Variety (December 1919)

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BURLESQUE LOCAL BURLESQUE REVIEWS i lTTCfimrr VkVrtfUa when Burns told ahout * caurt that •»»•»« j jaibU miU t JBAiUUU*. flre cent, for bro*« ribs u< $10.«0» to- • ; *T!ie Mischief Makers" are aillnf the tv et ,,„,,„, heftrt n MU nded as though Mr. Barns the fans at the 14th Street bouse thla weeX, and heW tntB ont ct nlr mono i 0 g to make another the enow measure, up to anything there this wt Mw on for Wmaett . othenrtae Bam dM ••J***' • _.„ . little excepting to take a few falls, ralla ap- The ehorue of M break. ** **** MSS* £2** be I* the mainstay of Ray Read, for ahlminylnK and do It on the ellgfitert prov- £ ^ JW | m hi. brogue ♦cation. They shimmy the Jat. nnmber. they »g 7|| | ," He seeme* to be the ahiromy the novelty number, and they ahlmmy the ballads, which la the height of ahlm. principal comedian. SeTVtch" in both parte and totewper^d mm%J *m**mm* jm mm m^^m^mi With plenty of "Yiddish." It put htm away «»>ould *»»• .lookup, and in sevsral instances orer. He alao haa a couple of line. In Italian, obligating those concerned to make awkward which cinched It down there for him. Freed la eslts. a eapabie comedian and doesn't hare to resort In production, which includes, of course, the to tha lowest of low comedy, but he does. He chorus, the ahow looked at its worst. But one haa a particularly offensive bit In the second or two seta at the most for the chorus amounted part, where as a "dame" he has a few lines to anything at all In the way of clothes. Bev- about not allowing any. one to lead him astray, eral sets looked faded and were of dull and following the speech up by expectorating on the Inharmonious coloring. The settings were little Wage. The laugh that follows could be quad- better. In the production'end the "Star and rupled without giving an excuse for the "bit." Garter Show" shapes up about the poorest that , Jo© Wilton does straight all through and is has struck the Columbia for * long while. It % credited with lyrics, dances and a book which opuld' have trouble . la reaching the class of exists solely on the program. He IsTnuch more the American wheel on that end,. and. in fact, sura of himself than the audience. Several of looked more like an old Western wheeler than the principals In following a number "offlced" anything elaet the nous* to continue the applause and encour- Tne WO men principal, tried to be, and at least aged it by applauding and whistling themselves. one succee ded. Florence Darley, the prima * Wilton went a bit further and told them several <j onnai a good-looking blonde, who was also times, "Wake up; come on." the fe^ gowned- throughout, making several Of the women principals, Mabel Clark stuck chanie s, all in good taste and suited to her cut mainly through her graceful presence and >tyIe wft8 lha one/ Her8 to a very good vo ice ability to wear clothes. She looked partlcu- fof Bnp , ew , Be ta itM j ower re,|ater. but Miss larly fetching, to one number attired in white ^^ , g t00 one to ,,„ wlth , t , when the tisbU which Wended into flame-colored stock- meJO(Jy ^khtB and leaves,fat ahrlll notes. She H% ..... . * ■ .... u seems to enjoy singing agalost the chorus; and Bonnie Lloyd la a pump soubret with conald* sin, with It Instead. Her "La La" *& ,** *, *, **•»**,« »+ m*~ *» 2g W aa tne b«t of all her song., for «- l^T^&S^'lSrLZ S ^.s. Darley took it at a alow tempo^ut Is/another female who holds plenty of appear- «£ ■"»- comedy <,« of U. remarkingtoward anoe. She haa a deep volce-ahd can handle a **• c < 0Bln K » ne Blfter •t««trtof out some hybrid Jaxx melody to good style. In "Sweetie Mine." French. "Thla Is all apple sauce to me. DISSATISFIED WITH TUISA. With burlesque In Its fourth week at the Grand, Tulsa, OkJa., the producer* of the attractions on the American clr- eult are net at all satisfied with the business returns. The first week Tht Midnight Maidens" got a gross of f 1.700. Subsequent weeks' business crept up a bit, and last week the attraction ob- tained a little over 13,000 on the week. It was figured by the producers on the -circuit that when Tulsa was taken In they would do a grpsB of at least $4,000 ' on the week. But when the figures for the first three weeks fell' below this mark several* got cold feet and began making demands for a guarantee. They stated that from Tulsa they had a 420- mile jump to St LouIb, which averaged from $350 to $400. and with'business running around the $8,000 mark on the week they would lose on the engage- ment. The management of the bouse, it was understood, was willing to give the shows a flat sum of $2,000 for the -week, but the heads of the circuit, it is said, were reluctant to accept these terms. General Manager Gallagher,, of the American circuit, stated he had made no demand for a guarantee from the house management, nor at present had ho.Intention of doing so, as the house was Just getting started and time would have to be allowed for It to strike its normal stride before any measures could be taken by the circuit. ♦ togs. one of the choristers steps out and pulls some The Columbia management may 4ave made K mltty.Jatxy stepping, doing a ahlm from a split harder tor the numbers. There was no sugges- Wtth a couple of side slides and cartwheels tlon of a shimmy in the performance, though thrown to. This unknown alao has a good idea one of the principals and several of the girls pt comedy values and should be encouraged. Her looked anxious to get to It at different times, voice was prominent to all the ensemble num- The dialog waa likewise clean. Experience to ! bers, and It scorns that the management is burlesque teaches that where the action is held overlooking; o bet in not lifting her, down by old comedy and older talk, the "blue" Johnny Crosby, who does "wop," copped the Is apt to be spread over In atonement. That Voice honor, without much competition and ex- suggested, the pruning knife was- put to work blbit. a pleasing tenor that sounds cultivated, either before the show reached the Columbia or He crooned a couple of ballads that went straight to the heart of nth street, and is a fair dlalectltlan.' He took, new and should be heard from. ; The costuming Is appropriate, all the changes looking good, with the exception of the opening number, where the girls seem heavily under- dressed. They are a good bunch of workers at the matinee of the opening day. About the only things that 1 got anything were the numbers. A "Baby" number was the "pick out" one. It was lead by Chubby Drisdale. who works bard, if- nothing else, and has several songs to lead. Klara Hendrlx also had numbers to sing and sang them.' Bert and Pauline Hall did a specialty, during which they danced a and average up well-on appearance with any« UBg0% ^^ jj, HaU pUtyei » French count In of the wheel shows, One or two are way above. . The book has about aa much consistency as a hand full, of mercury and Is forgotten before the smoke of the opening chorus dissolves. , The show Is a series of burlesque- episodes, all more or leas familiar. V Billy mrt's burlesque ralndreading Is the basis of one peice of business, and Billy Mont- gomery's toy piano was prominent In another. The four male principals appear washed up to dinner suits at the finish, and they are a musical and vocal quartet. Freed la recognized when he pulls hla trick laugh. Much business with the people In the stage boxes occurred all through the, performance. Freed slapped the occupants, leaned on them, and took various other liberties. Wilton also took them Into his confidence and ad llbbed to ■a.undertone to their evident enjoyment To sum up,' it's a good show for the Amer- ican wheel, and that means success, for that is what It was constructed to play to. Con. STAR AND GAKTER SHOW. The "Star and Garter Show" at the Columbia thia week Is meaningless, In Its people, comedy and production. Figuring each by each the re- sult amounts to nothing. There Isn't what !s,known as a "salary" In the cast, and there is no one of burlesque or Other prominence as far as known concerned to this show other than I. M. Welngardcn, who presents it, per the W. & W. Amusement Co. In comedy there are rehashes, and If a lack et material may be alleged against the "books" of the two parts, that may excuse some of the principals, but It doesn't help the performance . one whit, The only fun of any account that cam. from any principal waa Charles, Burns' Hebrew monolog in "one," that amacked of tju-on Hoffman touch and seemed one of '< old ones, on current events of tho • f o, with it mado modern for now ''tlon of prohibition. Then again '4 scene" resembling many -und the sale of a hotel deed, stepped to the dy discourse that, ■ got a return one part, a hotel clerk In the other. Howard B. Paden, who takes program credit for writing the book of the second part, called "Putting It Over," sang a ballad-in it William Bovla did a creditable bit in the table scene and also lead "Preacher Makes Tou Mine," a number securing several encores through Bovls" work id . it. Miss Darley did quite well with "Pink Pajamas," and a couple of the women principals made a hit with "Nobody Knows," singing It without the chorus or dancing accompaniment. How the chorus would look nicely dressed Is indicated for a moment toward the finish when they do come out in what look like costumes made this season. Several of the principals are listed as re- sponsible for the opener, "La Belle Paree." Any ene of them may take all the credit and then be minus. ; Mr. Welngarden's attraction Is far from a standard Columbia show. It la' dressed, plays and looks old-fashioned for tho Columbia circuit. Burlesque nowadays on the big wheel pays money for Its people and production. Given the people, the show wlU evolve, and with a production. It becomes an attraction. "Tho Star and Garter Show" is not. Still tho Columbia theatre appeared to be capacity Tuesday night, which speaks loudly to favor of the ollentele the Columbia has erected. Sime. BUELESftUE CLUB RECEPTION. In recognition of the newly elected executives, the Burlesque Club, 161 West 44th street, New York city, will hold a formal reception and party to- morrow night (Dec. 6) in order to wel- come and congratulate the new electa The club rooms have been entirely renovated* within the past month and several hundred members added, which 1b expected to make this affair stand out as an example for the future bet- terment of the club. ^ BURLESQUE ORANGES. Joe Rose has succeeded Harry Ber- nard as producer for B. F. Kahn's Union Square stock, Bernard Joined The Crackerlacks" (American Wheel) at Buffalo, Monday. Blanche JParquette, prima, for "Cracker JackaV replacing Eleanor Fisher. Sstelle Dudley replacing Helen Sates In the Lew Kelly shew. Roy Bears, Juvenile, -replacing Billy Wainwright In Harry Hastings' "BUt Show." • , Tenney and Maco replacing Simon and Letford in Pat White's show. Harry Codare replacing Jules Jacobs In "Oh, Frenohy." Jack Dillon, Juvenile, replacing John Buckley,'and Lottie Lee. soubret, replacing-Mabel Lee in same show. William V. Jennings assumed man- agement 'of Peck & Jennings' "Jazs Babies" show, relieving George Crab- tree, who went over to Irons &- Clam age to pilot their new American wheel at- traction, "World Beaters," Joe Rose, principal comedian and pro- ducer; Eugene West, character, and Sadie Rose, soubret for B, F. Kahn's Union Square stock company. Biff Bang Trio, with Sim Williams' "Bluebirds." "* Jesson and Jesson with "The Lid Lifters." Olive Walker, soubret, with Barney Gerard's '..Follies of the Day." O'Brien and Bradley have replaced Fertlg and Dunn with Hastings' "Kew- •pier Dolls." Ben Byron replaces Harry Bent ley with Arthur Pearson's "Girls a la Carte." (Roehm and Richards.) RICHY CBAIG'S "GIBLS" OPEN. Portland, Me., Dec. 3. Rlchy Craig's "Girls of the Follies" Co. opened Monday for a two-weeks' stay at the Gayety and so far are playing to fine business. Th# company includes the producer and his son, Rlchy Craig, Jr., James G. Moore, Dorothy Bloderlck, Mabel Webb, and a chorus composed of Frances Smith,' Clara Hamilton, Kitty Smith, Alice Jordan, Margaret Smith, Mae Winslow, Pearl Brady, Rose Anson, Dolly Stockton and Lillian Towle. Sam FlorulU is the musical director. .. MT. MOREB'SUNDAYS. The Sunday vaudeville at the Mt. Morris theatre, at 116th street and Fifth avenue, will be booked by Billy Delancy In the Keith agency. It makes the fourth Sunday house Mr. Delaney is booking. The others are Hurtig & Seamon's, Torkvllle and the Strand, Far Rock- away, L. I. Hurtig & Seampn will operate the * Sunday shows at the M t. Morris. The firm has a 5Q per cent, interest in the house with the American wheel, that lately acquired it for burlesque during the week. The Mt. Morris will open its season as an American wheel house next Mon- day with Jack Reid's "Record Breakers." Wednesday it was not a certainty the Mt. Morris would be transferred in time for a Dec. 8 opening, though if the transfer occurred Thursday or goes through, today, the opening will likely take place. HECK'S COIUHDIA RECORD. The Columbia's (New York) box of- fice record for 12 shows passed to I. H. Herk's "Beauty Trust," ending the Co- lumbia engagement last Saturday. The house record is. held by Al Reeves, who gave 13 performances the week he se- cured it. The extra show by Reeves was a midnight performance New Year's Eve. To what extent the increased gallery prices at the Columbia aided the Heck show in accomplishing its feat does not appear to be known. The increase in the loft, if it plays to capacity at each performance, makes a difference of be- tween $400 and. $500 on the week's re- ceipts, y ' . Ladies' Night at Burlesque Club. The Burlesque Club will have "Ladles' Night" tomorrow (Saturday) at 161 West 44th street. A special program has been arranged. The function will 8ta«-t at 11 p. m., when Ben Kahn's Union Square stock company, trans- ported in Its entirety from the theatre, will start the entertainment. Vaudeville talent will alao be provided. Each _member will be entitled to bring two guests, ladles preferred. TO TOUR SOUTH AMERICA. Richard Pitrot has approaohed Fred. Irwin with a proposition to organise a burlesque show to tqur South America and which, it is Understood, will be amply financed by native capital. MONTE CARTER WELL AGADI. Seattle, Dec. 3. Monte Carter returned to his musical comedy company at the Oak Sunday after being out from illness for two months. *For the first time during a long-run in this city he appeared In a straight role, minus his familiar Yid- dish make-up. A Stenographer Out of Luck. Ruth Laden, stenographer for George Sofranski; is mourning the loss of a vel- vet bag containing a silver locket, rings and other trinkets valued at $46. The purse was taken from the wash- room in the Putnam building on Mon- day. THE WTRTH'S WEDDING. May Wirth, classed as the greatest feminine bareback star,' was married Nov. 27 to Frank Wirth (White) in New York, at the Little Church Around the Corner. Both are member^ of the Wirth ■Family, noted In Australian circus clr« cles prior to gaining fame m the Ameri- can circuses and in vaudeville. Although there Is no blood relation- ship, both were b.-ought up under the bl 0 tops and the marriage is really a culmination of a circus lot romance. John and Charles Rlngllng came from their Florida estxte for the wedding and '*<> latter^ son> Robert, was —in. Elizabeth Hc-maford was brl i. Many names famous in circus life also attended. The bride was the star of the Rlngllng circus last season and will repeat in it next season. LEE DAVID MARRIES. Lee David, the songwriter, with B. D. Nice & Co., was married to Beatrice Hoffman, of Brooklyn (non-profession- al), Sunday (Nov. 30) at the bride's homa I