The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-10-26
BelascO Representative Makes
Topeka a Visit.
WAS MUCH PLEASED.
Says That Conditions Are Ripe
for Action.
Proposed to Build New House on
West Eighth.

Iopeka viii probably have a new
hrst class theater within six months.
1t will be an Independent house con
trolled by David Belasco and the Shu-
berts. It viii play such attractions as
Mrs. Fiske, Mrs. Leslie Carter. BIanch
Bates and David Warfeld.
The negotiations for the theater have
been carried on with the utmost Sc
crecy and while they have not been en-
t1rely completed, the promoters believe
that within week contracts win have
been signed which VIII insure the open
ing of a new theater in Topeka by
February 10.
Last Monday a tall weT dressed
man stepped OFF a Rock Island train
and began to make a quiet fnyestiga-
ton Of the theatrical situation In To-
peka. He found that the Crawford
syndIcate mas death grip On Topeka,
that attractions are forced to play in a
small, dingy and unsafe theater and
that great many people do not attend
plays in Topeka who would frequent a
nrSC class theater. He also found that
many of the first class attractions can
not come to Topeka at all because the
CraWfords are under the control cf the
socalled theater trust. Mrs. Fiske,
Sarah Bernhardt and Mrs. Leslie Car
ter must go around Topeka. OF course
the stranger understood this latter con-
dition before he came because he is
engaged in fighting the trust himself
and he knows all about its tyrannical
methods.
This man was George W. Floyd.
manager of the Garrick, the independ-
ent theater at st. Louis and he was
sent to Topeka to make a report on the
situation to the Shuberts. He left
yesterday evidently much pleased with
the situation. Mr.. Floyd would have
preferred to take the Grand opera
house because it could be made ready
a -
house is tied up by litigation. but it
might be secured through an out and
out purchase. Mr.. Floyd said thaE If
a local company could be organized to
buy the theater the independent peo-
pie would guarantee to take it at a
rental that would pay a large interest
on the investment. This plan did not
meet with enough response to justify
Mr.. Floyd in the belief that the Grand
would be secured.
The other plan and the one which win
probably be carried out is the erection of
a new theater on West Eighth avenue. be
tween Kansas avenue and Jackson street.
by George p Miller
John Norman, who was left here to
look after the business of the independ-
ents. left today for st. Louis carrying
with him the plans for a new theater on
West Eighth avenue. These contemplate.
a building 63 feet wide by 125 feet deep.
with stage 63 by 40 feet in dimensions,
and prnscenium arch or stage opening
30 feet in width There would be three
galleries and a lobby Is feet wide and S5
The seating capacity would be 1500. The
estimated cost of the theater would be
S25, 600. Mr.. Norman said when he left To-
peSa To-Day bnaC ne IS SattSf1ed that the
plans for a new theater on West Eighth
avenue viii be approved by the Shuberts
and that contract will be made which
will provide that the theater must be
ready for occupancy early in Bebru-
airy.
Mr.. Floyd, who is the personal repre-
sentative of the Shuberts, said to State
Journal reporter as he was getting ready
to return to st. Louis: You may state
positively that there viii be an indepen-
dert theater in Topeka. I know that this
IS good show town and know that a.
first class house will do well here.
have played Nat Goodwin and ether first
class attractions in Topeka and know
that the people are ready to patronize
good shows, and we propose to bring
them here We want to get in here just
can not make it this year, but we are
coming, that Is certain.
I went down and looked over the
Grand and found the house in very bad
condition It viii take several thousand
dollars to Put it in shape for use but then
it would be a first class place and we
dent people have plenty Of money just
now, their attention is being engaEed in
securing theaters in the large cities and
they would not feel like tying up so large
a sum in the Grand. though the price is
very reasonable indeed. We would be
willing to pay big rental II some one
would take the house and we would make
a long lease, but don't believe my peo-
pie would be willing to buy it now. How
ever, sIlal1 report the situation to EIr.
Beiasco ana the ShUberts and see what
they say
Mr.. 1ilIer's proposition to build a house
Tor the 1ndependents was made after Mp.
Floyd left and il was so favorable that
Mr.. Norman followed him to St Louis
with the new plans Within a week de-
cision may be expected. Mr.. Norman
would probably be the local manager.
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