The New York Clipper (April 1916)

April IS THE NEW YORK CLIPPER 11 THE CRISIS. The strained relation* now existing between the White Bats and the Managers' Association Is de- plorable, to say the least, and It la a pity that some Amicable understanding cannot be reucbed without resorting to violent measures, which can only result In treat Injury to both of the organiza- tions. That there are grievances oh both sides that ought to be adjusted Is beyond question, but there Is certainly some way of adjusting them in an orderly and sensible manner. If this controversy precipitates a strike of the performers, an appall- ing condition will prevail In the vaudeville busi- ness for a long* time to come, tn a contest of this kind the strongest side will win out. If the managers lose their business will Suffer for a time, but with their wealth back of them they can stand a temporary loss without great hardship to any one of them Individually, and they can reorganize their business on lines that: will bring them future success and recuperate their torses. On the other hand If tbe White Hats lose It will bring want and misery to thousands of perform- ers and those dependent upon them, and It Is doubtful whether they will ever recover their lost independence and prestige. Already It hat been brought to our attention that there are now hun- dreds of performers who, through enforced Id'e- ness, are In actual want for the necessaries of life, and if this Is so now, how much worse will It be when a large army of performers are forced into idleness. This momentous question cannot be properly de- bated at a mass meeting where a sensational leader can, by bla oratory, work up bis audience to a frenzy of excitement that will deprive them of their best judgment and lead them into a grievous error 'that they would repent—when It was too late, fflhe wisest and most conservative men should take up this question and give it the careful and thoughtful consideration that Its Importance de- mands. All militant and coercive measures should be abandoned, and an honest effort should be made, by arbitration or some other measufe, to secure a peaceful settlement. WHERE THE CLIPPER STANDS. Ton Ct.iriEit denies the reports that It It "a White Rate' paper" or "a Managers' paper." It U, as it has always been, the champion of all of the Interests centred In the amusement business. The performer and manager are to a large extent .co-existent, each dependent Upon the other, and it is this fact that inspires The Clipper to targe them both to get closer together and endeavor to reach some agreement that will render further strife and discord unnecessary. "The Man Without a Country." 22 MlN. FtJIX 8TAOB. Palace—A story of patriotism by William A. McGulre, based on the classic of the same name by Edward Everetf Hale, "The Man Without a Country." had its prenWsr* here Monday afternoon, with a cast of ten people, with Will D. Corbett in the title role. It takes three scenes to tell the story, which has been followed closely by the author. It concerns a young man who refuses to go to war, and la Anally aroused by the story of tho man who cursed bis country and doomed never to hear big country's name again. A well balanced little company play the Inter- esting story, each character standing out promi- nently. Mr. Corbett, in the principal role," scored heavily. Jack. Si log a trifle hard for his quiet delivery, but mau- lly stuck to his guns and registered nicely. Some of the points of the monologue went soaring and "missed, but that fact does not dlscrodrt Welch, because he Is an artist In Hebrew delinea- tion. It were well for many of tbe so-called "He brew comics" to take a leaf out of this chap's book. Inasmuch as he avoids tbe plttalls of over exaggera- tion and makes the character human and likeable- Harry Vivian and company, rice and gun shoot- ing turn, close tbe show. Some of the guns re- fused to work properly, but on tbe Whole tho act interested. Fret AMERICAN. Chas. Potsdam. Man. Monday matinee, April 10, saw a good house. The band of S. 8. Vaterland. as the feature, drew them in, and a Well laid out bill Was Well played. Four Vanls (two men and two Women), nn operatic singing act, opened the allow, and are good singing quartette. They were well applauded to two bows. Myra Heir a dainty little Mis*, the daughter of tho late Fred Heir, did a single la one, and put over a pleasing act. Her opening number, a medley of her father's song hits. Was well ren- dered and applauded. "Honolulu Bluet," a corking good Hawaiian number: "Give a Little Credit to xour Dad" were liked; her closing number, "Ob, Joe," was put over to three bows. Bertha Crelgbton and company (two women and one man), a well played sketch with laughs and pathos. Miss Crelgnton Is a very clever actresfl, and the supporting company was excellent. Thoso out In front enjoyed the act to four bows. Capt. Barnett and Son (two men). These mid- gets have ployed around here for the past year and have been reviewed in these columns. Tho smaller man's expectorating on stage is not neces- sary. Tbe act was well liked ana received three bows. Tbe Interned musicians of B. B. Vatcrtand NEW VAUDEVILLE ACTS Sam Itaskln'a Royal Band. 15 Mjn. Full SrAor. Jefferson—Sam Raskin's Royal Band consists •f a company of ten people, two of Whom are fe- male*. Each, member Is attired la "Cossack" dream, and the various ones play odd stringed instru- ments, triangular lu shape. Opening, tha group Is arranged in a semicircle on chairs. The director, BAsklh, enters, bows, andithe band plays a Russian overture. White he wields the baton. A solo, "Little Gray Home In the West," is subg by one of tbe ladles, accompanied by the band. Raskin and the other female member then execute a series of Rus- sian Steps. More Instrumental numbers follow, during the course of which Raskin dances Add! tlohal Russian steps. The turn is concluded with a fast number, with Raskin atepplng around at a lively rate. While the ttluslc la pretty. It does not carry sufficient Volume. Tbe interpolation of tome rag numbers might help. Nothing novel except the Instruments. fret Basil Dnrant and Margaret Hawlceswortb. 14 Mix. Full Staob. Palace.—This clever couple waited a long time to take a ding at vaudeville. Tbey have been fea- tured in many of the better class hotels and ball- rooms for some tlmrJWiast as the smartest <>r dancers, and Judging room their performance Mon- day afternoon It won't be long before they are classed as "Vaudeville's Feature Dancers." Appearance counts In all dancing acta as well as talent and personality, and they possess all. They have an excellent routine of classic dan- cing, with the "Plaza Trot" and "Piping Rovk One-Step" as tbe features. Jack. (twenty-four men), all playing brass, are good mu- well laid out program. Their 'March of Eighteenth Regiment elelnns and have opening number. Hussars," was well applauded. "German Pot- jmuri" of German airs, was a little too long. Fay Sehram, in the upper box, sang "Your Wife, accompanied by band, and was Well applauded. They closed with "American National Aire, to six curtains. "Springtime" (four men and three women). A corking good act. Their routine of numbers Well laid out—"Moonlight on the Rhine," "Tbe Letter That Never Reached Home" (a good bal'adl. "Sweet Cider Time," rendered by the "Alorlarty : Sisters," was the feature of tbe act. Tbe act has been reviewed before In these columns. It took three curtains. 1 Anthony and McGulre (two men). A corklnir good line of talk, and McGulre Is an Immaculate straight. Anthony la a genuine comedian. As an Italian he does not overplay. They ware tbe laughing hit of the bill, to three bows. Albert and Joe (two mem, on the wire, did sev- eral novel tricks, end closing the show held them ra. They should work a trine faster. Finishing trick, back somersault, blindfolded, got them two bows. ."ore.. SUPPLEMENTAL ROUTE LIST. Buffalo Bill (Himself) 101 Ranch Shows—Ponca City, Okla.. April 20, Oklahoma Crty 21, Tulsa 22, Pittsburg, Kan., 24, Scdalla, Mo., 2S. Jeffer- son City, Mo., 28. ChampUn, Chas.. Stock—Greenfield, MASS., 10*16. Lowe. Jane. Stock—Schenectady, N. Y.. 10, lndef. "Lucky Fellow. The" (David Belasco, mgr.)—At- lantic City, N. J., 17-22. MlUette Comedy Co.—BarneaviUe, Ga., 10-15. "Mntt A Jeff in College" (Gus H1U. mgr.)—Natlck, Mass.. 12, Manchester, N. H.. 14. 15, Rochester IT. Bath, Me., 18, Gardiner 19, Rockland 20. "Pollyaun*''—Atlantic City, N. J.. 17. "Qulnneys' "—Baltimore 10-15. Btory Stock—Orleans, Neb., 10-15 Elsie Davla and Company. 15 Min. Full Ktaue. Fifth Avt-nur—What better plot for amuse- ment could be found than the never tiresome "Newlyweds?" Newly wedded pair are enjoylug Orst home-cooked dinner, with uncle as guest. Bait cellnr Is accidentally knocked over; wife at once become* superstitious. She informs husband It Is sign of quarrel; husband remonstrate* with ber: quarrel Actually develops and Is In full sway; uncle wisely holds "his peace; husband, in despera- tion, appeals to audience, etc.; quarrel patched up— finU. A sketch that seems bound to meet with popular approval because It is natural and true to life. Numerous vehicles along these eame lines have been seen, but this one carries conviction owing ta the aptitude of tbe players to correctly Interpret naturalness and to refrain from "staglness." A few more lines by the chap portraying the "uncle" would balance the turn properly and speed the action somewhat. Fret. J-mlf Kelly. 12 Min. In One. Special Set. Fifth Avenue.—Jamie played a few weeks In Brooklyn and then moved off the theatrical hori- zon. He re-appeared at the Fifth Avenue, Monday. Opening, discloses a drop depleting exterior of construction office on an "unbusy" day. "Wop" song and talk off stage. Enter Jamie in tbe tun- nel foreman's apparel, tells Irish stories and wings a few numbers written and announced by himself, concludes With medley of Irish airs. A big, good natured boy Is Jamie, carrying a "I want to please yon" air and an Infectious smile. Shy on professional polish, but long on sincerity of purpose and unaffected In manner. FreL Flo and onie 'Walters. IS Mix. In One. Fifth Avenue.—Two girls good to look upon. 1n a conventional "sister act" containing nothing very unusual, ssve what sounded like restricted Songs, Which fart is commendable. Opening, as two country kids, seated under an umbrella, they execute a double song, and tbe ensuing routine embraces solos and duets Interspersed with dsnees of the usual variety and changes of costume. No voices, but pleasing personalities and dainty ex- pression. Fret. CHICAGO VAUDEVILLE PALACE. Bvery spot on bill was well protected. Le Hoen and Dupreece opened with s pretty nov- elty, Involving extraordinary marksmenshlp. Ethel Hopkins sang near-popular songs, snd Imitated snd delivered an amateurish medley In- volving Irving Berlin's songs. E. Merlan's canines scored tbe merit hit of bill. The dogs csrrltd out a complete drama, their pantomime clearly portraying an interesting theme. Celts Bros.' dancing proved Interesting, partly because of "light" chatter. Frederick V. Bowers went very big with bis Song boosting act, already familiar to Chicago au- diences. Mr. and Mrs. Jtrnmle Barry got laughs With "rube" sketch. liossle Clayton and Lester Sbeehan exhibited all kinds of dancing, her stsge orchestra striving to do likewise. Sopble Tucker sang several songs, lo\e senti- ment predominating, though "WalkhV the Dog." •Robinson Crusoe" and "Greatest Battle of AM" were not love songs. She got a big reception. "Edge of the World," with Miss Bottlna. made an artistic closing act, its artistic colorings pleas- ing the audience. Casper. MAJESTIC. A great bill, with three real big hits. Eddie Foy, with his flock of youngsters, grabbed the first honors. Connelly snd Wenrlch took second, singing "The Love I Crave," "Hold Me in Your Loving Arms," "Crying Blues," "8weet Cider Tune" and others. Percy's medley went big. The Seven Honey Boys went over for third hit, singing "Are You From Dixie?" "Little Gray Mother." "I'm Going to Hit the Trail," 'Molly "Dear" and "Good Old Days Back Home." Ward and Faye, Burnham and Irwin. Clare Vin- cent and company, Guatemala Marimba Band. Tlghe and Jason, and the Flying Martina, com- pleted the Mil. Block. HcVICKER'S. John Baxter's song revue, with supporting csst of well known Chicago boys, maoe a big bit. merit- ing Frank Doyle's confident. This set made Its reputation playing small hoaxes, and to-day's show- ing promises more big tlmo engagements. Pnasma. female Impersonator, scored heavily with skirt dances. F. Tennyson Neeley spoke oo "Preparedness," and showed trovlng pictures of Mexico and Til's. Gluran an£ NeWelf, Tyler and CTolius, Nonparlel Four. Will H. Fox, Fred G. Gardner and company, and Chas. Marattl snd company completed the bill, •sch act scoring Individual hits. Mock. (Continued un pope 30.)