; $26,000. ■Honeymooning," Bijou (1st week) (C-505-$3.80). Booked in sud denly, house having been dark opens Thursday, March 17). "I Told You So," Chanlna 46th St. (10th week) (M-l,396-$4.40). Final week; never got much trade until handled by cut rate agencies under guarantee plan; $16,000; "The Spider" next week. "Judy*" Royale (6th week) (M- 1.200; $3.30). May go along for time but doesn't look strong enough to land; last week about $11,000. "Lulu Belle," Belasoo (58th week) (D-l,000-$3.85). Final week; last season's dramatic smash has been getting moderate money of late with overhead too high to con- tinue; goes on tour in fall; house dark several weeks then gets musical, "Hit the Deck." ■Menace," 49th Street (1st week) (D-708-$3.30). Drama of Oriental atmosphere; presented by James E. Kenney, new producer; opened Monday. "Money from Horn*," Fulton (3d week) (C-913-33.30). Little bet ter last week at about $7,000, but must materially Improve to stick "Oh Kay," Imperial (19th week) (M-l,446-$5.50). Only slight drop for this musical heavyweight, which should easily ride Into sum- mertime; approximately $38,000. _gy-Ann," Vanderbllt (12th week) (M-997-$4.40). Going along to great business with average weekly grosses now better than $17,000; summer continuance ex business down to pected. "Pirate. 'irate* of P*nxanc*," Plymouth (15th week) (O-l,043-$3.80). Going out after another week, company .V ')■■> "Iolanthe' $10,000. Rio Rita," Ziegfeld (7th week) (M-l,750-$5.50). With front bal- cony rows now priced same as lower door, capacity on week in creaseJ and last week's gros* reached $47,000; out In front of all. Road to Rom*," Playhouse (7th week) (D-789-$3.85). Business measured capacity from start and Jane Cowl attraction distinctly up with non-musical ' $17,000 and over. 'Saturday'* Children," Booth (8th week) (D-707-$3.30). Sure to last out season with little change In nightly attendance; gross around $13,000, capacity. 'Queen High," Ambassador (28th week) (M-l,168-$4.40). Figures to run into warm weather; going along at good clip, easing off with other* lately; $18,000. ■Scandals," Apollo (40th week) (R- l,168-$5.60). Agency demand dropping, to be expected at this stage of run; show getting great money at $38,000, not far under capacity and may again be sum mer offering. "S*x," Daly's (47th week) (D-1,178- $3.30). In public prints more than any other show on list be- cause of Immorality charges still making some money, but off from former pace; around $8,000 and less and figuring on going to road In another month or so. "Sinner," Klaw (6th week) (D-830 $3.30). Doing moderately well and will probably last through spring period; weekly trade esti mated around -$8,000; show not costly to operate. "Sat a Thief," Empire (4th week) (D-l,099-$3.30). Scheduled to move to Lyceum Monday; trade light, but $7,000 appear* to be even break or better; "Cardboard Lover" next week. "That French Lady," Rltz (1st week) (C-915-J3 30). First known as "The Woman in the House" also announced aa "The French Kiss"; opened Monday with Louis Mann and Clara Llpman. "Th* Bark*r," BUtmore (9th week) (CD-1,000-$S.85). After scoring some excellent grosses, business dropped, but with takings over $12,000 good profit Indicated. "Th* Constant Nymph," Cort (16th week) (D-l,044-$3.30). On the strength of book popularity this play expected to land in big money class; however, profitable recent trade, $12,000. "Th* Constant Wif*," Maxlne Elliott'* (16th week) (CD-921 $3.85). One of most successful of season's productions, with house getting biggest weekly grosses since opening; $19,000 Weekly. "Th* Desert Song," Casino (16th week) (O-l.044-J5.50). Last week better than previous week, with takings around $30,000: easily rates as best operetta of season. "Th* Heaven Tapper*," Forrest (2d week) (CD-l,000-$3.30). Taken oft after Monday night's perform ance; opened Tuesday last week, but hopeless; hardly $4,000 in seven performances; "The Crown Prince" next week. "Th* Ladder," Waldorf (22d week) (D-l,142-$3.30). Playing to light business, but run would not have been extended but for backing of wealthy Idealist: maybe $5,000. "Th* Mystery Ship," Garrlck (1st week) (D-550-$3.S0). Mystery play indicated by title; presented by GUstav Blum; opened Mon day. "Th* Nightingale," Jolson's (11th week) (O-1.776-$f.50). Chances might have been Improved in th atre better situated; moderate money show for start, with $15 000 estimated last week: no real coin at scale In big house. "Th* Noose," Hudson (22d week) D-l,094-$3.30). Making little money with recent trade around $9,000 or better; still Indefinite and will probably go through spring. "The Play', th* Thing," Henry Miller (20th week) (CD-946- $3.85). Smart audience still drawn and among leaders In agency demand; nearly $17,000 weekly. "The Ramblers," Lyric (26th week) <M-1.400-$5.50). Should run about another two months; has heen In money right along: off somewhat lately, hut should be profitable at $22,000. "The 8carlet Lily," Comedy ("th week) (D-682-$3.30). "Special" In cut rates, which, explains con- tinuance thus far; rated at $5,000 weekly. "The Silver Cord" and "Ned Me- til . i ri • l I l i. LA. GROSSES Loa Angeles, March It. The town leadership was ac- quired laat week by "I* Zat So?" in Its third week at the Belasco. with an estimated gross of $16,000 An American Tragedy" climbed $12,000 in Its eighth week at the Vine Street, while "The. Tavern," third week at the Blltmore, failed to reach $8,000. "Alias the Deacon," v completing the second month at the Hollywood Playhouse, did around $8,000 BOSTON'S MUSICALS BEST Others Barely Getting By in L*nt Hollywood Music Box Revue" with Fanny Brlce, in next to final week at the Hollywood Music Box, down to about $9,000; "One Man's Wom- an," at the Orange Grove, has risen to $4,000 at two-for-ones. "Synthetic Sin" did about $4,400 in the third week at the Morosco; The Man Who Came Back," at the Belmont, figured at $2,600 for the first week. (Copyright, 1927, by Variety, Inc.) "Blossom Tim*" $18,000 Milwaukee, Wis., March 15. 'Blossom Time," playing its an- nual week here, repeated Its former successes at the Davidson, where mediocre company last week walked out about $18,000 to the good. "Craig's Wife" is the attraction this week, to be followed by Thurston, Yes, Yes, Yvette," and "Student Prince." (Copyright, 1927, by Variety, Inc.) week; getting er alternating show offered last fair money under system; about $12,000. "The Squall," 48th SL (19th week) (D-960-$3.30). SUU playing three matinee* weekly, drama having strong feminine appeal; business now around $11,000, profitable with show and house under same management. Th* Virgin Man," Princess (9th week) (D-229-$3.30). Advertises "still playing," court actions against show coming up this week; tiny house, using some cut rates; doubtful If $4,000 grossed. "Thou Desperate Pilot," Morosco. Taken off Saturday, show playing but one week to no business; house dark. Tommy," Gaiety (10th week) (C- 808-33.30). Making money both ways, though grosses not excep- tional; around $9,500 average for last two weeks; should last out spring period, probably moving to another house. Trslswney of th* W*ll»," New Amsterdam (7th week) (C-1,702- $3.86). Final week; all-star re- vival drew great business for six weeks; last week around $20,000; "Lucky" next week. "Twinkle, Twinkle," Liberty (18th week) (M-l,234-$4.40). Figured to run until Easter, after which Louis Werba will offer new mu- sical comedy; now about $16,000. "Two Girl* Wanted," Little (28th week) (C-530-$3.30). Benefited considerably through ether plug- ging on "clean show" movement; averaging better than $8,000,very good tor small house. "Vaniti**," Earl Carroll (29th week) (R-998-$6.60). Notice to close taken down, cast taking salary cut and guaranteed another six weeks; recent pace estimated around $18,000. "What Ann* Brought Home," Wal- lack'a (4th week) (C-707-$3.30). Light business for this comedy, billed as "clean and wholesome; rated around $4,000 or a bit over. "Window Panes," Mansfield (4th week) (CD-l,200-;3.30). Slated to stop Saturday, but management decided to go on with show; busi- ness claimed to be better, but last week's gross estimated not over $5,000. "Wooden Kimono," Beck (12th week) (D-l,089-$3.30). Rated bit over $10,000, which should easily get this mystery piece by; house reported getting "Spreadeagle" soon. "Yours Truly," Shubert (8th week) (M-l,395-$5.50). Getting real grosses and one of favored mu- sicals, though rated somewhat under actual leaders; claimed $23,000. Special Attraction* and R*p. "Loud Speaker" and "Earth" alter- nating bi-weekly, 62d Street. "Inheritors," Civic Repertory. 14th Street; also "Cradle Song," "Master Builder" and "John Bork- man." "Pinwheel," Neighborhood Play- house. "Right You Are !f You Think You Are," special matinees. Guild; soon to be regularly given, alter- nating with "Mr. Pirn." "Caponsacchi," Walter Hampden's, making a run of It. "The Night Hawk," revived, doing well with cut-rate tickets; two other companies sent out. Outside Time* Square—Little "Lally" reported moving to Broad- way next week, with Greenwich Village presenting "Savages Under the 8kin"< "The New YdVkers," re- vue, scoffed at by critics, Totten: "The Devil bi -the Cheese," Charles Hopkins; ...("GraniteV 1 - . Mayfnlr: "American Qrafri- Guignol" closed Boston, March II. Business at the local theatres laat week was better for the most part han It had been the week before, he recovery from the first week of Lent was rapid, and showmen believe that the conditions which are existing here can now bo de- pended upon to continue through a few more weeks. As usual, most of the business went to the musicals, .with the oth- ers Just getting by. Estimate* for Last Week 'Queen High" (Shubert, 2d week at this house)—Did $20,000. Is to be kept here for two weeks more, then transferred to Plymouth. "Americana" (Wilbur, 3d week)— Going along very fairly, although gross last week not up to figure of week before. $16,500 last week, off about $1,000. Still strong local en- try. "Lady Alone" (Plymouth, Id week)—With Alice Brady starred, not going over very well hero. Credited with gross of $8,500 for first week. "Charm" (Hollls, last week)— Slipped off, ending up with about $2,000 less than week before: $6,000 I fist week "Chariot 8how of 1927" (Park. 2d week)—In small house this at- traction did Just fairly for first week; $7,500. "On Approval" (Tremont, last week)—Not such a hit as to make turnaway, but getting over better than expected. $13,000 last week, pickup of $1,000 over week before. Quite a surprise locally. Getting society play. "8unny" (Colonial)—Has never dropped to any extent since open- ing here several weks ago. $38,000 last week, better by $2,000 than week before. (Copyright, 1927, by Variety, Ine.) ABIE' DOES $16,200 PITTSBURGH'S 33D W'K Pittsburgh, March IS. Repeat shows and Lent coming together didn't mean a thing to local legitimate theatre box offices here last week. If anything, to the Shu bert-Alvln and Pitt theatres It meant near capacity. It Is a note- worthy fact that "Abie's Irish Rose," playing another engagement, making 33 weeks it has been here, grossed $16,200, which Is around the record for this house, a com para tlvely small one. The Alvln with "Rose-Marie,' which also has played several en- gagements at this house, went over the top with $27,316, a figure which borders around the high mark for this house. "The Student Prince'" is playing this week. At the Nixon, where "Honor Be Damned" was holding forth, busi- ness was only good, with nothing to brag about. (Copyright, 1927, by Variety, Inc.) 'LUCKY' DID $31,000 IN PHH1Y, 1ST WEEK Real Money in Lent for New Shows in Town—"Crown Prince," $7,000 - CASTLES' LASTS FRISCO LIMIT FOR $3.30 SHOW San Francisco. March 16. Nothing to rave about in the speakies for the week. All hold- overs who have shot their draw, with business Just dropping In. Estimates for Last Week Wilkes—They've collected as much as can be expected for a $3.30 gate show In this town, and "Castles In the Air" did well to grab $13,300. One more week to go, with "The American Tragedy" underlined. Columbia — Walker Whiteside In "The Arabian" Is holding on to $7,500. Alcazar---"If I Was Rich" Is dropping In attendance enough to have Henry Duffy hurry Isabel Withers in "Rain" in to open on the l»th. $6,200 for the week. President—This little house, with "The Family Upstairs," continues to beat the "big house," and $7,400 lets It stay on. Curran—Richard Bennett In "The Dove." Dropped from the week be- fore. "Vagabond King" to follow. (Copyright, 1927, by Variety, Inc.) Philadelphia. March 16. Four or five shows last week that entered the "smash" class or near It as opposed to only three the week before. And this despite the be- ginning of Lent with Its downward tendency. Two of the three openings laat week Jumped right into high at th* start, and the third did such satis- factory business as to Indicate that it will stage three profitable week* here. The first two were Dilling- ham's new musical tryout, "Lucky," and "The Jazs Singer." The for- mer didn't bow in until Tuesday, but did virtual capacity every per- formance given, and with Its scale ($4.40 top) achieved a gross of $31,000 in seven performances. The capacity of the Garrlck, which Is considerably less than that of th* Forrest where "Lucky" would un- doubtedly have played, will natu- rally hold down the figures for the two weeks, and the word Is here that, even playing absolute sell-out business, "Lucky" is so expensively hooked np that it can't do much better than break even in its fort- night tryout here. . "The Jazz Singer" opened to ca- pacity at the Broad Monday, 'and with a number of very big benefits helping grossed something around _)i$20,000 on the week, close to sell- out. This engagement ought to be a darb If not continued too long. Right now six weeks are mentioned, with the management talking of two more, but four to five weeks will take the cream of the demand. The third opening last week was a revue, "Greenwich Village Fol- lies," which came Into the Chestnut Street Opera House for three weeks Instead of two as originally planned. Business last week was good. The Lenten slump probably accounted for that, as the "Follies" has a big following here and this one got fine notices. Gross was reported at around $18,500. "Pickwick" still contlnunes to amaze the wise boys here, although the critics are rubbing their hands in satisfaction after the laudatory notices they gave the Dickens com- edy dramatization. Week's record for a notoriously bad time of year Is merely another indication of what a great theatri- cal season Phllly Is enjoying this year, easily its best, incidentally, in the last 10 or 12 seasons. Possibly because of the remark- ably successful season to date, or possibly Just on account of a largo number of spring tryouts, Phllly has the largest list of April book- ings in the memory of even the old- timers. Within the next month (that Is. Including next Monday's, March 21, up to April 18), there ar* no less than 11 shows now listed, with the probability that there will be a couple more added. Next week will see "Honor B* Damned," open a two weeks' stay at the Garrlck; "Great Temptations" at the Shubert, and Bertha Kallch in "Magda" at the Adelphl. "Hit the Deck," the new Lew Fields' pro- duction, will come Into the Chestnut Street Opera house for three weeks. Estimates for Last Week "Th* Jaxz Singer" (Broad, 2d week)—This George Jessel comedy drama caught on from the start. Around $20,000, "Th* Vagabond King" (Shubert, 8th week)—Last week for this op- eretta, which hasn't clicked here as expected. Last week gross $17,000 or possibly under. "Temptations" Monday. "Lucky" (Garrlck, 2d week)—All but one of dallies lukewarm, but business virtual capacity, with $31,- 000 claimed for seven performances. Figure was limited by size of house and scale, $4.40; big for Phllly, but not what show expects to command Dorothy Usner's Return After 27 Years Off Stage After an absence of 2T years from the stage, Dorothy Usner, now living In New York, will return as the mother In "A Very Loose Lady." John Colton wrote 1L Charles Hop- kins will produce the play next season. Miss Usner In private life is the mother of George Baxter, now en route to Australia to play leads with th* Williamson Company, Helen Baxter, actress, and Launce- lot Baxter, now in Columbia ,UnI- i , v WrMv- . .: •*f.4fr> 1 I j ' ' •''' on Broadway. "Pickwick" (Walnut, 4th week)— One of real surprises of late winter season. This Dickens dramatiza- tion did $16,000 or little over last week, and looks good for easily another three weeks. "Greenwich Village Follie*" (Chestnut, 2d week)—Revue got great notices and clicked nicely If not sensationally with as high a* $18,500 claimed. "My Maryland" (Lyric. 8th week) —Last week saw operetta virtually undented by Lent. Fraction under $27,000 recorded. "Th* Crown Prince" (Adelphl. 3d week)—This tryout has had fin* notices and hasn't been a complete bust, although breaks have been against It on time of season, house, etc. Only $7,000 last week. Ends engagement Saturday. (Copyright, 1927, by Var "Snatchars" Doe* $13,000 Providence. March 15. In ft return "The Cradle Snatch- era," offered by a road company with Blanche Ring starring, picked up $13,000 for the week at the Opera House—a goodly sum here. ; "(Breen,Ho4'.' th|s wo,ok, <Co.ymgK» W **ni.ty, lw*> ur -it ' . •..!•!»• i '