Variety (Mar 1906)

VARIETY ii CORRESPONDENCE BURLESQUE MOTES. "WUlIuuis' Ideals," under the management of Sim Williams, now in jhelJL thirtieth week, have finished the Pacific coast towns and will shortly start for the West again, going as far as St. l'nul. We have had a splendid season and every- body enjoyed the trip immensely. Most of the people with us this season had never before l>ecu to the setting of the sun. Tliis show had a preliminary season of four weeks and will have an auxiliary season of two weeks, which will give us forty-four weeks. That is going some and says a lot for our manager. While at Bozeman, Mont., Mrs. Jack Gruett and Bessie Little imagined they were Wild West riders and had a pleasant afternoon In the saddle, lint the miserable "bronks,"' as usual, were only waiting for a chance, und when they started for the stable displayed their usual trickiness and ran away, both women getting bad falls. In fact. Miss Little was out of the show for quite a time and the ladies ride now only in autos. This show had the pleasure of opening the Bijou at Baltimore, a new venture for this season. <>IK?ned up big and show went splendid and looks as If with careful handling the house would do If they keep good, healthy, clean shows; but one had boy will do a lot of damage in that house, for If the present audience is once startled It will be gone forever. Had a record week at Paterson week of Febru- ary 12 and the show was a tremendous hit. Busi- ness is big here at the Bon Ton, Jersey City, this week. Manager Dinkins, by the way, deserves a word of thanks and some credit for the handsome new dressing rooms and everything appertaining to them. They are grand, nice, bright, new and clean, comfortable and warm, something that the previous dressing rooms were not. Mrs. Clayton Frye (Frye and Allen) haB enjoyed herself much the past two weeks, as she has her four-year-old boy with her after the long separa- tion necessitated by the California trip, and on February 14 Frye and Allen celebrated their silver wedding, twenty-five years married (It does not seem that long, either). Many handsome presents were received by the happy couple. The chorus gave them a handsome silver tea set and many other smaller but valuable gifts were made. Clayton Frye gave his wife a beautiful set of dia- mond earrings and a big kiss. "You can't beat that." LEWIS LIVINGSTON. CINCINNATI, OHIO. COLUMBIA (M. C. Anderson, uigr.).—There is not a weak turn on the bill. The Original Wes- tons, Catherine, Florence and Juliette, open the performance in an act entitled "The Musical gueens." They made a great hit. The Sclplo- Argenanti-Famour trio, In operatic aelectious in Italian, were excellent; Foster and Foster in "The Volunteer Pianist," big hit. Tbe Avon Comedy Four In "The New Teacher," which was good iu spots. Gus Williams, German comedian, has some new gags and made a big bit. Eddie Girard and Jessie Gardde"fin "Dooley and tuu Diamond," hit. Charles Leonard Fletcher in "At the Telephone." big hit. Mile. Martha Florrlne and her troupe of performing lions, pumas, leopards and Jaguars, great animal act. Next week: The Agoust Family, Hallen and Fuller, The Piroscoffs. Deltnore Sisters, Bailey and Austin, Brown, Harris and Brown, Sydney Grant and Fredo and Dare. PEOPLE'S (James E. Fennes- sy, mgr.).—Broadway Gaiety Girls, James H. Cur- tin, proprietor. The burlesque "Glittering Syl- via" was lively. Except for the work of John Weber, German comedian, tbe show would have been a rank failure. The burlesque la too long and drags. In the olio were Marie and Frances Green, sister team, fair; Kenuey and Hollls, talk- ing comedians, poor; Pas-ma-La Trio, poor, the Cuban pickaninny alone saving tbe act; Jack Mar- shall, mimic, good; Famous Melrose Troupe, hit; John Weber, German comedian In "Tbe Lost Child," good. The chorus was elegantly costumed and the scenery new. Next week: The Jolly Girls Burlesquers. STANDARD (Charlea M. Arnold, mgr.).—Gay Masqueraders. Large company, excel- lent chorus. The pony ballet a clean cut hit, the vocal ability being far above the average. The opening burlesque "The Adviser," was fair. In the olio were Harrison Sisters in songs and dances, hit; Berry and Berry in a musical turn that is good; Gourley, Sully and Gourley, acrobats, great hit; James and Lucia Cooper, in sidewalk conver- sation, fair. The closing burlesque, "Way Down Yeast." was fair. Next week: Rice and Barton's Burlesquers. NOTE.—James S. Howell has re- signed as assistant treasurer of the Columbia The- atre. George Schoettle remains as treasurer, while Charles Schweitzer succeeds Mr. Howell. H. HESS. PHILADELPHIA. KEITH'S (H. T. Jordan, mgr.).—No less than seven acts on this week's bill were given their llrst presentation iu this house and made up a program which was better than the usual in its entertainment quality. The real hit of the bill was scored by Clifton Crawford, who was last seen here in "Mother Goose." He offered a mono- logue, both refined and amusing, and sang in good voice. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy gave their familiar sketch "The Coal Strike," and it was as pleasing as ever, winning well deserved laughter. W. II. Murphy and Blanche Nichols were back again with their "From Zaza to Uncle Tom." which hits proved a screaming suc- cess each time it has been given here. Emma Francis was another favorite to repeat a former triumph. She has worked Into her specialty with the two Arabs and her act is better than when previously seen here. Miss Francis is a hard worker and is reaping the rewards. Leon Morris and his pony circus was a pleasure for the chil- dren and interested the older ones. Morris en- countered all kinds of bard luck. He has Added a revolving table—the same as is used by Ber- zae—and It worked badly on Monday. On Wed- nesday an ambitious youth, anxious to earn the reward offered to any one who could stand on the table for a minute, tried It and was thrown off, breaking bla arm in two places. Tbe table was left out of the act for tbe remainder of tbe week. Balancing Stevens did a clown act which was hardly fair. Beruard Williams was another new one, calling himself a "talkative trickster," and was a second to Stevens. Texarkana and Walby essayed to please with a singing and dancing turn, with slight success. Griff Brothers in acrobatic feats claimed originality which was not shown. The McGrath Brothers were not up to the usual standard of banjolsts and their selections were poor. Heury Leoua—it used to be I.eoni when he was with the "Royal Chef" and other musical comedies—and Annie Dale presented for the first time here "A Lesson In Opera." Leona's voice showed its long usage, but be saved himself with a fair rendition of the Carmen "Toreador." Miss Dale has a passable voice when she remains in the middle register. Her high notes were screechy. Barry Thompson ap- peared as a team mate with Will Vidocq. They use a lot of Nat Haines' contributions to the old team of Haines and Vidocq, but did not do nearly so well with it. Wilton Brothers pleased with their comedy bar act and Celina Bobe played with skill on the xylophone and violin. She, like the McGrath Brothers, belongs in the list who persist In using "Miserere," "William Tell" and "Poet and Peasant." The first issue of the new house program met with deserved enthusiasm. It is a gem of the printer's art and a treasure for the souvenir collector. CASINO (Elias, Koenlg and Lcderer, mgre.)— The New York Stars furnished this week's bill. The company is large and capable enough with a better vehicle. There seems to be no excuse for giving "Papa's Coachman" as tbe title for the first part, which is simply a conglomeration of old time minstrel afterpieces. "Easy Doeslt," the burlesque, is not any better. Campbell and Caulfleld open the olio. Catherine Taylor sang acceptably. Lottie Fremont's doll work and some old style contortion tricks by Vic Jerome pulled the Faust Trio through. Raymond and Clark scored heavily with their rapid-fire talk and the Majestic Four had a musical act above the ordi- nary. Will Rogers, the lasso king, was featured as a special attraction and was a pronounced bit. Business big. TROCADERO (Fred Willson, mgr.).—The Uto- pians made their first appearance after a trip through the high brush and did the usual capacity business at this house. "Mixed, Muddled and Fixed" and "The School of Love" were the bur- lesque numbers, which were only ordinary. BIJOU (Geo. W. Rife, mgr.).—Business has been fair all week with Williams' Ideals as the attraction. There has been no change in the bill since given here earlier In the season at the Trocadero. and It repeated the former success. LYCEUM (J. O. Jermon, mgr.).—W. S. Clark's Jersey Lilies' Company appeared as the week's attraction with the same show as was seen at the Casino earlier in the season. Business remains al»out on the average. BON TON (Lily Tyson, mgr.).—With "Oliver Twist" as the dramatic offering by the stock company, Ray Erwln, Florence Simons, Ferguson and Farrell and the Acme Trio appeared In the vaudeville bill this week. NOTES.—Will Rogers, the lasso king, who has been used as a "special feature" to strengthen several of the Eastern Wheel shows, is booked to go abroad In two weeks. Resident Manager Daw- son has inaugurated a new plan to attract women to the Bijou. Women patrons are requested to guess at the nuinlier of persons In the house and the nearest to the official figures Is given an order for a spring bonnet. The gift occurs at each performance and has brought many women to the theatre. Fuller, of Sherman and Fuller, who have been doing an acrobatic turn with the Merrymakers, is laid up in the hospital here with an Injured leg. May Irish, a member of the Jolly Girls company, who is given credit for being aide to do some clever work, has signed with Tom McCready for next season. KINKS. KANSAS CITY, MO. ORPIIKUM (Martin Beck, gen. mgr.).—Week 26 saw fair business and fair bill with Watson, Hutchings and Edwards in "A Vaudeville Ex- change" as headllners. LeBrun Trio furnish a bit of grand opera In good voice and seemed to please. Ferry Convey plays on various musical Instru- ments In an acceptable manner. Harry LeClalr Is a particularly good female Impersonator. Bruno and Russell sing and dance and Happy Jack Gard- ner sings parodies written by himself. The Brun- ins do stunts with a billiard table and conclude with the man juggling the table on his chin. CENTURY (Joseph Barrett, mgr.).—The Alcazar Beauties are the attraction week 25 to good busi- ness. The first part is entitled "The Romance of a Suit Case," which furnishes plenty of fun, and the last part is entitled "A Midnight Dream." There are several good musical numbers that please. Carmenclta. famous In the old days as a Spanish dancer. Is the chief attraction. Others In the olio are the Seyons, who sing and dnnce; Kelley and Bartlett, acrobatic comedians; Saw- telle and Sears, who sing and dance. Halght and Dean have a sketch. James B. Carson sings paro- dies and the three Keeleys do some very clever work In bag punching. Week March 4: The Ori- ental Burlesquers. MAJESTIC (Fred Waldman, mgr.).—Week Feb. 25: Wine, Women and Song did big business with first part entitled "A Day at Niagara Falls" which Is good. The musical num- beri are tuneful. The Inst part Is called "Fun in the Subway" and gives plenty of opportunity for good burlesque. Olio includes Raymond and Clay- ton In a talking act; Frederick Brothers and Burns play musical Instruments; Bonlta sings acceptably and Howe and Scott make good In their Hebrew Impersonations. Week March 4: Roble's Knicker- bockers. NATIONAL (Dr. A. L. Flanders. mgr.).—Polite vaudeville to good business week 25 with Bison Singing Trio. Fred K. Woodson, Illustrated songs; The Zat-Zams. magicians; M. Garvey, Impersonator: Dixie Harris, singer, and E. B. Dupree, Swedish momdoglst. YALE'S (Lloyd Brown, mgr.).—Week 2.1: Good business with Fields and Towner. DeVaro and Thomas, Zalno, the magician, and The Wlnstanleys. FAIRPLAY. BALTIMORE, MD. GAYETY (W. L. Ballauf. mgr.1.—Week 26: Charles II. Waldron's Trocadero Burlesquers were well received by large audiences. The numbers were frequently encored, which made It necessary to cut the program in several places, and the management had to request the audiences to al- low the performance to continue. "The Misfit Family," a clever comedy, was the opening sketch, followed by a very strong olio, tbe main featute of which was Brlnn. the English strong man, in juggling feats, the best of which was the balanc- ing of a large cannon, carriage and all, on his chin and firing it off. The Wilsons, blackface comedians, were kept going until tbelr repertoire was exhausted. The Grahams appeared in a new and novel sketch, which was strictly up to-date. Mae Taylor with songs and Mackle and Walker in "Scenes from Everyday Life" made up the bal- ance of the olio, and "Fun in the Hotel Astor- bllt" ended the performance. MONUMENTAL (Jos. Kernan, mgr.).—Week 26: John Grieves' Parisian Belles to fair business. One of the best performances seen at this house this season. The entertainment opens with the sketch, "The Sultan's Wives," and is full of go and ginger. In the olio are Kitty and Harry Sattoll In the farce, "All of a Twist"; BurnB and Morris, Irish comedians; The Mound City Quartet; the Three Marvelous Heumans, comedy cyclists, and I .a Belle Marie, who is quite clever In a loose wire—apaclalty. The feature of the performance was a patriotic interlude and tableau, "The Na- tional American March." The closing nnmber is "The Girl from Manila," all the members of the company taking part. During both burlettas a chorus of pretty girls are Introduced with new songs. Note.—Harvey Parker and Fred Beel, America's premier wrestlers, are meeting all comers. I. LOWENSTEIN. Navajo Lillian ovation ST. LOUIS, MO. The week opened with big business at all local houses Sunday. On Monday a snowstorm, the most violent in recent years, stopped street car tratfic for several hours. The storm came up during matinee time. At most of the theatres the performers were unable to leave for their hotels. During the evening an army of cleaners were put at work and by the time the night per- formances were over affairs had assumed normal conditions. COLUMBIA (Frank Tate, mgr.).—Tbe Girls easily carried the headline honors. Sieger, a leader in the act, received an in her cornet renditions. Thorne and Carleton were great in their rapid fire repartee. Miss Eva Westcott and company in the playlet "An Episode in Modern Life" made quite an Impression. Keno, Welch and Melrose; Tom Brown, Harry and Msy Woodward, Dick Lynch. Gladdon and La Vine, and Marlon and Deane were all good in their offer- ings. GAYETY (O. T. Crawford, mgr.).—J. Herbert Mack's World Beaters filled the house twice dally. The show is devoid of vulgarity or objectionable features and gives satisfaction. Qulgg, Mackey and Nickerson acquitted themselves with credit In their novelty musical act. Jerome and Morrison sing catchy songs and carry themselves gracefully, others In the olio who made good were Nlblo and Spencer. McFarland and McDonald and Bohannon and Corey. ______ STANDARD (Leo Relchcnbach, mgr.).—The Dreamland Burlesquers with Jolly Zeb and a gi»od- ly bunch of feminine beauty pleased. The Six l'mplre Girls were something of an Innovation. Zeb and Johnson should cut out their double entendre. Lewis Pritzkow is an exceptionally clever singer and yodler but mars his act by springing gags that were printed in almanacs 20 vears ago. NOTES.—Tom Miner was a St. Louis visitor Monday. Frank Logan did remarkably good work ahead of the World Beaters. Harry and May Woodward, the "sunburnt rubes" will play East after they close on the Castle circuit next week. Basil Cother Webb, who has l*>en playing the halls In London, has returned to St. Louis. He Is engaged with Fighting the Flames for the sum- mer season. JOE PAZEN. CLEVELAND, CHIO. KKITII'S (H. A. Daniels, mgr.).—Week of 26: Bill here this week Is hardly up to standard. The three Herzog-Camaras. equilibrists, did fairly well. The Maxsmlth Duo, Introducing dancing ladders; Harry Atkinson. Imitator of musical In- struments: Linden Beckwith, the singing portrait; Bailey and Austin, comedy acrobats: Phil and Net- tle Peters, eccentric comedy; Nina Morris In sketch, 'A Friend's Advice"; Halladay and Leon- ard, Irish comedians, and the pictures. LYRIC <K. R. I*ang. mgr.).- -Ferarl's animals for the first time In vaudeville are making good at this house. The Garnellaa, comedy acrobats, fair; Summers end Winter, singing and dancing, amused; Robert Wlngate, bone soloist, good; Kelly and Adams, comedians, get some laughs; Fred C. Styles, Illustrated songs; pictures close. EMPIRE (C. W. Denglglng, mgr.).—The Bowery Burlesquers give a very fair show and they are too well known to say much about them. The audience enjoyed the opening and closing bur- lesque, called "Two Hot Knights" and "The Gay Modiste," as well B«* the olio, which consisted of Roberta. Hayes and Roberta, the COWboJf, the dude and the' lady; the Three Juggling Bannous; Carmellla D'F.lcedre. a posing act; the Three Hickman Brothers, comedy skit; Kstella Wills, comedienne, and Ben Jansen, vocalist. C. A. B. NEW ORLEANS, LA. ORPHEUM (Martin Beck, gen. mgr.)—Val- erie Berger and company are the "odds folks" for week 26. Their version of ' men" struck the applause center. Perle Diamante, Spanish dancers, have an act runs but nine minutes. Ea telle Wordette company caused the orchestra to sit up gurgle. Flo Adler. with her boy In a made a hit. Watson and Morrlssey, and dance team; Joe Newman and Lewtl Cord and company till out. Business Is mous. BUI for week March r» Includes Pekln Zouaves, Grand Optra Trio, Harry I^e Claire, Klelit, Bryan and Nadlne, Mlrzl von Wenzl, and the second week of Valerie Bergere. OREKNWALL (Henry Grcenwall. mgr.).—Bob Manchester's Crackerjacks oi>ened to capacity on 'Car and that and and DOS, snog M< etlor- Cobb's Corner No. i. A Weekly Wont With WILL th« Wordwright- It's a wise song that knows its own author. Old Subscriber.—No, it Is not called the Bee- hive tower because so many songwrltera have iM-cn stung there. BIG ANNOUNCEflENT Every professional singer will be benefited by sending me a permauent address that I can put on my free mailing list of new aongs. Do It now. NEW 5QNQS 'it a Qirl Like You Loved a Boy Like Me," "Two Dirty Little Hands," "The Hurdy Ourdy Man," and "While the Old Mill Wheel la Turning Round and Round." WILL D. COBB WORDWRIGHT 151a Broadway New York houses for week 28. They present tbe Razzle- Dazzle Girls and "Nature In Marble Hall," with Bob Van Osten as tbe laugh producer. The olio Includes the Clemenso Brothers, a duo of acro- bats and musicians; Lillian Held, singer; tbe (Hockcrs in a baton specialty; Shepard Camp and Hennings, Lewis and Hennlngs. Thelse's Casino Girls featuring Hal Godfrey and company for week March 4. NOTE.—Jake Usher, treasurer of the Orpheum, has a new assistant In tbe person of George S. Lynn. O. M. SAMUEL. "The do a SEATTLE, WASH. SEATTLE (John Cort, mgr.).—Wees 18, High School Girls" open S. R. O. and will big week. They have a good clean show. They have a burlesque in two acts entitled "Whirli- Olggle," which Is a mixture of all of tbe Weber- Flelds shows. Nat Fields and Sol Fields please with German talk. There is a good olio opening with the Oilman Sisters, buck and wing dancera. Billy Hart and Emma Weston in "Tbe Con Sport" and a dope fiend act, are better than any of the others we have had here this season. Hughes and Hazelton do a travesty act on "Damon and Pythias." The Six Flying Banvards. late of the King ling Bros. Circus, do a big act for stage work. Marie Jansen, illustrated songs; not the real Marie. Next week—Williams' Imperial Bur- leaquera. STAR (M. G. Wlnstock, mgr.).— Everything new at the Star this week and a Hat of good acts. Josephine Gassman and her picks; Reckless Reklew, the clown bicycle rider; Stod- dard and Wilson; Jones and Walton in "Our Country Cousin," and the starascope.—'—OR- I'HKCM (Manager Dounellan). Week 18: Among the acts at the Orpheum are tbe Lawn Tennis Trio, the Three Wlscbers, Rosealle Sheldon, Smith and F.llis in a comedy playlet. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps, W. II. Stetson, baritone, and tbe Or- pheumscope. PANTAGES* (Alex Pantages, mgr.).—Week of 20: Wilson and I.elcester, Indian singing sketch, clever; Woods and Ralton, musi- cal entertalnters; Cavalry Quartet, good act of its kind; F. H. Stanfleld, character comedian; Mullaly Sisters, wooden shoe dancers; Arthur F.lwell. descriptive singer; Pantagescope. CEN- TRAL (Don C. Porter, mgr.).— Anna Abbott, tbe Georgia Magnet; Frank G. Smith, comedian; Vir- ginia Richmond, clever tinging turn; Campbell and Stock Slaters, Juggling act, good; moving pic- tures. GEE GEE BEE. INDIANAPOLIS, IND. GRAND OPERA HOUSE (Sbafer Zlegler, mgr.). -The bill of 2d was for the most part an enjoy- able one, though It had its weak features. The Agoust Family of pantomimic Jugglers scored in their novelty act "A Lively Supper at Maxim's," and Hallen and Fuller came in for a good share of favor In their latest sketch, "A Morning Plunge." Sydney Grant, with some new stories und imitations, was well received, and tbe Misses Del more, who formerly lived in Indianapolis, re- ceived much flattering attention during tbe week, several big theatre parties being given in their honor. Their father was among the early theatri- cal managers of this city. A clever little com- pany of Japs Is the Namba Troupe and they gave a good performance. Koichl Namba la the young- est and tiniest acrobat In the world. He la only tlve years old and this was his first appearance on the stage. He didn't do much but stand around and smile at his father and brothers, but that smile was worth going miles to see. Brown, Harris and Brown, In a mixture of aong and bur- leaque. The World's Comedy Four, in their sing- ing act. and Fredo and Dsre, the comedy musi- cians, were fairly successful. Next week Fanny Rice, a great local favorite, heads the program. LOUIS WESLYN. READING, PA. BIJOU (Updegraff A Brownell, mgra.).—Week of 26 Fred Irwin's Majesties greeted an lminemv audience. There are two new burlesques brln ful of novelties with new songs and music. T' opening Is a musical farce. "Down the Line The olio Is replete with novelties. Maude Harv and Evelyn Walker, singers of cstehy songs, fa*. Three Konnys, a Eurof»ean musical novelty, w« received. Fnrron and Fsy in "The Last Quart good hit. The Majestic Trio. Gertie De Mil Kitty Watson, Fanny Watson, singers and dai cers, good hit. Qulnlan Brothers and Buckle; club Jugglers, big hit. The performance closv with the musical absurdity "For Girls Only.* Week of March f> New York Stars. ORPHEUS (Frank D. HI\L rngr.).— Week 20 Aldo and Ar mour. grotesque knockabout bar comedians, fair Le Roy and Woodford, conversationalists, well re . •