Variety (Oct 1906)

VARIBTY ■i-. 13 CORRESPONDENCE THI SET TIME FOB REHEABBAL WILL BE rouvo roLLOwiBO bams or theatbe. NIOHTIBOALES. Buffalo. Oh. wbat Jojr! We arrived iu Buffalo Sunday . iKKiu and were mot at the depot by Ed Daniela Hitb biu autouinbllea. After a spin we went to .; tbe Hotel l>aulela and we took a "Desperate . t.'bance," as tbe company by tbat name was Just ^ lenviiig for (Cleveland. Then Harry bbarpiro, tbe agent of Curtln's show, blew In. We beld blm up. Ue bought thirty cents' worth and charged ' It to bl8 manager, Lou Stork, who is a bird, and that's no kid. i>burplro b<»ugbt a new suit in . Montreal, a bat In Torunlo and a pair of shoes iu Buffalo. Now he Ih almost dressed and looks funny. Dan Gracey went to bed at 3 P.M. with u Montana City. He got up at 7 I'.M. We car- ried him back to bed again at 1 A.M. Ue kept ' right on dreaming about bis bouse In Fair Haven • and the tire dopni-tmeut of which he is the big , flil«>f. Hichy W. Crnig played poker and lost everything but hU wife, ho he's lucky, anyway. .' (lur leader, Dave Morgan, broke three strings on hiri Uddle trying (o tranHpose. Kenneth, our elec- trician, was saving up for a new hat. Next week w'! go to Detroit and he cannot work, as tbe union en id he needs a rest, so no new hat for ~~0iTr Kenneth, I>eor ffirap. Ada- Burnett be4c4 A bum Joke aliout a lemon, then laughed herself to sleep at 4 A.M. and the bar cIohimI for two hourx. Regards to all the Lemon Kids and the lemon crop. THE tJRAPHOPHONB KID. 80TH CENTVBY MAIDS. Pittsburg. " Finished our week in Cleveland and had tbe full orchcHtra on the Mtage Saturday night, so win leave It for you to determine how they liked ^ the show. .Much fun was had at Joe Watson's expense last week, as he was keeping tbe Jewish holiday. No one seemed to be able to figure out why he was stopping at a |2 per day hotel and not eating. We are ail very sorry to say that we lay off next week, although Morton and Diamond tilled in the wei>k at Keith's now Toledo boU8e and Jue Watsun and Toma Ilanlun are go- ing to New York. All the married women have their savings of the seasun guarded very closely, for the naughty husbands have a new fad—"shoot- ing crap." Billy Noble from I>oulsviIle is to ' blame. Brooks and Vedder and Sliarp Brothers ' are playing at the vaudeville house this week ami were among the on"ly callers at our theatre. News is Mcar«-e. Every one going sightseeing In WsHhington next week. So long. THK BOSTON KH). MIOHTIMOALES. , Montreal. We are still flying. We flew into Toronto last Sunday amid shell and fire and were received with open arms by our English neighbors, who turned out in full force to welcome the "Nightingales," and now we hold the record. We went over to King Edward's Hotel to see the King, but be wan Itusy playing seven-up with Sam Dessauerv so we , bad a pleasant time with the Scotch (high-balls) ''. until they put us out. Dan Oracey met all of bis Irish friends In the corner saloou and he had to carry Craig home. This week we are back In Amerita, Buffalo. Tbe "Nightingales" have all flown to their roosts and to-morrow they will fly to the Lafayette Theatre. THE ORAPHOPHONR KID. CHICAGO, ILL. By FRANK WIESBERO. VARIETY'S ChUago oftlce. 79 S. Clark Street. MAJKSTK; (Lyman B. (Jlover, mgr. f<»r Kohl & Castle. Monday resenrxal 9).- Even the fastidi- ous vaudeville auditors who Invariably voice com- plaints and displeasures as to the quality of en- terlnlnnient provided at the vaudeville theatres have emphatically agreed that the bill this week is one that merits distinction as the most diversi- fied seen at this theatre in a long time. The In- st antaneons Hurccss achlev«Hl by Coram, the Eng- lish ventrllo«)uist, on his first appearance in this city was r"markable. Never has a foreign artist in vaudeville here created so much favorable eomment. Coram has a iM)werful voice. His enun- eiation is clear and perfect. A "crying child" is Iiifrodnced at the finish In a niil<ine manner. It is the most singular and accomplished exhibition of ventrilo(]ulsm ever seen here. Amelia Snm- mervllle has her name in large type In the lobby. Her performance consists of talk about her "ex- perience" on the stage, implicating other notables In the profession In the fairly good monologue, presumaldy prepared in haste. She still retains her statuesque charm and pleasant personality. Ctiarles F. Semon Is an excellent comedian and musician and dresses to look "narrow." The rt'fln«>d musical offering of Klein, Ott Brothers and Nicholson was thoroughly enjoyed. Bert I^vy has a novel device for his caricatures of prominent men and the screen arrangement enhances the per- formance considerably. It is almost identical with the perfv/rmance given at the International last season, only that the "model" Is absent. The Nevaros have added a numlx-r of new tricks In their equlllbrlstlc wire performance. The act is much improved and runs better and smoother than on previous visits. There is nothing new in the act of Knight Brothers and Sawtelle, the excel- lent dancing of the trio and the grotesque ec- centricities of one of the brothers making the of- fering enjoyable. Lynn, Fay and Young are cap- tivating young women. They can sing popular •ongs, dance well and are blessed with good looks and vivacity, a combination most essential for them to occupy a prominent place on this week's bill. Uartelle Brothers show different styles of ska- torial dancing, tbe feats cleverly accomplished. Mtfcart's dogs and monkeys gave their familiar exhibition and Nellie Revere sings well. OLY.MPIC (Abe Jacobs, mgr. for Kohl A Cas- tle. Monday rehearsal 9). —Tbe Military Octette is tbe leading attraction in spectacular musical numbers. Henri French, Palfrey and Uoefler, Ueorge Wilson and Gardner and Revere returned with their offerings. Gilroy, Uaynes and Mont- gomery present a comedy sketch; Juggling Thorns have some good tricks in that line. On the bill also are Robert Nome, whistler and instrumental- ist; Majestic Trio, Brandt and Lorano, Lena Dav- enport, Jarvis and Tudur, Hall and (Jolbum. HAYMARKET (Wm. Newkirk, mgr. for Kolil A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—Those on the bill here this week and reviewed recently at tbe other houses, are: The Vassar Girls, Rapoll, Car- son and Willard, Willa Holt Wakefield, Fred Len- nox and company, Swor Brothers, Aurie Dagwell, Campbell and Brady, Chas. U. Duncan, Brothers De Van and the Simmons. SID J. EUSON'S (Sid J. Euson, mgr.).—Modern ideas and development of burlesque slated by the t-nterprlslng manager for this season have so far, with one or two exceptions, failed to materialize at Euson's Theatre, where the better class of audiences are quick to demonstrate appreciation and willing to encourage the progress of bur- lesque. It is said that better shows are on the way and much interest is held in their coming. The two burlesques, "The Phonograph Girls" and "The Prince of Jersey," presented by the "Jersey I^ilies" conipany are iHexcusable for varioua rea- sons—first, above all, the staging. In the pro- ducer's endeavor to create something new be has allowed a phonograph concern to take possession of the set with a lot of untidy and cheap adver- tising matter. The dull elements scattered around the phonographs help to "t>oo8t" the sales of tbe machines. The comedy, what there is of it, over- burdens Frank F. Miller, Dutch comedian, and laughter is at a premium. The comedian is not at fault entirely in tbe distinct comedy part and will Improve. The other male parts are almost insig;nlficant as far as their worth is concerned and they appear when the curtain is about to be lowered on the finale. There is a lot of weak material—so much of it that olMscurlty pervades throughout and tbe monotony is relieved only by musical numbers now and then. The closing piece shows a gaudy set and the comedy runs with inoreused sfteed and swlflncbs on the part of the eomcdlans taken from the olio. Among tbe women Fanny Vedder Is the most prepossessing and am- bltoiisi In everything she dm's, In-ne May is a newcomer and her unfamiliarity with the lines was noticeable. She has a good voice. Connie Ward is given several numbers with tlie chorus and does very well, but most of the selections are quiet, and the girls, excepting a few, are too solemn and cold. It is not a good-looking chorus by any means and there are no voices in it. Several changes in costumes are made, with lil>eral display of tights. U*be show is free from sug- gestlveness and could be made good entertain- ment with better staging and new life. The olio consists of Gordon and Chacon, ordinary colored singing and dancing act; Woods and (ireene look neat in evening dress and their talk proved amus- ing. The Hebrew comedian can improve in make- up. Wni. Baker and Grace Robinson have an acrol>atic dancing act in which the woman doi>s most of the hard work. The talk and antics of the man are so old that they are scarcely ever resurrected nowadays. Fanny Vedder, assisttMl by Franklin and Robinson, two young men, in- troduce some good dancing. The iM'st number on the olio is the comedy horlKontal l>ar and casting act of Boweu and Lina. It is the best of its kind seen here in a long time. FOLLY (J. A. Fennessy, mgr.).—A lively con- glomeration of nonsense with lively comedians and a Joco«*ely vivacious chorus that sparkles in manifold gay costumes are revealed in the two burlesques offered by D.lnkins' "Yankee Doodle (Jlrls." "Tim Sullivan's Chowder" opens the p*T formance with James F. I.*onard as the principal instigator of hilarious merriment, such as the familiar brand of burlesque implies, without striv- ing to elevate to the more pretentious order. It Is leal burlesque as seen at this house for several years and replete with broad episodes and ma- terial In places but not carried to extremes. The eoniedluns are alert and seem to know what they are doing or intend to do in tlie rapid succession of situations. The closing piece is called "Sulli- van on Guard at the Philippines" and the scene shows an American camp in the Islands, The plot is lost in the concoction of satirical inci- dents that give no respite for un«'easlng laughter. The finale Is glvn over to hnmonvTs war tacth-s and noisy situations. Tlie principal male parts are handled by .Mr. Ix^jnard, Billy Hart. Lawrence Crane, Joe McDeVltt and Andy Kelly. Clara Whitney has the leading female imrt and she acts It with dash and spirit. May Crawford Is chic. The chorus, with the exception of one or two girls, is diligent and shapely In face and figure. There are nine complete changes of c<»Btume, each varljMl and tasty and full of color withoiit dis- play of prodigality or vain ostentation. Dark blue hussar suits and tights are appropriately intrc)- duced In the finale, with striking effect. The olio is opened by McDeVltt afid Kelly, excellent eccentric dancers. Billy Hart and Anna Yaye, assisted by Marie Jansen. have a novel burlesqiie cm ventriloquism with a few crude remarks border- ing on Buggestlveness, but not stretched t<x> far. The sketch when pro|>erly toned could serve well In vaudeville, James and Davis have a diverting conversation In which some timely talk siid fairly good singing brought laughter. The feature Is I,awrence Crane and company In magical tricks and illusions, using an elaborate setting and ac- cessories to introduce the clever performance which mystified and entertained the audience. TROCAPERO (I. M. Welngarden. mgr.).— Irwin's "Big Show" gives the State street patrons of this theatre the same shapely girls and bur- lesque seen on the North Side last week. Nat Carr plays the Hebrew character part formerly had by Patsy Judge, and the change is for the l>etter. NOTF«S.—.\sher lA'vy has been promoted from treasurer at tbe Garrick to the mauagemeut of the t^ubert Theatre at Kansas City. Carl Harris succeeded him here.—Tboa. J. L, Brown, preal- dent of the Florida State Fair, has booked $16,000 of vaudeville attractions through Barnes' Western Exchange, for Tampa, Fla., November 14 to 29.— Joe M. Howard, formerly assistant general agent of tbe Pawnee Bill show, is now general repre- sentative of Jacob & Jennon's burlesque attrac- tions.—George Yeoman has returned from the Pa- cific Coast, after playing thirty-five weeks of the Sullivan-Consldiue and Lutwiski time.—Ruff and Rayuol are rehearsing a new sketch written by Myles McCarthy, entitled "The Jail Bird'a Flight." employing four players altogether.—Fred Trues- dell and Fern Melrose will make their vaudeville debut in a novelty singing sketch "The Grand Dad."—Ilulena Frederick, the operatic aoprano, who has been seriously ill with typhoid fever, is repDrted to be out of danger. She was singing at the Majestic when taken sick and bad to be re- moved to a private hospital, where it is reported she is getting along nicely.—Carlton and Terre will leave Irwin's "Big Shou'." They will play the Western Association time iu vaudeville.—The Great (}oldln Russian Troupe of singers and dangers closed their engagement at Riverview Park and departed for New York, where three others will Join them, augmenting tbe act to eleven peopb-. They are booked on tbe coast and open In Seattle In atM>ut four weeks.—Adele Oswald returned to the "The Land of Nod" com- pany after two weeks of vaudeville. She refuses to sing three times a day. PITTSBURG. PA. > By JAS. T. TYNDALL, VARll-yrY'S Pittsburg Ottlce, 309 4tb Ave., Room 207. GRAND (Harry Davis, mgr. and prop.).—The finest bill of the season is given this week. Iloudini Is as mystifying as ever; his trunk mys- tery is so strange as to be uncanny and tbe ease with which he escapes from the manacles that have held the most vicious criminals and tbe added feature of his escape from a straitjacket fastened on by the ofllclals of the Western Peni- tentiary is a marvelous exhiblticu of skill. Ed- wards and Edouin in "Bachelor's Dream," were liked. The Four Htirveys prove to be the best wire walkers seen here; C. Troba, shadowgraiihs, clever and amusing; the A 111 vita Troubadours, good musi- cians; John and Ray Bailey, fair turn; Ethel Mac- Donough, formerly with the "Fadettes," one of the big hits. She is pretty, daintily costumed and has a catchy program. The Sliarp Brothers, (lancers; lA}well and I»well, acrobats, please; Hnsiks and Vedder; Edestus, a good equilibrist, and the pictures make up tlie bill. ACADE.MY (11. W. Williams, Jr., mgr.).— Maury Kraus' "Twentieth Century Maids" are pleasing big houses. The girls are pretty, can sing and the comedians real laughmakers. In tbe opening burlesciue Toma Hanlon, Mamie Diamond, Hilly Noble. Joe Watson and James Morton have tbe important parts. The closing burlesque la bright and clever. Grace Foster, Max Hitter, Joe Watson and William Noble led the fun. In the olio l\)ma Hanlon won much applause with siHigs. Rltter and Foster made good in songs and dances. Joe Watson In Hebrew impersona- tions, Morton and Diamond in a one-act farce caused laugliter, and Cornalla and Eddie in their novel specialty all nade good. GAYFrrY (Jas. E. Orr, mgr.).—Tlie burlesque world has little better to offer than the Bon Ton Extravaganza Company, which* is playing to big aucUences, and which proves that it is worth while to exjK'ud as much money and effort on a burlesque aggregatbm as on the regulation rousi- <iil comedy. "A Pousse Cafe" is the title of the opening musical satire. In which Guy Rawson and Harry Bent ley are the chief funmakers and in whl«ii Frances Clare, the charming soubrette, sing.n many new songs. The vaudeville portion includes tlie Six Darlings; Trainor and Dale, who won repeated recalls; Young Brothers in new acrobatic feats; Pierce and Oi>p. "German Emperors," and Browning and Bentley, Hebrew paro<llsts. went well. The audlen«'e became very enthusiastic after a dance by Nellie Flinerson during the opening number ami the applause delayed the action nearly as much as the feature acts In the olio. PHILADELPHIA. By GEORGE M. YOUNG (Kinks). KEITH'S (If. T. Jordan, mgr. Mcnnlay rehear- snl <♦::!«>). Eleven of the acts on this week's bills ^v•M■e si'en here for the first time, one offering ••'Ihe Fisd's Errand," new in the East, with Lucy riid LiicUt as principals (New Acts>. On pai»er the bill lacked attractiveness, but its entertaining qiitilltles proved n siirprls«» and the audiences which «Towde(! the playhouse all week must liii\»' received their money's worth, particularly ll:o>*e who Indulge in varh'ty for laughing pur- poses only. Colonel Gaston Bortleverry \tor- foiined many Interesting feats with rifle and re- volver, the slHHitlng of the dress from one of his lemnle n^sHtaiits being a bit more spe<iacular tliitii ><klllfiil. considering that the bulls-eyes were llrlnly vls|l»le to the «'yes of the ainllence. The plimo idaytng scored and the act was a success. Max Wilt's "Four Colleens" were well received In their ilnmng. AH have good voices and their M'h'ctloiis well chosen. Bartholdl's c<»ckatooH was an Interesting feature for the lover of pets. The birds lire well trained and perform without much urging. Violet Black and her a-slstant presented loi the first time a sketch called "A West Point Regulotlon" which has nothing to recomniend It. Willie Wesion, a recruit from the burlesque, was warmly welcomed. He gave <»ne of the few ac- ceptable Imitations of Georjre .M. Cohan and sang sexeral soni:s pleasingly. He was encored until for<ed to excuse himself on Mrmday. Howard ond IIo^^ard were heard here for the first time mid made g<KMl with several excellent paro<lics which were admirably rendered. The audlem-e ie<;illcd I lie boys w>veral times. One of the fealures was the success met with by GiMirge E\ans, who played his fifth and last week. Out- side of "The Fadettes" no act has ever been played here so long ami at no time during bis engagement has he failed to go big. Tlie Four M^htons in a series of poses and band balancing feats which displayed great strength won favor. This act is admirably dressed. Adair and Dahn Introduced a clever wire act, although many of their trlckh are familiar. ITie Prampln Trio ideti.sed with a gooti musical act. The Hurleys, gvmnusts, and Juliet Winston, a vocalist, were also entertaining. The Crotty Trio, two wom^n and a man, offered a singing and dancing turn which was heartrending. LYCEl .M (J. G. Jermon, mgr.).—Hyde's "Blue RIMsm GIrlH" furnished tlie week's atrtactlon, ofierlng a minstrel first part of which the musical numbers were the feature. Prominent enter- tainers were Pauline Newton, Violet Holmes and the Eight English Belles; Mackie, Davis and (ompany in a sketch, "The Green and Gold"; the Musical Bennetts in an illusion specialty and the La Belle Comedy Four. "Buster Brown and His Dog Tige at the Dog Show" closed the bill. Business was good all week. TROC.VDERO.—Watson's Burlesquera beaded by William B. Watson pleased large audiences this week. Watson tries hard to keep within lM>unds with his ctmiedy and succeeds in making itiM points plain enough to satisfy those who are not looking for the real raw goods. His com- pany is large in size as well as numliers and a\erages fair aa to looks. Tbe Millershlp Siitera, local favorites, were well received and do good work. Tlie Yaraamota Brothers perform clever wire and i>erch tricks. Orletta and Taylor pleased with their singing. Grade and Reynolds .-umuscd witb An old style knockabout act. "Tbe Mormons" and "The Bashful Venai" mn fonnj— burlestiuers. CASINO (Ellas & Koenlg, mgra.).—The oUo carries the honors of the Rentz-b'antley abow tbia week. "Forty Minutes from Broadway" and a burlesque on "Sapho" serve as vehicles for In- tio<lucing the entire company In a hodgepodge of commonplace comedy and musical numbers which Is not above the ordinary. Nina Bartolini, Ionise Marshall, Marion Blake, Burt Eaton, Nat Wixon and the others do as well as possible with the material at hand. Charlea D. Webber of- fered a Juggling act that was hardly fair; Allen and Daltou pleased with their musical act; Louise Marshall and Dottle King have a fair alater act; Wlxon and Eaton amuse<I with tbelr basa drum and comedy act and Colton and Darrow have sev- eral go«Hl songs. Ttie Zanoraa close the bill with borne clever cycling tricks. Business was good all wiH'k and "amateur night" brought oat a crowded house. BIJOU (William Jennings, mgr,).—Williams' "Ideals" show is back again with tbe same bill offered here as the opening attraction. The bill Is a giMsl one and was as well received aa on its first visit. YE PARK.—"Patsy In Politics" U Billy B. Van's new vehicle which opened this week to pleased audiences. Rose Beaumont is Van'a prin- cipal support. There are a number of mualcal hits in the show. (J RAND OPERA HOUSE.—Charles H. Yale'a "Painting the Town" holds the bill tbia week. It is a spectacular musical farce, well staged and elalKirately costumed. Halliday and Leonard, Al- mon Knowies. Claude Lightner, Mazle King, Editb lyowe, Louise Snnford, Kitty St. Claire and Ro- salie Lynch are prominent on the program. Busi- ness goo<l all week. GEORGE .M. YOUNO (Kinks). CINCINNATI, O. . By HABUY HESS. VARIETY'S Cincinnati Ofllce, 107 Bell Block. OLYMPIC (D. S. McCoy, mgr. Sunday rehearsal 10).—(ireene Brothers, Jugglers and club swingers, open, clever. Bell Trio are good singers. The finale was not liked. Barney Fagan aaslsted by Henrietta Byron was another act not much cared for. Walters and Prouty, seen here for the first time, were one of the hits of the bill. Jewel's Mannlklns is a big act which of its kind la s wonder. Al Weston in "The New Reporter" keeps the audience In convulsions from the mo- ment he comes on until the close. The act Itself does not amount to so mnch, but the comedy of .Mr, Weston and his four assistants make It a big scream. J<ihn T. Kelly in "A (isme of CJonn" is very gtsxl, Edna Aug please<l greatly. Barber Richie Trio, cyclists, pleasantly close the bill. Next week: Trlxle Frlganea, the Three Meers, Burke and Dempsey, Romeo and Juliet, Adolph ZInk, Cliarles and Fanny Van, Edwin Keougb and company, and a headline a<-t not yet announced. COLUMBIA THEATRE (H. M. Zlegler, mgr. Sunday rehearsal 10:.'{0).—Week 30: Anstin Wslsb opens with monologue VSeeIng New York." Audi- ence In uproar during his act. Quaker City Quartet, excellent singing comblnatbm. George Felix, Lydia Barry and Emily Barry in "The Boy Next Disir," seen here so often that the sketch was not liked. Mile. Argo Kastron. viollnlste. Is an artist and with better knowledge of vaudeville will find a place on any bill. Dan Burke and his "School Girls" were one big bit. Les Freres Patty, acrobats, are clever. Paul Barnes, monologue, one long laugh. Virginia Rarl and her "Johnnies" divided the honors. Seen here for the first time, she will }>e expected often hereafter. Kaufmann Troupe, fine. Next week: Henry Lee, Car<m and Herbert. Avon Comedy F'oiir. nines and Remington, Helena Frederick, Ilennlngs, liewis and Hcnningn, Murray K. Hill and DInus Troup*'. PEOPLE'S (James B. Fennessy, mgr.).—"The Americans" present a musical biirletta by Dave Marlon, entitled "Mixed Pickles," with the fol lowing cast: Will II. Ward. Henry Bergman. Jolly Zetih. Robert Ulirgln*, Joe C*s»k. Fred Bar- low, (!ladys Clark, Olga U«»Iler, Mae .Melville. fJeraldlne Tliorslev, Carrie l/cMar, Viola Clayton. Vivian Hoff.nan. Mildred Bent, Clara Holland. Carrie Date, Jesale Rlker, Nettle Wheeler, Tina Allen. Bessie Steljrer and Madge Paull. The comedy work of Ward. Bergman and Jolly Zeb was equal to the rei|ulrements, but at times slap- sticks were resorted to. Tlic settings were fair,