Variety (Jan 1907)

VARIETY 13 Cobb's Corner JANUARY 5, 1007. No. 45. A Weekly Word with WILL the Wordwrlght. A dozen popular suc- cesses on Broadway and elsewhere behooves me to say: I,et me write the encore verses to that song of yours— my prices are low because good stuff is easy to write. ) i With Shapiro. 39th St. and Broadway. and augmentations In the show, which Is now one of the most complete and meritorious seen here. In addition to attending to the details of the bur- lesque, Mr. Rush was busily engaged preparing the new sensational novelty "Dause De La Re- venge," and a dramatic sketch for Snlts Moore entitled "The Motto on the Wall," which will have Its premier at the Trocadero Friday. The SeHg-Polyscope Co.. of this city, Is manufacturing a novel film specially conceived by Mr. Rush to be used In the burlesque. The moving pictures will show the company In Jb<> characters of prominent actors and managers, and material baa boat written around their manoeuvres by Mr. Rush, who has spared neither expense nor energy In accomplishing the desired results. PHILADELPHIA, PA. By GEORGE X. YOUNG. KEITHS (H. T. Jordun, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 0).—Even with three new offerings anionic the headline acts this week's bill falls tielow the average. Mr. and Mrs. Oardner Crane are favorites here. They showed their new pro- tean sketch "Everybody's Up" for the first time. The principals make several changes which, while accomplished with fair speed, are not difficult enough to excite much more than passing notice. More than oife of the characters assumed by each are fearfully overdrawn. As Is the case In the majority of protean sketches, there Is a sup- posed crime connected with the story which Is void of either comedy or pathos. Louis Francis Introduces the act with an explanation of the characters, which Is needless. There Is no trou- ble to identify any of them. Tom Edwards has the advantage of appearing here before Prince and made a hit with the local audience with his clever ventriloquial feats. Ills style Is new here and his strong closing feature, in which he uses an Infant doll, carried him through In good shape. Eugene Joly, a cornetlst from the Paris Hippodrome, was new and met with slight recognition. He has selected a difficult sphere for success on this side, and while he Is a clever Instrumentalist he will not enlist more than mild Interest. Eleanor Darel was another newcomer. She Is a vocalist with a light voice of fair qual- ity, but without magnetism, and she barely passed through. S^ie Is from the West. The Baggesens are labelled "special Importation." The man gained reputation years ago as a con- tortionist, calling himself the "Human Cork- screw." He has given up twisting, and with his wife offers a burlesque juggling act; also been seen here, although not for some years. The act met with fair success. Zlska and King, who have a burlesque magic, were on early In the bill and "crabbed" the Baggesens' dish-breaking stunt on Monday, but It was cut out after the first performance. They managed to please with- out it. James J. Morton had two new neckties —Christmas presents—and about the same bundle of junk with him for his return engagement and made a hit—with the junk. Tom Moore again pleased with his coon shouting. Houdlnl Is In his third and last week and was down for all sorts of tricks for the week. He scored his usual big hit. The Three Madcaps opened the hill. Maybe that's why they were mad. Connor and Raymond with dances were new. The latter was formerly with Willie Hart. A novelty In the musical line was offered by the La Belle Trio. Ed Estus repeated his balancing feats and there were some new pictures to close. BIJOU (W. V. Jennings, mgr.).—Approaching almost the lines of musical farce Is the enter- tainment offered by the "Dreamland Burles- quers," who had their first Eastern showing. Dave Marion, a comedian and author, is respon- sible for the book, lyrics and music of "Bose- Innd," which Is styled a musical play In two acts. There Is plenty of dialogue and business that Is familiar to burlesque, but the most of that used throughout the two parts Is new and satisfactory. It seems strange to find a chorus which has none of the popular songs of the day as numbers. Not until Harry Fox and the Mel- notte Sisters appear In their specialty in the olio i« one of the much-abused song hits uncovered and then Fox announces "My Last Farewell" as si "new" coon song. This trio do it so well, however, that they might be excused. The six- teen girls are unusually well matched as to size and there are no heavyweights. They have sev- eral nice costume changes and do not strip to tights during the show, pantalettes being the closest approach. Marlon has upplled several pleasing musical numbers and the company han- dles them with more than ordinary skill. Agues Behler works bard throughout, having several changes. She has looks and the figure to set off some attractive dre*«lng which atones for her poor voice. Marlon does not depend on the other comedians, but keeps busy, particularly In the first part, and introduces a specialty "East Side Life." In this he slightly overworks his hare- lip talk, but It was clever enough to win many laughs, and his song recitation "Good bye, Old Broadway," made u strong finale to the first part. Harry Fox gets along In good shape as a Her- man and with the Melnotte Sisters works through a singing and dancing specialty which was worth three encores. William Laurence is much better In the play than in his specialty with Fred Barnes. This pair have not one new joke and their singing Is only fair. The same might be said of the Bijou Comedy Trio, though the sing- ing here Is an improvement. The five help out considerably In the numbers. The second act of "Roseland" opens like a musical comedy and was probably adapted from some one of the suc- cesses. After the first number, In which some pretty dressing Is shown, there Is more stale comedy followed by a "Spirit of '76" number wlileii Is used as a finale. The offering pleased here and the New Year's week audiences packed the house almost to Its capacity at every per- formance. Marlon worked on a new specialty all week and It will be shown In New York next week. CASINO (Ellas A Koenlg, mgrs.).—With a lit- tle attention given to the chorus, which appears to work on an Individual outline the "Night Owls" might be mentioned among the Eastern Wheel shows which rank about fair, but nothing more. There Is ample room for great Improve- ment all round. The holiday week audiences ap- peared kind and this helped the show to pass. TROCADERO (Fred Wtllson, mgr.).—There Is no change In the bill offered by Williams* "Im- perials." The show does not need much chang- ing, for It proved satisfactory In almost every detail and the big crowds that packed the Troca- dero all week were well pleased. Jack Magee, Ben Cook and the other favorites were all well received. LYCEUM (J. G. Jermon, mgr.).—"The Gay Masqueraders" are without the services of Blos- som Seeley and Lena LaCouvler, who were with the show on its earlier visit, but the entertain- ment moves along sm<«»rhly. Mabelle Darr is now the principal soobreite and works alone In the olio. The management Is dickering for a partner for her. James Cooper heads the fun- makers and has several able assistants and a lively chorus. DIME MUSEUM (T. F. Hopkins, mgr.).—Ran- dlon. the armless and legless wonder, remains over as the New Year week attraction with a strong curio and vaudeville bill In support. NOTES.—Midnight shows were given at all four of the burlesque houses Monday night and all four registered three big ones to wind up the old year.—Managers Fred Wilson of the Tro- cadero and James Weeden of Williams' "Imperi- als" compared Christmas presents. Each received a handsome gold watch, suitably engraved. Man- aget Wlllson from his bouse employees and Man- ager Weeden from the company .—Charles T. Al- drieh attracted great crowds to the National with • Secret Service Sain."—The general business In all the theatres this week was tremendous.— There is to be a "Chorus Girls' " Ball held here January 28 which promises to be a huge affair.— France's M. King, a member of the Lottie Wil- liams "Tom Bov Girl" company, and Howard I. Robinson, manager of the Hotel Hurley, were married here on Tuesday night last. The bride will leave the stage for the present and the hnppv couple will reside In their newly furnished house at 718 Race street. The marriage was private and Its secrecy prevented their many friends from celebrating. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. ORPHEUM (John Morrisey, res. mgr.).—Week Dec. 17: The major portion were holdovers, In- cluding Chas. Plena. Mile. D/.lrla. Palfrey and Hoefler, Katherlne Nugent and Julius Steger. Of the newcomers Hymans and Mclntyre In a mix- ture of singing and talking, under the heading of "Two Hundred Wives," were the best. Arm- strong and Verne, songs and comedy, went well. as did the Three Lcightons. NATIONAL (Sid r.rauman. mgr.).—The Novelty temporarily giver, up to legitimate, the efforts of the Three "L's" were concentrated upon their other North Side house, and as a consequence the bill was far Shove the average. Towering over all in favor and merit was the Nellie Andrews Grand Opera Company. The reception that greeted this dis- tinct novelty amounted to «p ovation. The com- pnnv Includes Nellie Andrews. Henri Ounson snd William Gordon, all artists. Jas. A. Devlin and Mae Elwood in "A Matrimonial Agency" were below the standard of the bill. Both members gave evidence of considerable talent, but a bet ter vehicle Is required to bring it out. EM- PIRE (Wm. Watson, mgr.).—The James Post Company in a musical farce, "Over the Seminary Wall." It Is an old-time minstrel farce en- livened by excellent chorus work. The Four Ix>rrettas, acrobats, are fair. Courtney and Gen- et te. comedy jugglers, were the best on the bill. The male member, working in tramp make- up, scores heavily with his comedy, besides being an exceptionally clever Juggler. WIGWAM (Sam Harris, mgr.).—The Barry James company still holds the boards, offering a travesty, "A Warm Reception." consisting of selections from the Weber & Fields burlesques. The work of Lillian Sutherland, Edward O'Brien and W. J. West stands out. NOTES.—It is doubtful if any act was ever booked under more extraordinary circumstances than Hicks, famous along the Coast as the "Entombed Miner." As the result of a tunnel cave-in Hicks lias remained alive In an earthly grave, fed and communicated with by means of a two-Inch piping forced throngh the ground, while the work of rescue went on. The other day an agent representing the Three L. office communicated to the prisoner by means of the pli>e an offer of three hundred dollars a week to go over the circuit. Hicks, who despite his perilous predicament has maintained bis spirits, replied that he would sign up as soon as be was "at liberty." W. A. WILSON. Ned Wavburn's Training School For the STAGE HOW TO MAKE UP TAUGHT BY MAIL If yon are on the road, and want to knew how this important part of jour performance should he attended to, WHITE FOB PARTICULARS. Personally ooeduoted by the meat snooeaaful stage director la the NED WAYBURN. US W. 42d Str*et. New York CINCINNATI, 0. By HARRY HE88. COLUMBIA (H. M. Zlegler. mgr. Sunday re- hearsal 10:o0).—Some acts on tills week's pro- gram are exceedingly good. Tin' opening iiiiiiiIh r. Martini and Maximilian, is quite good. Dorothy Kenton pleased; Ned Nye and his "Rollicking Girls," big hit; Max Hliderbrandt, "The Crasy German Cavalry Bend Leader," very good; The v Italian Trio have splendid voices and were ap- plauded; The Three Roses, musical, skilled mu- sicians; Arthur Demlug has many new and orig- inal sayings; Brothers Datum have new tricks and were liked; Mrs. Langtry. In "Between Night Fall and the Light." is about the worst headline act ever offered in Cincinnati. STANDARD (Charles B. Arnold, mgr.).— "Trans-Atlantic Rurlesquers." A nice clean and laughable show. "The Flubb-Dubb Conspiracy," a burlesque in two acts. Is something different from the usual line and therefore very satisfac- tory. A. M. Friend, J. C. Mack, Ed Fennel). Joe Emerson and ft. Rackett are comedians who know "how" to entertain. The chorus is well equipped vocally, is tastily dressed and extreme- ly g«««d-looklng. In the olio Minnie Hlgglns and Joe Kmerson, illustrated songs, were enjoyed. The Two Racketts In a burlesque hade a hit. Fennell and Tyson, singers and dancers, clever work. Mile. Kinerie, assisted by Mons. Silvern. ■•rial disrobing act. pleasing. Friend and Down- ing. Hebrew comedians and singers, one of the best acts of its kind ever seen here. Howard Brothers, banjo, clever, sharing the honors. Next: "Runaway Girls." PEOPLE'S (James E. Fennessy, mgr.).—Camp- bell's "Nightingales." Both burlesques offered by this company are seen here for the first time, and judging from the reception they received the audience is willing that it should be the last. . The olio consisted of Rlchy Craig, assisted by a graphophone. Dan Gracey and Ada B. Burnett, pleased: The York Comedy Four are very poor comedians, but sing well; Leigh Sisters, dancing act, was the hit of the bill; Moselle, posing and Are dancing act, very good. Next: "Broadway Gaiety Girls." ROBINSON'S OPERA HOUSE (Walter Canfleld, m«r.).—The opening of this house was attended by a record-breaking audience. The stsge is In charge of Chas. Shay, who had everything In good working order. The opening number, Love and Rolias in a sketch. "The Midnight Express," brought forth much applause. Tognaully Brothers, Juvenile musicians, scored heavily In a finished musical turn: Harry Rolias, singer and dancer, has a turn that is pleasing; The Primroses have been seen here In their present act before; Stan- ley and LeRoy, singers, poor; Cora Beach Turner and company, "A Bluffer Bluffed," very poor: Bush Family, acrobats, are followed by the BI oscope. BALTIMORE, MD. MARYLAND (F. C. Shanherger. mgr.).—Wer- den and Gladdish, Illustrated songs, fair; Gertie Reynolds with her "Twlrly Whlrly Girls," ex- cellent; Orth and Fern, sketch, liberally encored; Edith Helena, soprano singer, excellent; Bailey and Austin, acrobats, a hit; Cliff Gordon, "The German Senator," very good; Will Cressy and Blanche Dayne. one-act play, "A Village Law- yer." kept house in uproar. NEW MONU- MENTAL (Sam Dawson, mgr.).—"Merry Maid- ens" are pleasing. GAYETY (W. L. Bal- lnnf, mgr.).—The "Bowery Burlcsqucrs" with Tasmanian Troupe, acrobats. Is the New Year attraction. TRAYMORE CASINO (F. Keldel. mgr.).—Hubert's trained bears, fair; Catheryne Russell, songs, good: Howard and Scoefleld, sketch, good; Georgia Thomas, songs, good: Myrtle Nelson, songs, good. —EHMLING'S MUSIC HALL (Aug. Ehmllng. mgr.).—Maggie Howard, songs, fair; Fedora Ragone, baritone vocalist, good; Lizzie Booth, songs and dance, fair; H. P. Moorehead, illustrated songs, good: Flo Wallace, comedienne, fair; Fredericks snd Ford, wooden shoe dancers, good. THE ZOO- RINK (Geo. W. Owens, res. mgr.).—Col. P. J. Moody's wonderful aggregation of trained wild animals, good; Madam I/nle, "The Leopard Queen," is one of the cleverest women in her profession. Louis J. Beck stated that the attend- ance on New Year's Day was the largest that they have ever had. SYLVANUS. BATTLE CREEK, MICH. BUOTT (W. S. Butterfleld, mgr. Mondav re- hearsal 10:4. r >).-Lockhart Sisters; W. J. Mills, comedian: Nellie Nelvon. female baritone; George Clarke, comedian: Burkhart and Berry, comedy sketch; M. L. Barrett, Illustrated songs, all good. N. RITCHIE. and dancer, good. BIJOU (J. D. Pllmore, mgr.). —Manhattan Newsboys' Quartet, good; Murray, Smith aud company, comedy sketch, «ood; Mart Maiiory. Dutch comedian, funny; Edwin George, juggler, clever; Eddie Badger, musical, good. DAVE A. LANDAU. BINGHAMTON, N. T. ARMORY (H. A. Bailey, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 10).—Froeslnl, wizard of the accordeon, good; Jas. B. Donovan and Rena Arnold in com- edy that is all their own make a hit; Ralph John- stone, marvellous bicyclist, does some remarkable stunts which please; Cardownle Sisters, dancers, good; Oaron and Fa mum, acrobatic comlques, took well; Majestic Trio, colored singers and dancers, good. JOGGBRST. BUFFALO, V. T. SHEA'S (M. Shea, mgr. Monday rehearsal 10). —Holiday business was capacity. Arnold Daly la "How He Lied to Her Husband," supported by Isabelle Urqubart and Percival T. Moore, excel- lent; John and Luis Bolles, cycling, marvellous; Al Carleton makes the most of himself; Three Hickman Brothers in good comedy act; Six Mow- atts, club jugglers, tine; Bedford and Winchester, funnier than ever; Mayme Remington and fnnny "picks." good. GARDEN (Columbia Amusement Co., mgrs.; Charles E. White, local mgr.).—"The Dainty Duchess." fine company. Lalla Selblnl star feature. The Willy Pantser Troupe of acrobats, excellent. A good olio and chorus which went with lots of ginger. Next: "Bon Tons" LAFAYETTE (Empire Circuit, mgrs.; Charles M. Baggs, local mgr.).—"Happy Days In Dixie," a big coon act of ten Southern darkles, took well with Williams' "Ideals." pleasing big business. The muslcsl numbers w«»re well given by a lively chorus. The International Musical Trio, Frank O'Brien and others made up a good olio. Next: "New Century Girls." WASHINGTON (Dr. Linn. mgr.).—First-class vaudeville acts by Charles Moore. Lena Barry. Sam Cole, Harry L. Reed, Bohn Brothers and Dell and Mlllen. NOTES.—John L. Sullivan comes later to the Garden Theatre.—The Hippodrome and Bijou Dream are doing nicely with moving pictures.— Work at Luna Park Is progressing fine, the addi- tion Is being enclosed.—John W. Whlston, of old-time days known as "The Man of Many Faces," Is living retired here. DICKSON. CLEVELAND, 0. KEITH'S (H. A. Daniels, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 11).—The Rose De Haven Sextet headline feature on the bill with their musical and dancing act: Royal Musical Five won favor; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy, skit "The Coal Strike," hit; Willie Weston gave good vocal copies of George Cohan and others; Kremka Brothers, acrobats, good; Mlndell Kingston, singer, and John W. Ward, comedian, pleased. Others were Three Mitchells, negro entertainers, and The Burkes, singing and dancing team. LYRIC (E. H. Anthony, mgr. Monday rehearsal 11).—Gilbert, one-ring circus act, brings out the children and amuses them; Welch, Francis and company, comedy sketch, bit. Others were: Eva Thatcher, monologue; Rlsleys. scrobsts; Ida Howell, comedienne; Haverly and McRae, singers, and Orrln McKnlght, ventrilo- quist. EMPIRE (Geo. Chenet, mgr. Monday rehearsal 11).—"Bon Ton Burlesquers," featuring "The Girl with the Red Mask," who is graceful. In thp olio the musical act given by The Hodges, hit; Rawson and Clare, skit "Just Kids," pleased: Pierce and Opp, German . comedians, fair, and Rrownlng and Bentley with, Hebrew parodies. STAB (Drew A Cambell, mgrs. Monday rehearsal 11).—"Tiger Lilies" with a new olio feature in Markev and Moran New Year's week. WALTER D. HOLCOMB. BAY CITY, MICH. ALVARADO (W. J. Daunt, mgr.).— Lopez and Ixipez. Spanish Instrumentalists, very clever; Trask and Gladdln, singing and talking, hit; Bes- sie Babb, bsrltone singer, pleasing; Hurry Mar- vells, contortionist, good; Marie Curtis, singer COLUMBUS, 0. KEITH (Will Prosser, mgr.).—Prof. Apdale's Animals opened the bill and were well received; Hendrlx and Prescott In a singing and dancing act, good; La Mase Brothers, comedy acrobats, pleased: White and Simmons In a funny sketch, very clever; Carleton Macy-Maud Hall company In a rural comedy were the feature of the bill and took well; Ellnore Slaters, comediennes, clever; Spadonl, the sensational juggler, earned well-merited applause. E. R. SPERRY. DALLAS, TEX. MAJESTIC (Interstate Amusement Co.. mgrs. Sundav rehearsal 4).—Week Dec. 23:An excep- tionally good hill attracted big bn-iness. The hesdlfner, Ann Hamilton and company in "Beg- gars" received an ovation: The Merrill Sisters present the lM««r "sister" act of the season; I^mlse Adams and her v' din received several encore**; George Kv< re \v*h well liked; Ferry, "the Frogman." excellent] Hayes and Healy, good. vnlK.—owing to late arrival of artists no per- formance was given »it Oin Majestic Dec. 23, and $700 was refunded. E. A. A.