The New York herald., 1921-02-13

~ EFORE Ethel Barrymore was
n taken III in Chicago and had to
close her tour in "Declassee.
that play had turned out one of the
most industrious money makers in the
theatre this year. Zoe Atkins, the au-
thoress, had earned in a little over a
year. not counting Of course the in
termission of the summer months
move than 100000. OF course she had
counted on earning much more In the
future. as the theatre season will con-
tinue for three months more, but Miss
Barrymore's illness has put that out
OF the question. Next season the ac-
tress will want a new play.
If Miss Barrymore returns to the
stage this year IL will be at the En-
pire Theatre after about two months
in Clair de Lune," the play by Michael
Strange. who is in private life Mrs
John Barrymore. Mr.. Barrymore will
act with her. Mrs. John has writ
ten verse for some years under the
pseudonym Michael Strange. but her
play is in prose. II is supposed vaguely
to have it's scene laid in England and
the time OF the action is the present.
so far no definite plans have been
made for the production.
Little Ones Next Year.
The salient feature of the organiza-
tions that leave New York next season
will be their size. They will not over
whelm with their numbers nor will they
be notable for the elaborate scenery and
costumes that they carry with them
through the country. Indeed. there will
be fewer large theatrical organizations
than ever before took to the sticks.
Managers have just begun" one of
them said yesterday TO a reporter of
THE NEW YoRR HERALD, ito realize how
they must protect themselves against the
greatly Increased cost OF travel. Rail-
road prices have made profits this year all
but impossible for any but the most sue
cessful organizations. AS a consequence
those that start out, will be limited In
size. OF course. the standard spectacles.
such as the Winter Garden shows. the
Hegfeld Follles, the big Gest spectatcles
and similar enterprises are always able
TO hold their own. But in every other
company that starts out from New York
there is to be particular attention paid TO
the roster OF the Company. Believe me.
II will be pared down as close to the
bone as possible"
Plays New Lease of Life.
One of the successful runs OF the win
ter will In accordance with the present
plans OF It's manager. not be terminated
until the warm weather turns the young
mans fancy TO thoughts of the music
show. Yet. for a month this play was
sold out completely 90 the principal cut
rate agency. Now the prices have been
restored to the box office rate and the
piece is starting out on new lease OF
life
"The first Ave months Of the rum" It's
manager said Of the play yesterday.
used up the regular public OF my
theatre. which may usually be relied on
to support all my dramatic attractions.
saw that patronage coming 20 an end.
Then thought that by appealing 10 a
rev public there might be further pros
perity for the play. Sure enough,
seem to have struck another vein. Tho
cut rate public is different from the
regular theatre crowd that pays any
price to get what Il wants when II
wants Il.
1T Is conservative public in tbe
matter Of spending Now II has gone
and we are playing 10 n big business
every week created by the people who
heard about TIE show from the cut
raters When the regular set of
theatregoers IN used up there r. nothing