Variety (Dec 1905)

ta VARIETY. ARTISTS' FORUn CORRESPONDENCE |1 course her usual sou vent, s «u« being duu*Oa.t.a, uiaiuhg tier a big drawing, caid. T\ DAVID CHASE. If you don't like something and want to tell about, it, send it here if you think it will interest others. Variety does not assume paternity for any opinions ex- pressed in this column. Items will be printed (if not libelous) whether we agree with the statements or not It is desired to make this tLe artists' forum. Editor Variety. Sir—In your recent number I noticed for the "knocker"—this is not meant for that place at all—but as a suggestion that the critics of theatrical papers sug- gest improvements to the managers as well as to the actors. We have a little playlette which we try to deliver in a refined and well dressed manner and find ourselves suddenly surrounded with environments strongly suggesting a kitchen or a parlor in a cheap one night stand hotel. My argument is, if the actor dresses well and wishes to appear clean, is it fair of a manager to give him chairs on the stage that soil his clothes even to sit on them? How can an actor feel like acting and letting himself go, if he has to be afraid to sit down for fear of breaking the gilt chair allotted for his "parlor" set? Perhaps it's im- material to most vaudevillians. but I'm sure we would all feel more like work if we were made glad by a little respon- sive help on the part of a manager. To be brief, we are playing in the dirtiest set, shabbiest properties that we have ever met in our whole career (Poli al- ways excepted), and in the heart of New York, where the audiences demand strict attention as to dressing and neatness, etc., and the manager hasn't even a clean sofa pillow in the house and the property man has to put his own money out for a stage waste paper basket. This is not intended nor written for pub- lication, but if it will open a way for your paper to take all these things in consideration when reviewing a per- formance and give the managers a few points, my mission will have been ac- complished by this hurried, tho' well- wishing, missive. North Adams, Mass., Dec. 28. Editor Variety. Enclosed find money order for sub- scription. Kindly mail paper as per enclosed route. We consider your paper fills a long felt want and see no reason why it should not prove a huge success for both artists and publishers. We have heretofore paid sixty to seventy- five cents weekly for dramatic papers that did not contain one-half the real news to the profession that yours does. There are several papers in England that are devoted to the interests of the vaudeville artists exclusively and we have often wondered why they did not have one here. Let us know when our subscription is again due. Wishing you every success, Burton and Brooke*. New York, Dec. 27. Editor Variety. I wish you would go into the matter of managers cutting down acts to suit themselves and the program without re- gard to whether the act is hurt thereby or not. Some managers believe in quan- tity rather than quality, and this cutting down causes many an act to fall flat which otherwise would go. It is not necessary for a manager to crowd his bill because he can get a lot of acts within his expense limit. Hand it to them for it. Please don'c sign my name to this. Editor of Variety. Sir:—It is doubtful whether our troubles will interest you to any great extent, however after reading your ar- ticle which appeared in last week's Va- riety under the heading of "Managers from Missouri," and also Mr. Cressy's remarks on the same subject, I cannot resist citing our own case as a fair ex- ample of the absolute disregard and ut- ter uninterestedness shown by managers and agents regarding new acts. We are new faces in the East and have a new act, and while we do not profess to have the greatest act in ex- istence, still from past performances and the census of opinion of the press, we are led to believe that we have at least a look in on any first-class bill. At present we are with the Dainty Paree Burlesquers; played last week at Miner's Eighth Avenue Theatre, the week previously at the London. Now in playing those houses we foresaw that we were avoiding one of the most se- rious situations confronted by the aver- age new act endeavoring to gain recog- nition, viz.: of procuring a place to pre- sent same. In not having the foregoing to trouble me, I started out one morn- ing with gay abandon to have a little heart to heart (?) talk with various managers and agents. Any one familiar with the situation can readily surmise what were the re- sults of my efforts. Suffice to say that I would have had a far better chance or gaining an audience with the President of the United States than I had with any of the gentlemen who claim they are looking for something new. After many unsuccessful attempts I finally managed to get the ear of one or two agentB, but even then the best I received was the oft repeated promise of "Well, I'll send some one down to look you over," which promise undoubtedly faded away with my departure as is usual in all such cases. This is merely the expression of one who has had practical experience in try- ing to place a new act, and goes to prove the fact that the author of "Managers from Missouri" understands the situa- tion thoroughly. Let us hope that ar- ticles of this character will continue, and be the means of removing this one obstacle of placing new acts before the public. MONTGOMERY AND CANTOR, Philadelphia, !•». The Bun Ton has chanced hands again, Frank V. Dunn, Jr., disposing of the lease to Lilly Tyson. The latter la the wife of John G. Jer- mon, who owna and rune the Lyceum Theatre here and this is her second venture in the Bon Ton. The new lessee reports that in the future half-hour comedy sketches will be put on by a stock company headed by Joe West, with an olio bill In audition. It was recently announced in this column that George Fish, of Cincinnati, was trying to secure the Bon Ton to put a stock com- pany in there, but he tailed to reach terms with I'uiui. No terms have been announced regarding ihe lalebt transfer. The Empire Theatre, located In Frankiord, a local suburb, was added to the list 01 houses playing variety this week. • asimi The "Parisian Widows" furnished the Christmas attraction with a strong bill. Ben Y\ elen is the principal entertainer in the bur- lesques "The Carnival at Monte Carlo" and "A Day In Camp," and being the author has sup- plied himaelt with lots of material. He works hard, ami must of his stuff is good. The sup- porting company is a large one, but the women will never earn honors as a "beauty show." Ben Welch and the Three Keltons are the be«t Id the olio. "Baby" Kelton made a big Ui' ^phls child looks promising and should be taken out of the held she Is in. With a little brightening, the musical act could find pltnty of time on the big bills. Manager Harris is wearing a handsome cnain and charm, the gitt of Ben Welch, while the company presented him with a handsome leather bag. Many of the company members were remembered by Santa Claus. Business was big all week and the Casino is improving since Floyd L&unun has taken hold. TROCADERO. — Nothing less than packed houses at each performance welcomed the "Ken- tucky Bells." They are using "Murphy's Mis- takes" which is credited to the pen of Jack Heid. It is simply a revised version of the farce "Confusion," which was used to amuse the refugees from Noah's Ark. But it presented enough amusement to please and wKh a number of specialties, makes up a creditable entertain- ment. H'-ilrix and Prescott, dancers; Reld and Carroll;'The Century Fuur, Hinging quartette; Gray and Uraham, whu offered a good musical act which was almost spoiled by some bad com- edy, and the Four Melvlns, clever acrubates, introduced specialties. Ella Gilbert, Violet Berlo and others appeared in the musical numbers. The company gave a Christmas dinner and nu- merous presents were exchanged. Manager Rob- ert Gordon received a handsome diamond studded match box. BON TON.—Charles Law lor and the Lawlor Sisters; La Salle troupe, acrobats; Mabel Emer- son; the Grahams, and several other acts pleased well filled houses. EMPIRE.—A dozen acts makes up the bill for the opening weik under the new management, and good slxed crowds were entertained. KINKS. Peoria, 111. MAIN ST. (J. C. Cutler res. mgr.).—Week of 24: La Dent, Marinette and Sylvester. Marie Laurens, Russell and Dunbar, Meltt's dogs, Peter J. Smith and Kinodrome form the program. Big business rules Christmas week, performances fine; Russell and Dunbar and Meltt's dugs big hits; La Dent perfurmed the remarkable feat of jUKgllng ten balls. WE AST (C. F. Bartson, mgr.).—Knox Bros, head the bill, with Claus and Fields, Breen and Rogers, Lavlne Bros., Marion and D< ane and moving pictures. Big business Christmas night. The following performers appeared at the benefit given for the stage em- ployes of this city, 16: Pete Connelly, Downey and Willard, Casad and De Verne, The Savoys, The Rays, Chas. Banks, Marinellias, Peter J. Smith. Mrs. and Mr. Lewis, Ben Harney. The entertainment was a big success. MAC. Lynn, Mail. AUDITORIUM (Harry Katxes, Mgr.).—The bill for Christmas week Is an exceptionally strong one, the Colby family of musical artists being the topliner. Al Lawson and Frances Mamon, in comedy cycling and bag punching, easily come second The sketch, "The Quiet Life," given by Julie Ring and O. Roland Sar- gent, has good actiun, although Mr. Sargent ex- aggerate* his part. Irene Franklin, comedienne, is being called back many times at each per- formance. Pat Rooney and Marion Bent are good dancers, but that is all. Mitchell and Mar- ion, the minstrel boys, are well liked. The male member of the Brownings would Improve tho act if he did not fall down so often and got a new make up; otherwise the act was guud. OEM (C. W. Sheafe, mgr.),—This house is doing good business with a strong bill. NOTE.—Chatmlon, the French aerial artiat, Is being featured with the Harvey and Gage Come- dy company at Lynn Theatre this week. Of NOTICE. Variety may be obtained from the fol- lowing dealers througout the country: Worcester, Mass.—P. A. Easton Co. Syracuse, N. Y.—Vanderbilt, Globe Hotel. Rochester, N. Y.—Powers Hotel. Philadelphia, Pa.—Bellevue-Stratford Ho- tel. ) Philadelphia, Pa.—Bingham House. Chicago, 111.—Post Office News Co. 178 Dearborn street. Trenton—K. W. Garside, 4 South Broad street. Meriden, 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 Newt Co. Host on, Mass. KEITH'S (Frank O'Connor, bus. mgr.).—The holiday week bill is tilled with many good act*— loremost in consideration, a real dramatic treat oy Valerie Bergeitf and company, in a p.eaoiu* one-act version of "carmen." Tnis pwpuiar la- ne "legitimate" artist has a One support ia narry iveaue, Edward Dauch, Charles l/tauiuiiu, juauue vjorucn and Marls Burke, all of wnoui acquitted themselves aumliabiy. Miss Bei.ee impruvea excellent opportunities of snowing im* tange of talent irom comedy to tragedy, 'lite ueauiilul stage 1 setting and electrical eiteeus a . cieaiteu to tier, and deserve nuilce.. Fi.st among iue tuiiiiiuksis is DeW nawkiua, the "Cuc»ui- ueid ot mmstrsisy," Whu has a new g.iot o. iUiiuy sir lea and up-to-uate parodies full of local hits that j big. Am a bunions'. Lew ia a danuy, and his »ong about Miss Alice xtoosuVeU as a • lanaee juoodie Uirl" is a winner. Joun *>i.<,. has a unique and original nuveily in wnicn he impersonates ail ilia cnaiacters of the modem cheap me loo ra ma by aimpiy changing his ha«>. It he could disguise his voice better, hia ac t wuuid be a capital bur league, 'ihe balance ot tne entertainers include tne xaylois, "teal coon ' »ong and dance oomediana; Jack Lyie in a monologue and aongs; Crane brothers, ofteiin* "ine .rfiudlowu ju in*treta ; the Anerua, Uiua bicyclists; rieibert uv veaux, a rapid sketcu artist, presenting "Studies in High Ait' ; Fian* and Jen i^atona, wuo made then deoul in vau- deville here, in a musical saetch which g»»u* jkiiMt Latona a splendid chance to snow n r uumty as a pianist, she sings Well, tuo, and to ran* piays tne celio and tiumoone tu guud ad- vantage, itosane and DoireUo, .European ec- centric comedy acrobats; n.d F. iieiia.d, a Ciever \ciiwiiou,uiai, and tne *k.itabanaai uuupe ot Jap- anese equilibriau> are holdovers from ust Week s progiaiu, ana repeated lurmer successes, r'ainu a dogt» are a apecial teature and acure heavily witn the children, who are much in evidence. On is Unas eacu jd venue pan on was the lecip leiit ot a handsome present. The holiday deco- rations ot this theatre are beauiitui. Tne sieieopticon views of travel pleased and the nineiogiapn exhibited aeverai timely him*. uusinea*. standing room only. HOWARD n~an D. Luthrup, bus. mgr.).—The sixtieth seaoon ot tnia house la marked by ex- cellent alio Ms and big business eveiy week. The variety teatures engaged for the holidays include Ueoige B. Alexander, "Tne llign-Toiied Hobo," out better kUowii tu the Huwaiditea as "Susie amitiiers Daddy," on account ut his great pop- ularity here last bummer, when he sang so many funny parudiea about "Susie" and her troubles. Among the well-received numbers aie Dave uenaro and Kay Bailey, supported by kiddie Mutinous, in a lively singing and dancing comedietta, entitled "A Cigarette case', tne Fuur Magnums, musical barbers, are dulng tine, tiaona a impersonations of great men aie very clever. Flsner and Johnson, cycling comedians; 'Walsh and Willis, doera ot "Dutchisiu"; Hilton, Hebrew Juggler, and the Kusarfs, magicians, are Matiafying aa appreciative audience. Wurthy of special mention are Eulah Lee, a saucy Utt.e soubrelte, who is a charming comedienne; Lou i-u Clair and Heien Weat, piomotera of hliarity; Carrie M. bcotl, a pretty exponent ot p.iyaical culture, and Coakley and Mctinde, black-lace comedians, and Mr. and Mis. cal Stewart, in their leaiistic sketch, "Uncle Josh un the Bowery," are repeating successes made at an- other huuse last week. The Howard Burleaquena under the peisunal directiun ut Mlaa Violet Mas- cutte, present a new mus,cal burlesque, "Under the Mistletoe." Forty pretty glna make up tnis portion ot the show and in a series of special numbers and feature attractions aie mill 1a- voriles in their way. 'ihe Howardscupe la fine this week. Packed housea prevail. Utica, N. Y. ORPHEUM (E. L. Koneke, Res. Mgr.).—Ed- ward ciark and his "Six Winning Widows" head this week's bill with an act overflowing with fun, good music and clever dances. Clark is a diminutive comedian, much on the Arthur Dunn type, yet his methods are sti iking.y o. lg- lnal. His girls are all good looking and wear atunning gowns. A singing act of the operatic type is furnished by the Italian Trio. These three men possess tine voices of wide range and their singing is a leature. May Duryea and Wm. Mortimer present a skit called "The lm- poster," that Is a winner from the comedy standpoint. Cherry and Bates are good trick cyclists and the comedian of the team furnlnhes many laughs. Musical Kleist presents the most mysterious musical act yet seen at the Orpheum. The Misses carew una Hayes have a novelty act called "The Derby Race." Paul Stephens, the equilibrist, does a most wonderful balancing act. Views on the kinetograph conclude the bill. Next week—Virginia Earle and her six Johnnies; Caprice, Lynn and Fay; Darras Broth- ers; Tobln Sisters; Billy Link; Mabel Row.and; Orvllle and Frank, and kinetograph. STAR (Joe Ball, Mgr.).—Dark. Pit tabors, Pa. GRAND (Harry Davis, mgr.).—It Is rather difficult to fix on any apecial headllner, but Hugh J. Ward and JeR»ie I sett are pet haps a little favored on account of their long connection with the old stock companies. They appear in a playlet by Edward E. Kidder, called "Daddy Doolittle," nn act replete with comedy and touches of the pathetic, but hardly original enough for a long life in vaudeville. Ward is the same unctioua comedian, with a little more of the flnljh and lees of the flourish than of yore. Miss Isett has s->me good opportunities, and shows marked improvement since her stock company days. Clifford and Burke, Pittsburg boys, enthuse the audience with their back fa-e sketch. Will Rogers, lariat thrower from the Wooley West, assisted by another man and a finely trained "cow pony," gave a marvelous exhibition of "roping." The Three Keamns kept the house in an uproar of laughter and ap- plause, and the Piccolo Midgets are aa clever as ever. Charlotte Guyer George, late'of "Par- sifal," rendered aeverai numbers that appealed to the popular fancy, while the Basque Quartet sings selections from grand opera well, and re- ceived genenus applause. The Larsen Sisters pave a clever acrobatic specialty. O. K. Sato makes fun while he juggles, and is decidedly clever at both. The Brothers Durant. aerial comedians, are good: the two dogs, "Yankee" and "Dixie." did a pleasing act, and ?hafer and Lamson. the Herberts and Earnest Caro, with the moving pictures, rounded out an exception- ally fine bill.