Variety (Jan 1907)

12 VARIETY J Tfcs Chat. L Harris Qesrlsr Devoted to the interest* of Bongs and Singers Address all communications to CHA8. K. HARRIS, 31 W. 81st St., N. Y. (Meyer Cohen, Mgr.) Vol. 4. New York, Jan. 5, 1907. No. 8. Ml Paul Burns with Al ^WooaVs great ahow, "Nellie, the Beautiful Cloak Model," at the Weat End Theatre the past week, has had to respond to eight and ten encores with that very catch/ little song, entitled "I'd Like to Know Your Address and Your Name." Mr. 0 1 a V d Thardo. Brooklyn's favorite, predicts that "I'd Like to Know Your Address and Your Name" will be sung by everybody In that city of churches with- in the next thirty days. He aaya the tune la so catchy that one can't help pucker- ing up bis mouth and whistling m singing it all the time. Miss Mildred Kenfleld reports success with "Somewhere" and "Just One Word of Consolation" and "A Little Child Shall Lead Tnem." Jamea Quigley, the Bos- ton tenor, aays that "Somewhere" is the biggest ballad hit Bos- ton has bad in years. Carry Owen and Com- pany are making a big hit with "I Know a Girl Like You." SUMMER PARKS As intimated before, Floyd Thomp- son is out of the new Point of Pines Park enterprise and the resort is going ahead with its preparations for opening the com- ing summer. The Point of Pines Attrac- tion Co. is owned by a group of Boston capitalists financially able to carry the deal through to completion and proper operation. The place was designed by Copeland & Dole and is being erected by the Aldrich & Shea Construction Co. There are in place three thousand feet of board walk on the ocean front, a good ho- tel and numerous other buildings. Boat and steam cars will run direct to the grounds, which is located adjacent to Re- vere Beach, just outside of Bos-ton. The New York Vaudeville Contracting Company this week signed contracts with T. M| Harton, president of the Athletic Park Company, to supply vaudeville and circus features for Luna Park, Buffalo, the coming season. "Luna" is the renamed Athletic Park. Ralph Johnson has brought suit through his lawyer, Gus Dreyer, against Ingersoll & Hopkins for $400 salary alleged to be due him on a week for which he was can- celled by the park managers. Mr. Hop- kins claims that he notified H. B. Mari- nelli, Johnson's agent, fully a fortnight in advance of the date of his firm's in- tention to cancel and that he was within his contract right. A new summer resort in Providence, R. I., ]will be opened to the public the coming spring. It is located two miles from Crescent Park and will contain about thirty acres of attractions calculated to separate the Rhode Island public from its small change. Idora Park at Youngstown, Pa., booking in conjunction with the Cascade at New Castle (both the property of the Pennsyl- vania &- Mahoney Valley Railway), will have a new vaudeville house the coming season. Its estimated cost is $50,000, to- gether with other improvements. The Wolverine Park Company, of Jack- son, Mich., a $100,000 corporation, has pur- chased land at Vandercook's Lake, three miles fron; Jackson, and will build an electric park in be completed by next summer. As a reward for his successful manage- ment last summer of Glen Haven Park, Rochester, the Rochester Street Railroad has given its general manager, B. E. Wil- son, a vacation trip in Europe, paying all his expenses. The railroad people have been convinced that vaudeville is a good investment and next season will have a variety theatre in their other resort, "Sea Breeze." Olympic Park, McKeesport, Pa., former- ly under the management of Harris & a* 8on, of Pittsburg, has been taken over and will be operated this summer by the local trolley line. Frank Melville will book for the resort. A new and most sumptuous park is to be built in Kansas City by next summer. It is not of mushroom growth. AH the plans, location and attractions have been decided upon. The park will consist of twenty- nine acres on the South Side. The project for a new park between Newark and Elizabeth, which was to have been launched under the chaperonage of Melville & Schultheizer has been aban- doned. CORRESPONDENCE Unless otherwise noted, the following reports are fer the current week. Variety's Credential Cards to Corre- spondents for 1907 are now out, and only those for the coming year should be recog- nized. No correspondent without one is au- thorized to represent Variety. GlilGAGO CHICAGO, ILL. By FRANK WIESBERG. VARIETY'S Chicago Office, w.™„ 79 S - Clark St., MAJESTIC (Lyman B. Glover, mgr. for Kohl & Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—Anna Eva Fay's performance takes up much time. The majority of the audience regarded Mr*. Fay and her per- formances as curiosities. She proved a drawing card. Junie McCree and company in "The Man From Denver" repeated their previous success. Rice and Cady in "Playing the Ponies" have a good line of German dialect talk, a departure from the familiar brand. About the best things in "My Busy Day," presented by Nellie Beau- mont and company, are the two songs of Miss H.-miiiiioiiI. The theme is rather conventional and the lines not humorous. The Salvaggis, Parisian dancers, and the Arlbos in novel acrobatics proved entertaining. Wilson Brothers have about the same dialect conversational act seen recently. Jobnny Johns has a number of good stories and delivered them in a pleasing manner. Blossom Robinson sang songs which were appreciated. Lindsay's doge and monkeys, Noblette and Mar- shall and Beahan Sisters complete the bill OLYMPIC (Abe Jacobs, mgr.' for Kohl A Cas- tle. Monday rehearsal 9).— The list Is made up of Sisters Cameras. McMahon's "Minstrel Maids," James Thornton, Norton and Nicholson, Water- bury Brothers and Tenny, McMahon and Chap- pclle, Flood Brothers and company. Connolly and Klein, Bert and Bertha Grant, Espe Brothers, Loa and Fay Durbyelle and Thompson Sisters. HAYMARKET (Wm. Newklrk, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—The bill con- tains Walter Jones and Mabel Hite In their fare- well Joint appearance; Clifton Crawford, Carter Dellaven and Flora Parker, Nat Haines, Allen Shaw, O'Kobe Jap Troupe, Two Cartwells, How- ard and Rutherford, La Gette, Davis and Davis and the Hirschorns. STAR (Jas. L. Lederer, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 11).—Business continues large and the holiday bill is unusually attractive. SID J. EUSON'S (Sid J. Euson, mgr.).—The temerity of the producer, who without the slight- est comprehensible reason or excuse has un- dauntedly plastered together threadbare and vapid elements to serve as a first part for "The Greater New York Stars," is to be deplored. Any In- experienced novice who has any idea at all of bur- lesque could have accomplished more materially. Aside from the Incongruous substance and gloom pervading atmosphere, "A Romantic Marriage" is so crudely constructed that the principals are frequently In a quandary as to Its forthcomings. The setting is pretty. The burlesque "A Swell Set in Paris" contains an abundance of unpal- atable dialogue, devoid of humor but hastened with plenty of speed, apparently for the purpose of concealing the defects. The weakness was ob- vious, however. Relief came alternately with a iKusical number or so brought on by Maryland Tyson, who is by far the redeeming feature and (he radiant spot in the show. Miss Tyson has not much voice, but possesses charm, pleasant man- ner, good looks and Is full of animation. Chas. Ransom labored in an Irish part. He was funny at limes and would have made a better showing with agreeable material. Lloyd Hoey looked manly in "straight," and Harry Hume did well as an eccentric "kid," considering his unfamlllarity with the character. Hilly Busch was mude up to represent an undertaker and In appearance re- sembled Hal Godfrey in "A Very Bad Roy." Arthur B*ich was funny in the eccentric acro- batic business. Dora De Vere, always with a dag- ger, added melodrama without thrills to the tragic proceedings. Virginia Tyson has little to do. She displayed a "tlgger." Florence Stoekwell has a fairly good voice and should be heard more. The ensembles are far between. A ponv ballet compoKed of six girls do some good dancing. Noth- ing could Induce the girls to smile. The cos- tuming has not been looked after with care or Judgment. The olio is opened by Hume, Cain and Hoey In a neat "straight" singing act. The voices are agreeable and harmonize. Mnch Brothers in comedy acrobatics on a bounding net show a num- ber of good tricks. Some of the talk could be eliminated. The act has merit. The Busch- De Vere Trio have a musical act with stereoptl- con views, illustrating scenes from the songs. The cornet and violin selections are good. The act could be made even more novel. It wu a hit. Maryland Tyson, assisted by seven "pony" girls, presents a. singing and dancing specialty. Her dress may be too short but it exposes two well- shaped ankles. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy, mgr.).—The "Rlalto Rounders" show la highly recommended to dis- pel ailments of melancholy. It will arouse and tickle the most dejected. There is evident out- lay of more expense than many other shows that have played here this season, and the best part of it is that it has been placed to good advantage. The opening piece. "A Day at Niagara Falls." starts with spectacular electrical effects and the Jingllngest kind of music heard in burlesque in a long time. The burlesque is called "A Day at the Races," a sequel to the first part. The story Is not connecting and neither does it convey a thread of a plot If there is one. but the conglom- eration of racetrack episodes are vividly repro- duced In mimic style. The result Is amusing and even exciting at times. Abe Leavitt acquitted himself acceptably in a "legit" part which is better than his "Dutch." and J. Roscoe was the traditional Mexican with an eye for vengeance. F. Glrard played the "bunco steerer" satisfac- torily. M. Mllo kept himself busy whenever his cue called him. Lizzet Howe has the "heavy" role, both In character and weight. She figured prominently. Anna Meek Is the prettiest girl in the show. She has a good form but not much voice. Blanche Martin is a tall blonde who is credited with spontaneity and "dash." The chorus boasts a good ntimlter of prepossessing girls. They wear silk stockings and some strik- ing costumes. The number following the "rain" effect is especially well arranged and handsomely dressed. "Idaho" is introducd In a manner that would case the publisher of it to alt up and take notice. The Mexican costumes dazzled resplen- dently. Carney and Wagner show various styles of dancing and were liberally applauded. Living pictures showed a number of girls in graceful posing, but It remained for the "nude" union out- fit to Impress the gallery. Martin and Meek, "sister act," appear in stunning red dresses. Both are built for strenuous dancing but are not adept in that line and the offering consists of two songs and some vivacity. The Bison City Quartet can claim good voices. It is one of the best "straight" singing quartets heard In a long time. The show In Its entirety Is snappy, bright and re- freshing. With the exception of some "wiggling" the performance is perfectly free from sugges- tlveness. TROCADERO <I. M. Weingarden, mgr.).—The "Parisian Widows" production has undergone many changes since the arrival of Ed F. Rush, who personally superintend the rehearsals of the company and engaged a number of new principals, and three olio acts to replace S Tilth and McGloin and Darling and Reynolds, who left the company. The show is much improved and will rank with the best. The additions are the Savoy Quartet. Annette Wiltsle and the "Danse De La Revenge" (New Acts). NOTES.—The "High Hyers" Burlesque Com- pany, which met with reverses in a fire in a Kan- sas town recently, attracted the attention of James Hyde, whose "Blue Ribbon Girls" played In Kansas City at the time. Mr. Hyde immedi- ately secured transportation for the stranded or- ganization to St. Louis, paid the hotel bills and generously contributed a sufficient amount for the return of the members to New York. As printed in Variety, the company lost everything in the fire and was almost destitute when It arrived in Kansas City.—Lew Adams Joined the "Fay Fos- ter" company at Providence last week.—Sara Green, of Lewis and Green, has been granted a divorce from Florence Green, through Adolph Marks.—McGloin and Smith and Darling and Rey- nolds left the "Parisian Widows" Saturday.— James Smith and Claudle Halpln, of the "Parisian Widows," were married at the Richmond Hotel this week.—Leavenworth, Kan., will have a new vaudeville theatre next season. The site selected ndjolns the First National Bank building and the structure will be built of red vitrified brick and steel, making it modern and perfect in every ap- pointment.—Allan Shaw and ('has. J. Carter have completed arrangements to take on tour of the world a stupendous magical show of their own. They are now preparing to entertain the Inhab- itants of Australia, Japan, China and India, the first countries they will visit. They expect to start out SlMMst May 1 and will be gone a year.— Jim Mack, property man with Hyde's "Blue Rib- bon fJlrls" and a farmer during the vacation I>eri<»d, has been collecting cigar coupons with the anticipation that some day he would have the required number to entitle him to a pair of rub- ber boots, offered as one of the premiums. He has been talking about the l>oots constantly ever since the season opened until last week when the World's Comedy Four presented him with a pair. W.S.CL. He Is now saving for a plow.—The vaudeville agents will give a minstrel show at Hyde's Park Theatre in January. The program as originally planned will be composed of agents and managers only who will endeavor to satirize the stereotyped minstrel first part and olio with improvised Jokes and stories heard by them In vaudeville. J. J. Munlock will be the interlocutor. Martin Beck Is billed to recite "The Chauffeur's Dream," while C. E. Bray and F. M. Barnes will clinch lu a wrestling bout. Harry Armstrong aud Adolph Meyers will engage in a featherweight boxing exhibition, finishing with a postering act. Chris. O. Brown and Eddie Sawyer In a trapeze act; Bob Fargo and W. F. Henderson, operatic selections; J. A. Sternad, 'cello solos and Imitations; Arthur Fablsh and company In a sketch "The War in the West"; E. F. Carrutbers, E. P. Churchill. Ed C. Hayinan, J. A. Sternad, Walter Keefe and Frank Buck, assisted by the chorus of stenographers In an absurdity entitled "Glimpses of Vaudeville," in which John F. McGrall will introduce buck and wing dancing. It is said that A. Slgfried will to asked to give his impersonations and John Nash of Detroit piloted over to render a few Scotch songs. The censor committee will probably con- sist of Nat Haines. Ben Welch, Rice and Cady. Jack Gardner, Ned Nve, Roger Imhof, Walter ('. Kelly, Chas. Robinson, Hal Godfrey. Wilfred Clarke, Felix aud Barry, Stieppard Camp, McWal- ters and Tyson. Tim McMahon, Pat Rellly, Col- lins and Hart, Chas. F. Semon, Andy Lewis. Chas. J. Burkhardt. Dan Burke. Cliff Gordon. Cameron and Flanagan. Junie McCree, Al Reeves. M F. Rush. Fred Niblo, James J. Morton, Eck- boff and Gordon, Al II. Weston, the Ellnore Sis- ters, and Mr. and Mrs. John T. Powers.—Manager Sodlnl of the International Theatre, Mollne, 111., will have a new theatre In September. The house calls for a seating capacity of 1,200.—Pat White has signed a three years contract with the Sparrow Amusement Company of Montreal, to be featured In one of the company's pieces next season. Mr. White will be financially Interested In the show.—The plans for the new theatre which M. Strauss Is building at Des Moines. la., are completed. The theatre will cost $80,000, exclu slve of the fixtures, and will seat 1,5<K> persons comfortably. It will have two balconies and a large stage. Work will begin early in the spring and its opening date has been set for September. —Manager Cannon of Milwaukee and Frank Rose of the Idea Theatre, Grand Rapids, will estab llsh a circuit of five-cent electric theatres In a OUttltor of Michigan towns where the moving pic- tures entertainment is unknown and likely to be- come popular.—The three vaudeville companies sent over the one-night stand circuit of Morris & Douglas In the Northwest by Lang A Barbour, the Chicago agents, met with disappointment ami much inconvenience when they reached Winnipeg. The backer of the scheme withdrew at the final moments and left the organization at the mercy of Messrs. Morris and Douglas, who pramptly paid their hotel bills and arranged with Lang A Rar- l»our to send all the people to the Coast, where they will finish up the time on other circuits.— The first and only theatre at Holland, Mich., will 1*» built by M. Beukeml in the spring. Tin' American Amusement Company, of I .ml low. Ky., has incorporated with a capital stock of $5,OOi». J. J. Weaver and Lena Coursey are mentioned as the Incorporators.—Washburn and Austin, with the "New London Gaiety Girls" will invade vaude- ville for the forthcoming summer and next season. —Harry H. Hoyt sold the Bijou Theatrt, Ander- son, Ind.. to J. I. Schlmer, who will run it with ten-cent vaudeville. The Savoy Comedy Four and Annette Wiltsle have been added lo the olio of the "Parisian Widows."—The "New London Gaiety Girls" played to $5,270.35 at the Folly last week. This Is said to be the largest receipts In the his- tory of burlesque In Chicago. There was no spe- cial attraction with the show to swell the box office record.—A three sheet of "The Jersey Llllles" occupies a prominent place in front of a cheap free concert hall on West Madison sti-eel. The name has not been stripped.—When Ed F. Rush, the producing member of the firm of Weber A Rush, came to Chicago last week It was for the purpose of strengthening the "Parlslnn Widows," and his persistent endeavor to cm hellish it with features gives credence to the belief that he Is a believer In novelty. Mr. Rush has shown sound Judgment In the many changes