Variety (December 1921)

VARIETY'S CHICAGO OFFICE CHICAGO VAUDEVILLE SHOWS MAJESTIC, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 30. The biggest Monday night this house has eovn in many a month and not ut all the regular Majestic audience. It looked and acted more like a Monday afternoon at the Pal- ace, its sister house—in fact, many of the Palace regulars were there. And it all helped to put over a fast laughing, dancing and comedy show. Daphne Pollard was the head- liner, beside putting over the laugh- ing hit. By the time this little star got through they were eating out of her hand and just refused to say 'enough. Garcinetti Pros., with their big rubber ball, not forgetting the bull- dog, opened. When the ball was thrown in the audience It stayed there for the best part of live min- utes, with the audience getting right Into the game and talking to each other. That gave the rest of the bill an intimate start. Miller and Capman, in a fast rou- tine of dancing, were a surprise hit No. 2. The boys are unassuming, which helps put their routine over, and take nothing for granted, but just close attention to their danc- ing. Florrle Mlllership and Al Ger- rard. In 44 Klick-Kllck, ,, carried the scenic end of the show. Miss Mll- lership was as charming us ever. Gerrard was suffering from a se- vere cold. Charles King and Lila Rhodes, in the first talking bit of the evening, were relished. King's talk is nifty, with plenty of punch lines. Going to full stage, he received the able assistance of Sidney Franklin, who played the piano and did a little more talk. The act closed in "one." with heavy applause and a little speech of thanks. After Miss Pol- lard, Flanagan and Morrison, for- merly Flanagan and Edward?, brought the entire game of golf right into the vaudeville theatre. Five years ago this wouldrhave been Impossible, but with golf getting to be a national pastime enough wise ones are found in any audience to put the act over. Flanagan's com- edy sounds ad lib, which helps ma- terially in selling the. vehicle. Marlon Harris, holding next to closing, never lost a soul, with the audience never seeming to tire of her peculiar style of delivery. She sang four songs and encored with two more and made a speech. Corradinl's Animals, coming on around'half past ten, had the ad- vantage of a well-seated house that tlUB not in a hurry, as there was plenty of time to make trains and cars. APOLLO, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 30. What looked good on papor devel- oped Into a corking bill. With the stellar honors invested in Bessie McCoy Davis, indications are this •fcow should give more than the ordinary satisfaction and at the same time be advantageous from the box office angle. The attendance at the Sunday matinee was somewhat light, with evidence In the front of the auditorium that proper dressing might have been judicious. The middle of the house was packed solid, with the same scale applying for front and center. Had this been done probably an unnecessary re- mark regarding attendance might not have been made by one of the acts. There was also a bit of reticence and reluctance on the part of the audience in giving deserved approba- tion to some of the turns which were very deserving of it. Miss Davis* closing the first part of the show with her satirical "Castles in the Air" should prove to be the offering "de resistence" of the Shu- bert circuit. The Yama Yama girl comes forth with a novel dance crea- tion, presents it in a novel and artis- tic manner as well as getting away from the general trend of modern- day dance offerings. The scenic flash and the mag- nificent costume display of Miss Davis' are worthy of more than pass- ing commendation. She is as agile today as she was when first pre- senting her "Yama Yama." and fur- ther displays her versatility in the terpsichorean art with other num- bers. Jack Barrett and Kmmett Merrill, who assist her, are capable "hoofers," and serve as good foils for her in the dialog during the turn. Despite a bit of miscuing back stage in handling the scenery for the vari- ous changes, Miss Davis managed to stop the show and was called upon for a few words. Georgie Price, programed for the fourth spot, found himself called upon to fit in the next to closing position, switching places with Brendel and Burt. Price in his 18 minutes of work easily won his way. Brendel and Burt, who appeared here in the opening bill with their revue, offered practically the same bits as they did then, and pleaded. They are doing a photograph record piece of business where Miss Burt announces that she will play on the machine on*» of her own r»»enrds and will harmonize with it. It appears that this idea has been "culled" from Friscoe, .the xylophonlst. who syn- chronizes on his instrument with a record, instead ox harmonizes, as Miss Burt docs. Following this "bit" Brendel comes out and an- nounces he will harmonize, too. with a record. A blank is then placed on the machine, and Brendel gets a lot of comedy out of it, turns it over on the other side, and an oper- atic song is heard. With this he starts mugging and facial imitation. But all in all, the bit docs not smack of originality. Equilla Brothers have sensational risky and strength feats, which give the show a very fast impetus at the start. Phil Furman and Fred Rose were No. S with syncopal bed mel- odies, most appetizing and relished, and In an early spot where they did not belong they made more than a creditable showing. Rose does the ivory plugging, while Furman does most of the warbling. Marie Stoddard went through a series of vocal gymnastic effusions which she styles-"Kidding the Ac- tors." Someone Is .kidded, but whether it is the actor or not is a matter of conjecture, for some of her impressions are realistic while others are a bit too far-fetched, even for imitations. Miss Stoddard pleased. Opening the second portion of the bill was Kajlyama, with his concen- tration offering. Kajiyama is a born showman and sells his stuff in a superb manner. He has a subtle method and manner of work, and eases his way through his perform- ance in such a suave manner there is no apparent indication of exertion HYATTS BOOKING EXCHANGE Booking Better Tabloids — 36 Randolph St., CHICAGO HAZEL RENE HATS — GOWNS — COSTUMES Chicago STATE-LAKE THEATRE BUILDING Friday, December 2, 1921 or effort. The "mob" Just loved him at the matinee and could not get enough. Bard and Pearl, from-"The Whirl of New York," did their talking routine. There are a lot of* "wows" in the boys' dialog, some gotten on "old boys" which havw-tr-elr antece- dents back in burlesque, where these boys came from, and then there a"re a few "blue" opes aft well. The former can stay, for they are good for laughs, but the latter might find their way to the vaudeville grave- yard. Du Callon Is most loquacious with his English style of humor, some- what Americanised. Still there are some of his English quips still left which the audiences here seemed to be unable to fathom. His work on the balancing ladder is Incidental, despite It becomes somewhat haz- ardous at times. Closing the show was Mile. Olym- pia Desvall, who presented her winged horse and a score of other equine and canine actors in a pleas- ing routine which held the house very well, despite the lateness of the hour. Loop. Howard's spectacle of ponies and dogs, who had a bit of a task In stemming the passing throng, but did it Just the same. Loop, 300-308 State-Lake Building-. Chicago Tel. Cent. 1 H91> 1RKNR DIBIQUR I Formerly with HAZEL RANOUS f Edith Htrlcklund ELI JEWELRY CO. State-Lake Theatre Building Ground Floor 188 N. State St., CHICAGO WHY NOT GIVE HER A DIAMOND BRACELET? DIAMOND FANCY TMNOS. HHACKI.KTS, WATCH KS. HAR I'INja. PL.V'yrKS, L.AVAMKIIS SCAKKI'INS, WllI.ST WAT' J IKS. DIAMONDS HKMnrvTINfi. ItKMODKI.MNt:. JtKSKTTINii. HKSH5NS. sih;<;j:stk>.\\s. Goods Reserved on Deposit 1'irk out her Xnuis present NOW. A small deposit will K«t you first choice and we will <1« liv« r same any place in the I'niled Slates. liKFKFlKNCKN Nan Halperin, Eddie Cantor, Sam Tishman, Buddy Wal- ton, Jack Lait, Billy Diamond, Ethel Linton, Eddie Marsh, Jess Fre-mrr ? AU— A-'-'r. J. J. Npc't, "Tirh" H :~;'-V: in fact, any or: c in chow bu«?r.cc-. J PALACE, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 30. "Billy Van Duzen" laid claim to the fact that he was an aristocrat, but Jacqueline Malone, who always wants to know the why and where- fore of thlngH. did not credit him with it and showed him up as a gold-plated "oil can," to a capacity audience at the Palace ^Monday evening. It seemed as though it was Suratt night in the house. "The White Way." a playlet by Jack Lait, which is the Suratt new starring vehicle, based on the snares and pit- falls thrown in the way of the un- suspecting and unsophisticated country lass by the city man. Just the bare truth in a blunt but dex- terous manner is propounded and done In a manner which will make an everlasting impression. Miss Suratt played the role in most real- istic fashion and left no doubts. Billy Van Duzen, played by Wm. Hoselle, is a most difficult role, but not for Roselle. Viola Frayne is a sweet, winsome little thing, and no better choice could have been made. A curtain call and speech were nec- essary at the end of the act. Opening the show were Page, Hack and Mack, with their gymnas- tics, acrobatics and feats of strength. Thfc finish, as usual, got the house. Milllcent Mower, on next, did operatic and classic num- bers. Gibson and Connelli were in the trey spot with their comedy playlet, "The Honeymoon," by Aaron Hoffman. This story of entangle- ment oh the beginning of a matri- monial voyage is played in most competent fashion, and every laugh possible garnered by this couple. Olsen and Johnson were show stop- pers, with their comedy and musical offering. The boys fed out every- thing, including a horde of "low comedy," and it seemed for a time they could n<jt dispense enough of it. Jay Dillon and Betty Parker, assisted by Viola Allen, a pretty little violinist and not "The White Sister," sailed along over a smooth sea with their appetizing offering of song, dance and music. Then next came Wm. Sully and Genevieve Houghton in "Calf Love." This is a gem of an offering, and as put over by this duo was accepted as such. Miller and Mack, "The Blng Boys." as usual, were a riot with their gro- tesque offering in the next-to-clos- ing position. Closing the show was AT THEATRICAL HOSPITAL Chicago, Nov. 30. The following are patients at the American Hospital: Gypsy Myers (vaudeville), oper- ated for tumor. Mrs. Eileen Thomas (with "Sweet Sweeties"), operated for appendi- citis. Glenn Coulter (stage manager for Margaret Anglin), treated for trouble with his eyes. .Louis Ellidt (with "Lightnin*"), suffering from paralysis. Rhea McKee Scott (vaudeville), under medical attention. Mr. B. Jordan ("Tip Top"), met with an accident, breaking throe ribs; left the hospital cured. Miss Calless (grand opera singer). ui ler medical treatment and im- proving. Gertrude Gang ("Some Show"), operated for tumor; left hospital in splendid condition. Helen Romaine (Plunket and Ro- main), operated for appendicitis; discharged in good condition. Mrs. Henrietta Qulnlan (wife of Kdward Quinlan of the State-Lake Theatre), operated for gall stones; will leave shortly. Charles Nygro (manager of the "Great White Way"), operated for tumor; left the hospital.. Robert Stevens (Stevens and Her- genson), ill with pleurisy; cured. George Hubbard ("One Hundred Men Wanted"), receiving medical attention; left in good health. Fay Lewis t "Follies" >. nmr.il-tl EIA1T0, CHICAGO Cl.leago, No*. 30.. The editorial that appeared In the Issue of Variety Nov. 4, about re- peated or lifted material, .akes in at least two acts on this week's bill. O. K. Legal, juggler, No. 8, and Scott and Wood, No. 5. Either they have made arrangements with the people whose material they are using, or else should receive a sting- ing retort for trying to slip one over on the original owners. O. K. Legal uses a piece of business which car- ries the earmarks of Williams and Wolfus. Legal bends down to pick up something when some one back stage tears a piece of cloth, giving the impression Legal has ripped his pants. He remains in a stooped position, facing the audience, and when he does turn his back to the crowd he pulls a curtain, hidden in his coat, over the seat of his trousers. Scott and Wood make a clean, un- mistakable lift of Fenton and Fields' telephone bit. The words used are the same, the style of selling the piece of business are the same. The blackface of Scott and Wood walks across the stage with a telephone in his hand, while the straight man is singing a ballad. The straight man stops the comic, Inquiring what he is doing, and then "the man next door wants to use our phone." Bnrnold's Dogs started the works with a well-trained troop of canines. The animals were in first class con- dition and worked without a hitch. Donnabelle and Wilson, two women, came through with harmonizing, be- sides one girl playing the" violin and the other the piano. The women looked attractive and got jver nicely. A combination spot light with the piano and violin bit looked a little out of order. O. K. Legal, Juggler, opened before a special drop in "one," with a back drop. Legal juggles hats and bric-a- bracs. depending upgn comedy situ- ations to sell his stuff! He uses a man dressed as an usher to remove props and operate props back stage which produce funny noises, accord- ing to the trick. The patrons liked him very much. Charles Reader, xylophone player, played loudly enough to be heard by the people in the gallery, and so loud that the xylophone playing was deafening to those in the first ten rows. Accord- ingly the applause was heavier from the gallery. Reader hasn't stuck to any certain style of songs for his offering, but throughout his work seemingly striving for volume. Pos- sibly in a large auditorium Reader's style of playing is proper, but here it looked and sounded noisy. Scott and Wood, two men, one black-faced and the other straight, did more harmony than talking. Both have high tenor voices, which carries the right trick to sell bal- lads. They garnered fair recogni- tion. Turner and Dayton presented a sketch of a wife who lies like blazes and a husband who knows it. The climax comes when the man threat- ens to divorce her. and she tells him she has been working in a store in order to earn money to provide for the coming Joy of a baby. Both peo- ple play the characters well, netting three curtains. Fred Lewis goes over according to the mood the audience is in. If they are facetious, he goals 'em. IT they are a little crabby, he makes it snappy and exits in a hurry. To- day was one of those "exits in a hurry." He scraped up some laughs on his cafeteria jabber, but not enough to encourage an encore. He used his "I'd thought I'd passed away" but once during this perform- ance. Fa ye and Thomas showed to much better advantage at this house than they did a few months back at a neighborhood house. The turn now. has a certain polish to It helps carry it over to honors. They present a proSe, singing and dan<s ing "honeymoon" before an artistic set in two. The girl flashes four creations and a nimble pair of feet The man holds the stage with dances and prose, allowing the girl to slip into other dresses. The linish of the act is that botti are arguing whether the first shall be a boy or girl, when a stage prop stork is low- ered with a grip in his beak. The hand bag is opened and they bring out a monkey. The act is far from a closer, but will be at its best in the middle of the bill. "Last Night" and Dunlay and Merril were not seen at this show. KEDZIE, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 30. This house has been the leader for family theatres in this city for years. This week's bill is a perfectly blend- ed family offering. Booth and Nina, just off the big time, gave the show a running start. This act has improved in the last year so that it stands out as one of the best novelties on either the big or the small time. It has been blended together so that the tricks work up until the last big feature trick, which brings the house down. Watts and Ringgold, man and wom- an, colored, have routined a sure- fire family time act. They harmon- ize Well in. song, with some lively chatter sprinkled with plenty of laughs. John T. Ray and Co.. really a song-and-dance act but set in sketch form, did well No. 3. A comedy dance by Ray and the other man in his company gave them a good end- ing. Russ, Leddy Co., in Surgeon Louder," got heaps of laughs and made way for Coscia and Verdi. Phil Gold In taking the place of the re- cently deceased Michael Coscia. The act still remains the same, with the comedy work of Verdi predominat- ing. Goldin follows the foosteps of his predecessor with credir. Thalero's Circus—ponies, dogs and monkey—in fast usual animal tricks, more than satisfied the children and most of the grown-ups, and closed a well-balanced bill. EMPRESS, CHICAGO Chicago. Nov. 30 With Jake Stenard's Midgets, an act on the style of the Singer Midgets, headlining, and Johnny Coulon the feature attraction, for the Thanksgiving bill probably one of the best shows this or any neigh- borhood house played. Evidently word had gone about In the Engle- wood section after the Thanksgiv- ing matinee it was a "pip*' of a show, for the theatre was sold out on both of the evening perform- ances, with thousands turned away. Due to the length of JJ>e Stenard offering (New Acts), 40 minutes, the show lasted about two hours and a half. Opening were Paul Armenta and Co., man and woman, with gyra* nasties. The man does all of the work, with the woman helping in his gymnastic stuftts as well as aiding in comedy. On second were ths Popularity Qreens, a quartet of songstresses with a novel routine. The act opens with the heads of the women protruding from slits in a drop which represents the musical scales. The women sing a classical number, after which one comes out and ii. .) Uices herself as 'Popular- ity." She then introduces the "Bal- lad" girl, th« "Comedy" girl and the "Blues" girl, with each singing a number of the type they represent Then the quartet go into popular^ songs, concluding with an impres- : sion of a choir and then a quartet singing a popular song. This made« the act a show-stopper, and It took . several minutes for the applause to* subside before Charles Seamon. "The Narrow Feller," could make his inl- (Continued on page 21) r? \ i ctjii'ji ion. i Individuality! Each design made by us is specially for the act buying it We do not sell two drops or sets of the same design. In this way von are assured a ereation, and you need never have a fear that some day you may appear on a bill and meet some one else who carries the same set as yours. DRAPERIES AND SCENERY in every material on the market UNIVERSAL SCENIC ARTIST STUDIOS, Inc. 626 State-Lake Bldg. Phone Dearborn 1776 CHICAGO SOME OF OUR BOOSTERS! Kinit Yoiinir. Admns Sf.-..|, M„rl ;ol.l Unrd.-iis. *«*<■ ('rn'\<r<* (,' i "• <•< IMwsinl n.Tk. Wilkir Amu: ..-in. nt m.. i: U ;ton and. II.>i.;.. D S,XSH.y!y i HIJ?Sf EN A CHARGE ACCOUNT? o<> J