Kleiner’s Korner: A So-Called Vanderbilt Production Appears on Stage in 1907
Besides "The Vanderbilt Cup" production on Broadway starring Elsie Janis, another play named "The Auto Race" also made use of auto racing as its theme during 1907 and 1908. And as with "The Vanderbilt Cup, this production used racers and other cars as props on stage.
Art Kleiner
The Story Line
The story line of "The Auto Race" centered around the events before and after an auto race; and while some reviewers believe it was fashioned after The Vanderbilt Cup at least one didn't. The production included 6 White steamers and necessitated ingenious thinking regarding how to power the cars. (The Automobile, Dec. 5, 1907)
1905 White steamer
Due partly to the use of autos, a large stage was needed; the Hippodrome was the largest in NYC at the time. (The Blue Book of Broadway Musicals, 1969)
The Hippodrome in New York City
At the corner of 43rd Street and 6th Avenue in NYC, the Hippodrome still exists today. However, it is now an office building of which I know very well having spent 5 years working for a department store conglomerate (Allied Stores Corporation) which had offices there. (cinematreasures.com)
The stage. (cinematreasures.com)
The Hippodrome today!
"A Gigantic Automobile and Musical Spectacle". (New York Tribune, Dec. 19, 1907)
The Sun did not believe it had anything to do with the Vanderbilt Cup Race. (The Sun, Nov. 24, 1907)
The Sun's summary of the plot does not directly relate to the Vanderbilt; I suppose the show promoters used the racing craze at the time to their advantage.
Arrival of the cars as shown in this actual copy of the script. (New York Public Library)
Lady Gay Spanker was played by Rose La Harte. (The New York Times, Nov. 28, 1907)
In her automobile viewing attire. (lunafolger.edu)
A spectacular scene involved three racers speeding towards the audience. (Lewiston Evening Teller, Dec. 31, 1907)
The grandstand, the race and a Long Island estate!
The cars sped toward the audience on the 120 foot stage at 60 mph and then stopped, making "all previous automobile stage effects look like toys".
At this performance, it wasn't all that thrilling. (The New York Times, Nov. 28, 1907)
However, a few days later, the audience got more than they paid for! (The New York Times, Dec. 1, 1907)
Precautions taken. (The New York Times, Dec. 8, 1907)
"The Auto Race" opened on Nov. 25, 1907 and after changing its name to "Lady Gay's Garden Party" in early 1908 closed on May 23, 1908 after 312 performances.
Future blogs will detail other ways in which The Vanderbilt Cup races were used in the entertainment field.
Comments
The Hippodrome Theatre was demolished in 1939. The building that stands on its property today was built in 1951-52, and is called The Hippodrome Center.
Neat that you had a connection there, Art. Seems insane that the cars were speeding to the stage. Hope Mr. & Mrs. Spanker were paid extra for their performances.
Art, Great post, well detailed. wasn’t aware there was another “auto race ” play at the time. This one certainly had some interesting moments.