Evening star., 1924-03-09

Or, as the braIn-Weary
supernumerary cast on
short notice for the Soothsayer puts
it, Beware the ideas of March,
1t is a month. when even that
gentlest of animals the hare. is
proverbially liable to run little
wild. Our fascinating other world
the theater feverses the rule of sea-
sons that applies to ordinary NOR
tails, and is most joyous in the au-
tumn, when hopes are blossoming
fresh and fair and the air is sweet
with the perfumes of praise. 1t IS
the springtime that brings forth re-
Elections something to this effect:
The melancholy days are here
That shatter sweet repose
And bring the notice so severe.
This Show Is Going to Close
* * X y
Beiasco, always either the most
generous or the most uncomprouis-
ing of producers, has made the I'M
portant announcement that, so far as
he is concerned, in order to avoid
any Equity controversy regarding
his plays, there will be no plays. His
stand is taken promptly and posi-
lively, and his own theater IN New
York will cease to present mis- handi-
work until settlement is effected.
x X x
It is doubtful whether the general
public understands or cares the
precise points of difference between
the organization of New York man
ayers and the organization of New
York actors. They relate to condi-
tions of work. and not to improving
the quality of entertainment. 1t IS
a question of new contracts, not OF
new manuscripts Should the oppos-
ing New York forces come to dead
lock, the local organizations of the
country will find themselves under
greater responsibilities than they
have ever known, for people will
have plays and theaters regardless
of changes which may arise in the
conditions under which they arc
supplied. 1t would be long, hard
task for local theaters to offer ma.
terial in absolute independence of
the New York theater interests, for
good plays are not very numerous
and they are controlled by the es-
tablished theatrical enterprises.
x X x
The lure of the open country west
of Jersey City is felt by William A.
Brady, who succeeded in presenting
who's Baby R W" without Great
ing serious agitation among the civil
authorities or the spelling reformers.
Mr.. Brady likes Washington, but is
undecided as to whether he will
pledge his affections positively to
this city or to Philadelphia. In
circular letter, which his press de-
partment in all candor makes avail
able to print, he announces that he
is considering the organization Of
group of leading players to work to-
gether in series of American
dramas. It is to a local theatrical
sentiment that he intends to appeal,
and in selecting the locality he will
be guided by the reception accorded
Chains" because it is the. type Of
performance to which he intends to
devote his attention: At present he
has considered only Washington and
Philadelphia; yet no positive asSur,
ance is given that he may not add
new competitors as his list OF book
ings 1engthers. AT any rate, the
public has been forewarned. No
Bradioloter can be blamed if on the
opening night of Chains" he ayails
himself of the klitterklatter. that
convenient device for mechanical ap-
plause so obligingly distributed by
the Greenovitch Follies-this craze
for Russianisms has become entirely
irresistible. 1t is impossible. to sup
press a tradition. Even the slap
Stick fingers, as dimunitive prehis-
toric trace. Only now its unharm-
ing noisiness is intrusted not to the
comedian, but to the auditor.
x X y x
Mechanical applause is an appro-
pirate sequence to mechanical COM
edy. Yet it evokes the fear that
audiences are becoming a little Ian
guild, ain unhappy thought, for there
is nothing more stimulating to the
arts of the playhouse than crowd
of people in good physical form,
ready to cheer, clap their hands, and
even ON special occasions to shout
"Bravo!'
Just what the stage has gained by
the polite elimination of the slap
stick is problematicaL The spectacle
of superiority to physical disaster is
ill demanded, and the efforts to
stpply" it have led to demand for