HELD-OVER

From those who like their Shakespeare, as Mr. Benchley would say, the repertoire offered by Fritz Leiber has been a gift from heaven. Not only has the Bard been presented with more or less respect to the text but the prices have been on a scale proportionate to the student pocketbook. Seats in the orchestra are for once not entirely prohibitive.

Others besides members of Professor Kittredge's courses might well view Mr. Leiber's company. Shakespeare decently stated is really quite as sustaining if not so alluring as an evening with the "Vanities". To be sure there is nothing of particular moment in the manner or method of the present productions. They are not even, unconventional-a fact for which to offer fervent thanks. Slops and buskin are still to be preferred to plus fours and dinner jacket of last year's H. D. C.-unhappy memory.

The most significant and hopeful portent resultant from Mr. Leiber's sojourn in the hinterlands of Castle Square, however, has been the reception accorded to his six plays. The box office has reported a steady gain,-a detail of some interest even in Shakespearian circles,-the audiences have been liberal with intelligent and audible approval, and the paying guests are nothing if not heterogeneous. Stiff shirts are more to be seen a social events such as the gold digging activities of a blond girl, and an air of student poverty permeates the atmosphere. From all appearances Shakespeare seems still to be a good seller, and for Mr. Leiber's sake it is to be hoped that the indications do not believe the facts.