The New York Age from New York, New York • Page 17

i' Edward (SonnMurram OFF BROADWAY' OR NO? now, it should be fairly to all that we love the theatre; and it is always a labor of love to write about our contribution to this form of culture. IN PASSING, WE MUST REMIND YOU THAT Bill Branch's thrilling effort, "in Splendid Error," (with William Mar shall as Frederick Douglass) ends successful run at the Greenwich Mewa Theatre, ltt W. 13th on Sunday evening, Jan. 30. We urge you to see this superlative "off Broadway" production.

This appraisal naturally leads us into the thought for this week "off Broadway. It springs from tn argument by Simon Bly, who maintains that local theatre groups spell their own doom by immediately setting their sights and gearing their operations with a Broadway run in view. "We must forget Broadway, at least for the time being," 'he warns "If, for instance, the now defunct American Negro theatre, its founders and members had channeled their efforts toward establishing a community theatre of stature. Broadway would have beaten pathway to its door." Although a stranger, Simon Bly was a kindred soul to this writer. in thought anyway.

He echoed the sentiments and pleas which have been voiced in this corner for nigh on to four years namely, that the actors, the veterans in stage craft, and the community, have paid too little attention to the drough of living theatre in this area (more about this further on). But back to Mr. Bly. He introduced to the Afro Arts theatre group, and to some of the splendid (and courageous) plans it bar' bors for the future. DRAMATIC CONCERTO' Tak ing a page from the book of the artistically and financially sue cessfii "Don Juan in Hell," Bly, Miss Gertrude Harrington a Charles McRae are completing rehearsals for their "Dramatic Concerto," which has a "dry run" of one night at the Lincoln Hospital School for Nursing on March 2, and begins a one week stand at the Club Baron the next evening.

"Dont you tmnK the program a "little 'heavy' for local audience we asked after learning some of the proposed readings. Bly slapped us down with the opinion: "You underestimate our community theatre audi ences." We hope to be proven wrong, when the drama trio, replete in evening gown and formal suits, step upon the bare stage and offer such masterpieces of prose as "The Bells" and "The Raven," by Edgar Allen Poe: "Toussaint Overture by Edwin Arlington Shaw and Shakespeare, and some additional surprises kept under cover by Mr.McRae, who also serves in a directorial capacity. Obviously, the trio has accepted a great challenge; but we see the proposed "Dramatic Concerto" as FAYE ADAMS, one of the most sensational new recording stars to come along in many a year, makes her second Apollo Theatre appearance as she leads great cast of stars in a full week's engagement beginning on Friday, Jan. 21. Swing organ stylist Rill Doggell and his Quintette, and vocal quartette, the Uoonglowi will make their ini an even greater challenge to the bulk of community audiences, whose cultural diet has included pitifully scant amounts of live theatre, and are therefore hardly equipped for heavier stuff.

How ever, we agree with Bly that a start must be made "somewhere" to garner that insight and appreciation; and Bill Marshall proved last year with his local concert version of "Othello" that it can be done. How about turning out in force at the Club Baron during the week of March 3 to watch this "experiment?" We'll remind you of the date. MAKE A START Talk is the most abundant commodity in our possession, and therefore i cheapest. This is why we have re resolved not to let the first month in 1955 flit by without a plea for the founding of a local theatre, and no concrete sugges tions for effecting same. So, we have commanded the ears of a few persons, outside the theatre, who are interested in making such a permanent addition to our com munity culture.

We have shied away from the actors purposely, in seeking persons to form the core of this group, because it suddenly strikes us that this is a community project. Actors should not be straddled with financial and administrative problems if they are to perform at their best. Briefly, we are interested In reaching professionals and bust' ness persons desirous of seeing such a permanent theatre and repertory group become a reality at last. We'd like to have the board of governors of the New La Fayette Players (tentative name) composed of persons like Dr. Ken neth Williams, Judge Hubert Delany, Miss Rose Morgan.

Mrs Lillian Sharpe Hunter, Mrs. Fan nie Robinson, Commissioner Bob Mangum and others who are constantly decrying the dearth of cultural activity in our cqmmunity, especially among the youth. On the advisory board, we like to see artists the stature of Fred O'Neal, Frank Silvers, Ruth Atta way, Powell Lindsay, Rosetta Le Noire and Maurice Evans. Under the direction of the board, these theatre veterans would be charged with creating a professional theatre in our midst, peopled by no more than 12 performers in the repertory group. In addition, such a venture would provide the "proving grounds" for the technicians of the theatrei set designers, cos turners, lighting men, stage man agers and the like, who are faced with more obstacles than any other group in the pursuit of their craft.

YOUR MOVE Already we can hear the wisenheimers demanding: "What's his angle? What is Robinson; the Douglas and Lin he going to get out of this. Grant coin speeches from "Abe Lincoln operating. What will we contri tn "The Maniac," "The ed, he loves the theatre, and per Marble Statue," "The Confession formers, but. To this we say. al," "Crystal Clear," "The Usual "loving" the theatre isn't enough Way, exerpts from works' by Wanting to see it rescued from the dust in ou rcommunity isn't not for anyone.

It takes work, guts and cash. It takes co operation what will we contribute? The theatre premises. Any takers? The address Is 15 W. 125th st You already know the name. I i ii I "i ri I ZJ I 'J 'i fUmtm!" "Winn mvmm tmWiv(t: miMtrinL tial appearance at the Apollo and co star with the lovely Miss Adams.

The supporting cast will include Joe Morris, his trumpet and his band, comical Leonard Reed, vocalists Al Savage and Ursula Reed, and tap dancer Joan Karter. A BIG! BIG' all star rrvue calculated for maximum Apollo entertainment thrills. Apollo Theatre January 21 Uevue includes Fay Adams, SDoggeit One of the biggest collection of i and "Jam" together at the APOL young stars ever to appear to LO THEATRE during the week gether on one stage will beginning on Friday, Jan. 21. Just This Is Hollywood By HARRY LEVETTE HOLLYWOOD (ANP) IN DEX OF THINGS TO COME THIS SECOND ISSUE of this condensed Hollywood newspaper.

YouU have to read all the way down to miss nothing. PAGE 1: Lionel Hampton did not send his Caucasion star, Ann Nichols, home from Europe. He and wife manager Gladys begged her not to return. Full details later. PAGE 2: Ruby Dandridge and Realty business partner, Dorothy Foster, buy tract to build subdivision of 250 homes at 29 Palms, Calif.

Complete information 15 more column inches deeper. PAGE 3: Letters to Editor and ANSWERS. to Miss Mamie Dee of Miami, who com plains 01' Kolyum going soft again. Demands more spicy stuff again, bordering on the naughty side, she says, because "most teen agers are hep and demand plain talk," she says. split second pause for 01 Kolyum iden tification, then on with the news.

This is your own Harry Levette, 4266 S. Central Los Angeles, Calif. A YOUNG LADY song writer from near Galatin, enclos ing a self addressed letter, will please write again, because I lost her letter on the way to the of fice. I think she wanted informa tion about copywriting, and how to get Kay Star to use her new song. Please write again, Miss X.

TO MISS MAMIE DEE of Mia mi, kicking about the lack of scan dal in this Newsmeal. Miss Dee, I have told you and your sharp penciled sister, Estcll, that I don't write scandal. So I won't tell WHAT WIFE OF A BUSINESS flIT N(W TOKf SHOWINt i AA 1 on EmArcy. "We have fun when we make the jazz albums," she said. "On the "Images" date, it all heads.

All brain work there were no rehearsals. Asked if she ever changes the way she does tune, Miss Vau ghan anwered, "Well, of course, I change the way I sing a tune PARIS Lionel Hampton's tour ha9 again 'been extended in Europe. Originally slated to sail home in December after three months of record breaking concerts in 78 cities, the tour was extended through January, by popular demand. Word has just been received here that Hampton's return home has been postponed again, for on Jan. 24 the globetrotting bandleader win realize the dream of his life when he takes his band to Is rael for a three week concert tour, In addition to his American Jazz library, Hampton will perform his famed Jazz symphonic arrange ment of the traditional hymn "Ell Eli" and "Hatikvah," the Israeli national anthem, plus 12 other Hebraic arrangements in modern swing tempo.

Hamptons trip will mark the first time an American jazz orchestra will have played in Israel. Hampton's second junket through Europe has been spectacular, to put it mildly. In every city the U. S. vibes president has played, heavy crowds have stormed the concert halls.

Frenetic fans throughout Europe, their appetites whetted by his rocking tour last year, purchased tickets for this year's months in advance. In most cities, seats are impossible to ac quire "for love or coffee" and the "stomping room only" sign has been up everywhere. Local musicians in the various cities frequently sit in with the MAN, pretending utmost fidelity to him now, had really planned to run away from him with the family treasury February a year go, and what delayed her. WHAT MOVIE DAME habitually offers herself "Body and Soul" to assistant directors to get as many days as possible as an extra? And so much more I could tell if I chose, breaking up many families. fl tSk v.

4 $to restless Africa come nto restless Africa come lilt the "White Traders" to smuggle out the forbidden ivory bringing fear and degradation to the natives. sowing the seeds of the murderous MAU MAU movement! igling Studlol prawnr eoLon av TECHNICOLOR mmtd in toil AlwoJ Siair.na ANTHONY STEEL SHEILA SIM A. J. Arthur Honk Orgonitation PrMtntatian A Univtradl'lnttrnationol Rtltata SI if 3. Open ufADI 11 M1.CT East of A.M.

"WKIH, VVih 91a Crc, 7.574; Faeturi at 11.25. 1:10, 190, 3:33, t.X), 10:15 look at the names If you don't be lieve it: FAYE ADAMS, BILL DOGGETT and his quintette, THE mw wwwwi 9 m.w wiiiiilijMmiww'W iiiMiiniiii "ii i i 1 fiwamtuM MASTER OF THE CONSOLE Hammond organ is the inimitable Dayton Selby entertain Currently riding high on her first pop hit in a long time, "Make Yourself Comfortable" on a Mer cury label, she has found her ad lib "Images," on EmArcy, selling well among Jazz fans. Miss Vaughan said her main Joy in recording is the jazz work ing patrons at Irving FeUea's nniqne Tip Top cafe, the Bird land of Brooklyn. Gentleman with the beard is talented singing dancing comedian "Red" Massey. Attention Jan fans: Sarah Vaughan Is In Your Corner likes The Style NEW YORK (ANP) Sarah Vaughan, one of the few big names in the business with two record contracts at the same time, says she'll never stop singing jazz.

Miss Vaughan says she has two contracts, one for pops and "one for me." I must. I can't help it. One never stays the same in jazz." She added that the way "you sing or play also changes accord ing to the people you play with. Like with my trio. I got ideas from all three of them while I'm singing.

We have a ball together, all of us, and wherever I go or worh, they're going with me." Hump's Jour Extended Realizes Life Dream Hampton band on the podium, In memorable international jam ses sion. Hampton was carried through the streets on the shoulders of avid jazx fans and honored by the nam ing of a boulevard after him, "Lio nel Hamptonstrasse." The maestro, whose colorful showmanship has conquered the continent's severest critics has garnered approximately 47 front page stories in Europe for his "diplomacy with rhythm." He has been affectionately dubbed by Eur ope's press: "America's Jambas sador of Good Will." STAGE NOTES Billy Eckstine due in New York next week. Glover back at home office of King Records in Cincinnati. In two weeks he heads for the coast where he will con duct recording sessions. 77717777) NOW TUES.

"THE LIMPING MAN" PLUS "WHITE FIRE" MOONGLOWS, JOE MORRTS and his band, LEONARD REED. these and many more will be pre sent a show which will be the last word in fast and furious entertainment, pne of these stars, Faye Adams, will be' making her second Apollo appearance; two of the forementioned stars, The Moonglows and Bill Doggett's quintette 'will be appearing for the very first time. There's an old saying in show business which reads "There's room at the top for great such is the case with Miss Faye Adams. In a mat ter of weeks, this young lady wax ed "Shake a Hand" (the number one hit of 1953) following that with "I'll Be True" and "Hurts Me To My Heart" to establish herself as a top flight attraction. pretty Faye Adams combines a rare vocal range with a combina tion blues and spiritual stylization, making for a vocal sound com pletely new and exciting.

This out standing new star will without a doubt continue along the inevitable path to fame and fortune during the new year and years to come. This will be Bill Doggetts ini tial Apollo appearance, but the record of his out of town appearances i startling. Master Dog gett's organ styling has won him thousands of fans throughout the nation. You've heard other organ ists, but the Doggestt stylization is so original that already many are busily trying to copy his style. The "new name' Apollo policy is continued by the first appear ance of The Moonglows, whose record "Sincerely" has placed them at the top of the list of con tenders in the vocal recording field.

Backed by the popular disc jockey Alan Fried (Rock and Roll) this group is going places in a hurry. In fact there's little question that they are rapidly becoming one of the most outstanding young vocal groups in the nation. Joe Morris has for years been one of the nation's leading trumpeters. His band has the musical perfection and drive to make it one of the best. Leonard Reed, comlc emcee ha( become one of the brightest and most welcome personalities on the Apollo's long roster of favorites.

With extraordinary adlibbing prowess and excellent comedy ma terial, Leonard Reed always adds the touch of clean, good humor and showmanship to any revue in which he participates. The balance of the cast will In clude vocalists Al Savage and Ur sula Reed, plus new tap dancer Joan Karter. Just I few mor personalities rounding out what might well be the most outstana ing show of the new year. Mart neitlni plK thMtrt I hv tncauntmd ttttt mum Bvtfca Kitt to wandwfal." Chapmtn Nvi LEONARD SILLMANjtrtMnt with ESTELLI WINW00D A Quthri McCllntle redaction NATIONAL THEATRE W. tltt ST.

Ev.f. 1:30 Mat. W4. Sat. Cur at surging ipKtactt Mr tafort filmadl Sitting E5UMV INimaScOPEH HUT A.

CAMOt ROBERTSON MURPHY NAISH MmW ho HAL JACKSON Listen to HAL JACKSON'S "House That Jack Built" MON. THRU SAT. 7:00 A.M. to 12 HOOII SATURDAY 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. WL II90 on The Dial i gam flWitei (ami T.ll It I ll Li'JUJ! 1lJ JLVtT.r TtT.t I iff 3 11 1 HUROK presents VERDI'S lih I0H tmsM mm mm i I I I "TALURA" sensational Interpretive dances Is a sensation at Chi cago's historic club DeLlsa.

Tlura is co starring with the famed Wal lace brothers. Earlha Poses For Esquire Earths Kitt's double page col or portrait which appears In the current Esquire magazine, was taken by the photographer with out her knowing K. According to Earths, the pho tographer came up to her apartment and told her to pose on her bed and look straight into the camera. After a few seconds she said, "Well, aren't you going to take the picture?" "I have," he said and left "And you Eartha adds smilingly, "It came out just great." N. Y.

AGE DEFENDER Jan. 22, 1955 WITH XX ZIISSV'JOmsom 17 era mm DETROIT Sugar Ray Robin. son is definitely "The Peoples" choice just as Joe Louis was when fighting and it may even be said still is. A certain sports com mentator predicted a 'jam' of only 3,500 would see the Robinson Joe Rindone tussle. The Commentator goofed.

The Gotham hotel lobby looked like that of the Hotel Theresa in New York City, long known to be the headquarters for all of Joe Louis' fights. The fights that meant so much to the chamber of commerce to the "big town." Missed seeing Wendell Smith and Russ Cowan but rest assured they will be on hand for the re mainder of the Robinson come back trail. Wendell's double Kiah Sayles called in the result to him mmediately after the fight. Russ got his from 'little boss' Bill Mat ney. Chicago's Harry Fields ealling to say "pick up my tickets at the Olympia, "they are under Don Ra phael's name.

Wonder what's wrong with his? Incidentally, see ing the gang over from Chicago sort of dates back to the second Ray Robinson Jake La Motta fight when the Wind City boys charter ed a train and came over here. However, this was a one way deal and everyone was on his own getting back, and how Doctor Mau rice Tennyson (he's a pharmacist) told the ticket seller he had to get on the first train going out as he had a major operation to perform. He got on. Seeing Harold "Killer" Johnson. who is sometimes referred to as Sugar Ray's personal unpaid manager, and how we used to take turns in picking up fight tickets and how I gave my mother my coat to sew a button on and the tickets slipped out and when we got to the gate, I reached for them and they weren't there, and how "Killer" looked at me and said "Zigfield, you have goofed." "Killer" Johnson tells this one with the sanction of Kiah Sayles.

It happened one day at the Lord Calver pool. Everyone was sitting around the pool enjoying them selves and all of a sudden a beauti. ful blonde walked to the diving board, perched herself and let go with a perfect jack knife. WJien she came up she was the only one in or around the pool Gets State Post JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Dr.

R. A. Lee, a native of the tlsh West Indies, has been assign ed to the state auditor's office as a messenger. I I sf rl 'A major ichlevemenf jfrSS; LATE SHOW FRI. AND SAT.

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