Exhibitors Herald (1927)

30 EXHIBITORS HERALD November 12, 1927 STAGE SHOWS Chicago Oriental Week Ending November 6 This is Paul Ash’s Farewell week and the stage show was one of the best yet produced by Louis McDermott at this theatre. With Paul Ash, also appeared Mark Fisher, that golden-voiced leader in a presentation called “Good-by Paul.” Besides a feature picture and a clever organ solo by Henri A. Keates the Herald-Examiner Juvenile Comic contest finals were held here also, during the Sunday noon show. Besides Moss and Frye there were other popular acts on the bill in a stageshow that ran as follows : Opening: In front of drop representing dock in New York where steamers embark for Europe. On this setting also appeared the baggage trucks and other atmospheric props that gave the setting the real effect of a New York sailing dock. Paul Small in the regalia of a naval petty officer, started proceedings off with special lyrics to the tune of "Grand and Glorious Feeling” as a tribute to Paul Ash’s trip to Europe. This was followed by the Abbotts in a sailorette dance routine and as the strains of this tune were heard through the back drop which hid the band. During this number Paul Ash made his entrance in street clothes and after a few words with Paul Small beckoned that the baggage trucks be removed and from behind them emerged the band which went into an arrangement of “One Little Girl Loves Me” which was also sung by Paul Small. This was a very clever arrangement and also offered many instrumental specialties by the boys. The first artist to start the specialties going was little Anna Chang, a cute Chinese girl, who appeared on this bill before and this time offered a brand new song called “What’ll You Do.” A second chorus was repeated with special lyrics dedicated to Paul Ash’s trip which was very cute and won her an encore in the way of a Black Bottom Dance. This was followed by the twelve Abbott girls in red bell-hop outfits and small suitcases which later turned out to be novel letter carriers when the stage lights dimmed and exposed the wording “Good-By Paul” with each girl holding a letter that gave a radium effect in the dark. Quite a novel idea that received a good hand. The regular show was interrupted for awhile at this point to bring on the contestants in the Juvenile Comic Contest which consisted of the 23 various comics appearing in the Chicago HeraldExaminer. During this selection Paul Ash introduced Louis McDermott as the man behind the gun at the Oriental and gave him a wonderful send-off. He also acted as one of the judges with Paul Ash in selecting of winners for the 12 prizes offered in this contest. Some fifty or sixty children appeared in various roles and the first three prizes were awarded to the Impersonators of “Ella Cinders,” “Skipper” of “Toonerville Trolley” and “Tillie, The Toiler.” An enjoyable time was had by all out front in the lining up and selecting of winners and the long line waiting outside proved that this stunt was also a boxoffice bet. Moss and Frye followed this as a continuation of the regular show. These men in black-face do one of the cleverest comedy talking routines ever seen in presentation and their harmony singing deserves credit also. They are without a doubt one of the best offerings of its kind ever to appear at this house and stopped the show cold with their antics. For an encore they offered a special tribute to Paul Ash in harmony 6tyle. The feature attraction of the show followed next when Paul Ash announced Mark Fisher as his successor for the next six weeks and after a wonderful tribute introduced him to a tremendous reception. During this scene the band was hid by a plush curtain and the two did a special act together with Mark singng and Paul accompanying at the piano. The first song Fisher sang, was “My Blue Heaven,” a brand new number which Fisher sang better than he ever sang before. He followed this with “Broken Hearted” with all the pathos and dramatic punch that he instills with his golden-voice which has made him the success that he is today. After this he was compelled to sing another number called “Are You Happy ?” before the crowd would let him off and even then they were not satisfied so Ash turned the baton over to him as Paul Small again singing special lyrics bids Ash Good-by and he together with Fisher sing a duet of “Old Acquaintance Never Be Forgotten” as the Abbott girls decorate steps of boat in background while Ash starts up steamer steps and as he gets towards the center of pilot’s cabin waves good-by. This made a very real and thrilling Finale and that together with the strains of music from the band proved to be one of the most effective scenes ever staged in this type of show. Besides being a tribute to Paul Ash and carrying the atmosphere of his trip throughout, the show carried a plot and was one of the best stagings ever assembled at this theatre. Terra Haute Grand Week Ending October 29 A colorful bit of entertainment enhanced by big sombreros and red bandanas is that presented by Jack O’Grady and His Varsity Entertainers, who are showing the audience a good time in their comic Spanish song entitled “By the Side of the Omelet Sea.” The chorus parts are sung by Burch Arkett, “Big Bill” Fuchs and Jack O’Grady, while the orchestra offers tambourine and castanet effects in the accompaniment. They also are playing a colorful score to the screen feature of the week. New York Capitol Week Ending November 11 Sousa’s stirring and appropriate “Stars and Stripes Forever” as an overture by the Capitol Grand Orchestra, under David Mendoza, as could be expected, brought down the house. "Bubbles” is the title of the stageshow, weaved in and about Vincent Lopez and His Casa Lopez Orchestra in their second week at the Capitol. "Are You Thinking of Me” is their opening number, followed by "The Spirit of 76,” written by one of the boys in the orchestra, depicting the ride of Paul Revere. This is portrayed in a great flash at the finale, when horse and rider are disclosed galloping on the old tread-mill for dear life, accompanied by all the thrill that music can give. A stunt that had everybody interested. Dave White in bit of eccentric souse dancing, incorporating some new and novel steps, stepped into the piece for a little recognition in this spot. Frances Shelley, with plenty of Irish in her smile, gives that intimate floor show touch to her two songs of “My Baby” and “All Mine.” The Chester Hale Girls troop through another good routine quite smart and peppy, though it seemed a little shorter than usual. Margie Barrett, in gypsy costume, starts off with a real offering ' of a difficult classical violin selection. During the applause she is out from the wings again, minus the bulk of her costume whereupon she breaks into a teasing little tune all of which not only indicates she can sing, but the costume leads you to suspect that her forte is dancing and in this she saves the best to the last, and in doing so brought down the house. The girl has personality, class and ability, and with just a wee bit of trimming, will have no trouble at all sailing into the first waters. Dolores Farris, chock full of smiles, gets on her toes in this spot and stays there, through as swift and cleancut bit of toe dancing as has been seen hereabouts in some time. DePace, wizard of the mandolin and a favorite of Broadway, as usual stopped the show, with his genius, cloaked in a world of subtle foolery. In clown costume, he never for a minute lets anybody think he takes his music seriously, yet seemingly without effort, he is tuning in and out the melody of a thousand and one favorites. Ritz Brothers, the three peppy collegiate headliners, run amuck with their ditties and fooling here and top off the bill in great style. Fresh and breezy they entertain royally. Harmony is always good and the clowning is nicely balanced. Indianapolis Egyptian Week Ending November 5 The Nine Blue Bells comprise an exceptionally pleasing jazz orchestra, having the added attraction that each member of the orchestra is an accomplished soloist in addition. Each girl 6ings, dances and plays with apparently equal facility, combining their talents to make a stage presentation of unusual merit. And the orchestra presents a new program with each new picture. The theatre is celebrating its second anniversary this week. Milwaukee Alhambra Week Ending November 5 The Royal Venetian Five is on the Alhambra stage this week with some interesting snatches of operatic selections. The presentation consists of combinations of violin, guitar and singing by the three male and two feminine members of the company, which is very well done. The picture for the week is “Les Miserables.” Billy Randall the ri© “Singing-Dancing Violinist” featured IN “Montmartre” A Publix — Stagehand — Unit Now Playing Publix Theatres Direction — Wm. Morris Agency He*s the Last Word** AL BELASCO (<’ .tt The Dynamic Director9 and His Novelty Syncopators FEATURED IN LUBLINER & TRINZ STAGE PRESENTATIONS, Alternating at HARDING and SENATE THEATRES, CHICAGO Affiliated with PUBLIX CIRCUIT JESSE CRAWFORD With MRS. CRAWFORD at the STAGE CONSOLE Paramount Theatre, New York “At the Cross-Roads of the World”