New Britain herald., 1922-11-24
STAMFORD IS STAR
 7RY0UT SHOW TOWN
More Theatrical Debuts There
 Than Anywhere Else


 not take the rank as one of the prin, cipal municipalities in the Nutmeg State. but 1t looms large on the the. atrical map. It is generally recog. uized as the most important try-out center in this country for newly or ganized theatrical companies
 More dramatic and musical produc- tions make their debut in this town of s0,0o0 inhabitants than anywhere in the United States Stamford usu- ally decides whether show pos sesses sufficient merit to warrant its appearance on Broadway. From stamford's verdict the producer learns if the lavish expenditure of time, energy and money has been for aught or all for naught.
 Stamford may be epitomized as the theatrical objective where fond hopes materialize and are shattered. In this birthplace of theatrical attractions all castles become living realities or crumble to abject nothingness in kaleidoscopic fashion.
 Theatrical Barometer.
 Charles Maynard. the well known dignitary of the Erlanger Booking Exchange. characterizes Stamford as "a veritable theatrical barometer" He says the method Of apraising a show thought to contain the neces- sary elements to stamp it Broadway attraction is: if the play goes over big the first night it is held for second performance; then if Stamford citi- zens turn out en masse and are pro- fuse in their applause on the second night and acid test has been success fully met, the production decreed O. K. and eligible for invasion of the Gay White Way.
 When show fails to stand up" two nights in Stamford it does not necessarily follow it is doomed for the scrap heap; that it is classed as a rank failure and is summarily with drawn from the boards. While not of Broadway calibre it may be labeled as just the thing for the road.'
 As theatergoers of Stamford are only human, they are apt to err in judgment at times. Not every pro- duction on which they generously be- stow patronage and plaudits for two consecutive evenings enjoys a long and successful run on Broadway. There are some on which they frown and dubfousy shake their heads which, by some stroke of good for tune, get an opportunity to display Broadway their wares and unexpect- edly register hit; but such instances are rather the exception than the rule.
 A woman is largely responsible for Stamford's unique status in the realm of theatricals in the person of Emily Wakeman Hartley, manager of the Stamford theater. Mrs. Hartley has been identified with the show business for years. having at one time ap- peared in the legitimate with her hus band. The Hartley Operating Co. is lessee of the theater. On all sta tionery of the Stamford theater the following information is given: For first class attractions Bookings by arrangement with the Messrs. Shubert and A. l.. Erlanger, New York"
 Tells of Her Methods.
 Mrs. Hartley, in discussing with me the part she has played as manager of the most noted of tryout houses in America, gave the following facts:
 II conceived the idea of first class theater in Stamford promoted it and in little over a year the house was built. I have always been the sole manager ,and this Is the ninth season.
 II believed the public would ap- preciate seeing new plays produced by the best managers with fine casts. new scenery, costumes, etc. impressed 1t on the playgoers of Stamford that they were only gambling to the extent of the price of seats, while the pro- ducers were gambling with thousands of dollars; that the producers must have faith in the plays or they would not take such chances
 "The theater has always been run according to my, policy I believe ] am the only woman who has pro- noted, without money of her own, built and has been the active man. ager of a theate~ playing first class attractions
 Stamford's close proximity to New York has operated in it's favor and given it a decided advantage over its rivals. Transportation is a most i'm portant item in the business calcula- tions of the producer. The shorter the distance the less the fare.
 The "Koh-i-nur," probably the most