Exhibitors Herald (1927)

46 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 23, 1927 series of Italian melodies accompanying themselves on accordions and banjo. Fenton McAvoy followed with a new song, "Side by Side,” and the orchestra went into a band number, "I’ve Never Seen a Straight Banana,” with a second chorus sung by the drummer and clowned by the rest of the boys. Monty and Carmo, formerly of the Music Box Revue, offered comedy acrobatic stunts which seemed appropriate for this show. Abbott Dancers again appear in a novel routine wearing special egg-like shaped costumes with huge egg-shell heads which, when unbuckled at the top, exposed beautiful colonial costumes. This was given a fine reception. Dacey and McAvoy, dressed in sailor suits, offered "Sailing,” and "Goodnight Lad,” in good harmony style. These boys are well known locally and quite popular over the radio. They were compelled to sing "Four-Leaf Clover” and "All I Want Is You.” for an encore. Charlotte Dawn, a blonde, offered semi-bluee, opening with "Hello Cutie” and closing with "Ain’t (She) He Sweet.” Miss Dawn was compelled to take an encore to her Black Bottom dance. This artist has shown considerable improvement in her routine. George McQueen sang. "I’m Back In Love Again” and "Moonbeam Kiss Her for Me.” George was handicapped by a bad cold but managed to prove he is from the old school. Finale: With orchestra playing “FourLeaf Clover” with entire company doing Black-Bottom and Charleston routine led by Charlotte Dawn. Observation : Since this reporter witnessed the first band show at this house, there has been considerable improvement in the band. The shows are getting better and much credit should be given to the originator and designer of costumes. Boston Loewis State Week Ending April 3 Irvingr Aaronson's Commanders, an entertaining orchestra, and Cogert & Motto, the human jazz band in a novelty musical program provided the stage numbers. Detroit Michigan Week Ending April 16 “Egypt,” a colorful Publix presentation with gorgeous Nile River settings, was the main offering. Kohanna, the Temple Dancer, toplined the activities. The other half of the double program was entitled “In a Music Store,” including songs by Marie Walters and an eccentric dancing turn which Frank McConville executed in a creditable way. In the meantime, Everett Johnson’s Cadets provided some close harmonies in brass. Detroit Capitol Week Ending April 16 The sulphur and molasses season was enthusiastically proclaimed by Jack Waldron, master of ceremonialist, in “Springtime Echoes.” Russ Morgan and his rhythmic orchestra joined in the festivities at various odd moments, playing snappy melodies. Giersdorf Sisters were easily the outstanding features of the production. They are three dainty misses who sing, dance and play with great versatility. Their act stopped the show. Jack North returned again with his “uke” and new songs, receiving another big reception. Leonora’s Dolls, in an eccentric dance number, and vocal demonstrations by Ruth Durrell, soprano, and Charles Jolley, tenor, completed the bill. Detroit State Week Ending April 16 Heading the playboy and gang in “Ask Me Another,” a smart show built around the recent question and answer fad, Charlie Melson spouted numerous high-powered queries that called for droll replies from his heavyweight assistant, Johnny Perkins. Other acts offered were Stanley and Lee, girl dancers held over a second week ; Charlie Calvert, another clever stepper ; and the Darling Twins, first-rate vocal and dance artiste in popular numbers. Philadelphia Fox Week Ending April 16 Holding the place of honor on the surrounding bill was the artistic and graceful dancing of Jean Myrio and Mile. Desha. Overture: "La Tosca” by Puccini with Adolphe Komspan conducting. Mile. Desha gave a delightful Bubble Dance. A sliding panel revealed her with diaphanous draperies and a large Iridescent balloon or bubble. As she danced she kept the bubble floating and her draperies whirled about her in graceful curves. The delicate coloring and sylph like movements gave charm and distinction to the dance. In the next dance Jean Myrio joined her. The sliding panel revealed a black octagonal background with glittering ribbons suspended before it which caught and reflected the many colored lights. The dance was well done and ended in a whirl with Mile. Desha suspended from Jean Myrio’s neck. Appreciative applause followed this number. Borrah Minnevitch and his Harmonica Band worked hard to entertain the audience. The leader might well have been taken his daily dozen, for he conducted with every muscle of his body. His antics were as much a part of the entertainment as the harmony produced by the boys. Among other selections they played a symphony for harmonicas which was original with the band. Noble Sissle, composer, and Eubie Blake, pianist, sang and played "My Swanee Home” and “Under the Dixie Moon.” Their performance was quite mediocre. Los Angeles Met Week Ending April 21 Frank L. Newman presented Eddie Peabody in a new routine at the Met this week. A striking original ballet called "The Dolls’ Dance.” arranged by Jack Partington, brought forth much applause. The music is by Nacio Herb Brown, and a unique number was the burlesque ballet dance on roller skates, which literally brought down the house. Los Angeles Met Week Ending April 13 Eddie Peabody is back at the Met and headed the bill as “Happy Eddie Peabody” in a Jack Partington presentation called “Paradise Isle.” With him appeared the Major Hammond’s Royal Samoans, a hula hula number which had everyone keeping time. Los Angeles State Week Ending April 13 The Fanchon and Marco act at Loew’s was called “Books” and got a fair hand, although the feature needs a snappy finish. A unique tap dance was contributed by the San Francisco Beauties performed on a flight of stairs, Vera Van sang several numbers to good effect, while Gene Morgan acted as master of ceremonies. Some like him. Los Angeles Uptown Week Ending April 13 Abe Lyman and his jazz organization offered “Sam, the Old Accordion Man” with a preponderance of brass. Murray and LaVere returned to this house with a clever act and a 7-year-old tap dancer got a good hand. A tango by a Spanish couple ended the presentation. Kansas City Newman Week Ending April 15 “Under Brooklyn Bridge,” a Publix attraction devised and staged by Frank Cambria, was presented at the Newman this week. The presentation, which includes a cast of twelve, is in one scene, which is augmented by a houseboat, drawn off the stage as a finale, marking the departure of Helene Heller, of Heller and Riley, who plays the role of Mary. Reina Van Geen, Geneva Price, George Riley and Ben Dova arc seen in musical numbers, while Johnny Muldoon and Helene Heller do both musical and dancing numbers. Six “belles of the late nineties” comprise the chorus. The presentation lasts about twenty-five minutes. The Newman Concert, under direction of Sigmund Boguslawski, played selections from "Carmen” as the overture. Jimmy Ellard, a member of the Newman orchestra, sang Toreador song as a specialty. Kansas City Mainstreet Week Ending April 15 Freddy Stritt, comedian, again held the sp*t at the Mainstreet this week, having been held over more than a mjonth. Hal and Gale Sherwood’s orchestra of twenty, which is under an extended booking at the Mainstreet, also were featured throughout the performance, in accordance with the recently adopted presentation policy of the theatre. Other numbers included: Loos Brothers, "All in Harmony,” singing. Irene Beasely, “Syncopated Songs.” Topley and Walsh, "’Two Jazz Babies.” Dorothy Byton & Co., “New Steps.” Atlanta Metropolitan Week Ending April 16 "South’s Superlative Septette,” group of local college girls in return engagement with new program composed of vaudeville stuff, headlined, "Orpheus in the Underworld” was the overture directed by Enrico Leide. JOE FRED McKENZIE and BISHOP (Formerly with Babe Ruth) Met with great success at Chicago Granada. Thanks to BENNY MEROFF and MURRAY BLOOM Under Direction of MORT INFIEILD MURIEL KAYE (Doing “FAN KICKING’’ Dance) This week at the SENATE CHICAGO with MARK FISHER’S Baseball Scandals Direction — Max Turner and Phil Tyrrell CORINNE ARBUCKLE “SONGOLOGIST” in “SONGS WHAT AM” Now playing Keith-Albee Vaudeville Circuit Russell Decker, Personal Rep. Harry Weber Office ITcked by BABE KITH as the best sin^ru? team in Presentations. Discovered by JIMMY KEEFE, publicity director of the F. B. 0. West Coast studio.