Variety (Jun 1930)

Wednesday, June 4, 1930 LEGITIMATE VARIETY 71 Shows m N. Y. and Comment Figuraa ettlmated and comment point to some attraetiena being ■ucceasful, whils the same gross accredited to others might suggest mediocrity or Jos8._ The variance ia explained In the difference In house capacities with the varying overhead. Also the size of cast, with consequent difference in necessary gross of profit. Variance In business necessary for musical attraction as against dramatio play Is also considered. Classification of attraction, house capacity and top prices of the admission scale given below. Key to classification: C (comedy) | 0 (drama); R (revue); M (musicalcomedy); F (farce); O (operetta). GENE HALL TENT STOCK Staten Island Venture Depends En- tirely on Autos Admission lax afipliea on tickets over $3 ♦■Ada Beats Drum," John Golden ; (5th„ week) (C-900-$3). • Coql I weather accompanied end of May i and business generally better; : "Ada" virtually the same as i)re- vlous week; over $8,000. "Apron Strings," 48th St. (26th week) (C-950-$3). Got $7,500 last ' week and now hopeful, of running i through' summer; operating cost • modest. "Bird in Hand," 48th St. (61st week) • (CD-708-$3.85). English comedy i still indefinite; costs little and . has made plenty; $6,000 to $7,000, estimated. "Change Your Luck," Cohan (1st week) (M-l,371-$3). Presented . independently (Cleon Throckmor- • ton); colored musical comedy; opens Friday (June 6). "Fifty Million Frenchmen," Lyric (28th week) (M-l,406-$6.60). Im- proved about $1,000 for a gross of $35,000 last week; good profit at that level. "First Mrs. Fraser," Playhouse (24th^week) (C-879-$3.85). A suc- cess that will try for summer con- tinuance; has been getting be- tween $8,300 . and $9,000 and claimed okay at that pace. "Flying High," Apollo (14th week) (M-l,168-$6,60). One of few shows which played matinee Friday (Memorial Day) and sold out easily; up a bit with gross lead- ing at $44,500. "Garrick Gaieties," Guild (1st week) (R-914-$3.85). Presented by the Theatre Gulld^ summer revue which was originated at Garrick several seasons back; opens to- night (June 4). "Hotel Universe," Beck (8th week) . (CD-l,189-$3). May last through June but not definite; business good during subscription period; last week $11,500. "Lost Sheep," Selwyn (6th week) (C-l,067-$3). Comedy idea that appears to have Just missed; busi- ness not up to a profit point, though last week Jumped to $12,- 000. "Lysistrata," 44th St. (1st week) (CD-l,323-$3). Presented by Phil- adelphia Theatre Association; old Greek play in modern adaptation aroused much attention in Philly; opens June 6. "Let and Sublet," Blltmore (3d ; week) (C-l,000-$3). Plans call for ■ summer try; small cost comedy; ; $3,000 last week. "Simple Simon," Ziegfeld (16th 1 week) (M-1,522-$B.B0). Improved last week with over $36,000 claimed; company on 25 per cent ! salary cut and profitable on new •Sketch Book," Chanin's 46th St. • (49th week) (R-l,413-$6.60). Has announced final week several times; closing again set back to next week; weather and holiday sent gross to nearly $19,000. •Sons o' Guns," Imperial (28th week) (M-l,466-$6.60). Legit busi- ness benefited at last week end through cool ■ weather; increase came at that time; $37,500 for "Guns," about $1,500 up. "Spook House," Vanderbilt (1st week) (D-771-$3). Presented by Joseph De"Mllt; mystery play by Joe Byron Totten; opened Tues- day. ^Stepping Sisters," Royale (7th ■ week) (F-l,118-$3), Got some benefit of last week's going but depended on cut-rate support; rated around $4,000 last week. •strictly Dishonorable," Avon (38th : week) (C-830-$3.85). One of sea^ • son's outstanding comedies; still getting big money; up last week; • $17,000. •Strike Up the Band," Times Square (21st week) (M-l,057-$6.60). Has not been doing so well lately but . somewhat better last week at . $22,000. "The Blue Ghost," Forrest (13th week) (C-l,115-$3). Satisfied with $5,000 gait but was under that mark for a month; week to week. The Green Pastures," Mansfield (15th week) (D-l,050-$4.40). Dra- matic leader has been stronger in demand at agencies in past two weeks than for some time; only capacity show; over $26,000. "The Last Mile," Harris (17th week) (D-l,051-$3). Will try to send this one through summer, which wa.s not expected; business claimed over $9,000 last week. "Three Little Girls," Shubert (8th week) (M-l,395-$5.50). Modei-- ately well paced for mu.sical so scaled; grosses claimed around $22;000. 'Topaze," Music Box (17th wook) (D-l,000-$3). Picked up more than most others last week, with tak- ing.'? of $14,000; best figure in month. Uncle Vanya," Cort (8th week) fD- 1.042-$3.85). Has been slotted around $12'.000 for past four weeks and now figured to last through month. Virtue's Bed," Hudson (18th week) (C-l,094-$3). About best gross last week since opening; close to $5,000 claimed; co-operative and will go along for time. "Wise Child," Belasco (44th week) (C-l,050-$3.85). Did very well again last week when approxi- mate gross was $16,000; one of season's biggest winners. "Young Sinners," Morosco (28th week) (CD-893-$3). Slid ' past $12,500 last week and should hold up to profit through the summer. Special Attractions "Milestones," Empire; revived by Players Club, this week only. "The Tavern," Fulton; third and probably final week; revival. "Michael and Mary," Hopkins; all-season little theatre hit. Gene Hall opened his new Tent Theatre stock on Staten Island, N. Y., June 2, with "Xancy's Private Affair." Hall will depend entirely on mo- tor trade as the tent is pitched at the foot of Nelson avenue at Great Kills bathing beach and is some dis- tance from the nearest station. Hall had two years of stock at the Palace in the business section for two years with the Harder-Hall Players. «ONORABLE' DIVES IN L A. Los Angeles, June 3.' Legits are still in the cellar here with little or no aaylight in sight. "Strictly Dishonorable," the town's leader for the past three weeks, took a 50% drop under last week, ending with $6,000 in the till. "Criminal Code" at the Belasco Is still getting about nut money, and will fold after another week. The town turned a cold shoulder on the prison play. "For Cryln' Out Loud" at the Egan closed Saturday after the pro- moters decided It was a hopeless task trying to make money on a show • that had averaged $1,000 weekly for six weeks. The house and cast cost them a little over $700. Bert Lytell in "Brothers" at the El Capitan picked up a few hun- dred over last week, but at that grabbed off only $6,300. The house, under new management, is doing a little stronger billing than Duffy. "Wound Stripes" at the Music Box is mild for the Civic Rep at $3,500, but they're satisfied. At the Hollywood Playhouse "June Moon" surprised the. mob by getting $6,500. This, after a run of three weeks downtown is not bad considering the $1.50 top. George Fawcett's revival of "The Great John Ganton" at the Vino Street beat last week by about $1,000. House went after the the- atre parties and got two sellouts during the week. The Colbourne-Jones English Rep company split "Dover Road" and "The Importance of Being Earnest" for the week at the Masop. Busi- ness was a little' over last week at $8,000. Company has been rated well by the local papers but like other legits here suffers heavily from lack of customers. "Elizabeth. Sleeps Out" finished its two weeks at Duffy's President, and eked out a new low of $2,000. "Whispering Gallery" opened Sun- day. Estimates For Last Week "Criminal Code "—(Belasco, 3d week). Just getting by at $7,000 with apparently no chance of build- ing up. " Strictly Dishonorable "—(Bllt- more, 4th week). Took a tumble down to $7,000. One more week. "For Cryin' Out Loud"—(Egan, 6th, final week). Not another "Able" as clalpied by the producers; folded to $800. Nothing set Xo follow.. "Brothers "—(El Capitan, 2d week). With Lytell starring, dis- appointing at $6,300. "Dover Road" and "Importance of Being Earnest"—(Mason, 2d week). English company a little too high- brow In ambitions to get much at- tention. Business fair at $8,000. "Wound Stripes"—(Music Box, 1st week). A new play by a new author failed to get the* crowd; $3,500 for the week W Just about expenses. "June Moon"—(Hollywood Play- house, 1st week). Moved to Holly- wood after three weeks at the Be- lasco; d-t $6,500 surprised the rlalto. "Elizabeth Sleeps Out"—(Presi- dent, 2d, final week). Folded to $2,000. "Whispering Gallery" open- ed Sunday. "The Great vJohn Ganton"—(Vine Street, 2d week). With a nut of $3 500, it cleared a little profit for George Fawcett on a take of $4,900. It folded "Regeneration," produced by Harry Albert, folded for repairs la.«t week. MEBBE" ON CUT CHI. SUMMER PROSPECT Summer Prospect Unchanged for B'way Plays-Only One SRO in Town Frisco Grosses Chicago, June 3. Two more theatres closed as the season draws to an end. It is likely two or three more houses will fol- low suit within a fortnight. With the weather chilly, business held steady for the off season. "Lit- tle Show" dropped, but retains lead. "Solid South" replaced "Candle Light" as the non-musical leader. "Strictly Dishonorable" closed a 16-week run at the Adelphi after thr«6 weeks at cut rates. This comedy did consistent business dur- ing its stay, but never was up to rating as a smash. Adelphi, which housed it, goes dark. "Nancy's Private Affair" con- cluded at the Erlanger after three meager weeks at two-for-one and moved to the smaller Playhouse. Erlanger closed for the season,, "Mebbe" looks like the bet for a summer cut-rate run, with a mod- erate salaried cast. "Many a Slip" stopped suddenly. "Sisters of the Chorus," a revamped show, revealed more strength on cut rates last week, but remains doubtful. Of the non-cutters, "Sold South," the southern comedy wth Richard Bennett, showed a comfortable In- crease, but "Candle Light," In Its seventh week, dropped some. Lat- ter is still a prospect, however. "Tour Uncle Dudley" closed a 16-week run, mostly at cut rates, and folded. Comedy opened at the Cort, but after four weeks moved to the Playhouse, where it held to consistent business for this small theatre on Michigan boulevard. "Hello Paris.' 'the Shubert mu- sical. Is gasping at the Grand. Cast received notice and Is playing from week to week. Estimates for Last Week "Candle Light" (Princess, , 7th week). Comedy fell from the non- musical lead, but still o. k. at $10,- 000, "Little Show" (Selwyn, 7th week). Intimate revue sagged from the previous week, but $20,000 consid- ered good. "Many a Slip" (Cort). Closed suddenly last Saturday owing sal- aries. Five weeks. "Nancy's Private Affair" (Er- langer, 3d and final .week). After three weeks in the red, piece closed here and moved to the Playhouse, About $6,000, House dark for sea- son. "Hello Paris" (Grand, 4th week). Musical was still low at around $10,000. Cast has been notified and is playing from week to week. "Sisters of the Chorus" (Apollo, 4th week). Drama of chorines with appeal to the stags showed power last week and was up two grand; not more than $7,000. "Strictly Dishonorable" (Adelphi, 16th and final week). Comedy closed after a substantial but far from sensational run. Final week, around $8,000. House dark, and will be wired for pictures during the summer. "Solid South" (Harris, 3d week). Comedy showed pulling power with Richard Bennett and built last week. Jumping to the legit lead; around $11,000. "Mebbe" (Studebaker, 3d week). All kinds of ballyhoo for this farce which returned to the Studebaker after a short run at the Erlanger makes it a prospect for the sum- mer; up a,bit to $10,000. "Your Undo Dudley" (Playhouse, 16th and final week). Comedy closed and folded. Run was substantial and at this house entirely on two- for-ones. About $4,500 its final week. Special Attractions Civic Theatre—Seventh week of light opera. S;\n Francisco, Juno 3. Business generally not so good. "New ^loon" In its sixth and bow- out week at the Curran hold up better than any of the others. With the announcement of ilnnl week considerable .'?purt was enjoyed at the b.o., bringing tlio gross close to $15,000. Next door at the Geary, "Jour- ney's End," roadshow film, did fair business In competition with "All Quiet on the Western Front," show- ing at lower prices. "Journey's End" garnered $14,000 on its initial week. "Hi-There," at Eilangcr's Colum- bia, second and linal week,, run about neck and neck with first week, but not much profit at $11,000. Both Duffy's hou.ses considerably below normal. Alcazar with "Love 'Em and Leave 'Km" in second and bow-out week, $3,000, and Prosidenl with farewell seven days of "Holi- day" got $3,500. PHILLY CLEANED UP FOR LEGIT SEASON Philadelphia, Pa., June 3, Legit business in Philly came to almost a full stop with the closing of three houses for the season. Only theatre left open is Garrick with the play of the week, "Desire," new, by Kenneth Perkins, deemed a flop by reviewers, and drew less than $5,000. "The Bachelor Father," with June Walker, this week. "Lyslstrata" ended with a bang, $22,000 for fifth and final week at Walnut. "Bird In Hand" ended nine-week engagement at the Lyric Saturday with $6,800. The Sharpe company at the Adel- phi decided to call It a season after six weeks of weak business. Frank Craven closed in "Salt Water" with $4,750 as final figure. Some Road Shows Wired London, Ont., June 3. Grand Opera House, London's only legit, which has been closed for months owing to lacli of road attractions will reopen in two months, completely redecorated, new seats throughout, and equipped for talkers. Road shows, if any, will not be shoved out. Th6 pres- ent plan Is to spilt talkers and road shows. Seating capacity of hou.se Is around 1,000. J. R. Minhlnnlck Is resident manager. Broadway's summer season Is Juat a matter of woathev. There ar.- a number of current attractions which can hold over as indicated by last week's botlorniont in grosses. The tenn>erature was cool, staying that way over Memorial Day. Five sliows gave matinees on that afternoon and fared very well. The outlook for new productions continues to be somewhat vague. A prospect of more than a few fresh musicals Is slim, June start.s with 31 show.s on the list. At h-ast a dozen may drop out by JuVy 4. Inohidvd in the current .sl-.ows are five proiiilores, one of which ("Mile- stones") Is revived for this week only. We.'itlier started warming up Tuesday. While no closings are scheduled for Saturday, some are expected. Not a single new show last week. One Sell Out "Croon Pastures" is rated the only show on Broadway actually soiling out. It clicks to better than $26,000 weekly. Closest to it among the non-mu.slcals arc "Strictly Dishon- orable," $17,000, and "Wise Child," $16,000, both a bit bettor last week; "Topaze" Jumped to $14,000; "Young Sinners" over $12,500; "Uncle Vanya" almost as much; "Lost Sheep" Improved to $12,000; "Hotel Universe," about $11,500; "First Mrs. Frazcr," $8,500; "Last Mile," as good or better; "Ada Beats the Driim," $8,000; "Apron Strings.** $7,500; "Bird In Hand," about $7,000"; all others under $6,000 scraping along with cut rates and. two for ones. "Flying High" Is credited with $44,600, close to capacity and top money among the short list of mu- sicals. "Sons o' Guns" rated at $37,500, the runner up; "Simple Simon" somewhat better at $36,000; "Fifty Million Frenchmen" always of the big four, up to $35,000; "Strike Up the Band," about $22,000; same for "Three Little Glrla"; "Sketch Book" Jumped to $19,000 with the weather break and the en- gagement was extended another week after this. Only "Artists and Models" ia slated for next week at the Ma- jestic. "The Tavern" may hold over a fourth weelt at the Fulton, which got $1'7,600 last week. If so the Cohan revival of "The Song and Dance Man" will go over until June 16. The Fawcelts' Play Hollywood, June 3. George Fawcett's second produc- tion at the Vine Street will be a new play, untitled, written by his daughter, Georgia Fawcett. It win have the professional re- turn of Percy Haswell (Mrs. Faw- cett). Fawcett will not be in this one. "Great John Ganton" closes June 15. A la Alex Yokel wich have an scenes all sot .says he did a having about songwriters numbers, but rangementfl. Euth Selwyn and Alexander Left- Intimate revue in 40 for July debut. Yokel Ruth Selwyn through :0 different .sketch and contribute bits and at definite royalty ar- Boston's 2 Legits Boston, June 3. Local legit confined to two shows, one thriller, other comedy; "Drac- ula" and "Broken Dishes." Neither did so hot, but holiday partly to blame. "Dracula," at Hollls, 4th week, $8,000. "Broken Dlshe.s," at Wilbur, $12,- 000, 3d week. "When Needed" Rule For Galveston Local Galveston, June 3. Stage hands' union here 1« denied monopoly In handling stage lights and props at city auditorium under edict of city commission. Loca\ union has controlled auditorium stage for past fifteen ycnrs, but henceforth will bo allowed to work only when Its services are rofiuestcd. Issue developed when local news- papers hold serlfts of lectures at auditorium, one setting of stage be- ing required for week, with raising and lowering of curtain twice dally. Union had demanded engagement of full crew for porlod of loctnros. Wieting Washed Up Syracuse, N. T., June 3. The WIetIng Is through as a the- atre. The oldest relic of the the- atrical past In Syracuse will pass from the map after the expiration of the present Shubert lease next August. Grace Vail Resigns Grace Wyndharq Vail, • who has been associated with the Century Play Co, for the past year, Is sev- ering connections. Among her duties at the Century was the editing of "The Prompter," a house organ. HOLLYWOOD BOUND! To take care of our many clients out on the Coast my personal representative C. B. BRAUN will bo at {be Hotel Roosevelt Hollywood, Calif. on and After May 27tK JOHN J. KEMP Specialist in All Lines of INSURANCE 551 Fifth Ave. - New York City I'honf-H: Murroy Hill 7838-9 SEItVICE from C0.4HT to COA5T