Exhibitors Herald (1927)

56 EXHIBITORS HERALD December 24, 1927 STAGE SHOWS Chicago Chicago Week Ending December 18 H. Leopold Spitalny conducted his pit orchestra in some beautiful selections from the opera, “Aida,” which was offered in concert style. This was very well rendered and received a fine hand. Robert Sumerhall, the trombonist, offered a line solo. This was followed by an International Newsreel, of “Lindy’s” arrival in Mexico City, which brought loud applause. This was followed by Henry B. Murtagh’s organ solo (reported in the Organ Solo column). The Publix Unit 6how, “Florida,” led by Jules Buffano, opened to a pretty sunken garden scene in Florida, as the Twelve Florida Beauties sang the opening number called “Florida.” “Just a Memory” was next played by the orchestra and 6ung pleasingly by one of the orchestra boys. Billie Gerber, a little girl dressed as a boy, again meets with favor for her singing and tap dancing. The Three Gierdorf Sisters, radio artists, next offer popular numbers in harmonious style, and were very well received. The orchestra next plays a hot arrangement of “Black Maria” which received a nice hand. Elsie Elliott and Gattison Jones, follow with a well routined fancy waltz, which earned them a fine reception. Chester Frederick, protege of Gus Edwards, sings and dances very well and earns an encore. An excedingly clever monologist, Bois Cooper, sings, jokes and makes himself generally wellliked by his humor. Billie Gerber, next sings “Florida” as a pretty scene is disclosed on the bridge. The Trio sing, Elsie Elliot does a high-kicking dance, Frederick does an acrobatic number, Gattison Jones, a buck and wing and the Trio play brass instruments as the bridge curtain rises, depicting a tinseled fountain as the "Florida” girls pose. Atlanta Howard Week Ending December 16 For the first time since its inauguration of the “New Idea” policy, the Howard theatre this week presented a Publix unit, as previously shown prior to the new policy, entitled “Orange Blossoms.” Settings and costumes were beautifully and artistically designed. A chorus of six girls and four show girls were good and donned up-tothe-minute costumes. The number opened with a Spanish garden scene in which Dorothy Neville, soprano, and Eugene Cibelli, tenor, rendered a duet. They received a good hand. A1 Short and his orchestra, with George Lee Hamrick at the organ, gave three request numbers which gathered the usual appreciative response. Especially attractive was a butterfly 6cene. The back drop curtain bore large painted variegated colored butterfly creations, with one criticism adversed to its beauty — that the colors clashed a little. Otherwise, the whole 6cene proved popular. Toots, the clown dancer, in a green checkerboard 6uit, assisted the show materially with his clever antics. Dezso Retter, an acrobatic dancer, gave a well liked stunt in wrestling with himself. Individual. Earl and Bell, songsters and guitar players, went over well. Their songs were clever and original. The show on a whole moved too slowly, but the individual performers gave worthy acts. A lack of pep seemed evident, maybe, an “off day.” Although the name bore “Orange Blossoms,” the Spanish motif was struck throughout. Lafayette (Ind.) Mars Week Ending December 16 A negro orchestra is being exceptionally well received. The orchestra is under the leadership of “Jelly Roll” Morton and with a program of blues and stomps is making a decided hit with the students of Purdue University. There is real artistry in the effects produced by the orchestra and it shows a large degree of showmanship. They have a peculiar rhythm and an originality of interpretation that brings the organization to the front. In the “Hallelujah” song the orchestra depicts the revival hysteria of the negro camp meeting. Thanks! — The same to you, and many of them. THE GREATER DRUNKARD DANCERS JEAN HUBERT FRITZ Now Touring Publix Theatres DIRECTION WM. MORRIS AGENCY YULETIDE GREETINGS m % W. § After an Enjoyable Six Weeks Tour of Europe, I Will Be Back in Chicago for Christmas, and Open at the ORIENTAL THEATRE Week of DECEMBER 26 a Wishing You All a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year, I Am Orientally Yours,