FEBRUARY 5, 1925

"The Red Widow" produced by the Morris Guard of Atlantic City opened at the Globe Theatre (Boardwalk & St. Charles Place).

An American corset manufacturer by the name of Cicero Hannibal Butts travels to Russia, where he has comic adventures involving a famous opera star and political intrigue.

"The Red Widow" was an 1911 operetta by Channing Pollack and Rennold Wolfe starring Raymond Hitchcock. It played Broadway's Astor Theatre for 128 performances. After its run, it visited Nixon's Apollo Theatre (Boardwalk & New York) with its original star. It was so popular that is returned to the Boardwalk the following year. In 1916 it was made into a film starring John Barrymore which was first seen at the Colonial Theatre (Atlantic & New York). Being a silent film, the piece was without its songs. Between 1911 and 1925, however, the musical score was frequently performed by concert bands on piers and cabaret singers in clubs. So when the Morris Guard were searching for a piece for their annual show, "The Red Widow" was a natural choice.

The Morris Guard (New York, between Atlantic & Pacific), named after Civil War veteran Colonel Daniel Morris, was actually the Atlantic City Armory, a sort of YMCA of its day, offering community-based classes, events, and social activities. The show, however, was staged at the Globe Theatre (Boardwalk & St. Charles), normally a cinema for three performances only.

The cast included Frank Shea, a member of the original road company of the show, along with talented community members. Shea was recruited at the last minute when the amateur performer cast was indisposed.

In addition to casting conflicts, the production also was embroiled in controversy when a rehearsal to be broadcast on the new local radio station was halted due to violation of copyright. A telegram from the authors agents informed the producers and WPG that their license agreement did not cover radio broadcasts and if they went ahead, they would face legal action for copyright violation. Needless to say, the plug was pulled pronto.

Also unusual for the production, its dress rehearsal, traditionally held the evening before opening for select invited guests, was moved several days earlier and was not open to spectators. This was doubtless due to the Globe's busy schedule.

The Press of Atlantic City published a special section about the musical, with song and scene list and ad boosters from local merchants.