New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-09-24
Reicher Is Ready to
DO The Mysterious
Tales of HoHmalln'

ales OF HOH mann
Frank Reicher has returned from
Berlin where he was sent by the Sell
wyns TO see "Die Wunderlichen Ges-
chichten des Kapellmeisters Kreisler,
which will be offered by this firm in
New York about the middle of Novem-
Der with the title, "The Mysterious
Tales Of Hoffman," and with Jacob
Ben-Ami as its star.
The object OF Mr.. Reicher's visit to
Berlin was to study the stupendous
production which he will direct for the
Selwyns for its American Offering; to
consult with its authors, and with
Svend Gade, the inventor of the
mechanical and lighting effects.
Unlike most of the home corners who
have been abroad this past summer, for
one reason or another, Mr.. Reichcr
tells no glowing tales Of theatrical con-
ditions in Europe. While he visited
only Germany and London he says that
the rosy reports circulated by return
ing tourists, and those who have gono
over In the interest of the theater, are
absurd.
In an interview in the Selwyn Offices,
Mr.. Retcher described what he saw in
Germany as "heart- breaking"
There is little in the theater in
Berlin that is worth seeing. Even Die
Wunderlichen Geschichten des Kapell-
meisters Kreisler,' which is the big
gest novelty in Europe, is being pre-
sented In Berlin with o mediocre COM
pany Of players-summer artists" Mr..
Reicher asserts. cit is going to be q
very different production when the
Selwyns do 1t this fall in New York
with star like Ben-Ami, and q cont
pany Of capable artists. Nevertheless
found this remarkable fantasy by
Reinhard and Bernauer intensely inter-
esting, and am looking forward with
enthusiasm to directing the production
here"
"Will The Mysterious Tales of Hoff
mann be the first thing you will do for
the Selwyns as Producing Director for
this frm?' Mr. Reicher was asked.
mo" he said, "'The Fool goes into
rehearsal Monday. In it Charming Pol
lock has achieved a profound play
which, it seems to me, is bound to
succeed. Gilbert Emery will play the
lead.
"But to return to Europe. Conditions
in the theater over there are appalling
The plays, even in London, are medi-
OGRE. And they are even worse in Ger.
many. Added to this they are badly
staged, and indiferently acted.
can't understand why people who have
been abroad this summer should re.
turn with radiant stories Of conditions
In the European theater."
In Berlin the French farce prevails
Tho cabarets are unspeakably witless
common, and filthy. Audiences in the
legitimate theaters are composed Of a,
least forty per cent tourists. The
other sixty per cent are people trying
to get away from the hideous condi.
tions around them. Everywhere prices
are up and the market is down. Why
Mr.. Renhard told me one day that il
made him ashamed to eat Il sandwich
within the precincts of the theater ir
hoentggraetser Street where "Die
! Wunderlichen Geschichten des KapelI-
melster Kreisler" is appearing because
there is hardly soul connected with
the production who can afford am
lunch at all. OF course there are prof.
eeers' and wealthy people in Berlin, 81,
there are everywhere else, but the hun
cry SO far outnumber them that II
makes ones heart ache"
OF European playwrights, Mr.. Reiche,
says they are not back to normal.
Although brought back group o
German plays, as yet unproduced anv
where, for the consideration Of tn,
Selwyns," he added. "Four of these
consider very fine. But the averag,
work of the European playwright to
day is very mediocre. He has not re
covered from the war. He is still de
pressed and, IT seems to me, must r.
on being depressed until there il ,
more general economic recuperation (,
Europe"