Variety (Feb 1906)

VARIETY II SUMMER PARKS 11. H. Boyce, of the "White City" cir- cuit, is so busily engaged nowadays in entertaining old college friends that he lias no opportunity to devote any atten- tion to the affairs of the circuit, of which his brother, Edward Boyce, is the head. It is stated that Steeplechase Park at Coney Island will have $750,000 poured into it before the opening. The money will be spent on improvements, with sev- eral features, to be announced shortly. The L. A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company and Geo. C Tilyou have joined hands at Rockaway Beach. There will be constructed a "Midway," and the whole will be covered over, making a pavilion. Concessions will be sold. The Thompson Company will place a scenic railway in "Wonderland" at Revere Beach. There will be $10,000 invested in a "Hale's Tour" on ground directly adjoin- ing Dreamland at Coney Island. It is con- trolled by L. A. Thompson, who will not utilize it until '07. White City, the most stupendous amuse- ment park Chicago ever had, is announced to open May 19th. Its principal features will be the "Fire Show," a mechanical scenic reproduction of the great Chicago fire, said to be the largest of its kind ever built. Manager Paul D. Howse states that concert bands— the best obtainable in the country—will be engaged for two weeks each during the summer. Ravinia Park opens in Chicago in June with a Symphony Orchestra. Riverview Park will have band concerts and vaude- ville. Sans Souci will have vaudeville and outdoor features. George Homans announces that he has secured a circuit of seven summer park theatres between Norfolk and New Or- leans, but not including the latter town. As these parks are all provided with actual theatres to which an additional admission is charged, they will be able to play the same class of attractions as are seen at Hammerstein's and other local roof gardens. The season opens May 15 and closes Labor Day week. W. W. Scott, superintendent of horses, with the Carl Hagenbeck Greater Shows, has purchased at Cincinnati, six carloads of draught and saddle animals. The cause for this purchase was a decision reached by the owners of the circus to double the show next season. The "Wonderland" park of H. A. Dorsey Will have the field to itself in Montreal this summer, the Starland Company hav- ing finally abandoned that city, after many contradictory decisions. It is un- derstood that the Starland people are looking over New Bedford, Mass., as a possibly favorable location. The Mon- treal "Wonderland" will open May 19, the same date Mr. Dorsey's other park of similar name in Minneapolis will com- mence its season. J. A. Sloan, of St. Paul, is promoting a park at Duluth, and has received en- couragement from the railway interest* there. "The White City," in Indianapolis, nearing completion by the W. H. Ladd Construction Company, will open in May. "The Jungle," the summer amusement park of the Beach Amusement (Company for Chicago, has met with so many diffi- culties that it is doubtful if it will open. It had a desirable location on the lake front on the West Side, but the complica- tions have proven too many. The Ingersoll circuit will not have a park in Cincinnati, the question of Sun- day opening proving too serious a draw- back. Luna Parks, which is the Inger- soll standard name for their amusement resorts, will be opened in May at Wash- ington, Scranton and Winnipeg. The new resorts will have the latest improvements and features, while the older parks have had band stands and outdoor stages built in the enclosures, increasing the seating capacity 2,000 in each, giving the effect of vast amphitheatres. The Ingersoll circuit has added Mexico City to their list, and will open in the coming fall a "Mexidrome" or amphi- theatre. Two scenic railroads, together with Hale's Tours, have been placed in the Luna Parks at Cleveland and Pittsburg. T. J. Hamilton, a well-known New York scenic artist, is the guiding spirit of a park to be located near Wilkinsburg, a suburb of Pittsburg. From all accounts Mr. Hamil- ton will make this a most attractive spot, and it has excellent prospects. William Little, who so ably conducted the Department of Publicity at Luna Park last season, left for Washington, D. C, a few days ago to act in a similar capacity for the Ingersoll enterprises in that city. There are several bands engaged for the coming park season, and the following are some of those which will be heard over the Ingersoll circuit: Banda Rossa, Weber's, Kilties, Inness, Duss, Cteatore's and "Besses o* th' Barn." "Besses o' th' Barn" is a novelty band, playing all brass instruments with no reeds. It was organized 150 years ago, and will tour this country during '06, while on its way to the New Zealand Ex- position. Creatore will receive $4,000 weekly for a two weeks engagement at Luna Park in Pittsburg, the Ingersoll people having been obliged to pay this price through competitive bids for the Italian band's appearance there. It is not believed that West View Park in Pittsburg will open. The location is poor, and although considerable money has been sunk in the enterprise, it will be given up as impossible. CORRESPONDENCE CHICAGO, ILL. MAJESTIC (John M. Draper, mgr. for Kohl A- CaKtle).—The Kloess Slaters, three young women, are newcomers In the city. They gave a remarka- ble a« well as sensational exhibition on the trapeze, which Is one of the most daring acts of its kind seen here. Edwin Stevens, who was here recently with "The Rose of Alhainbra" company, offered a well prepared monologue. Ills method of delivery and versatility won for him much ap- plause. The Hengler Sisters Introduced their clever singing and dancing specialty, which scored a bit. Fanny Rice and the dancing dolls scored a big hit. It la a neat and artistic act of considerable merit. Eddie Glrard and Jessie Gardner offered their fanu, "Dooley and the Dia- mond," which showed the comedian and soubrette to advantage, but the hit they made was personal. They are good entertainers, and deserve the re- ception they received. Elizabeth Murray, whose peculiar singing of coon sougs is well known, re- peated her previous success. Her songs were good and she hnd to respond to several encores. Sylvester, Jones and Tringlc, minstrels, gave a clever singing and dancing act which was liberally applauded. Bryand and Savllle presented their comedy musical act, which has been seen before scores of times but never falls to please. Mr. Savllle, who plays the comedy part, was not so agile as In former days, having an attack of rheu- matism in one of his legs. However, be is still capable of creating laughter. Howley and Leslie, singers and dancers, pleased; Millard Brothers, blackface comedians, gave a good performance. George Austin amused with his absurdities on the wire. He Is assisted by one of the stage hands, who does not seem to care anything about bis "scalp." Others were Harris Brothers, Jugglers, and Sheridan's dogs. OLYMPIC (AI>e Jacobs, mgr. for Kohl A Cas- tle).—The bill Is headed by Prelle's talking dogs. The act is novel and scored a hit when presented at the Majestic two weeks ago. Flake and Mr- Donough again presented their sketch "Good News." and made the same hit. Gus Williams was given a rousing reception. He has some good stories and the audience enjoyed them. Trio Sclplo Argenanti. Italian vocalists, received mer- ited applause. Brown. Harris and Brown have a singing and dancing specialty worthy of commen- dation. The musical act of Foster and Foster v as appreciated. This is their third engagement here In four verks. They go to Europe In a few weeks. The three Westons, female musicians, of- fered a delightful musical act, and the Bud Far- num trio also played musical Instruments in a pleasing manner. Others who completed the bill were Gladden and Lavlne. novelty dancers; George and May Woodward, rural comedy sketch; Rich and Harvey, blackface comedians; Muldoon Sis- ters, trapeze performers, and Klppy, tramp Jug- gler. HAYMARKET (W. E. Freeman, mgr. for Kohl A Castle).—The bill Is headed by John T. Kelly, who was at the top of the list at the Olympic two weeks ago. The sketch Itself. "Finnlgan's Finish," Is a hodge-podge affair, but Mr. Kelly mnde a big hit. His Imitations and singing of "McCormlck," the new Irish song by Collin Davis, brought forth enthusiastic applause. Ooolman's Doga gave a good exhibition, and Bruno and Rus- sell presented their entertaining singing and danc- ing specialty, which called for several encores. One of the biggest hits was made by the Esmer- alda Sisters, assisted by four pretty girls, who do one of the best dancing specialties seen at the Haymarket. Ttie Avon Comedy Four presented "The New Teacher," which gave excuse for some rood singing. Delmore Sisters repeated their hit with their pleasing vocal and Instrumental music. Splller Plttman Trio are experienced musicians and their act pleased. Other acts were Marlon and Dean, eomedr sketch: Dutch Walton, comedian; Will and Camllle Rohme. Miett's Doga. Adams and Drew, T?°brew comedians; the Marlows, danc- ers, and Wrleht Sisters, expert rifle shots. INTERNATIONAL (At. O. Flournoy. mgr.).— The bill offers a list of exceptlonallr good acts. Among those who scored hits were Wlncherman's Rears and Monkeys. Lylllan T,eli'htnn and com- pany. In a comedv sketch. "A Matrimonial Revo- lution": May Madden, vocalist: Kelly and Adams, singer* and dancers: Juggling Thornes and Musi- cal Nalon. COLUMBUS (Weber Pros., mgrs.).—naverly's Minstrels U tie attraction at this Wabash avenue theatre. The first pnrt was gorgeously aet and the company, which was excellent. Included Billy Heard, comedian; Billy Pearl, coon ahouter; Al l'lean. lvrrin Sommcra, George T. Martin, Richard Hunter, W. A. Wolfe and Bruce Walman. Marlon ami Summers nave ■ novelty musical act. Her, Burke and McDonald offered a whirlwind acro- batic act. EPSON'S (Sid J. Euson, mgr.).—Another ex- cellent programme is presented at this burlesque house. The two burlesques selected were "Slum- ming" and "Comic Doing/' in which some good work was done by Chris Lane, Charles Heclow. Carl Anderson, James llionipson and Grade and Reynolds. The Indian number Introduced last week with the "Tammany" song as a feature was the musical hit. NOTES.—Dixon and Anger, who scored a hit with their comedy talk at the Olympic two weeks ago, return next month to play the Majestic snd Haymarket. They have in preparation a new act, with special scenery and scenic effects. Wilfred Clarke has found his sketch, "What Will Happen Next." so successful that he Is likely not to pre- sent any other this season. Mr. Clarke will re- turn here In a week and will again be the feature on the bill. Fllson and Erroll. the well-known vaudevllllans, stayed In the city long enough to tell their friends that they have retired for good. They left for San Francisco, where they will make their home. Their son Hal Godfrey, Is still doing "two a day." There Is every Indication that Sid J. Euson will Join the Columbia Burlesque company next season, If the latter will accept Mr. Euson's terms. The Columbia's burlesque house, Is now the Trocadero, and if the company is for- tunate enough to persuade Mr. Euson to yield his pretty theatre, the Trocadero will probably be torn down and a new house erected, or It will open with a stock burlesque compsny. The thea- tre Is considered Inadequate by the Columbia peo- ple, and Mr. Euson's has been considered favorably for some time, but us Mr. Euson has made a suc- cess with his theatre he will not give op the stock company for road shows unless his terms arc agreed upon. FRANK WIESRERG. DENVER, COL. (By Telegraph.) Every since the first of the year the bills st the Orpheum have been very greatly Improved and in place of bad acts varied by an occasional good one, the bad acts are now noticeable from their Infrequencv. The result shows In the business, for now the house Is packed snd the Orpheum Is so flrmlv established In favor that It will require a revolution to dislodge it. The bill this week shows the Five Plrrocoffls. European novelty Jug- glers, who made good from their first trick. They are whirlwind workers and there Is not a restful moment In the entire act. They are eternally at It and they keep the audience on the edge of the seats. Le Brun's Grand Opera trio was well re- ceived, though grand opera trios are growing al- most painfully plentiful. Harry Le Clair, in his female Impersonations, made good with the au- dience, while McCune and Cahlll, "the Irishmen with the Italian voices," scored a real hit. Al Carleton. "the skinny guy," in monologue, was good in spots, but did not sustain his act. while Welch and Maltland worked hard for a real suc- cess. Theirs la an eccentric contortion and danc- ing act, which is well framed up. Lillian Burk- bardt and company did not do as well as last week. For the second week Miss Burkhardt put on "The Santa Chins Lady," of which she Is part author. The Idea Is not coherent, the incidents are not well worked out and the support was mis- erable. Mlsa Burkhardt has hurt her reputation here by the Incompetence of her supporting play- ers. She scored a real success of a different sort when she lectured on St. Valentine's afternoon at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on "Laughs Behind the Scenes." She Is the first woman to be honored with an Invitation to address this bodv and she made a deelded hit with some hun- dred business men and their wives. NEW EMPIRE -The Alcazar Realities pleasing fairly well. Girls not especially attractive. Vau- deville section up to standard. The Seyons sre slow In solo work, but do well In duo harmony. Kelly and Bartlett have a good acrobatic stunt with tnnny applause getting falls. The 8 Keeley Bros, do ■ bag punching act of superior quality. Victoria Saw tell and Gladys Sears hsve fairly g<ssl song and dance offering. James B. Carson VARIETY THEATRES OF GREATER NEW YORK MANHATTAN. ATLANTIC GARDEN, Bowery Concert ALHAMBRA, 7th Ave. and 125th St Vaudeville 2 CIRCLE. Broadway and 60th St Iturlesquc 2 COLONIAL. Broadway and 03d St Vaudeville 2 2 2 2 DEWEY, 14th St Burlesque FAMILY, East 125th St Vaudeville GOTHAM. East 12."th St Burlesque IIURTIO A SEAMON'S, West 128th St Vaudeville HAMMERSTEIN'S. Times Sq Vaudeville '.2 HUBER'S, 14th St Museum C HIPPODROME. 0th Ave. and 11th St Variety 2 KEITH'S, 14th St Vaudeville C LONDON. Bowery P.urlesque 2 MINER'S BOWERY. Bowery Burlesque 2 MINER'S 8TH AVE., 8th Ave. and 27th St Burlesque 2 PALACE. Amsterdam Ave Vaudeville .. . 2 PASTOR'S, 14th St Vaudeville C PROCTOR'S SSTH STREET. 3d Ave and 58th St. Vaudeville 2 PROCTOR'S 23D STREET, West 23d St Vaudeville 2 BROOKLYN. AMPHION, Bedford Ave Vaudeville Silo a ALCAZAR. Washington St Burlesque 2 and GAIETY, Broadway Burlesque ... 2 and GOTHAM, Kast New York Vaudeville 2 and HYDE A BEHMAN. Adams St Vaudeville 2 and IMPERIAL, Pulton St Vaudeville 2 and KEENEYS. upper Fulton St ." Vaudeville 2:15 I NASSAC. Wllloughby St Burlesque 2 and NOVELTY. Drlggs Ave Vandevllle 2 and ORPHEUM, Fulton St Vaudeville 2:1&S STAR. Jay St Burlesque 2 and UNIQUE. Grand St Burlesque 2 and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. :.'M» and 8:30 P. M. and 8 P. M. ontlnuous. and 8 P. M. ontlnuous. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 P. M. and 8 CM. ontlnuous. IB and 8:1ft P. M. 115 and 8:15 P. M. ml 8:15 P. M. 8 P. M. 8 P. M. 8 P. M. 8 P. M. 8 P. M. ml X:15 P. M. 8 P. M. 8 P. M. ml 8:15 P. M. § P. M. 8 P. M.