Variety (Dec 1905)

VARIETY. NEW ACTS. NEIL. Mi KG ESS. ♦♦THE COUNTY FAIR,'* HYDB AND BEHlMAN'S. Starting with thirty-seven minutes on Monday, the sketch was cut to twenty with improvement. The incidents are taken from the second act of the play of the same title. There is no connected story, the incidents not being related to each other. The central theme is the arrival of Tim at the house and his hid- ing in the oven. The curtain is dropped without showing what becomes of the boy. The sketch is not good for the name or salary, but makes good so far as a fair proportion of laughs is con- cerned. Mr. Burgess is the same as ever, his humor being confined in large measure to his old fashioned panta- lettes. Amy Somers played Taggs without animation, and Frank Norcross as Tim was little better. It is not to be anticipated that Mr. Burgess will en- joy an extended season, though he is scarcely to be classed as a gold brick. Chicot. AMY RICKARD. 1/ MISICAL MONOLOGUE. NEW YORK THEATRE. Last Sunday evening, Amy Rickard, somewhat famed from "The College Widow," made her vaudeville debut at this place of amusement. Her offering is termed a "musical monologue" for the lack of something better, though there is nothing in the "musical" or "mono- logue" parts of it to commend. Had Miss Rickard given the same careful preparation to her material that was evi- denced in the dressing of her hair, a better report could be given. Two songs, one of which was recited under the spot light, and imitations of Lillian Russell and Marie Cahill were her main efforts. All were badly done excepting Russell's. Anyone minus a voice can faithfully re- produce Lillian's vocal sounds. For an encore a foolish little bit in thought and execution was given, wherein Miss Rick- ard made an appeal for applause. It was doubtful before that if the "gallery gods" would allow her to safely escape. As it was, some "guying" was heard. Amy Rickard in vaudeville is not a "name act." To be successful she must rest on her merits. In the present act Miss Rickard can never hope for suc- cess. Sime. "• \! ERCOLE-ARIAZA TROVPK. SPANISH DANCERS. Hl'RTIG A SEAMON'S. "First and only appearance in vaude- ville" is the top line over the billing of the Ercole-Ariaza troupe at Hurtig & Seamon's this week. The line is prob- ably absolutely correct. If any other manager takes the act now that it has been seen, he is a very foolish person. It is not well to speak ill of the dead, it is sufficient to record that this turn is the star gold brick of the season. They were in the White Cat—which possibly accounts for the failure of that panto- mime. There are eight women and three men. The women are ugly and poorly dressed. The dances are of the most commonplace sort performed with little grace or abandon. One of the men is by far the best dancer of the troupe. The act has nothing to commend it. Chicot. CLIFF BttHZAC. ANIMALS. i• H« m -TOR'S FIFTY-EIGHTH STREET. ' A foreign act, presented for the first time over here, and it is a scream. Taken from the old idea used in one ring circuses of asking anyone in the audi- ence to ride a horse for a reward if suc- cessful. In this act it is a donkey. About four "cappers'* are carried, and one hun- dred dollars is offered from the stage to anyone who can ride it. The confeder- ates employed do not hurt the value of the act as a laugh producer. On Tues- day afternoon the people in the house could be seen jumping up and down in their chairs shrieking with laughter over the antics and falls of those attempting to ride. A few straight tricks with ponies are also given. No mistake will be made by any house in booking this act if a great big howling laugh is wanted. ^ Si me. JAS. R. DOXOVAN, REW ARNOLD AND co. si "TWENTY MINUTES FROM BROAD- WAY.'* ALHAMBRA. It's the same old Jas. B.. minus Fanny and plus a few new jokes. He has given up the single turn used since the sepa- ration, bought a new drop, which excuses the title, selected a partner wearing a veil on Broadway in the evening, "planted" the "Co." in the form of a boy in the orchestra to "kid"' him. and that's tne new act. It went very well. Harlem thinks most of his "stuff" is new. It doesn't know Jamsey. Monday after- noon, Percy Williams and Dave Robin- son were seated in a box when Mister Donovan commenced on the song which introduced him in the business. The two managers made a run for the pri- vate office, locking themselves in. The new drop showing places of interest on the main thoroughfare is enterprising, and the boy in the orchestra could be well worked up if Donovan would make mm anchor his voice, and also sit in the chair until the finish, then exit under the stage, not leaving through the aisle. Miss Arnold is on the stage most of the time. The new act will make a nice filler in in "one" anywhere. Si me. The Gus Edwards Music Publishing Co. has, it is understood, formed a connec- tion with Francis, Day and Hunter, of London, to act as their agents over there, where ill the Edwards publica- tions will be handled. "Gus" Edwards expects to leave for the British capital in the spring to perfect, the arrange- ments which have been closed. NOTICE. Variety may be obtained from the fol- lowing dealers througout the country: Worcester, Mass.—F. A. Easton Co. Syracuse, N. Y.—Vanderbllt, Globe Hotel. Rochester. N. Y.—Powers Hotel. Philadelphia, Pa.—Bellevue-Stratford Ho- tel. Philadelphia, Pa.—Bingham House. Chicago, 111.—Post Utflce News Co. 178 Dearborn street. Trenton—K. W. Garside, 4 South Broad street. Merlden, Conn—The Aug. Schmelzer Co, 15 E. Main street. Newark, N. J.—Rosner Bros., 179 Market street. Indianapolis, Ind.—Claypool Hotel. New Orleans, La.— C. E. Staub, 1021 Ex- change Place. St. George, S. I.—Wm. Wheeler. Washington. D. C—Riggs House. St. Louis, Mo.—Southern Hotel. CANADA. London—Red Star News Co. CORRESPONDENCE Philadelphia, P». The theatre manager* have had little roum to complain of the business dune here this week. A U the houses were open with the exception of the Grand Opera House, and all report good business on the week. Considering that this it possibly the worst week in the year the houses have been remarkably well patronised and where xariety and burlesque is the entertainment, all have enjoyed their share. KEITH'S.— The bill given the Chestnut Street patrons of variety presents little that Is new or n< vel, ywt as a whole comprises entertainment enough to be called a fair program. Tim Mo- Mahon makes a double bid for favor with his familiar sketch "Twenty Minutes Before Train Time." in which he is assisted by his wife (Edith Chapell). and the "Minstrel Maids." The lat- ter number has special local Interest Inasmuch as nearly all the girls he uses are Philadelphlans and Home of them, the Harrett Sisters for in- stance, have been seen on Keith's bills before. There is room for improvement in the act, par- ticularly with the singing, which Is weak, but it pioved enjoyable. Keeier's Japs and the Dollar Troupe did well with their acrobatic turns. th» former doing some excellent foot work. Hy Greeuway. a JUgler, made his first appearance here, being a product of the West. Harrlgan and other "comedy" jugglers have shown all the tricks Greenway does and the latter's efforts in the comedy line are worthy of a better cause. Another new act here is presented by the La Velle Trio, three women, who sing and play the violin and harp. The act needs polish and a lit- tle life. It. J. Jose, a general favorite here, sings three songs. He could Improve on the selections, but sings as well as ever. Carroll Johnson Is on the bill with a blackface offering. Johnson has not forgotten that 11.45 parade idea of dressing and could stand a change all round. The Avon Comedy Four got through very well with their noisy comedy and acceptable singing. Hermany's cats and dogs performed In a creditable manner. The De Muths, John F. Clark, Hornmann and Smith and Baker also ap- pear* d, with the "pictures" as the usual table d'hote offering. BIJOU— Edmond Hayes in "The Wise Guy." assisted by the "Brigadiers Extravaganza Com- pany." have enjoyed good business all week and the entertainment seems to please. Specialties are introduced by Blanche Murphy. Buford Sls- teis. Lester and Moure, the Three Kuhns and the Prentice Troupe, with the chorus earning their salaries as a side issue in the musical num- bers. The veteran Frank E. McNIsh is doing a specialty with Joe Whitehead. Hayes consumes much of the time allotted to the performance, but pleases his audience. TIK )CANERO.—The usual big business continues at tins house, the "Merry Maidens" being well received. They are giving "The Maid and the Mule" in three acts. It is a melange of music and comedy with Just an Idea of a plot. Sam Bice, the author, and Billy Spencer are the prin- cipals and there Is a large supporting company, including Agnes Mahar. I'attl Carney, the Root- black Quartette; the Vans and the Ferrell Broth- ers introduce specialties. CASINO.—The Jersey Llllles Extravanganza Company is holding down the boards this week with a first rate bill and they have entertained their share of the crowds which are dodging the * holiday Jumble on the streets. "The Disputed Check." the opening burlesque, might be called "On and Off" If the management is seeking a nc v title. They nave certainly crowded In more •.nuances" and "exits" than would be found In a bee hive. "The olio Is the best part of the show ami Includes Howell and Emerson; Zara and Stetson; Emmet and McNeil; Ada Burnett. La Mass Brothers, and the Bells. The latter made a deserved hit with their string-chime playing. I >;in Gracey is working hard and making good in both burlesque numbers. LYCEUM.—The European Sensation Company is lining verv well with the same bill given here earlier In the season at the Casino. The bur- lesque numbers "Schulfs Hotel" and "A Sou- venir" offer little out of the ordinary, but it pleased. Merrltt and May; Snltz Moore, assisted by Harry Harvey and Htiolse Horton; Bruce and Na«,'ueau; Morrlscy and Rich, and Sansone and Nell la appear In the olio. The latter pair have a balancing turn which is good and can be im- proved by cutting the posing and "show" out. As an extra attraction Terry McGovern sparred three exhibition rounds with Johnny Burdlck. HON TON.—A long list of acts, making a varied and entertaining program Is given this week and business is reported good. The man- agement is bidding to give as much as possible for a smaP admission. NOTES.—There is an act with the "Jersey I.illles" show that should be of Interest to many of the variety set. It Is composed of Kittip Emmet and Llllle McNeil. Kittle Emmet Is the oMest sifter of Dan McAvoy and the wife of ' Mob Emmet, the pair being a dancing team and ♦ •.■ing feature acts in the houses of high class variety for many years. Bob Emmet died some time agor Llllle McNeil Is a daughter of the KmmeiB and has shown ability that deserves commendation. The team has been working as the Clan nee Sisters, doing character dancing and imitations. Miss Emmet (McNeil) gives clever Impersonations of George M. Cohan and Nan McAvov. The latter was In town this week. i i,n R to replace Dave Lewis In "Coming Thro' the Rve" and had the pleasure of seeing the •sister act" at the Casino for the first time.— • Football Night" was observed at Keith's Chest- nut Street Theatre on Friday or last week, the Cniverslty of Pennsylvania football tram being guests of the management.—Philadelphia Is to Rave a new theatre, located across the Schuyl- kill. It is to be managed by G. A. Wegerfath. who has the Grand Opera House here and will probablv play the same class of attractions, al- though the policy has not been made public as ,.., —The deal for the r.ale of the lease of the Bon Ton Theatre to George Fish. who. It is re- potted, will bring i stock company from Cln- cirnatl here, has not been closed, but Munager Dunn stated that It would probably be closed In a few days. KINKS. Plttahurir, Pa. THE GRAND (Harry Davis. mgr.).-The ante- ■"hrlstmas week has not been allowed to Interfere materially with the* bill. Annie and Jennie Yea- mans. Pittsburg favorites, have a little unnamed sketch that was delightful. Frank D. Bryan's patriotic girls made a general hit, though one or two of the features of this act did not appeal favorably to the more thoughtful portion of the audi'lice. Beit Coote, ably assisted by Aca Bus. sell and Robert Minister, had an amusing sketch. "A Lamb in Wall Street," which went well. Clarice Vance, as usual, made good with her "coon songs," and sprang a new "rube" song that was heartily applauded. George B. Snyder and Harry Buckley had a clever musical act. Boltsen had a "different sort" of a dog act—a vicious and ugly-mugged white bull terrier ap- pearing in Impersonations of famous men that were quite out of the ordinary. Mareeno, Nevaro and Mareeno are three of the best equilibrists seen In a long time. Lambert and Pierce had a fairly good blaok face singing and comedy act; the Aubelts, a man and a woman, did a lot of good acrobatic work and a "whirlwind" dance that was excellent; George Corello's Imitations were better than those of some more widely known performers; Rado and Bertram made good in acrobatic comedy and dancing, and Anderson \ and Golnes, colored comedians, were well re- ceived in a singing and dancing specialty. GAYETY (Jas. E. Orr. mgr.).—8am A. Scrlh- ner's Morning Glories Company in "The Devil's Daughter," a three-act musical comedy, and a strong olio, Is one of the best bills presented at the Gayety this season. Clarence Wilbur, as "Patsy," did some good work in the farce, though he had one or two lines which might with propriety be omitted. Constance Wlndom, In the name part, played a school girl role. In a way that kept the audience laughing. Lilian Hath- away, as the school mistress; Etta Cooper, as a demure little Quakeress; Elsie Harvey as a chum of the "Devil's Daughter;" May Hixon as a school girl; James Marcus as the "Inspector," and John Lelschman, Gus Neser, Wolfe Gilbert, James Grundy and Tim Keeler, as "villains," a waiter and a policeman, did clever work, Mr. Keeier's cop being one of the features. The chorus, which included a full military band, was much above the average. In the olio, Jim Thorn- ton was admired. Coates Grundy's "Water Melon Trust," an act presented by a quintet of dusky men and women, received three curtain calls. Etta Cooper and Elsie Harvey have a clever dancing and singing specialty between th<> second and third acts, and the Devil's Daughter's Military Band went with a rush. ACADEMY (H. W. Williams, Jr.).—Harry Williams Ideal Extravaganza Company is pack- ing the Academy this week. Their two act musi- cal farce "Everyday Life" is full of breezy comedy and catchy songs. Frank O'Brien, as "Ike," had the audience laughing all the time he was about yesterday. Clayton Frye, as the circus man, was a close second In the comedy, and the other members of the company did work that pleased the audience. The chorus wa» comely and shapely, the scenic settings were handsome, and the action of the piece was rapid. The hit of the piece Is a burlesque melodrama given by Frank O'Brien, Clayton Frye. Jack Gruet, Carrie Franklyn and Katherlne Clare. Without words the piece would have been funnv. but as presented it was a scream. "Mar)' Carey." a song introduced by Katherlne Clare, caught the fancy of the house. A session of old time minstrels was also well received. Of the specialties given, the Livingstone family gave bv far the best acrobatic act seen here for quite a while. liessle Little and Cecil Stern, two chic soubrettes. have a pleasing specialty, and Gruet and Gruet, the musical mokes, danced and sang to advantage. There Is an added attraction this week. Harvey Parker, lightweight cham- pion wrestler, and Frederick Beel, the heavy- weight wrestler, are meeting all comers NOTES.—Fred Ingersoll. with the assistance of Tunis Dean. "Bill" Little and his other able lieutenants, made such a success of Luna Park last season that It Is difficult to walk about the local rlalto these days without bumping into •-some one more or less interested In a similar proposition. Captain Klein, of local river fame, is to have a "Coney Island" on Neville's Island, eight miles down the Ohio. W. F. Hamilton Is the promotor of a new park a few miles from town, and T. M. Harton Is the moving spirit in a like project for our sister city Allegheny These enterprises are all well financed and In the hands of shrewd managers. The parks are so situated geographically that they should be money makers, but. as George Cohan would say, It will be "Twenty-three" for somebody If this amusement habit continues. Montgomery and Stone have a football satire in the "Wizard of Oz" at the Nixon this week that has made a great big hit. MME. PITT Baltimore, Md. MARYLAND (F. C. Schanberger. mgr.).—Week 18. Large houses at Kernan's beautiful play- house the entire week, and a good performance delighted the pations. Frank Gardner and Lottie Vincent and their company are the headllners In an entire new act called "Winning a Queen." which owes much of its success to the moving picture machine. Other features of success were the Durant Brothers. European comedy acrobats; Taylor Holmes, with monologue and imitations; O. K. Sato, the comic juggler; the Piccolo Mid- gets In songs, dances and feats of strength, clos- ing their act with a wrestling match; Clifford and Burke, black face comedians and dancers; Howsrd't pontes and dogs, the most wonderful trained ever seen here; closing with the Klneto- graph with a new series of moving pictures. Next week—Harry Houdlnl. James J. Morton, Gallagher and Barrett, the Four Welsons, the La Velle Trio, and the Klnetograph. MONUMENTAL (Joseph E. Kernan. res. mgr.). —Week Deo. 18: Whallen and Martell's "Ken tucky Belle's Burlesquers" give an excellent per- formance and are playing to crowded houses. "Murphy's Mistake," a farce in two acts, written by Reld and* Gilbert, who also play the leading characters and -ire very funny. It keeps the audience In good humor throughout. The olio is also good, the feature bHng the Brothers Melvln. sensational gymnasts; who do some remarkable work. Others In the olio were Hcdrlx and Pres- cott, singers and dancers; Gray and Graham, the Century Comedy Four, Reld and Gilbert, Celtic wits: Miss Llllie Crawford, singing soubrette. The play closes with a spectacular scene of "The Spirit of '76." Next week Whallen and Mar- tell's "Merry Makers." PURNER%NEW MUSIC HALL fW. J. l"ur- ner. mgr.).—Week of 18: A splendid vaudeville bill to large houses seems to please our east end cltlz'-ns. The following performers give an at- tractive olio: Miss MaMIe Slowman. Miss Cora Roberts, Miss Minnie Colboume, Miss N' 'Hie Andrews, Miss Grace Herman, the Musical Ab- bots. Harry Daly and the Moving Pictures. NOTES—John T. McCaslIn Is booking specialty people for the river and summer resorts and ar- ranging for long engagements. He has every park and summer resort but one In Baltimore, and on the outskirts and transfers his people from one park to the other. While "Mac" !• playing dates, Mr. Otto Hart has charge of the