Exhibitors Herald (1927)

December 24, 1927 EXHIBITORS HERALD 61 Chicago Avalon Detroit Michigan Kansas City Mainstreet Week Ending December 18 The Six American Balfords, super tumblers and gymnasts, held the audience spell-bound with their dangerous work, and were the biggest hit of Buddy Fisher’s “Klown Kapers” at the Avalon this week. Each member of the orchestra was attired in a silk black and white checkered clown suit. Their first selection was “Tomorrow.” The Ballet, who were next in a snappy review, were also costumed in silk clown suits, but they had as a color combination, red and white checks. The color contrast between the two groups gave a very stunning effect. The Irwin Sisters were next, and they sang “O How Wonderful” and danced to “A Russian Lullaby.” The “ensemble” followed with some calisthenics ; and they tumbled off, getting a big hand. Frankie Hamilton, comedian, stopped the show and was called for three encores. He sang and talked “Ain’t that a Grand and Glorious Feeling?” and his “struggle” with a stuttering song brought down the house. For his last number he imitated a three-year-old girl singing “Bye Bye Blackbird.” Buddy Fisher got a big laugh when he announced at this part of the program that "when the Klu Klux Klan is a paying proposition the Jewish boys will take it over,” but then hastily added, “if there happen to be any members of the Klu Klux Klan present, remember, this is all in fun.” Fisher played a very good clarinet solo in the next number, the “St. Louis Blues,” which was given a fine hand. O Man ! What the Six American Balfords did to that audience ! Here were six boys who were not only expert acrobats, but they had “class” and were also real showmen. Their tricks were, or appeared to be so dangerous, that when it was all over the audience breathed a sigh of relief, and was sure it had enough for one evening. The “Alabama Stomp” served as the Finale. Week Ending December 16 Del Delbridge, the new band leader here, is now entering his third week and is doing fine. The show ran as follows: Opening: A band arrangement of “Moonlit Waters,” with a vocal chorus by Delbridge, was given. This reporter remembers Del when he made his first appearance in a deluxe house in Chicago, and must say that one would never know it was the same Del. His appearance is wonderful, and his mastery of ceremonial direction is in a style by itself. The Kaufman Girls, probably a troupe brought from New York, followed this number with a routine to the Doll Dance, and with no reflection on the girls, we are of the opinion that New York ballet routines are not just what Detroit audiences expect. Jerome Mann, exploited as the youngest broadcasting artist on the radio, appeared next with a series of imitations of famous stage stars such as Ted Lewis, Eddie Leonard and so forth. He was followed by Carlos and Inez, a neat ballroom team, who danced to a fine band arrangement of “Charmaine.” Immediately after this number Delbridge gave a vocalization of “Way Back When,” with special lyrics on “The Days of Beer and Other Things.” One of the best parts of this was the German brass band bit, worked in front of a drop, with comedy slides showing the days of old. Many comedy pranks were pulled, including the Floridora Sextette, played by an all-men cast. Dolores and Eddie followed in a bowery dance routine, intermingled with eccentric steps. This team was reported once before in these columns. Irmanette, the dancing violinist with a cute personality, presented a series of classic and popular tunes, with eccentric steps. Herman and Seman followed next with hokum acrobatic stunts that brought forth many laughs. The Finale assembled the entire cast on stage to the band’s arrangement of “Dancing Tambourines.” Week Ending December 16 Walter Davison and His Louisville Loons, playing their twenty-fifth week as the stage orchestral attraction at the Mainstreet, were seen in black and silver costumes this week, being featured, as usual, in virtually all of the acts. Markell and Faun had a diversified novelty number consisting of music and vocal numbers. Frank Richardson was seen in dialogue and vocal numbers, while the Hudson Wonders had a clever act comprising a versatile exhibition of gymnastic ability. Frozini had a novelty act, including vocal numbers, as did Anna Chang. The overture consisted of popular selections played by Walter Davison and His Louisville Loons. Salt Lake City Capitol Week Ending December 18 The specialty “Idea** offered at the Capitol by Fanchon and Marco, proves to be a well balanced gay, tuneful and sprightly presentation in which two Internationally famed vaudeville teams are featured. “The Dance Demons** is an act of outstanding ability and Taylor and Lake, harmony team, are the stars. There are eight of the Dance Demons equally divided between the sexes. The repertoire ranges from old-fashioned dances to modern and even more modem steps. Taylor and Lake are two girl singers who recently came from Chicago where they played with Paul Ash and scored a remarkable success. Their harmony is little short of perfect. Strikingly different in appearance, one being a brunette, the other a blonde, Taylor and Lake are very much alike in the possession of voices that blend perfectly. Alberti and his band have arranged a group of special numbers which add greatly to the success of this stage presentation and which shows a marked versatility. $ $ (9 IW & |9 |9 |9 f9 Yuletide Greetings to all OUR ORGANIST FRIENDS and PRESENTATION THEATRES Ransley Studios at at at at at at at at | HOLIDAY GREETINGS % | TOM TERRY f 4 Featured Organist f LOEW’S STATE Theatre, ST. LOUIS ISAM HERMAN ^CHICAGO0 | | “The Original Novelty Contest Man” f I Wishes All EXHIBITORS A Merry Christmas and | | A Prosperous New Year f (9 & (9 i® $ & 19 «¥ |9 19 |9 «9 May You All Enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year BENNIE KRUEGER Alternating at Balaban & Katz UPTOWN and TIVOLI THEATRES CHICAGO at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at