The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-04-30
Hayman Gives Figures.


The gentleman in charge of the theatrical
department of the New York Recorder
and Mr.. Al Hayman now resident in New
Ycrb). lessee of the Baldwin and California
theaters in this city, crossed swords in the
issue of April % on the question of the fall
ing of of theatrical business on the Pacific
Coast, particularly in San Francisco Hay
man denied that there was decrease; but
the Recorder man, who based his
assertions upon statements made to him,
personally, by managers and stars whose
Veraclty he considers above coniro-
versy. does not recede from his posi-
lion. They told him San Francisco was
theatrical graveyard, and he believes they
told him the truth; he remains by the tomb
stones; but with the exception of some
very undeSerYing shows that have visited us
during the season, we are of opinion the
situation was little oveTdrawn by the Re-
cOrdeT mans inforRants. However. the
reports published have brought Mr.. Hay
man to the front with figures concerning
his own business in this city, which, OF
course, must De taken with the usual grains
of allowance given to managers stories gem
orally.
while I am averse to quoting figures in
discussing this question" he writes to the
Recorder, Il think there can be no impro-
puety iG stating that the profits at these
two theaters baldwin aud New California;
during the past fiscal year, which dates
from August 10 to April IS. will be between
S5&C0O and $4,000, an amount which |
think am warranted in saying VIII scarce
ly be exceeded by any two theaters in any
one city III this country. At the Baldwin
Theater out Of fourteen attractions only
two were failures, while the others all did
splendid business. The Lillian Russell
Opera Company played to S36,0OO in four
weeks. The MOuntebanks' did phe-
uomenally large business during the first
week. though it subsequently failed in san
Francisco; but it has also since failed IN
New York and Boston. The Henderson
Specially Company played to So, 600 in four
weeks at the Grand Opera-house under my
management, during WHICH period the
baldwin was closed. The Bostonians
played 10 $4,000 in four weeks. At
the Cal forGia Iheater. which is devoted
mostly to light attractions, out of four
teen engagements played there only two
were absolute failures, and these suffered
largely from Indictment weather and excep-
tICually strong opposition. In my opinion
the reports of bad business arose from the
close of the AlcaZar season, Mr.. Stoclwell
leaving that theater to move into his new
tleater near the Baldwin. The second
reason for these reports is probably that
the light attractions which were formerly
so successful at the Bush-street 1heater
now play at the California Theater, which
is a newer theater and one of the most sue
cessfnl in the country. think it is a sig
nifcant fact in connection with these stories
in regard to the public patronage of
thed,ers in San Francisco that there are at
The present time more theaters in san Fran
cisco than ever before, and much larger
proportion are successful than at any other
time"
in the portion of this statement relating
10 the Baldwin's business Mr. Hayman has
uO', Of course, taken into account the bad
haif hour" just had at that house by Mr.. L.
Il. SOthrru, a very much approved actor in
the Eastern States. Mr. Hayman's reasons,
too, Tor the reports Of bad business circu-
lated beyond the mountains are hardly
sufficient. a more truthful and certainly
more important one is that the managers,
agents and stars who cOnYerSed with the
Recorders man found, on their arrival in
san francisco, that owing to the peculiar
methods of business adopted by he Bald
win, New California and Leavitts Bush
street, their attractions were deprived Of
needed publicity in the best advertising
medium published IN the city. One or Two,
who pursued an Independent course and
refused TO be restricted in their business
had reason 10 congratulate themselves on
The result