New-York tribune., 1908-04-06
NO NEW THEATRE HEAD.
Directors Haze Many Names to
Choose From-Prefcr american.

The directors Of the New Theatre are finding re
cause 10 complain, at least over a scarcity of
names Of persons who might have the proper
qualifications fer the post Of manager OF the en-
uoWed institution that is 10 be built in Central
Park West. Although the dinner and discussion
which took place several nights ago at the home
= Otto H. Kahn at No. 6 East 6sth street seems
= have eliminated H Granville Barker from con-
sideraron for the job. the name Of at least one
foreign candidate still remains on the list. He Is
Frank r Benson, the London actor-ranager who
has had supervision for a number Of years OF the
arrangements for the Shakespeare festivals at
Sr-arford- -on-Avon
Although Nr. Benscn's name has been suggested
70 the directors, no great enthusiasm has yet been
shown The directors. in their wish to get the
man nearest right for the post are willing 70 re-
ceve nominations from any responsible quarter. A
feT months ago II looked if a foreigner prob
shly one Of the better known OF the London man
ayers, would he invited TO take the post with
which il was planned that Heinrich Conried would
Re Identified when the establishment Of the New
Theatre was determined upon.
Since that time several things have happened
which have changed the aspect Of matters in ref
ererce 70 the theatre. Mr.. Couried's departure
from rhe dirs-torship Of the Metropolitan Opera
House and the severance Of HIS association with
The Conrted Metropolitan Opera Company have
been IN circumstances that might have been more
pleasant Of course, the fact that the more now
er1L directors in the opera company were associ-
ared with Mr. Conried in the New Theatre propo-
ston put an end 10 the possibility Of consideration
O. his name for the job for which he was slated
Moreover Mr.. Conried's state OF health had TO be
considered.
also show some reflection n the lessons wlica
have been learned by the Metropolitan Opera Com
paay since the rise Of lIr Harnn1erstei-'s rival
Institution and mis- conspicuous success with the
general public Possibly the two most significant
t1ings IN the statement made after the meeting
q the Ccnried Metropolitan Opera Company the
cher day were the emphasis given the fact that
81 many native singers had been retained for next
season and the promise Of opera IN the vernacular
q last
The experiences Of the Metropolitan Opera House
and this radical departure from the old order when
there was but one frst-cIass opera house in New
York. has had its effect the directors of the
New Theatre Il can be stated positively that H.
Granville Barker, the London manager. was never
oEered the place q director and It IS quite unlikely
that 3ir. Benson any other foreign manager
will be seriously considered Il II IS AT all possible
70 find American manager satisfa actory as 10
Qualifications the directors who will be willing
% take the place. Almost every manager Of any
importance IN New York ee well as in the other
CHIEF theatrical cities Of the country has been sug
ges1et fo- the post. In some instances. It may be,
the managers have showed themselves ''willin',"
but there has been 10 mad scramble among New
York managers for the place.
An American manager. II is certain, however,
Etil stands the best chance Of getting the job il
the present inclination OF the directors is followed
IN fact. proof Of successful management in the
United States IS at the present moment the first
essential demanded Of candidates. Although the
theatre VIII have 4 considerable endowment, the
directors are now more than ever disposed 10 con-
sid=r what the American piay-going public, which
vii not he among the boXhoIders, desires in the
way # theatrical entertainment. For that reason,
though some cf The boxhoIGers have suggested that
The Kew Theatre be devoted entirely TO opera
coniq.e the chances are that the original plan Of
giving this class Of entertainment TWO evenings
week. leaving the other four for dramatic repre-
senra-!ous H5I be adhered TO-