Variety (January 1919)

20 Sr/. SHOW REVIEWS '/." MAJESTIC, CHICAGO. ■ - Gblcago, Jbb. 8; ■ After a string of copy acta at the Majestic, Monday, Eva TanRuay, tbe sclntlllnnt boljhe- TlkesB of ▼audoTlUe, who la daringly original If not anything else, was a relief. Era cavorted on In a Chrtitmas treo costume, and It ts safe to say that eeldom has .a flr been so illuminated. She Bang two of her last year's songs, one slightly revised to take In the victory of American arms. Then she changed to a dress made of currency—whether Mexican or U. B. could not be made out Thereafter she made It In her familiar and stunning com- bination of milk white tights and silver bod- ice, first with a dlizy headdress and tben_Rlth her dizzier hair undressed. For a finale she let loose a ballad In tribute to the mothers of America. The song had dramatic fervor and sincerity, and Tanguay had the some. Had she but seized an InBplratlon to wrap herself in a robe to her ankles, stand per- fectly still and render that panegyric "straight" It would have been a sensation. As It was It went powerfully. She also turned a neat trick In an audience aong called "Hollo. Evn," In which she got the villagers to' hollo her and ahe gyrated about and helloed tbom right back. ETva Is now billed as the "Apostle of Optimism," and to rivet that home she did "I Don't Care" for the blowolT. Sbe should worry! A Scotchman named Sandy Shaw did a copy of Harry Lauder so raw that nothing could explain It ercept authorization from Lauder. He had the great one's songs, the remarks, tbe costumes and all the familiar bits. Shaw did not hurt Lauder any and passed away In silence Monday afternoon. Adrian, a black- facer whose method Is as closely a tske-olt of Jolson, and who mlssea his mark as widely, appeared earlier, as^slstcd by four iorambllng men who attempted song and com- edy and who wore rigged up as Rtai^ehandB. EJven the hoke they Bplllrd perished. Tbe act was a total loss. Both these men would do totter tf they would announce the Impersona- tion. Irene JonanI and Agnes Berry, opera sing- ers, likewise trod on familiar territory, mak- ing their work reminiscent of the Kouns girls. This pair, however, can slug, and the routine bad enough popular Stuff to make It palatable. Little Billy followed with one of the hits of :he bill. TM3 cJi!:a-Rlzo little Kentlcmnn Is a trouper. When he sings and dancps and when he'recites be shows technique/and under- standing, feeling and rhythm. He Is no freak, despite his inches. "The Miracle," the veteran mtnd-reading music act once known as Svcn- gall, mystified but failed to entertain. "Mar- ried by Wlrelesa." probably the worst fnllstago act In vaudeville, raurderied half en hour or so. The man doesn't live who could write another plot so Insipid or comedy so wlt1es!i. Simmons and Brantley, skaters, opened to good results, and the Pedernon Brothers, al- ways funny and always a thrill, closed. LaU. te; PALACE, CHICAGO. Chicago, Jan. 8. Enemies of vaudeville wotild have gloated had they seen this bill. It was a wonderful example of how vaudeville should not be run, and must have broken Earl Steward's heart, for Mr. Steward Is n manaRor who takes very seriously the needs and preferences of his Palace patrons. Topping the extraordinary goulash was Blanche Ring, who apparently thinks so little of the vaudeville public she sees lit to not even —go to the iTouble of necurlng one now number. - The regard tbe public has for what Miss Ring has done In the past Is great, but not so great that It will forgive her for what she Is doing. No piano on the stage; no special setting; no changes of gowns; no novelty; nothing. That about descrlhcs Miss Rlnp's act, and she doesn't get tbe worst of It. Blanche sings perhaps n half dozen sontrs, and—ALL war Ronga. Miss Ring was next to closing. There wasn't a flutter when she storted. Towards tbe middle of her act they began to walk out She took ten gratuitous encores on "Blng *em on the Rhine." Tt la a pity that Miss Ring, heretofore tried and true, should betray vau- deville as she has done with her present act. Fisher and Hawley in "Business la Busi- ness," by .Tamos Horan, Is s graceless steal on Bernard and Carr In "Potash ft Perlmut- ■ •, ler," by Montague Glass, The difference is that the latter Is very Kood while the former tB very bad. To account for this startling wndltion It Is well to recollect that Fisher and Hawley are not Bernard and Carr, "Busi- ness Is Business" Is not "Potash ft Perlmuttcr" and James Koran Is certainly not Montague Glass, nor Jutes Eckert Goodman. Then the long and somewhat tiresome, though well staged nnd welt presented "Where Thinea Happen," for which Emily Wellman and Jack Morrts take credit. Six months ago, when Chateau Thierry was but a name on a map. It micht have been wonderful. Today, In rommon with all other war sketches, there is n restless moving of feet when the orchestra vamps on "Over There." As a famous Irish comortlan once snld: "Rnougb Is Ton Much." 'The artful and humorous clowning of James J. Morton, announcing the arts throughout the show, helped to save the hill opened hv Mnng and Snyder, standard athletic net. "The Girl Prom Milwaukee" followed, with pleasant •BongUr -wotl -rendered Tbe.. larty has poaal- . billtiee It somebody will Interest himself of herself to a point of coaching her on demeanor and routine. Crawford and Brorlerlck struck the high comedy note on the bill, getting a laugh for each gag they spilled; this was because the gags were good nnd the way the clrl put them over was better. Jack Alfred and Co. (three men) made a Mtbetle and at the same time ridiculous effort to hide from the audience, by & bedroom- .. K{.tcl»pii, fuU fitage.set and. a. lot of. whlipered dmlOK that nobody heard nor cared about the fact that they are acrobats, BvHng. PALACE. The current week's Palace program carries nil the essentials of a good, interesting, en- tertaining vaudeville show, and, with possibly one exception, every turn from the opening to the dnale can be credited with a well earned hit. The gathering outnumbered the seating capacity by a goodly number, but It was perfect theatre weather, and with such a show on the boards this was naturally expected. The hill had been shifted and chopped con- siderably between Mondoy's motlnee and night show, the evening schedule bringing Lyons and Tosco nnd Lady Constance Stewart-Rich- ardson from the second half to third and fourth spots respectively. It was n sensible ehnnga. for down In the later positions Lew Dockstader nnd Josephine ond Brooke gath- .. ered two of the big hits of the show. The lat- ter combination have nn especially ^i»od routine, nicely timed, well constructed to magnify their personality and versatility and dressed exquisitely. Following the weekly pictorial the "Yip Tip Taphanker.'!" (New Acts) opened and gave the show a rousing start. Edwin George came next with his comedy luggllng routine, ac- companied by some bright patter. He had little trouble In keeping up a continual string of laughs, but might eliminate some of the "chestnuts" which stand out conspicuously in a repertoire of clever, original puna. Lady Constance Stewart-Richardson (New Acts) was next In line with her dancing specialty, which larred the running smooth- neas slightly, and it was left to Lyons and Tosco to crank up the speed again. They did it well, the talk having been rewritten since their reunion. The singlnr; and Lyons' harp solo makes up the strength of the specialty. They chalked up a regular score. Mile. NIttn-Jo has a rather unique singing affair, alternating between French and Eng- lish songs before a drop showing the Interior of n Parisian "Joint." Assuming the role of a girl Apache she lends a little color to the modern vaudeville bill, seeraa reasonably graceful and takes the suggestive coloring away from the character as previously char- acterized by her American predecessors. She was accompanied In one song by a veiled miss In a balcony stage box. It wag a return date nt the Palace for Nita-Jo. and around the house they said she did better Monday than previously. ■^ Leon Erroll, aided by Jed Prouty. showed "The Ciiost," n skit who»e falls and general work ot.Errol kept the house in good humor, for the spot was Ideal for an net of this kind. While a trifle rough,. "The Guest" is a sure fire laugh producer when nceximpanled by Krrol's personality and ability. After the smoking period .Tosephine and Tyler Brooke with .Ted Shapiro at the piano Introdurert their singing nnd dancing skit. The ccHplo match well nnd work with grace and ryfhm. particularly In the double dances. Mr. Dockstader has a new routine, char- netorlzlng a typical ward politician. His talk deals with the current political situation,-the war particularly, with some good comedy comment on the President's trip abroad. Every point produced, and at the finish Dock- stader had cornered one of the real big hits of the evening. Nan Halp^rln In her second song cycle re- pented her former Palace successes, establish- ing her accredited nhlllty when, following the long bin, she copped top honors. Jqe Jack- son closed the show and held all but a few in for his finish. Wytm. RIVEJP^DE. A capacity nndlencc viewed one of the fast- est shows of the season Monday night. The program was slightly shitted, bringing Mllo from the next to closing spot Into the first half and Harry and Anna Seymour placed near the close of the show. A sailor dressed In unl.'orm is playing one of the French horns In the orchestra pit and Fred Schwarts, the leader for Fritzl Schelf. and Alexander Se- den, director for Hyams and Mclntyre, are wearing white gloves while directing the musicians. The show was opened by Collins and Hart. Krnntz nnd Ln Salle, No. -2, might change their song routine somewhat, as they are steadily playing nround here. The extra en- core song Is not strong enough to follow their dancing. The MosconI Brothers and their Sis- ter Vcrna have the music arranged Just right for their act nnd as they are dependable show- men nnd excellent dancers, scored the big hit of tho bill. They now have their sister doing the Imltntlon of Louis Mosconl's eccentric dance following the number Instead of it be- ing used for nn encore bit. , Mllo started with his off stage song and then with five minutes of personal chatter won laughs. His Imitations were nicely appre- rlated but he furnished tho only slow moment of Ihe entire show when he sang a ballad. Ouftlde of that he scored. Hyams and Mc- lntyre won many Inuchs with "Mnybloom," which has a pint and two songs. 'They scored easily. After li)tcrmission Fritzl Schcff, dressed In the same gown worn, here nt her former en- j;a.F4.'.me.iit. .IJbrHA. .ninnibs nf!.o, . sJipc- ♦Uo eeme ■ repertoire of numbers. Miss Schcff was In good voice nnd made her usual Imprcs'lon. Harry nnd Anna Seymour arc trying for a new brand of "nut" stuff which Miss Sey- mour doesn't hnmlle any too well. It cannot he called "refined vaudeville." Her brother, who does Ihc straight, could Improve himself and the performnnct'. They open with a double song which holds l],ttle promise and then do a little "nut" talk in which Miss Seymour bas ..plen.ty. of. eppni-tjiDlty. .o.l slamlr*-. the- drop.. After an old crying song Harry Seymour con- tributes the best part of the act In the form of a neat soft shoe dance. In tbe flnlBbln^ song and dance with her brother sbe gave ber brother a kick to wblob sbe added that "sbe loves that part" of the act Leon snd Brrol and Jed Prouty closed tbe show with tbeir comedy skit Brrol won many laugba. COLONIAL Because of the switching of the playing or- der of the bill at tbe Colonial Monday sight all of tbe bits were bunched In the second half. Incidentally the closing act, wblcb un- der ordinary circumstances, coming on at 11.20, would have undoubtedly finished to empty seats, was made one of the distinct hits because of the fact that Pat Rooney and Jlm- mle,Barry worked right in with Brown, the "champ" walker, and helped him to clean-up. , The result was that the "race" between he and his training partner was played to an interested and very much enthused audience. Brown has Rooney and Barry to thank for this, for their horseplay made It possible for him to pull a laughing bit A line extended from the box ofllce to the comer of e3d street from 7.45 until the news weekly was on, and It was unbroken at that time. The class of audence seems to have changed greatly, there was more of what might be termed a "mixed crowd" pcfsent on the lower floor than no- ticed in times past. But tbe lower floor was almost solidly occupied. The program order for the opening half of tbe show was Rose and Ellle; Weber and Rld- nor; Mr. and Mrs. Jlmmle Barry; George MacFarlane and Mrs. Gene Hughes and Ck>. The playing order after the matinee had Rose and Ellis opening and getting away strongly with their barrel Jumping, the final trick giv- ing tbe audience a real thrill and winning a strong hand; Weber and Rldnor following and closing strong with their dancing. Then came the first switch with Toto, the clown, moved tip from opening Intermission to tbe third spot. Toto got a laugh on the entrance from nn automobile and after that had 'to fight his way through to the finish. The laughs came slow and the applause was entirely too moderate for an act of this kind. It was not the fault of Toto but rather that of the audi- ence, for his work Is deserving of more than ■ It received. Mr. and Mrs. Barry were sure fire with the Colonial audience but even they found the going rather hard for the first few minutes. Ben Bernle was the first act to start any- thing. He was also moved up from the second half of the show. His stories got laughs right along and at the finish the gallery was asking for mere. Closing the first part was Muriel Worth. Here there was also a seeming lack of appreciation on the part of the audience. In her opening number Miss Worth reall/ suggested that greatest of alt toe dancers, Oenee, and later her combination of the vigil and death scenes of "Madam Butterfiy" to the musical accompaniment of "One Pine Day,'' presented as a bit of dance pantomime showea that she ts a moat capable artist - But the audience did not seem to care for her until she arrived at the Jazz portion. Then those In front rose to tbe eceaston and rewarded her efforts with something like what was due hiT. The last half was hit after hit. with George MacFartane starting off that section. He sang • six numbers In all. Mrs. Gene Hughes with her players In "When He Comes Back" were a decided hit and Rooney and Bent, who were next to closing, were tje big riot. They are sure favorites with that audience and Pat handled them Just as he pleased for more than half an hour. That song of his. "When the Fighting Irish Come Home," brought the house down around his ears and the 'Frisco dance Imitation and tbe Mosconlnl burlesque bit were bowls. The rearrangement of the bill made a show that finished mighty strong. Pred. ALHAMBRA. This Is New Tear's "Festival Week" at the Alhamhra, which, like. other houses In tbe neighborhood sections, thrive on that kind of bill, even though frequently given. Every time a strong headllner Isn't in sight, another act Is added to the usual nine, and some sort of festival show Is billed. This week's show Is advised In time table fashion, that making things all the stronger In the patrons* eyes. Business at the Alhamhra, in company with the Colonial, has been looking up lately. The shows have been good and there has been heaps of publicity work. Including house to house canvass. Monday night the house looked very big, with a practical sell out for the first and second floors. Tbe bill was rather well rounded, with hon- ors even for Joe Morris and Flossie Campbell nnd Emma Halg and Lou Lockett. Morris was In the service for a spell, and Miss Campbell teamed with another girl, offering a sister act But with Joe back from the wars they re- united, and the turn, while along former lines, shapes up better than ever. All of tbe com- edy hns been retained and there are several new numbers. Also Miss Campbell is flashing one or two new frocks. Morris sang the new stuttering niimber, ."Helen I Ijovo Tou," and Miss Campbell handled "Kisses." They (Jiietted 'j'ltb "I'Tow You-"Going to Koop 'em Down on the Farm" and "Come on. Papa." The latter song was used for a finish and wda oxci'llently put over. Miss Campbell used a 'knlckored costume for It They were fifth. Six of the ten acts used before intermlssloD. The Halg nnd Lockett turn was eighth and easily the class of the show. Lockett has In- sorted one new song, "He's Got to Have a Lot of It Now," a returned soldier number. As usual, he won returns with his specialty. ''Sweeties" found plenty of favor -closlag Intermission. For the first time, the four men In the act are billed In addition to Lillian Berse. The Yiddish "ace" Is done by Jack Welner, the "blue devil" by James McCue, the martfie by Frank K. Ervl and tbe cap- tain by Al Warner. Three comedy turns held fourth after Inter- mission, which was opened by Harry Madison and Gene Winchester. The Klein Brothers were next to closing, and Tartan floished. Madison and Winchester soon bad the house giggling with their assorted bits of "hokum." The finish Is funny, that of the "saw mill scene from 'Quo Vadls,'" even though it doesn't bring much in the way of applause. Tbe Kleins held their spot well In hand, bringing the laughs as usual, and by quickly turning to Jest several little occurrences In the house during their routine, drew strict atten- tion from the audience. Very few started out when Tarzan appeared, and those who did tar- ried in the rear until -the act was over. One who stopped on the way out Joined in the laughs coming from tbe business with the drummer, and remarked it was "sure some monk." The earlier section of the bill has two com- edy acts In addition to Morris ftnd Campt>ell, they being Le Maire and Hayes and Co. and Claudia Coleman (New Acts). The Le Maire turn was on third, and lacking "heft" it can hardly do better in position in tbe bigger houses, if as well. The idea of a boat In the middle of a street is only partly funny. By inserting some brand new comedy bits. Instead of some of the lines which aren't so new, the turn would be easily strengthened. The Tank Corps "presented" Lieutenants ■ Schram and Armstrong, on second (New Acts). Frankle Wilson, with her "modern mirage," an illuminated posing act, opened the show. Some of the pictures projected were anything but alluring, but the patriotic effects at the close were good, giving the turn a strong finish. The music appears wrong In spots, the orchestra playing Indian tunes when the poses were really Oriental. Ibee. ROYAL. Packed Tuesday night. A line formed he- fore 7.30. Following the news reel. The Blck- fords opened with some comedy tumbling and Juggling, the man of the turn doing all the work. Harmon and O'Connor, two girls, ac- cepted one encore and answering the insistent applause by appearing for a bow after the fol- lowing turn had been announced. Loyal's dogs. In which a remarkable canine, "Toque," Is featured, held attention for 11 minutes. Toney and Norman, fourth, kept the audience In con- tinual good, humor with "Tou Know What I Mean." Miss Norman evinces a good sense of showmanship in the intervals of bursting out with seemingly uncontrollable peals of laughter. "Crosby's Comers," closing tbe first half, was marred by a slight disturbance In the lower left box, a wounded soldier making audible remarks. , Following the Intermission "On the Scaf- fold," with Rice and Werner, in blnckfac», allowed some "ruff stuff" to be put across. As a laughter vehicle. It accomplished its pur- pose. Belle Baker, following, second week, cleaned up the hit of the hill. Judging by the applause. She accepted two encores, stopped the show twice, and then begged off because of a sore throat. One of her encores, a medley of popular strains, is a gem. Frisco, aided by Lauretta McDermott and Bort Kelly's Jazz Band, initiated the Bronxltea ln*o the mystery of the shimmy and Jazz. Frisco seems to be felling for the traveety stuff, as he has spread a deal of It through the act. He has, however, eliminated the bit of doing an Imitation wallop of Benny I,eonard when someone requested Eddie Leonard. The International Five closed the bill, going through a fast six minutes of acrobatics, tumb- ling and head to head to shoulder stunts, which proved of no avail In keeping the audi- ence in, however, through no fault of the tarji, FimfAVENUE. Just a fair show the first half, in its vaudeville. Perhaps not even up to that mark for the Fifth Avenue. Dei>endence may have been placed upon the first chapters of the Houdlnl serial, exhibited at tbe end of the performance. The houso held as good a crowd as ever, for Monday evening. The flrst of the eight acts was Bert and Lottie Walton in dancing, singing and.talk, valued in that order as well. The couple have set their act rather tastily, and It looked quite sightly in the opening position. Besides the principals, do fast work when danclitg, and the turn runs smoothly, with each having two or more changes of cos- tume. They were nicely received. Following was George Murray (New Acts), who Is net a single, though so billed. He car- ries a straight man for a comedy opening. Third were Larry Rellly and Co. In "The Minstrel of Kerry," with six people. As an "Irish singing sketch," it's one of the best vaudeville now holds, which doesn't appraise its worth, since there is little competition Just now for It. With Hallowe'en as the time it permits a light effect at the opening, and Mr. Rellly makes considerable use of the stage lowered spot encased in a cut-eut pumphin to stand in Ite glare. The mcthof-- rote is well played, and the company seems the same as before. In an early position Mr. Rellly' turn will get over, though It runs too long. It's best applause speech, about the older mother grows, etc., should either be put over for the telling applause or taken out. After Mabel Burke had sung the Illustrated song, "Have a Smile," Julian Uoss (New Acts) did a new monolog that brought 8«v-