Variety (December 1954)

<64 VAUDEVILLE PAstmff Wednesday, December 1, 1954 Night Club Reviews Continued from pa Re 62 Lobby l lnli, Jiinrez Perfbn ing their high jinks to rapid Latin‘rhythms, the twosome show an almost unlimited bag of acrobatic tricks but their roller- terps still require considerable brushing up. Sultry, dark-haired femme hall' of team is refreshing addition to any show. A* highly-skilled Latin guitarist, Angelo Martinez, ‘ almost an in- stitution in Juarez night life. Though his sensitive rendition of Mexican love songs rarely bring down the house and are strictly not for the tour-ist trade, his fast-mov- ing medley of Mexican favorites— ‘‘Guadalajara,” “Ceilito Nino” and “Mexican Hat Dance”—draw ap- preciative hand-clapping arid audi- ence participation. An experienced showman, Martinez finales with an American .medley which, in other hands, would be trite. But with his clever use of rhythm and beat, he transforms the unit, from “Anchors A weigh “to “Worki ’"'Oh the Rail- road.” into a jolly, foot-stomping number; . New Yorker .Nina Grey offers little as a humorous mistress of ceremonies. Her very loud, brassy renditions of old standbys like "I Get A Kick Out of Champagne” should be done without the mike, Highpoinl of the show is the au- thentic Mexican folk dancing of Chavela & Aptonio', in complete native regalia, A charming, talent- ed couple, their staccato terping brings heavy applause. Pancho’s orch offers a solid beat, tasteful renditions and pleasing change-of-pace. Naturally strong on Latin beats, group is firstrate with American foxtrot tunes too. There’s continuous dance music be- tween shows from 7:30 p.m. Reminiscent of Bessie Smith is the buxom sepi ivory-pusher, Gladice Cooper, dri ‘the Lobby lounge. Miss Cooper’s keyboard talent can, and often does, outdraw the revue on the main floor. Lobby : dinner prices, though up a bit, are still among the most rear sonable in Juarez, considering the floorshow is part of the package. With flawless service, a five-course filet mignon dinner runs $2.25 and mixed drinks are in the neighbor- hood of 50c. Hilt: Monteleoiie Hotel, IV. O/ New Orleans,. Nov, 29. Annette Warren,. Danny Deane Orch (5 ); $2 minimum. v Annette Warren, brunet thrush, held firstnighters securely With her smooth singing style. Gal has looks stage personality and a surprising^ ly warm voice that moves from big and deep to sweet. Repertoire for the two-weeker includes old fayes, ballads;, novelties and special ma- terial, which were, enthusiastically received at shoiv caught. She scores solidly With such tunes as "Tenderly,” a medley con- sisting of “Shall We Dance,’’ “Get- ting To Know You” and “Hello Young Lovers,” and the old Bert Williams favorite: “Pray For The Lights To. Go Out.” Danny Deane and combo back lip Warbler nicely and share evening’s honors with some musical contri- butions of their own, including a novelty tune on mispronunciation of “New Orleans” by tourists. Liuz. "A NEW FASHION"" In Musical Comedy and Dancing Ernie Richman and the S .'.'.•.".•."••.'A’ Currently MUEHLBACH HOTEL} Kansas City Opening December 5th CHEZ PA REE Chicago Opening December 31st v SHAMROCK HOTEL Houston Past Engagements ■ (Special THANKS to the WILL MASTIN TRIO and SAMDAVIS JR. for your help) 500 CLUB, Atlantic City TOWN CASINO, Buffalo (Thanks Miles liigallls, Dick Henry, (Thank* Harry Altman) and Skinny D'amato LIDO, Long Beanch (Thanks Freddy Harris) HOLLENDEN HOTEL, Cleveland (Thanks Merle Jacob*) CROSS'NGERS, New York (Thanks, Mort Curtis) Personal Management: BUDDY ALLEN Eldorado 5-2230, New York Direction, MCA €hcz I*iirec, Chi .... Chicago, Nov, 21. Treniers ' (7) , . Taylor Maids. (3) , George ^ Tatips: A Dancers (4) , Brian Farimn Orch; $1.50 cover, $3:75 minimum: Headlining the rowdy Treniers in a. room that normally deals in Sugar and schmaltz is another in- spiration of boriiface Dave Halper, who twice this year has plucked attractions from the jazzy Blue Note register. The other: was Nat. (King) Cole—and he made Chez Paree boxoffice history some months back. The Treniers make history of another ; sort; the likes, of them has never been conceived for this stage before. But it all fits with the management’s 1 overtures of late to attract a mote general audience than if has been getting. Watching these seven youths perform is like Watching a multi- ring circus, and it’s impossible not to pay attention, Group cuts loose With everything forte and mobile in its 40-minute stint, shouting, singing, stomping, jabbering, come- dizirig and blasting instruments till the rafters shake. By the third number, “Hadacol,” the madcaps have the usually decorous Lake Shore Drive squares digging their beat. It’s surprising, but the over-40, matrons actually do get with the rock and roll to the extent of gyrating in their seats an,d fingersnapping the rhythms; Treniers are a ciilch to do good biz in their fortnighter. Taylor Maids, an attractive threesome of. champagne blondes* have what it takes in smooth blend- ing, verve and stagecraft to sell a. song. Gals unspool a good balance of six numbers and satisfy equally *on uptunes, ballads and novelties. There’s more than a numerical resemblance to the McGuire Sis- ters,'however, and the Taylors are taking a backseat to the competish voluntarily when they include two. McGuire identities like. “Muskrat Ramble” and “Goodnight Sweet- heart.” They're solid prospects, though, as their versions of “From This Moment On” and "Nu N.u Nu” attest. George Tapps and his; four assistant terpers shape as one of the top production, ensembles currently on the boards. Tapps' routines are varied, imaginative and colorful and make fpt a sock eye- opener on this bill. Two guys and two carrot-top gals , frame Tapps in a lighthearted blues opener, a more severe “La'Valse,” arid an. intense version of “Bolero” done in six episodes. Costuming is choice and the group draws the big mitt for every effort. Brian Farnon orch showbacks arid plays the dance sets with cus- tomary facility. Les. May Fair Hotel, London v „ London, Noy. 26. Mildred Joanne Smith, Sonneli Orch ; $4,25 minimum. After a gap. of some four-and-a- half years, the May Fair Hotel has reverted to cabaret. Hostelry, , which is the London flagship of the Gordon Hotels group, recently came under control of Leonard P; Jackson who, during his association With the Bagatelle Restaurant, booked many topline American and British artists, including Sophie Tucker, Isabel Bigley, Hermione Gingold, etc. Original intent was tp stage a midnight frolic arid Carl Hyson was signed to direct, but conversion costs, linked with license, require- meritsy made the venture financially impracticable. Hyson Remains with the hotel in charge of presentations and responsible for; talent booking. Mildred Joanne Smith, a sepia songstress who cable to London in the spring to star in Cecil Lan- deau’s revu , "Cockles arid Cham- pagne,” has good looks, smart ap- pearance and an intriguing style of vocalizing. These assets alone, how- ever, aren’t. enough for this cabaret revival; the hotel needs a firstclass name to reestablish it as a major entertainment venture. In a partially-filled room at opener, Miss Smith ran through her 20-miriute stint. The resident ; Sonneli orch did ain adequate back- grounding Chore and catered for the dansapation sessions. Myro. Thunilcrliircl, Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nov. 18. Lecuona Cuban Boys Orch (12), featuring Raul Martell, Nelle Cos• tell; Stan Wilson * Marquez Sisters (3), Esirellitq■ &. Raul, Los Gatos Trio, Thunderbird Dancers■ ( 8 ); no cover or minimum. talent, is ori bancL. ^ome; *6f it dis- played in oYellong spots,.; reducing the effectiveness rind pacing The Lecuona' Boys, featuring songsters Raul Martell arid ' Nelle Caste 11, spotlight the mambo in their music. “SibOnet,” “Bongo” and “April in Portugal” are socko and Afro-Cuban tempos tingle. Martell shows up best in “Gra- nada,” While Miss Castell proves to be a singing-dancing bombshell arid intrigues- with sexy routines. Stan Wilson, costarring with the prch, is an interesting folk and Calypso singer, the balladeer ren- dering a spirited spiritual in “Tim- ber,” and a rousing “If You Want to. Be Married." The singer could dispense With a couple Of other numbers without hurting the act. The Three Marquez Sisters are lookers Who belt Cuban ballads with gusto. Playirig guitars handi- ly, the femmes move well to a song and dance version of “Dance of the Penguin.” The trio gets a big hand after “I Love Paris.” Estrellita & Raul please in flamenco dances, the staccato heel- clicks and; castanets emphasizing the “Bullfighter Fantasy” and “Peasant Jota.” The youthful pair are excellent, but the program of four dances makes the turn too lengthy.. The Los Gatos Trio of^cijocats 'are back to jive arid stunt, swing- ing and swaying each other smoothly through the air. The bal- ancing ability of the big under- stander makes the work of his slender partners look easy. The Thunderbird Dancers are riicely costumed ' well-choreo’d “Taboo” arid balloon numbers. Bob. A little La tin-American revue is on display for the next three stanzas, with little chance to stir a ripple in the lean off-season biz. Starred are the Lecuona Cuban Boys Orch. The show runs 75 mi - utes and needs cutting to erase several lagging spots. A parade of Moulin Kongo, Furls Paris, Nov. 23. Leo Mar jane > Craddocks (3), Les Mains Joly (4),. Inda & Ani- bal Navarro, Trempo-Tempo, Chie- sas, All, Norman & Ladd (3), Myr & Myroska, French Cancan (8 ), Cover Girls' (8 ), Sylvain David Orch (12), Charles earlier Orch (9); $1 cover, $2 minim m . This 1,800-seater goes on being a pop house here due to prices and packed vaiide show, but cementing production terp numbers have been around too many years and are beginning to look it. With Pierre-Louis Guerin getting con- trolling interest of the spot from Georges France, this segment will be dressed up by Rene Fi'aday and the regular policy, of big name topliners every two weeks, with supporting vaude bill, will go on as before. This round features the return of chantoosy Leo Mfarjarie to the Paris scene after a four-year absence. Gallic belter depends on a finely controlled and timbred voice for effects, but remains primarily cold and direct, in de-> livery, Throb and power of voice make her fine for the Gallic street and romantico ballads, and she scores in a medley of tunes she introed here years ago. It is easy to see why she is a disk fave. Second are The Craddocks (3), Who have achieved an act of slapstick purity and brilliance that they can keep doing until they collapse. Mayhem of their kriock- abouts and pratfalls make this barnlike structure ring with yocks. Trempo-Tempo (2) is a passable trampoline act, but bounds and comic aspects never hit the un- usual. This is an okay filler. Irida & Anibal Navarro are Cuban terp duo who essay a pseudo primitive sex ritual , that puts grinds and bumps to shame. All, Norman & Ladd (3) are a cornball Eriglish musical trio whose deadpan come-: dies score big here. They ale under New Acts. The Chiesas (3) are a group of jugglers Who move fast but never pass the border into uniqueness, Good for that juggling fillin, but not topflight enough. Les Mains Joly (4) do their W.k. umbrella routine in which a series of um- brellas act out a drama of love and redemption moved by unseen hands, Charm and perfection, rally in this to riiake this a sock eritry. Myr & Myroska do a solid mind reading bit as. male goes into the crowd and. has femme, blind- folded, answeririg all questions from aud, and then picking out a table by describing a couple present and preceding to read their mihds. Mosk. Shamrock, lloiiNion ’ Houston, Nov. 25. Carl Rapazza, Dick LaSalle's Orch ; $2.50 cover. Crooner Carl Ravazza' opened the Shamrock Hotel's Shamrock Room to a small but spirited audience mostly composed of' followers he won here on two previous ap- pearances. He has a brand-new repertoire ready for his third tiriie at bat, but the regulars badgered him continually, for familiars like “Pancho,” “Calypso ^06” arid ‘‘it’s The Same.” New numbers on the singer’s format were “Carinen,” a tangy lyric called “Begin the Begat,” and “Over The Waves,” the best of the night. Ravazza’s excellent timing and deft showmanship keeps even the sometimes noisy Texas audiences at mfnimum upheaval, perhaps one of the reasons why he has per- formed a trick few other enter- tainers have achieved: won a third time at the Shamrock in less than two years, this time for a three- week booking. Dick LaSalle’s orchestra offers competent backing for the. show, and excellent dance music before and after. Rob. 01 instrall’s, Boston Boston, Nov. 15. Patti Page (4), Hibbard Bird with Esko LaRue, SrrietonaS (2), Trixie, Johnson & Madili, Michael Gaylord Orch (14), Lou Weir; $2.50 minimum. . This is Patti Page’s fourth annual visit to this mammoth bistro, and as on previous appear- ances, she’s packing ’em in. The blonde thrush has slimmed down considerably since her initialer here, thereby losing that cornfed look, and her vocalizing 1 , in the pop groove, is still top-bracket. As Usual, she has a hit platter work- ing. This time, it’s "Mama Doll Song,” with the customers not content until she warbles it. Warm and gracious, she scores from her walkon with an abundant potpourri of new and old songs, many of which have long been associated with her* all tied together with (Continued qp page 86) COMEDY MATERIA! AH Branches of Theatricals FUN-MASTER THE ORIGINAL SHOW-BIZ GAG flit (The Service of the STARS) ■First 13 File* $7.00—All 35 issues $25 Singly; $1,05 per script. • 3 Bks. PARODIES, per book . .$10 • O MINSTREL BUDGET ...... .$29 I • 4 BLACKOUT BKS., es. bk.. .$25 o • BLUE BOOK (Gags for Stags} $50 • HOW TO MASTER THE CEREMONIES .. $340 SL A i?T CLASSIFIED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GAGS, $300. Worth over a thousand No C.O.D.'s BILLY GLASON 200 W. 54th St„ New York 19—Dept. V Circle 7-1130 THE Currently LATIN CASINO Philadelphia Dir: WILLIAM MORRIS Ag«ncy Mgt: WYNN LASSNER, A**oc., Inc. n aw CLUB COPA YOUNGSTOWN .: JIMMIE HUSSON AGENCY 119 W. 57th Si., New York CAB CALLOWAY fSTTSTE (Nov * 24) “Having oxltad the r X cast of 'Porgv ahd Bass' aftoi more than two yaars. In a 29 minute song session, Calloway leavas no doubt that ha's a top parformor. His suave appearance, polished delivery and grace- ful gait add up to sock ontortalnmant." Jest, Mgt. BILL MITTLER, 1619 Broadway, Now York