The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in UtahLindsay, John S. (John Shanks)
Religion
The Mormons and the Theatre; or, The History of Theatricals in Utah
Lindsay, John S. (John Shanks)
Latter Day Saints; Theater -- Utah -- History
The new house continued to get the attractions to such an extent, that
the Salt Lake Theatre was virtually out of the swim. This was
accomplished by Dr. McKenzie putting The Walker under the direction of
Jack Haverly. Haverly at the time was one of the foremost managers of
the country. He controlled more companies and theatres than any one in
the field of amusement; so he booked everything in his control at The
Walker, and the house during his _regime_ was called Haverly's Walker
Grand Opera House. "What's in a name?" In theatrical business much; it
is everything. So serious indeed was the situation for the Salt Lake
theatre that Mr. David McKenzie, who was at this time the acting
manager of the house, found it necessary to go to San Francisco and
have a business interview with Mr. Fred Bert, who was Haverly's San
Francisco manager.
The result of his visit was an agreement on the part of Haverly to
play his attractions alternately between the two theatres, thus giving
the Salt Lake theatre one-half of their Salt Lake bookings. In the
agreement it was stipulated that the Salt Lake Theatre must also float
the Haverly flag, and while this contract lasted the old house was
called "Haverly's Salt Lake Theatre." Here was an interesting
situation; both theatres flying the Haverly flag. Haverly's name at
the head of every bill and program. It was not at all pleasing to the
Mormon people to have their theatre, in which they took so much pride,
pass under the direction and management of a Gentile manager. Many of
them didn't know but what Haverly had bought it. The Walker Brothers
did not relish the idea either of their house being called Haverly's;
but such were the exigencies of the theatrical business. To the Walker
it was a great advantage, as without Haverly's prestige the new house
would have had a hard time in getting first-class attractions.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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