The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-08
First WaIkOut in History 0
"Rerfesh" Occurs.
Broadway Theaters Were Dark
Last Night as Result.
NO BELL-RINGERS' AFFAIR
SOthern, Drew and Lillian
Russell Among Strikers.
Understudies VIII Get Chances
Chorus Girls as Leads.

New York. Aug. s.-AUnderstudies,
who hardly hopend to appear in first
night performances or even to be
thrust into the spotlight OF a new play
during It's summer debut. suddenly
became the objects of much attention
from Broadway theater managers to-
day. In several Of the twelve theaters
where the stages were darkened last
night by the strike called by the
Actors Equity association-the first
walkout IN the history OF the per
northumberland will appear with
hastily arranged casts for tOnights
performances, If the plans of the man
ayers mature. The strike is confined
90 far to performers of the legitimate
stage in the city alone.
Over 800 Actors Out.
The strike was called by the Actors
Equity association following refusal of
the Producing Managers ASSOCIATION
TO recognize the union. In addition to
recognition, the union demanded:
Minimum engagements of two
weeks: swo weeks notice of dismiss
cal: limited number of performances
in week, and limited number of free
rehearsals.
More than 800 actors participated
in the strike. which was called only
were scheduled to go up last night.
Audiences got a rev thrill. They
were turned loose into Broadway
with their money refunded-at an
hour when that famous thorofare
usually Is comparatively deserted
They wandered about the street In
dense throngs, turning the situation
into an impromptu celebration.
Sothcrn, Drew, Russell, TT Al.
This is TO bell-ringers' wallSout. In
cluded in the union are the creme de
Ia creme Of the theatrical profession.
D. II. Sothern, Lillian Russell and
John Drew are among the brightest
luminaries in the organization and
they are staunch for their union.
"Nighte night said good night at
S:15 when the manager OF the house
discovered too late that the actors
really meant it.
As the tired business man with Mrs
r. b. Nor someone-stalked about
the lobby waiting for the decision. a
big Limousine rolled up and decanted
n distinguished looking individual into
the we'll dressed gathering.
Ambassador Gerard" whispered
someone who had seen MY Four
Years in Germany"
The ambassador looked surprised.
He took a turn about the lobby and
then eiimpsed at the sign which in
formed the customers that the show
distinguished person climbed back
into the limousine, settled against the
upholstery and ordered Home
James"
Chorus Girls as 'I,cads."
In some instances other theaters at
tempted performances with chorus
girls in principal roles. The audiences
were treated TO unintentional comedy.
Francis Wilson, president OF the Ac-
tors Equity association, is directing
the strike. f. H. Sothern sought to
bring about an amicable adjustment
OF the situation at the strike meeting
last night but was hooted into silence.
The producers have announced they
will fight the strike.
Cute Thing Sings New Song.
They've ground us on the wheel
long enough" chirped a cute little
thing with a 4-ounce dog in the crook
OF her elbow. phe classic phraseology
OF the labor organizer now mingles
with the I'm say SOS" of Broadway
regulars.
John Drew this afternoon
pumped" for noble dignified labor
when he told a reporter:
Il belong to the Actors Equity As
ISOLATION. wish to associate myself
with the view expressed by Mr.. E. H.
Sothern"
Sothern's view. referred to, was an
spearean celebrity urged his cohorts
to stand firm against theatrical cap
italists.
Many Stars Among Strikers.
Here are some of the actors who at
tended tOday's union meeting which
voted to send the ultimatum:
Arthur Byron, William H. Crane,
James Romio, Lillian Russell. Mrs.
Thomas Whiffin, Bruce McRae,
George Arliss, Barney Bernard, Ed
mund Breese, Donald Brian. Harry c.
Browne, Eddie Cantor. George Stewart
Christie. John Cope. Herbert Corthell
Frank Craven. William Danforth, JEFF
ferson De Angels, William J Deming
Katherin Emmett, Ernest NJ. Glenden-
min and Florence Reed.
Among the theaters that were dark
shubert-"Hnyeties Of 1919"
pIayhOuse-"At o: as"
Forty. fourth Street Theater-"0h, whai
a Girl"
Lyric--A Voice in the Dark"
Republic-"The Five Million"