Variety (May 1930)

66 VARIETY LEGITIMATE Wednesday, May 14, 1930 Showgirls Bunked Into Selling Programs for Aviation Show By this time a number of the- atrical girls around town know that selling programs is not in their line of work. Jobs on the stage may be scarce, but it is better to lay off than to demean oneself by becoming pro- gram girls. The Aviation Show, In the Gar- den, needed a number of girls to sell programs. Theatrical girls, on the ,assumption they were more attrac- tive, were wanted and obtained. Thirty girls, out of hundreds iap- plying, were chosen. Decked out In 'aviatrices' costumes they were'-set to sell programs. The girls were rather intrigued by the job. It was Understood beforehand that they would receive |6 a day and also 4c on every program sold. " "/ou will be able to sell hundreds of programs," the man who hired them explained, and the girls fell. Calculations were wrong some place. Hardly a program was sold. At the end of the first day it was , -discovered that only the glials sta- tioned near the door had sold.any programs and then only a few. At this all the girls clamored to be -stationed near the door where they would have at least some = chance of selling.' The man who had engaged the .girls, seeing the way things were going, suddenly decided he did not .need their services. The $5 a day • guarantee was forgotten and when .the girls sought their pay, and dis- covered they would receive about .30c for the programs they had sold, and nothing else. , The girls gathered In the lobby ■I'TOf the Garden and shouted their grievances in no mild terms, "What does this man mean?" said one. V,The Shuberts can't do it. Zieg- V feld can't do It, and I've worked ft>r "'5»'both." • But the money wasn't forthcom- .ing. When the girls complained to * the Chorus Equity the man who . hired them said he had missed •, money and uniforms. This was .hotly .denied. TUe uniforms were awful, said the ■ girls, arid, anyway, they had been insulted. They had been told not to' take ■ customers Into dark cor- ners of the Gai-den, when anyone knows there are no dark corners ; there, ' Now there are some factory girls working up In the Garden forHhelr ■niggardly commission. They should have been obtained in the first place, say the stage girls. Everyone knows that theatrical girls won't work for nothing, they say. , Play Brokers Ignore Plea For Tent Royalty Cuts, Reps Repeating, Pirating Scarcity of material suitable for production by tent outfits unable to meet the high royalty terms ex- acted by play brokers for regular stock releases has the .tent outfits in a bad way this summer through having to resort to mediocre re- peaters to keep going. Since most of the established tent troupes traverse practically the same tcrritoi-y each season, the re- peat angle is walloping the busi- ness thus far and figures to sock it worse later. Equity is backing the tent out- fits in propositioning play brokers to come to an arrangement for lower terms on releasiss for these small troupes, pointing out ' that there are nearly 200 of them In op- eration and that royalties, no mat- ter how small, derived from this division of show business would bring considerable additional rev- enue all around. Move for reduction has been given no response thus far and will probably get the same shelving that the similar plea of the Stock Man- agers Association's proposition was given when the latter Importuned a reduction in royalty on stock re- leases so that stock might survive the heavy opposish of the talkers. Ten troupes -operate on x reper- tory basis mostly, carrying three or four bills through the season. They are angling for terms as reasonable as those which had formerly ob- tained for Chautauqua outfits, the latter carrying a blanket sum for use of the play through season rather than a weekly royalty such as obtains ff r the tent outfits which are under same classification as stock with the play brokers. The tent producers have pointed out to the brokers that the de- crease In number of Chautauquas projecting legit shows could well be more than counterbalanced or even enhanced by giving them a similar royalty arrangement. Shows in Rehearsal "Greenwich Village Follies" (Shuberts), Shubert "Once in a Lifetime" (Sam H. Harris), Music Box. "Vanities" (Earl Carroll), New Amsterdam. "Hash" (Ted Rellly), Lib- erty. "Let and Sub-Let" (Hyman Productions), Biltmore. "Spook House" (Joseph De Milt), Vanderbilt. Shows in N. Y; and Conunent \ Fiourea estimated and commant point to aomo attraettona baini successful, whilo the same gross accredited to othsrs might suggest mediocrity or loss. The variance is explained in tha differenca In house capacities with the varying overhead. Also tha size of cast, with consequent differenca in necessary gross of profit. Variance in business necessary for musical attraction as against dramatio play Is also .considered. Classification of attraction, heuss capacity and top prices of tha admission scale given below. Key to .classification: C (comedy)| D (drama); R (revue); M (musical comedy);, F (farce); O (operetta). Admission (ax afipUei on tickels ooer $3 5 Shows Oat Five more shows are oft Broad- w?iy. Included are two sudden closings Saturday; Others lobk certain to join the exiting list this week. "Jonica," presented by William p. Frledlarider, stopped at the Craig Saturday, Five' po6r w6eks. Sdiid to have lost fllenty; JONIGA Opened April. 8. "Conven- tional and banal musical," r^-' ported Winchall (Mirror). "Graci^ B,'t,aaid Mantle,(News).; Variety (Char), "Doesn't possess the big punch that as-' sures a "'lasting life." "A Month In the Country" at the Guild by the Theatre Guild closes in 9th week. Okay during subscrip- tion period. Birns Pays "349" Looks as though William Blrns Is through angeling shows, at least for this season. His most recent show venture was the backing of '•Room 349," the Rothstein melo- drama that lasted but two weeks at the National recently. Although all salary claims are reported paid there was some delay In securing the funds, Blrns claiming to have his assets tied up. Birns is In the furniture business He has backed any number of pro- ductions of a mediocre type during the past several years. His name was connected with about a half dozen shows of the kind this season. Jack Lilnder says he was not con- • nected with the show. "Trader" Off "A Coastwise Trader" was aban doned last week. Show had boon In rehearsal for three weeks. Management was that of fl. A Archibald,, new Independent. Cast was paid' a week's salary ■ for which there was a guarantee, .players having waived a bond cov ering the second weeks' guarantee, THEATRE GUILD'S NEW DIRECTORS Theatre Guild will make several additions to its directorial staff next season with possible Importation of two well-known foreign directors, to be settled upon later with latter to stage the foreign productions tabulated on its next season produc- tion schedule. In addition Herbert Biberman, who staged "Rust" for the Junior Guild this season, will be added as permanent Guild director, filling spot vacated by Rouben Mamoulian, with whom Guild held contract for exclusive services and with latter's contract dissolved by mutual con- sent. Philip Moeller continues as general producing director. MONTH IN THE COUNTRY Opened March 17. "Tranquil and pleasant," said Brown (Post), and Ruhi (Herald Tribune) seconded: "A thor- oughly fine presentation of a fine play." Variety (Ibee) wrote: "Okay for the subscribers, but for the pay as you enterers too long an evening." "Rebound" closed at the Plym- outh Saturday after 14(.-weeks. Ill- ness of a lead caused closing.' REBOUNP Opened Feb. 3i Darnton. (Eve. World) opined: "Wholly and delightfully, refreshing." Anderson (Journal), discov- ered. "A sly mixture of superb idiocy and compelling drama." . Variety (Ibee), said: "Not a: smash, but -a diverting show." "Subway Express," Independently presented, will close at the Repub- lic; 35th week. Ix)nge3t run of sea- son's mystery plays. Not excep- tional gross getter but averaged well. SUBWAY EXPRESS Opened Sept. 24. Brown (Post) declared: '.'Exciting, well - acted and skillfully staged." Atkinson (Times) conceded: "Has a good deal to' recommend it." Variety (Land) said: "Su- perior melodrama." "Ada Beats Drum," John Golden (2d week) (C-900-$3). Record heat for early May made a very ■ bad week for Broadway; "Ada" opened last Thui-sday; fair notices, but differences of opinion. "Apron Strings," 48th St. (23d week) (C-960-$3). Slipped off to about $6,000; does not cost much to operate and may stick after May 31. "Berkeley Square," Lyceum (28th , week) (C-857-$4.40). One more week to go; one of the hits about burned out; last weeli around $9,000. ' "Bird in Hand," 49th St. (59th week) (CD-708-$3.85), Will try to make a second summer stay, ■ but down .-. around $5,000 last week... "Death Takes Holiiflay," Barrymore (21st week) (D-l,00.0-$4.40). Dived to around $7,000; engagement doubtfuj longer than end of month. "Dishonored Lady," Bmpife (16th week) (D-l,090-$4.40), Will close May 29, according to plan; about $7,500 last week; Players' Club will revi-ve "Milestones' for one week, June 2» "Fifty Million Frenchmen," Lyric (25th week) (M-l,40e-$6.60). Slapped down like all musicals, with but one exception ("Flying High"); about $34,000. "First Mrs. Fraser," Playhouse (21st week) (C-879-$3.85). No definite plans; down to about $7,000. "Flying High," Apollo aith week) (M-l,168-$6.60). Less affected than any of the musicals; over $43,500, which was last week's top money. "Gold Braid," Mosque (Ist week) (D-700-$3), Independently pre- sented (Louis A. Safian); written by Arine Shelby; opened'Tuesday. "Hotel Universe," Beck (5th week) (CD-l,189-$3). Stood up excep- tionally last Week, with better : than $15,000 grossed; subscrip- tion period has another week after this. "International Revue," Majestic (12th week) (R-l,776-$5.50). Pro- visional notice, week to week; badly hurt by heat and gross un- der $14,000. "Jonica," Craig. Closed Saturday; five weeks; small money musical lost plenty. "Journey's End," Miller (Cist week) (C-946-$4.40). Slipped markedly like the entire field; maybe $6,500 last week. "June Moon," Broadhurst f32d week) (C-l,118-$3). Doubtful of going miuch longer; started as leader of non-musicals, but has been shot for some time; maybe $7,000 last week. "Lost Sheep," Selwyn 2d week) (C-l,067-$3). Somewhat In doubt over chances; first week's heat a bad break; gross rat^d under Harry Dignam's Switch Harry Dignam, assistant presi- ■ dent to William P. Canavan, head of the X A. T. S. B., resigned last week following his election as a business agent of New York local No. 1 (stagehands). President Canavan named Louis Crouse, Philadelphia, to serve out the remainder of Dignam's term. Tay.lor's One Week Sam Taylor essayed a stock sea- ■<''*'son at Werba'3 Jamaica, but it came to.an abrupt halt Saturday. jbi\e week. Stagehands* Election In an exciting election in Palm Garden Sunday N. Y. T. P. U. No. 1 (stagehands) had a number of sur- prising results. There were 1,600 votes cast. While Walter J. Maher was re- elected as president, James J. Bren- nan, out of office for a year, was elected vice-president. John C. McDowell, for years secretary and who was defeated last year by Thomas P.nrke, was returned to his old ofTlcie. No fight on treasurer with B. S. Forman re-elected for the seventh consecutive time. C. F. Murphy was named scrgcant-at- arnis. Biggest upset came for the oince of business agents. Sam Goldfarb and. Joe Magnolia are no longer In office, with Harry Dignam and Tliomas IS'lcGovern being named for the ensuing year. The trustees chosen were Henry Greismnn, Louis Yeager and James Bass. Dolcgate-s to the I. A. convention in Los Angeles in June will be Joe Magnolia. John C. McDowell, Harry Dignam, Walter J. Maher, Henry Greisman, Edward Gatel.v, Thomas McGovorn, James J. Brennan, Sam Goldfarb and Robert Anstept. "FOLLIES" WHEN? "Vanities" in Anisterdam May Delay Zieggy's Show Until Fall Earl Carroll's new ''Vanities" \*flll open at the Apollo, Atlantic City, June 16, being booked there for two weeks. First time for the resort to have a booking of such length., The two weeks' date was made by Carroll who explained he wants to have the revue In finished form be- fore the premiere at the New Am- sterdam, June 20. Indications are that Carroll Is particularly anxious about the ""Vanities" because his show is sup- planting the "Follies" at the New Amsterdam. From the coast Zieg- feld is reported getting busy for his new "Follies," but It probably won't come along until autumn. TICKET CONTROL EXEC., TO BE LONG OR LEWIS? "Fellow Workers" Folds "Fellow Workers" folded in re- hearsal this week when William S. Deane was unable to get up u.<<ual bond. Show had been In rehearsal two weeks on salary basis but no l)ond up at Equity. When latter stepped In Deane tried to get the cast to waive security but without succoss, and show waa called off. Broadwaj''s theatre ticket control plan, represented by the New York Theatre League, will start operat- ing, with the primary object of 11m-. iting the agency price of theatre tickets to 75c premium. Th^ start- ing date of June 1 may be set back because of the welter of detail. Selection of an executive secre- tary is yet to be made.' This In- dividual and. staff will be in charge of the polVciHg'of all agencies and the handling and switching of al- lotments. Ralph W. Long,' former Shubert general manager, and Earl Lewis, of the Metropolitan, are mentioned as possibilities. The for- mer Is in doubt, being engaged on his own In the insurance business. The principal hitch there will be over the four or five hits for which extra prices can be gotten for al- most' any location. To date the League states it is interested only in the lower floor. Equity's Election Equity's annual meeting and elec- tion will be held at the Astor, May lie, In the afternoon. No opposition ticket is in sight, since under the rules a iietition would have to be filed 30 d.'iys prior to the meeting. The Irish Players are angling for the Garrick in which to spot their forthcoming production of ''The White Headed Boy." Burlesque folded at the house last week.- $7,000 and must materially im- ■pi'ove. "Mendel, Inc.," Cohan (25th week) (C-l,371-$3). Last week's slump sent this one down to $5,000; per- haps a bit more; lowest takings since ^tart. "Month in Country," Guild (9th week) (CD-900,-$3). Final week; claimed oVer' $11,000 last week, closing anyway; "Garrick Gaie- ties" due soon. "Rebound," iPlymputh. . Closed last Saturday; Illness of a lead the reason although .trade off too: made riioney;' 14. weeks. "Simple ' Sihiori," Ziegfeld (13th week) . (M--'i,522-$5.50). Musicals were oil $7,000 or niore last week; this one dipped under $40,000 for first time." " • "Sketch Book," Chanln's 46th St. (46th week) (R-l,413-$6.60). The fieiet camb' in" last 'Week and this show may hive 'benefited more than any other; still slipped down; appeared satisfied at $18,- 000. "Sons o' Guns," Imperial (25Ch week) (M-l,'466-$6.60). Off as much as "Simon" when about $36,000 was grossed; low money for engagement to date. "Stepping Sisters," Royale (4tli . week) (F-l,H8-$3). Moved here, but got very little even with cut rates; under.$4,000 indicated. "Street Scene," Ambassador (71st week) (C-1.200-$3.85). Estimated around $7,000 last week; summer continuance up to weather. "Strictly Dishonorable," Avon (35th week) (C-830-$3.85). Comedy smash further affected by heat, but still big; about $17,500 last week.' ■ "Strike Up the Band," Times Square ■(18th week) (M-l,057-$6.60). Got about $26,500 last week; like other successes heat sent figures to lowest mark of CTigagement". "Subway Express," Republic (35th iveek) (D-901-$3). Final week; indicated trade last week under $5,000. "The Blue' Ghost," Forrest (10th week) (C-I,ll5.-$3). Off about 50 per' cent; got $2,500; manage- ment hopeful of recovery; small cost mystery show. "The Green Pastures," Mansfield (12th week) (D-l,050-$4.40). Dra- matic leader not affected last week, protected by advance sale; over $26,000. "The Last " Mile," Harris (14th week) (D-l,051-$3). Took the slap; estimated takings about $7,- 500; better weather this week should react all along line. "The Old Rascal," Bijou (8th week) (C-605-$3). Not as much off as most of the others; estimated over $5,000 and expected to stick. "The Plutocrat," Vanderbilt (13tli week) (C-771-$3). Business down, to $3,500;. may go another week, but if no improvement expected to close like many others. "The Traitor," Little (3d week) (CD-600-$3). Two performances out last week through illness of lead (Fuller Melllsh); less than $1,000 indicated, but weather blamed. "The Vikings," New Yorker (1st week) (D-l,400-$3). " Presented by Richard Herndon; an Ibsen play; opened Monday, house formerly the Gallo. "Three Little Girls," Shubert (5th week) (M-l,395-$5.50). Has not done well to date; question whether it can go through sum- mer as planned; $17,000. "Topaze," Music Box (14th week) (D-l,000-$3).. Figured under $11,- 000 last week; shows which were getting good money socked $4,- 000 or more. "Uncle Vanya," Cort (5th week) (D-l,042-$3.85). Went ofl: but okay Saturday; approximate gross was $12,000; run in doubt. "Virtue's Bed," Hudson (5th week) (C-l,094-$3). Approximated $3,- 000; hoping for better weather break, which is general feeling- along Broadway. "Wise Child," Belasco (41st week) (C-1,050-$3.S5). Dropped off un- der $14,000; always up with the leaders and should come back thi.-» week. "Young Sinners," Morosco (25tU week) (CD-893-$3). A money show; slipped downward to $10,- 000 or a bit more.; last week that looked like good gross on Broad' way. Special Attractions—Little Theatre* Little Theatre Tournament, Wal- dorf; 2(1 and final week, with full length plays nightly. "Michael and Mary," Hopkins; little theatre hit but fell back, cu> i-atO!5 like most others. "Bare Facts," Triangle (Village). "Folies Bergere Revufe,"-stopped lA Village. Civic Repertory, 14th St.