The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-08-09
CENTER OF THEATRICALS
SHIFTS FROM EUROPE

Within q fortnight interest in Ameri-
can theatricals has shifted from Europe
| to New York, according to the New York
Herald. The entire situation changed with
the arrival Of the Vaterland, of the Ham
burg-American Line; the Oceanic, OF the
White Star line, and the Kronprinz VIII
helm, of the North German Lloyd. On
board Of these three vessels were four
of the leading American producers.
Messrs. Charles B. Dillingham;, George c.
Tyler. Henry W. Savage, and ]. J. Shu-
bert, and also a long list OF American
players returning to begin preparations
for a new season. Mr.. William A Brady
returned Friday on board the LusItania,
his portmanteau bulging with contracts
and manuscripts.
Each manager had a long list of plays
and novelties to announce, which COM
bined with statements already made by
Mr.. Charles Frohman, who returned sew
eral weeks ago; Mr. Joseph Brooks and
others, give a fair idea OF what the au-
tumn and winter will bring to the New
York stage.
AS one dissects these statements the
oft made remark that Europe Is pro-
viding less and less material for the
American stage seems clearly true. Mr..
Dillingham; says that the time actually
has arrived when foreign musical COM
material instead OF American managers
buying from the European market Ad-
ditional evidence is found in the fact that
instead Of an early ending OF the "Ameri-
can invasion in London, even more
American plays will be seen at the West
End theaters next season than hereto
fore.
This does not mean, however. that the
coming season is to be one entirely of
nla NJ
judging by his statement OF arrange
ments, will include many Of the leading
European successes. Maude Adams will
appear in a new play by Sir ]. NJ. Barrie.
the premiere perchance to be made while
the star plays an engagement at the
Greek Theater. Berkeley, Cal. as q fea-
ture OF the Panama-Pacihc Exposition.
Mr.. Savage has obtained the American
rights to Mr.. W." an Anglo-Chinese
meIodrama which has been one Of the
hits of the London season. Mr.. Walker
Whiteside will appear in 1t here. Mr..
Tyler brought back a new play by Mr..
Louis n. Parker. entitled ''Life's High
way" based on Dickens David Copper
field" 1t will be produced at Wallack's
Theater. 1t was at Wallack's that Mr..
Parker's other plays, ''DisraeP' and
"Pomander Walk" played for many
months.
son. II one bases an opinion upon the
interest in the selection Of its American
cast is Edward Knoblauch's play, My
Lady's Dress" which Joseph Brooks pro-
cured. This piece by the author Of "Ris- |
met" and "Milestones," the latter having
been written in collaboration with Mr.. |
Arnold Bennett, should be the acting |
success Of the New York season, accord |
ing to those who have seen IT In London. |
-,
been reported engaged for the leading |
role and one American star now in Lon
don, where her play, which ran more |
than year and a half here, is to be pro-
duced, is said to have been eager to ap-
pear in it Mr.. Brooks has engaged his 1
leading woman and says that when her
name Is announced there will be a sur
prise. Among all the actresses mention
ed for the role her name has not been
heard. She is said to be well known
and has been leading woman with one of
the most popular men stars of the AmerI-
can stage for several years. Mr.. Brooks
says he will give out her name in a few
days.
Two days before the Vaterland left for
New York with its numerous members Of
the theatrical profession, an American
thus described the scene in the Savoy:
The lobby of the hotel is more like q
theatrical agency than a hotel ]. J.
Shubert and Melville Ellis are talking at
The desk. William A. Brady, Edgar Sell
Tyn, and William H. Crane are holding
Up a pillar. Frank Craven is smoking
n the corner. Sam Bernard, Mile Dazzle,
Gertrude Vanderbilt. Milton Aborn, and
Freddie Mckay are sitting around a
able. Mr.. Dillingham; and Jack Nor
worth have just left in an automobile"
So much for London. These are busy
laws also around the offices NJ ~ |
York managers, who are besieged BY
iramatists, players, scenic artists and
'tage managers. The new season Is in
he air and the faces of Broadway's noon
lay squadron Of players wear a hopeful
expression.
Toxic is to have a Japanese-American
MI /