The sun., 1919-08-31

w JILL they come back? Will
M the plays which were at the
w outset of the strike OF the
actors setting out on a prosperous
career regain their popularity once
they are submitted again to the pub
lio? This In a consequence OF the re-
cent struggle not to be overlooked.
.'The Crimson Alibi," "A Voice in the
Dark" 1.-The Challenge" and other
dramas had begun the new year in the
theatre with Indications OF more
or less enduring prosperity. When 1t
In possible to pat them back on the
stages from which they were so sud
denly removed, will they pick up their
good fortune where they left it, or will
they be buried in the mind of the
public with tho rest of the plays that
have passed?
This is the question which just now
perplexes those managers who have
this problem on their minds in ad-
ditlon to the other consequences Of
the strike. In this particular the re-
suits OF the strike may be most seri-
ously felt for the present, whatever its
further consequences may be. The
musical plays may be even more diff
cult 20 restore to favor. Imagine the
chagrln of Mr.. Ziegfeld at the thought
that his beautiful and costly "Follies'
should have reached their end during
the fret week in August. Then the
..'Gaieties," at the Forty-fourth Street
Theatre, stood only at the beginning OF
& Ions run.
On the other hand, the public has
recently evinced little interest in the
theatre. The Shuberts gave Those
Who Walk in Darkness" with an ex-
cellent company when the strike was
at its height. The play was praised as
a specimen of popular melodrama. AS
few dramatic performances were then
accessible there was every reason Tor
thinking that tho piece would attract
the public. 1t was withdrawn after a
few nights, but in the meantime there
Ind not been the slightest evidence OF
interest in the theatre. So far as the
public was concerned there might have
been no play at the Forty eighth
Street.
Maybe this state Of mind continued
only during the strike. A restoration
Of normal conditions in the theatre
may mean that the public will recover
its appetite for the play. But 1t is
fairly certain that there must be the
same adequacy in performance. A. II.
Woods saw his scab cast In "A Voice
in the Dark" and sagely decided that
20 permit such a performance would
be to damage his property irretiev-
ably. So he put his play into cold
storage, Just as some others did. Will
lam A. Brady has with the aid and
comfort Of Amelia Bingham and
pair of Lord Dundreary whiskers sue
ceeded in keeping AT 9:45" on view
SO far But whether or not the fall
crop Of plays will come back after
the strike remains to be SEEN
Julia Dean, an admired emotional
actress and then a skilful player Of
vamps in melodrama, will now pass
over to the musical stage-at least to
the Jazz stage. She has been engaged
by Wilmer & Romberg to sing and act
in THE Magic Melody" when that play
by F. A. Hummer. with music by Sig
mund Romberg, is ready for produc-
lion. Berthe Beaunonte, VINO was tne
most amusing feature OF The Lady
In Red of blessed memory, and Car
mel Myers of the movies are also
TO be in the cast
Marc Klaw has completed the cast
OF Petroleum Prince" which Richard
Barry wrote for him. Merle Maddern
and Barbara Milton will act in the
comedy with Louis Bennison.
David Belasco has accepted a new
comedy called THE Doctor" by Jean
Aldrich, which has had the advantage
of a stock company trial out of town.
having been played at Toronto by the
Robins company.
Paul Dickey. who wrote THE Mis-
leading Lady" and other promising
plays. is the author of THE Rainbow
Bridge" which Cohan & Harris will
produce this season.
The Equity Review" an entertain
ment to be given under the auspices