Variety (Apr 1930)

Wednesday, April 23, 1930 LEGITIMATE VARIETY 67 Broadway Easter Recovery Slow; Advance Sales Promise Recovery Only the leaders of Broadway's legits stood up to approximately normal business last week, Indica- tions of a typical Holy Week hold- ing true. An extra attraction In the Bhow zone got big money, too, being the Rlngllng circus at the Garden, where matinees topped the nights throughout. School holidays count- ed in favor of the outdoor outfit. Business early this week saw no prompt recovery. Easter Monday matinees were all off, the circus probably an opposition factor, too. Extra performances carded for later in the week are expected to more than take up the slack, however, and advance sales point to that result. Grosses for last week, being sub- normal, are not truly Indicative of business generally, and therefore auch such estimates would be mis- leading. The new shows offered during Holy Week were more numerous than usual. Three stood out: "Three Little Girls" got a fair start at the Shubert at $17,500, and figures to do better; "Uncle Vanya" drew rave notices at the Cort and started at better than $15,000 In seven per- formances; "Hotel Universe" pro- voked a sharp difference of opinion at the Beck. "Virtue's Bed" at- tracted some attention at the Hud- son, but started lightly at about $6,000; "Lady Clara" was given a critcal turndown at the Booth; "Penal Law 2010," at the Blltmore, and "Dora Mobridge," ^at the Little, neither rated having any chance. This week "Wake Up and Dream" will leave the Sehvyn, which gets "Lost Slieep" next week (only scheduled premiere); "The Infinite Shoeblack" stops alt Maxine Elliott's, which probably goes dark; "They Never* Grow Up" closes at the Masque, with no new show definitely listed; "Love, Honor and Obey" stopped last Saturday, Eltinge, BAINBRIDGE GO'S HOLY WEEK TOPS NAME STAR Minneapolis, April 22. With their second woman, Buth Lee, playing the feminine lead and minus any guest star, the Balnbridge dramatid stock company, at the Shubert theatre here, grossed more at $1 top Holy Week than they did the previous week with Florence Heed, noted Broadway luminary and local favorite, .heading the cast and ft ^1*25 scslICb Eugene O'Neill's "All God's Chillun Got Wings" turned the Holy W«ek trick, helped by somfe great acting by Victor Jory, leading man, and Miss Lee. O'Neill dramas have been box office here ii» stock and out-iJi It "All God's Chillun" copped nearly $5,000. The Intake for Miss Reed in "The Truth" was only about $4,500. Bainbridge released Blanche Turka from a' contract to open as a guest etar May 4 In Ibsen's "The Lady from the Sea," in order that she might appear in New York In a pro- duction of the Norwegian drama- tist's, "The Viking." In place of the Ibsen play the Bainbridge company la going to do "One Man's Woman" —some contrast. The outfit Jumped from O'Neill's "All God's Chillun," a tragedy, into "The Gingham Girl," a musical comedy, claimed to be one of the longest theatrical leaps ever negotiated. ONLY FOUR SHOWS DEFY PHILLY'S HOLY WEEK Bad Slump in Boston Boston, April 22. Boston theatres took It on the chin Holy Week. "The New Moon" at the Shubert that has played to full houses dur- ing practically its whole 10 weeks In town got about half its accus- tomed figure. Down at the Plymouth "Little Ac- cident" took a wide drop. "Candle Light" at the Wilbur was even Worse. George M. Cohan played "The Tavern" and did better than expect- ed, up a grand from the week pre- vious. ' Easter Monday has put new heart Into the business. Two show.s opened, Francine Larrimore in "Let Us Be Gay," at the Hollis, and Fred Stone in "Ripples" at the Colonial. Estimates for Last Week "The New Moon"—Shubert, Now In 11th and last week. Sank to $16,000 last week from around $30,- 000. "Little Accident"—Plymouth. Low at $10,000. Now In 14th week and has donS up to $18,000. "The Tavern," with George M. Co- Tian—Tremont. Not bad at $17,000. "Candle Light"—Wilbur. Now in third week. Last week at $8,000 low. "Ripples," with Fred Stone—Co- lonial. Opened Easter Monday. "Let Us Be Gay"—HolUs. Fran- cine Larrimore In lead. Opened Easter Monday. Philadelphia, April 22. With only four houses open dur ing the week, business In the legit was about average for the Holy Week slump period. "Bird In Hand" has caught on solidly here, and whle no smash got better than $13,000 last week at the Lyric. Natural drop Thursday and Friday was all that prevented it hit ting considerably higher, as it was well ahead of both previous weeks up to and Including tlie Wednesday night performance. It Is now an- nouncing seats three weeks In ad vance and looks set for a total run of from six weeks to two montlis. Miss Le Gallienne's company, giv- ing five plays, trailed "Bird In Hand" at the beginning of the week, but Jumped well ahead at end, with big help froni the "Peter Pan" mati- nees. An extra afternoon perform- ance of "The Women Have Their Way" was • also given Thursday, Claimed $18,000 in nine perform- ances. Not up to last year's figure, but fine under circumstances and considerng season. "So This Is Paris" opened to bet ter than $4,500 Saturday night at the Shubert, best opening of any show at this big house all season. ^ Adelphl has "Holiday," presented by John Sharp Players, with. Dorb- thry Gish as guest star. Both en gagements are for two weeks. Both started briskly Monday night. Walnut reopens next Monday with "Lysistrata," first of three offerings by newly organized Philadelphia Theatre Association which ' is planned for three weeks' stay. Fay Balnter, Miriam Hopkins and Ernest Truex head the long cast of celebs. * George M. Cohan In "The Tav- ern" May 5 at the Garrlck, with .same star doing "Gambling" at both matinees for two weeks' stay. "The Rivals," with Mrs. Fiske, to the Broad for single week. On May 12 "Let Us Be Gay" comes to-the Broad for a r\in, and on the 19th Philadelphia Theatre Association gives "The Discovery," its second offering. Estimates of the Week "So This Is Paris" (Shubert, first week). "Chic" Sale show opened very powerfully Saturday night with gross of not far under $5,000 Show needs fixing, but looks good for run. "Bird in Hand" (Lyric, 4th week) Continued strong last week, in fact, except for Good Friday drop, would have Jumped well above all pre- vious figures. At that $13,000 or better. In for run. . "Strange Interlude" (Broad, one week only). Moved here from Gar- rick with dismal Indications for biz. Eva; Le Gallienne got $18,000 in nine performances last week. "John Faust, Ph.D." (Garrlck, first week). Mask and Wig's latest show looks to be one of best of series, "Interlude" dropped to $12,500 In eighth and last week at this house. Forrest—Dark. "Follow Thru" got $9,000 or thereabouts in fifth and last week, Frisco Grosses San Francisco, April 22. "June Moon," in Its third week at the Geary, continued at profitable speed at better than $11,000, only a slight drop from the preceding seven days. The Curran had a dark week after "Rope's End" waiting for Louis Macloon's "New Moon." Both Henry Duffy's houses also enjoyed prosperity. Alcazar brought In "Elizabeth Sleeps Out," and got away to a healthy start. First week better than $5,000. At his President "The Blue Ghost" continued to hold up at box office, garnering $5,000. Erlanger's Columbia had road show film, "Around the World With Hr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson." This on", despite strong competition from "Ingagi," drew satisfactorily. About $7,000, ^^^^ AHEAD AND BACK H. Elliott Stuckel, ahead; Joe Williams, back; Richard -Bennett In "Solid South." Fred Jordan, advance; E. Bost- wick, back; "Deah Old England." Frank McGrann, ahead; Eddie Ro.senbaum. Co, manager, "So This Is Paris" (Chic Sale). Sam Stratton, advance,. "Dear Love" (Shuberts7. •^Delineator,** one of the most astute of the women's magp, will go hi for Btronger fiction. Pittsburgh Legits Pittsburgh, April 22, Lone legit attraction here Holy Week "Strange Interlude," which rounded out a three'weeks' engage- ment at Nixon tind took more dough out of this town than Ponzl. Did $34,000, which tops every legit Holy Week figure around here. O'Neill play approached $115,000 for three- week run. It returns next season. Guild has promised. Nixon dark first half of this week, reopening April 24 for Mrs. Fiske's three-day engagement in "The Rivals,'' Next week house goes to University of Pitisburgh Cap and Gown Club for annual show, and closes week of May 5 with William Gillette in "Sherlock Holmes," Alvin has return engagement of "Journey's End," to be followed In turn by "Babes in Toyland," Walter Hampden and return of Thurston. Stock at Pitt had "Charley's Aunt" and fairly creditable showing con- sidering season. COLLEEN MOORE BACKS SHOW FOR BROTHER Future Flays "Garrick Gaieties" will be revived this summer after a three-year lapse with several of former editi- tions alumni behind the new pro- duction and with the Theatre Guild, which formerly produced, lending a helping hand, although not actu- ally behind the production. Sterling HoUoway and Philip Loeb will have charge of the production, the for- mer appearing In It also and the latter staging. "Garrlck Gaieties" was previously projected by the Theatre Guild with members of the Junior Guild com- prising the cast. Herbert Fields, Richard Rogers and Lorenzo Hart collaborated on previous editions and first attracted attention In this connection. The new edition will not have the same trio, but will have skits and songs of the same light comedy purport. Piece goes Into rehearsal next month. "Check and Double Check," mu- sical revue by Edwin Kimball and Robert Hood Bowers, Is being readied as initial production of Rob- ert Burke, formerly associated with the Chanins in managerial capacity and now running a ticket agency. Title may be changed since Amos ' and Andy, radio comics, originated the catch words and have been signed to make a feature for R-K-O Pictures of the same title. "Caliente," which was to have gone into rehearsal nejft week, for Richard Herndon, has been side- tracked until later. "Whatta a Break" Is being readied for production by Conness & Rav- old, new producing combo. Show will be done on commonwealth with cast waiving bond. Two new plays for fall production have been bought by Lew Cantor, "Nearer the Rainbow," by Alexan- der L, do Meroff, and "On the Ver- s^dah," by Tom Blair. Former will be given an early summer tryout under plans. "Colour Blind," starring Helen Menken, produced by the Shuberts. "A Graceful Generation," story of Mississippi life, by Knowles Entrl- ken, to be tried out by Brady and WIman. "Tripletes," farce by Mark LInder, will reach production next month via Collins and Adams, "Maybe She Will," musical, by Elwood Engelhart and Frank Fish- er, is being readied for Immediate production by Acme Productions, Inc., new producing firm with Harry Madero as managing director. Now casting and due for re- hear.sal in two weeks. "Ladies Must Live," comedy by Doroth Hyde, went into rehearsal last week with Frank Shaw produc- ing. It bows In at Allentown, Pa., May 11, and follows into a New York house two weeks later. Cast includes Frank Wagner, Margaret Clark, Marie Polk, Daniel Sullivan, Billy Deane, Ruth Byers, Frank Callahan, Mazle Ward, Ger- trude Foster, Claire Ardsley, Ed. McLaughlin, William Seabcck and others, "When Hell Froze," readied for another try by Macgowan and Reed, "The Lawless Lady," starring VI- vlenne Osborne, goes into rehearsal next week. Cast Includes John WcBtley, Richard Thornton, Taba- tha Goodwin, Margaret Pitt, Robert Los Angeles, April 22. Holy Week is beginning to lo.";*' its grip on L. A, legit theatres. With the seven days figured as a possible bloomer, all theatres turned in around normal business. "Rah Rah Daze" built over week before. "Tour Uncle Dudley," "Hero" and "Broken Dishes" fell off, but ail three are at the end vf their run and the drop was expected. . Fay Marbe. came Into the Beliisco for one week with her one-girl show. On percentage. Miss Marbe made money for herself and the house. "Philadelphia" got about nut money and folds Saturday. It marks the finish of Andy Wright as a local producer. "Holiday" in its first week at the Hollywood Play- house got about average take for the theatre. Six openings slated for next week, with "For Cryin' Out Loud" getting Its premiere at the Egan. "June Moon" has Clive Moore, brother of Colleen Moore, in the lead. Miss Moore bankrolled the production for 10 g's, and. It figures to get a good picture crowd draw due to her patronage. Revival of "The Student Prince" opens at the Ma- jestic Thursday (24)' with Allan Prior for the run. Civic Reper- tory's next is "Imaginary Invalid." "Among the Married" goes into the Vine Street for two weeks, and the "Blue Ghost" starts a run at the President. Estimates Last Week Belasco—^Fay Marbe went In for a week with her one-girl revue and took close to $6,000. Only expense was a 10-plece band, so she should have made a nice profit. "June Moon" open.s April 21. Hollyv>?ood Playhouse—"Holiday" (1st week). Opened to fair take near $6,300. House has been having a tough time since first of the year, ai)d It doesn't look as If "Holi- day" will help matters. El Capitan—"Broken Dishes" (3d week). With an unknown cast this one didn't get started; should move In about two weeks. Estlmate;d at $4,900. Mason—"Rah Rah Daze" (4th week). Building up every week and shouuld get over $10,600. Going In for .radio plugs. Music Box (Civic Repertory)— "The Hero" (3d, last week). Best draw so far for the Civic Rep; cashed in for $4,500 on final week. "Imaginary Invalid" opened Mon- day. President—"Your Uncle Dudley" (6th, final week). Folded to $4,700. President's banner attraction this year. "Blue Ghost" opened Sunday. Vine Street—"Philadelphia" (3d, final week). Last week got $3,000; all quiet. "Among the llarried" opens April 21. 8 NEW CHICAGO LEGIT ENTRIES Hudson, Edwin Stanley, Karl Hue bel, Charles Lewis. "The Vikings of Helgeland," star-' ring Blanche Yurka, has gone Into rehearsal under direction of Richard Herndon. Opens at the New Yorker, New York, May 12. "Mixed Marriage," produced 'by Cort and Abramson, has been with- drawn for recasting after two weeks out. J "Courtesan," play with solo cast by Irving Davis, which was to have bowed In at the President, New York, tomorrow night (Thursday) has been postponed until next week due to Its^ single player, Elsa Shel- ley, having contracted laryngitis. It Is said. "Times Square," by Sam Orange and Miriam Burton going Into pro- duction by Sam Orange. Now cast- ing. •"Yesterday's Husband" is the Joint work of Allan Dlnehart and Harry Segal. Latter was credited with sole authorship. He wrote "The Behavior of Mrs, Crane," last play in which the late Margaret Lawrence appeared, Dlnehart will play in "Husband" which has not found a producer as yet. "Barbara of Seville" is a newly written operetta with tho book by Harry Hershflcld and the score by Joseph Rumshin.sky. Latter Is well known composer on the East Ride, doing the scores for the Molly Picon shows. It is his first shot at Broadway. Ilershflr-id first wrote the story as a novel. Well known Broadway producor mentioned to put It on, "Hash," a mixed rast sppclalty show was addfid to tlic v/cok'n open- ings on Broadway, due in at Wal- lack's Saturday night. First part haa a girls' band with a minstrel layout, th{:re being colorf.-d end men. Second part an olio, with tho third section an aflf-rpkrf*; with an all colored (la.st. Chicago, April 22, Con.soUitlon is that Holy Week business wus not «s had as expected. Plenty of papering, thou.£;h, to keep tlie houses from looking spotty. Of the two musicals in town, both Shubert productions, "Nina Rosa" slipped again while "Street Singer" held steady. Among the straights, "Strictly Dishonorable" was lower but held the lead. "Let Us Be Ga;y" went to Boston after profitable 12 weeks, although cut-rated toward the end of Its run, and was consist- ently In second place. Eight Openings Eight openings this week liven things. At the Erlanger, "Mebbe,". comedy with Charlotte Greenwood, follows three weeks of Thurston, magician; "Wonderful Night" open- ed at the Grand, which was dark Holy week; "Little Show" went in to the Selwyn, house relighting after seyeral weeks; Joseph B. Howard's "second edition" of "The Time, the Place and the Girl" opened at the Harris Instead of the Gar- rlck, as scheduled; "Merry Widow," Shubert revival, went into the Ma- jestic, which also was dark Holy Week; light opera opened a nine- week engagement at the Civic Opera's Civic Theatre; "Many a Slip" replaced "City Haul" at the Cort, and the Goodman, which has been getting Its share of the busi- ness lately, opened with A. A. Milne's "Ariadne," known in Eng- land, but new In the United States. Studebaker went dark, unable to obtain a suitable attraction to suc- ceed ''Let Us Be Gay." Princess extended Mel Lan Fang's original one-week engagement Into four days of last week, and found $8,000. House dark for two weeks. Black- stone and Illinois, Erlanger spots, remain dark, Garrlck continues^ with a Jungle flicker. Spring outlook Is that "Dishonor- able" has the best chance. A sur- prise Is "Your Uncle Dudley" at the Playhouse, which, being cut-ratedv^^" continues with sprltely bu.slness In this small spot How long "Nina Rosa" will remain is speculative. Operetta, now In Its 16th week at the Great Northern, has had fluc- tuating grosses after the first six weeks, dependent on the amount of competition. How "Mebbe" fares at the Er- langer will depend a good deal on the critical reception of the piece. Charlotte Greenwood Is a favorite.' The play was originally ' "She Couldn't Say No." It has been com- pletely Irevamped and was consid- ered on the coast, where it was staged by Henry Duffy. ' Estimates for Last Week "Let Ua Be Gay" (Studebaker, 12th and final week). On cut rates, did Holy Week business of around $10,000 and left, going to Boston. House dark. "Little SlTow" (Selwyn 1st week). One of several Sunday openings, with great chances and In a choice spot. "Many a Slip" (Cort, 1st week). Comedy replaced "City Haul" which left for the east after six weeks of cut rate business; never strong. Final week, $4,000. ''Mebbe" (Erlanger, 1st week). Farce comedy in for three-weeks at $2.60 top. Ran 13 weeks in Los Angeles and nine in San Francisco. Company did well on the road. Thurston closed a three-week run at the Erlanger with $9,000. "Street Singer" (Apollo, 7th week). Musical going along evenly and not affected by Lent. Around $10,000. "Strictly Dishonorable" (Adelphl, 11th week). Holy Week slump to $11,000, but no worry and will run right along. The non-musical leader. "Wonderful Night" (Grand, Ist week). Adaptation of Strauss "The FledermauB," operetta in' a good spot. "Your Uncle Dudley" (Playhouse, 11th week). Light, clean home-folk comedy .on cut-rate basis felt Holy Week, dropping two grand to $5,500, but still taking profits and may make a bid for a summer run. Special Attractions Civic Theatre—Light opera. In for nine weeks. Goodman—Civic reppcrfl In A, A- Milne's "Ariadne." Com<;dy was known in England as "Business First." Never tried before except in out-of-the-way arty spots. "Hoi ^ pak Must Dance," Hellmuth Unger'e drama, was Jerked after 11 days. Harris—Joseph E, Howard pre- sents a new form of "The Time, the Place and tho Girl," at $2 top and $3 week-ends. Majestic —"Th'^ Merry Widow,"' revival. Two book ag'cnts, making the rounds of the New York office. bulldlnff.'i, are flelling "Aphrodite,'*'*^' "privately printed," for $2.60. It is one of Uhe books vice crusader .Sunint-r no like.