LEE SHUBERT - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/19/1946 CO-SIGNED BY: VIOLLA RUBBER - HFSID 132038

LEE SHUBERT
He will provide an out-of-town theatre and a Broadway theatre to a producer if she lets him get "in on the ground floor" by giving him a percentage interest in her play.
TLS: "Lee Shubert", 2p, 8½x11. No place, 1946 August 19. To Miss Violla Rubber, who has accepted what Shubert has offered, signing: "Violla Rubber". In part: "With regard to your forthcoming production of 'The Haven' by Dennis Hoey, the following shall constitute our agreement:- 1) Upon proof that you have on deposit in any bank the sum of $30,000 for purposes of production of the said play, and upon satisfactory proof submitted to me in writing subscribed and verified by you that you have expended two-thirds of such sum, or $20,000, including sums posted as bonds with various unions having jurisdiction thereof, I hereby agree to reimburse you for any and all sums expended by you for the following mentioned bonds in the following approximate amounts:- United Scenic Artists of America $80. Actors Equity Association 6,000. Press Agent (2 weeks plus $50.00 expenses) 450. Wardrobe Mistress 151. A.T.P.A.M. (Company manager, general manager) 950. I.A.T.S.E. (stage hands) 690. You agree that in return therefore, I shall receive a percentage interest in said production in direct proportion to the extent which the amount of said bonds shall bear to the production budget. The arrangement to which I refer is known in the trade as 'getting in on the ground floor'...I hereby extend my personal assurance that an out-of-town will be made available to you for the out-of-town opening not later than October 28, 1946...and that I will exert my best efforts to obtain a first class New York City theatre for the New York run of the play...." LEE SHUBERT (1883-1953) and his brother Jacob (see previous lot) ran theatres and produced shows after their eldest brother Sam (1876-1905) died at the age of 29. The Haven, a play by Dennis Hoey, produced by VIOLLA RUBBER, opened on Broadway at the Playhouse Theatre on 48th Street on November 13, 1946. It closed on November 16, 1946 after five performances. Violla Rubber and Charles Bowden were nominated for two 1962 Tony Awards (Play of the Year, Best Producer-Play) for co-producing Tennessee Williams' The Night of the Iguana. Lightly creased. Soiled at blank margins. Staple holes at upper left blank corners. Overall, fine condition.