The Washington herald., 1909-07-11
JOE WEBER'S TENACITY.
History Of One OF the Biggest ORA
mntfc Sensations of Decade.

History OF One OF the Biggest Dra-
matte Sensations of Decade.
Whatever profit accrues 10 the produc-
ton OF The Climax''-and everybody con-
cedes that its sponsor has vast fortune
in sight-Joe Weber deserves every last
penny OF H. But for the absolute courage
OF his convictions anc his uuwavering
tenacity OF purpose IN the face OF adverse
opinion the delightful little play might by
this time be accommodating dust n the
desk OF saddened playwright, says Rem
mold Wolf in tSe July Greenbook.
Weber liked the piece from the very
outset Although essentially a dealer IN
musical entertainment, he was quick 10
foresee the danger OF presenting a three
act drama that employed but a single
set and four players And being also
essentially a sound business man. he just
az quickly appreciated the economic ad-
vantages OF such an enterprise II BY rare
chance IL happend 10 succeed
From Edward W. Locke. the glass
blower dramatist." he purchased the pro-
ducing rights and then set out to place
the piece on trial one Sunday night az
his theater. before an audience consist
inE OF managers. players. dramatlsts, and
Broadway friends supposed TO be in touch
with the needs OF the theatergoing pub
lie, The Climax was presented at a spe-
cial performance.
The stage setting was crude. the piece
had not been rehearsed properly, two OF
the players were grossly miscast, and the
crnr
suggested gloom. After the final curtain
one after another OF that specially en-
gagged audience sought out Weber and
begged him 10 forget it
They shook their heads sadly as the 1T
lie manager met every objection sm!l-
ingly.
I think It's there" he replied IN the
vernacular OF his kind. "and now I'm
going 10 try II out before a regular audi
ence."
Accordingly ne booked a route OF three
weeks IN Canada and Central New York.
II was my privilege 10 attend one Of these
preliminary performances IN Utica after
the production had been on tour a fort
night
Weber and his own big musical com
pany had only a few weeks previously
visited Utica with tumultuous results. IN
advertising The Climax ne announced
Il as Joe Weber's production OF a mel
ody-drama.' and from the remarks made
by patrons entering the theater that night
IL was evident that they expected 10 al
tend another big musical entertainment
replete with giddy chorus girls and flip
pant comedians.
The audience IS going to meet a fright
fui disappointment. said the local man
aSer 20 Weber ruefully They think YOU
are IN the cast and that it's another OF
your musical shows"
The manager was not altogether wrong
When the curtain arose on the first act
with its plain setting Of a combination
kitchen. dining-rOom, and living-roou.
they clearly made known their sunrise
Along toward the end OF the act thew be
san TO study their programmes more
closely. Il was with an air OF resigna-
ton that they remained IN their seats.
The reception accorded the play that
night was not exactly bolsterOus. The
audience paid strict attention and ap-
plauded politely. At the conclusion they
left the Jheater without any outward
signs OF approval
But 90 you think that Weber was dis
couraged?
Not a BIT OF It.
For when Weber. the author. and 7 met
at a restaurant a few moments later TO
discuss the performance the managers
first remark was.
You could have heard a Din droD in
that second act. and Z saw one woman
wiping her eyes. Those are the signs that
count"
Even the author. that most optimistic
OF mortals. was not unduly elated His
criticism. OF course. was directed chiefly
10 the acting itself. but ne showed a rare
Willingness TO make proposed changes. In
the text. and Joined in the common de-
mand for an improved cast.
What followed is now theatrical history.
presented before a regular audience
the actual receipts were Ss5-at Weber's
Iheater one afternoon about two months
ago, every dramatic critic in the CITY de-
claTed that the play was one OF the gems
OF the season Two OF them hkened II TO
The Music Master" Another wrote thar'
The Climax Will prove to be another
old Homestead" The critic OF the
Evening Sun attended three performances
during the first week. and the following
Monday organized a box party Of promi-
henI stars 20 enjoy the play with him.
charles Frohman cabled from London
Tor the English rights. J. c. Williamson.
through his New York representatives.
entered bid for the Australian rights.
Ihe hrm OF NJ. Witma-k & Sons obtained
an option on the rights in German. David
Belasco witnessed d performance and
congratulated Weber during each inter
mission and again after the last curtain.
FIVE companies viii present the play
on tour next season. and Weber has plIr-
chased a new Office safe-three times the
size OF the one he used in the old Weber
& Fields days