Variety (Jan 1907)

12 VARIETY Tht Okas. K. Harris Crariar Devoted to the interests of Song* and Singers Address all communications to OHAS. K. HARRIS. 81 W. 81st St., N. Y. (Meyer Cohen, ligr.) Vol. 4. New York, Jan. 12, 1907. No. 9. Miss Helens May with the "Dainty Duchess" Co., is making a fea- ture of "Somewhere" and "The Little Child Shall Lead Them" In Rochester this week. The whole audience Joins in the chorus, and the sonf is one of the biggest hits that has ever been sung in the city of Rochester. Each slide of "And the Little Child Shall Lead Them" receives a "big hand," and Miss May says it is the best song published since the famous "Hello, Central, Give Me Heaven." Miss May is the possessor of s very sweet voice, and is one of the features of the above company. Miss Wright, who is making a feature of "Somewhere" with the Reilly A Woods big show, reports the song s very big hit' snd is more than pleased at the success it Is msk- ing. Mr. Reilly is to be complimented on knowing whst "good things" are to have in the show. He says that "Somewhere" is the best illustrated song he hss bad in his show in years. has it thst James Edward Britt, the lightweight champion, and Neva Aymar, of Ned Wayburn's "Rain-Dears," are about to sign a life contract. The genial James in an Interview denies the re- port snd insists thst he is still heart snd fancy free.—Victor Jerome, of Jerome, Fremont and Jerome, was forcibly ejected from s trolley car on Christmas Dsy. In the scuffle that ensued Jerome had an arm fractured, two ribs broken snd was otherwise badly bruised. Judging from the testi- mony of witnesses, Mr. Jerome was in the right and has good foundation for a suit against the railway company.—The Hayes Theatre, Wapee, Cal., has been added to the Empire circuit.—On Jan. 7 a new house was opened at San Jose, Cal., under the management of Duke Wilkins. It will be a continuous "ten-twenty" house and known as the Lyric.—The theatrical mechanics have through their union submitted a new wage sched- ule to the assoclsted managers which calls for s twenty per cent Incresse. There Is some talk of the managers fighting the proposition, but the demand will probably be granted under protest. Considering the present era of prosperity it would be foolhardv for them to do otherwise. W. A. WILSON. PHILADELPHIA, PA. By GEORGE M. YOUNG. KEITH'S (H. T. Jordan, mgr. Monday rehear- sai 9).—Bessie Wynn met with success in her local debut In vaudeville this week. To those who remember this pretty comic opera singer in musi- cal pieces her appearance in the costumes she uses must have been at least -a slight disappoint- ment. Always a dainty figure in whatever she wore. Miss Wynn Is not doing herself justice. This and the musical efforts of a confederate in the balcony is all that robs Miss Wynu's debut of being tbe most popular success sttslned by any singer offered us. She received several recalls. One of her former popular song hits might be given ss sn encore number. "Fishing," which be- longs to the series of sketches given by Harry Tate, was also new. We hsve bsd "Motoring." which proved quite s success, and "Fishing" was just as entertaining. The two principal charac- ters, unnsmed on the program, are well portrayed and there Is sn sbudsnee of bright lines running through the skit. It wss well received. The ex- hibition given by Volts proved quite an Interest- ing study in handling electricity. Numerous feats which to the lay mind appear as wonderful might not be so extraordinary to a skilled electric me- chanic, but the offering was none the less inter- esting and instructive. Wlllard Simms presented his amusing farce "Flinder's Furnished Fist" with its "merry chorus" finale and won his share of the laughter. Mosher, Houghton and Mosher scored with their comedy cycling act. The three- high figures were particularly well executed snd the set moved along at a lively pace from start to finish. Ferry Corwey managed to please with a comedy musical act that Is so old that it is new to msny present dsy theatregoers. Hamilton Hill returned after a long absence and was favor- ably received. He appeared In the city about six years ago, popularizing "Dolly Gray." Now he uses two march songs and a ballad, all of which are pleasing, snd Hill sings In good voice. Burke snd Dempsey hsve changed much of their talk snd singing since heard here last and passed in good shape. Mclntyre and Bennett have a dialogue of- fering which they call "When Do We Eat?" It Is patterned after Mclntyre and Heath's.stuff, but falls far short of being In that class. McIhiKse lit • son of tbe original "Alexander." He mlgnt coax some lessons from bis parent. There appears no hope for Bennett. Goetz and Nelson. Art Fisher, De Veau Sisters and Wise and Milton, made np the balance of the bill. TROCADERO (Fred Wlllson, mgr.).—There is not enough material at the disposal of the com- pany to allow all to do Justice to their ability. This about sums up the faults of the program offered by "The Merry Maidens." Sam Rice, the principal comedian, is credited with arranging "The Heir to the Hoopla" and "A Necktie Party," the first part and burlesque. As might lie jndged from tbe title, the first part is a sort of a burlesque on "The Heir to the Hoorah," but there Is nothing in it that should lead to any suit for Infringement, except as to the title. The plot, or what there is of it. la founded on a moth-eaten sketch that has done duty for many years. There is a big company of hard workers and everyl>ody appears to »>e trying. Edith Mur- ray, who Is credited as the "leading lady" on the program; Pattie Carney, sprightly and ss attrac- tive as ever as a aouhrette, snd Maude Raynor, described as the Ingenue, all hare some chance to show what they can do. while the best for Irene Burton la to look pretty and pose. The chorus Is not overburdened with good looks, but there'Is not one In the line who does not attend to business and try her best, tbe result being thst it is a case of "ginger" from tbe time tbe curtsln goes up snd as much ss possible la gotten out of the numbers, of which there Is a plenty. Tbe dress- ing averages good, tbat of the cowboys and girls for the "Idaho" number In tbe burleaque being very pretty. There is a semblance of two lore stories running through the burlesque, one of which has a sort of a Theodore Kremerlsh strain about it that is funny. Even smiling Psttle Car- ney tries to set serious, while Courtney Burton is a scream as the lovelorn villain. Sam Rice does good work ss the "Dutchman" in tbe first part, but gets down to his real place as the Hebrew in tbe burlesque and he is really responsible for the bulk of the comedy. George Johnson and Joe Ward get along as well as possible with whst they have to do. Edith Murray opens the olio. A heavy cold appeared to be a handicap and robbed her act of much of its merit. Joe Ward and Maude Raynor offered an ordinary singing and talking act which suffered from want of new material. Burton and Burton pleased with their musical act until the cello and flute were tired. This number should be dropped until perfected. Tbe two last costume changes made by Miss Bur- ton do not help her appearance. Johnson and Jerge have some good parodies and worn gaga. They also have fairly good voices and should de- velop the singing portion of their act until they can think up some new Jokes. The Ferrell Broth- ers have one of tbe best, comedy cycling sets shown here In a long time. Both are skillful riders and tbe work of tbe comedy man of tbe team Is very well done. Pattie Carney has a good appearance to help her along and slnga coon songs In a way that wins favor. The "Merry Maidens" sre also blessed with a leader that works, Siegfried Bach- mann by name, and this helps a lot. Tbe show should please along tbe line. CASINO (Ellas A Koenlg. mgrs.).—All the good things thst have been said about Louis Robie's "Knickerbockers" have been verified by what has been shown here during this week snd well- pleased audiences left the theatre after each per- formance. The company Is a large and capable one; there is a bunch of pretty and well-shapcd girls and Roble has a corps of principals, headed by Clyde Darrow, wblch handlea the musical num- bers and comedy In a manner to please. There is little of the slapstick style of comedy and what there is Is almost forgotten in tbe mase of good stuff. Tbe music, which was specially ar- ranged by Louis Doll. Is bright and entertaining and there are a number of original features In tbe show which deserve specisl mention. BIJOU (W. V. Jennings, mgr.).—The with- drawal of Robert Hlgglns and Mae Melville, who left Miner's "Americans" to work in vaudeville, has caused some changes since the show played here. James Maboney has Hlggins' place with Gladys Clark and Henry Bergman and the act has suffered little If any from tbe change. Olga Roller, who did a "sister act" in the olio with Mae Melville, now sings with the Illustrated song sheet. Miss Mellvllle Is missed here as well as in the role of "Simple Sal" In the burlesque. Fay Stanton has the part and Is a poor substitute. In place of tbe Barlows* ladder act the Four Greg- orys have hoop-rolling and Juggling that strength- ens the olio. It is a good number. Jolly Zeb was a sure-fire bit in bis specialty and with Will H. Ward and Henry Bergman took good care of the comedy in the burlesque. Gladys Clark has more work, but she Is clever as well ss pretty snd does well. Marie Stuart Dodd confines her violin solos to popular melodies and ber specialty is im- proved. Manager Tom MacCready is smiling over the good business the show is enjoying. LYCEUM (J. G. Jermon, mgr.).—The Zsretsky Troupe ot Russian dancers and Allen and Keeley In a sketch "Casey's Courtship" have replaced George X. Wilson and the Rosslgnols In Harry Bryant's company. Aside from these changes the bill Is the same as offered earlier in the season. Tommy Bums, the pugilist, was sn sdded feature hut did not add much to the box office receipts. NOTES.—Manager John H. Keenan, formerly connected with the Nixon & Zimmerman forces here and now the proprietor of a park at Houston, Texas, is visiting here. He brings tbe newa that the policeman who shot and killed Zarrow, the partner of Jolly Zeb, last summer at Houston, is walking around the city under only $500 ball and reports that there Is little chance of his having to suffer even Imprisonment for the crime.—James Maboney. who joined Clark and Bergman with the "Americans." was with Al Weston .—Danny Doty was in "our midst" all week, working hard. -Billy Clifford Is at Forepaugb's Theatre in "A Jolly Baron"; Bradley and Clark, a local "sister teRin," joined the show here. CINCINNATI, 0. By HARRY HESS. COLUMBIA (H. M. Zlegler. mgr. Sunday re- , hearsal 10:30).—Minnie Kaufman, trick cyclist,* 11 opens the bill In a great act. The Apollo Quartet offered a musical sketch, "The Man Outside." fairly well done. They are good singers and probably agents for a patent medicine firm. Ray- mond Finlay and Lottie Burke in "Stageland Satire" were liked by the upper portion of the house. Harrison King, Harry Wilson and Myrtle Selwyn In "Our Bitterest Foe," a pretty love story, acted well. Blanche Mebaffey, prima don- na, sang familiar selections. Chlnko, juggler, missed every trick he attempted to perform at Monday evening's performance. Ollvelra Trio, musical, wlds up strong. Ben Welch, character comedian, was the hit of the hill and divide the honors with the Fadettes, of Boston. PEOPLE'S (James E. Fennessey. mgr.).— "Broadway Gaiety Girls." John Weber, the German comedian, is assisted by Fred Bulla and' Dick Brown In a comedy called "The Land of Promise." A number of selections, some new, are rendered during tbe two burlesques. The chorus is pretty, well dressed, snd the stage set- tings ample. Beatrice Haines received a hearty welcome. Bulla and Bragg indulged In much non- sense. Brown and Bartolettl, the latter a toe dancer of exceptional merit. w P re appreciated. John Weber assisted hy Lola Bigger and Llllle Stevens were easily the hit of the bill. Mario and Btdo, acrobats, very clever. Next: ' Sam De Vere's Company. ROBINSON'S (Walter Canflel'd, mgr.).—Stanley and Leroy, singers snd female Impersonators; Major O'Loughlln, gun Juggler; Dick %Yaeey, character sketches; Omega Trio, acrobats; M. Dade Family, acrobatics; Lydell and Butterwortb. eccentric singing, and Prof. Freeman's perform- ing goats. STANDARD (Charles B. Arnold, mgr.).—Clark's "Runaway Girls." The performance as given by this company is made enjoyable because of the Interest In the parts taken by both the principals and the chorus. The opening, "The Sultan's Dilemma," contains nothing new, having been seen here for several seasons, but Frank Damsel, who takes the pert of tbe Sultan; Bert Wiggins' Irish character, and W. F. Sherwood as the Sul- tan's guard, all made tne most of the their parts. Ten musical numbers, all well received, are given; Clara Burg leading the female contingent of the company, assisted by sixteen girls and five boys. The olio: Bert Wiggins, juggler and car- toonist, and the Ramsey Sisters, musicians. The Bowery Boys' Quartet sang and were compelled to respond to a double encore. The Livingstons, Euro- pean RiBley acrobats, as a special added at- traction, were liked. Next: Rentz-Santley Com- pany. PITTSBURG, PA. By JAB. T. TYNDALL, VARIETY'S Pittsburg Office, 309 4th Ave.. Room 207. GRAND (Harry Davis).—Mr. Davis gives a very interesting bill this week at the Grand, in fact one of the best seen for a long time. Jean Redlnl's company presents "A Night in English Vaudeville," which was liked. "A Village Law- yer," as given by W. M. Creasy and Blanche Dayne, is ss artistic a bit of acting as the Grand has seen. The Basque Quartet gratify the music lovers In their selections from well-known operas. Milton Wood does some very clever dancing, while W. M. Inman and J. J. Connors in "Recognition" do s very pleasing sketch. The Howards are as mystifying as ever and are really very clever. Mindel Kingston and John World are very good In their comedy. The Mitchells In songs and dances are entertaining. The LaVlne-Clmaron Trio In "Imagination," very interesting. The Great Francills does some very good "strong man" work. Arthur Yule imitates well and Howard and Rutherford win laughs with "Five Minutes from Yale." Bender and Earl give an entertain- ing musical act. GAYETY (James E. Orr, mgr.).—The "Bowery Burlesquers" with Lizzie Freligh at the head; Ben Jansen does nicely with the principal comedy role. ACADEMY (Harry W. Williams).—This week Mr. Williams has put on a fine bouquet of "Tiger Lilies," which everyone thoroughly approved of. The company Is very good, while George P. Murphy pleased In "The Funny Little German." Lavelle and Grant show whst they can do with their muscles. May Belmont dances and sings very well. Colby and Burke are very good in "Look Behind You, Mack." The Cardownle Sis- ters do a very graceful aword dance. Moran and Markey are first rate In their songs and dialogue. ALT00NA, PA. LYRIC (L. B. Cool. mgr. Monday rehearsal 10:30).—Barry and Halvers, comedy sketch, ex- ceptionally clever; Rhodes and Carter, acrobatic comedians, good; Katherlne Howard Call, society entertainer, made a bit; Herr Jansen company In sleight-of-hand and magic, very good; Apdale's trained animals are a strong card on this week's bill; Walter Daniels In Impersonations of noted actors was the cleverest act of the kind seen here this season; The Petots, Jugglers, pleased; The Quartet, the Keith copy act, pleased. C. G. C. APPLETON, WIS. BIJOU (Frank Williams, mgr.).—Early and Late, travesty artists, hit; Ames and Feather, Mexican acrobats, very good; Brown and Wllmot, singers and dancers, very good; Bobby Rankin, musical act, good; Frank Williams, illustrated songs. APPLETON (J. A. Hawes, mgr.).— Kenedy, repertoire and vaudeville to big busi- ness; St. Claire Sisters, big bit. ATCHISON, KAN. EMPIRE (Richard Rily, mgr.).—The new man- agement of this theatre has remodelled and re- decorated tbe little playhouse, making it one of the prettiest and cosiest amusement placoRt in tbe middle West. The hills as a whole have been ex- ceptionally good. Bill week Dec. 30, beaded by The V.'addells, club Jugglers, well received. Meany and Anderson, tramp act, favorable Im- pression; Flossie Johnson, singing and dancing, pleased; Scanlon and Stanley (New Acts): Riley and Lavlgne, good. Strong show. NOTE.— Manager Rlly will retain the following people for stock: Meany and Anderson. Flossie Johnson, Scanlon and Stanley, Riley and Lavlgne, with others to Join later. DICK BOSANKO. ATLANTA, GA. STAR (J. B. Thompson, mgr.).—"The Auto Girls," novelty, good; Kitty La Wolfe, songstress, fair; The Durands, dancers, scored; Lowman Sis- ters, fair; A. F. Roberts, Illustrated songs, fine; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wiley, comedy, went well; Ann Stlnburn, singer, good voice; Evn North, pic- ture song, good; concluding with "The Klondike Outlaw" by house stock company. BRIX. PALTIMORE, MD. MARYLAND (F. C. Schanherger. mgr.).—He- drlx and Prescott, singing and dancing, very good; The Plcqoays. equilibrists, liberally en- cored; Tom Edwards, ventriloquist, excellent; Lutz Brothers, a hit; James J. Morton, monologue, highly appreciated; The Flnneys, swimmers snd divers, numerous encores; Mr. snd Mrs. Gardner Crane and company In "Everybody's Up," excel- lent. GAYETY (W. L. Rallsnf, mgr.).—"The W.3.0L. Majesties." with Plcchlanl Troupe, the hnrlettas and olio were enjoyed. NEW MONUMENTAL (Sam If, Dawson, mgr.).—"Kentucky Belles," only a fair show. TRAYMORE CASINO (F. Keldel. mgr.).—Cathryn Russell, songs, good; Hownrd and Scoefield, sketch,, fair; Georgia Thomas, songs, good; Frederick and Bowen, songs and dances, good; Myrtle Nelson, songs, good. KIIMLING'S MUSIC HALL (Aug. Ehmllng. mgr.).—Flo Wallace, songs, fair; Cors Campbell, songs and dances, fair; Joaie Allen, aouhrette. fair; Lizzie Booth, songs, fair; Prof. Davis, sword swallower. good; Ed. Pierce, juggler, good. ZOO RINK (Geo. W. Owens, res. mgr.).—The ponies and lions are delighting every one that visits the zoo. and the rink Is always crowded. NOTES.- Prof. Mundy will give s benefit to Louis De Ballestrler, the Hon trainer whose hand was torn by Schley In rescuing John Rinkln from the lion's cage. SYLVANUS. BINGHAMTON, N. Y. ARMORY (H. A. Bailey, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 10).—Doherty's poodles, very good; Earl and Itarttlett made a good Impression; Murray Sisters, singing act, good: Josephine Cohan and company, presenting "A Friend of the Family," big hit: Jack Masons "Chleklets," with Harry I'llcer, very good: Fred Nihlo, the American hu- morist, very good; Brlndamoor, Jail breaker and handcuff king, is very good. JOGGERST. BIRMINGHAM, ALA. MAJESTIC (Harry Stevenson, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 10).—Nellie Florede, singing comedienne, fair; Earl and Wilson in "Foder Bill." good: LaClalre and West In "A Drop Into Society," hit; Rappo Sisters, dancers, good; Mr. and Mrs. Jas. T. Powers, comedy singing, pleasing; Sadl Alfarabi, novelty act, hit. GAYETY (E. A. McArdle. mgr.).—"Trans-Atlantlcs," presenting "The Flub-Dubb Conspiracy" In two acts. Chorus good and costumes great. Olio: Hlgglns and Emerson In song Illustration, good; Fennel and Tyson, fair; Two Rackets In "Fltz In Full Dress," took well; Friend and Downing, comedians, pleas- ing; Howard Brothers, flying banjos, good. NAT W. WILLIAMS. BUFFALO, N. Y. SHEA'S (M. Shea, mgr. Monday rehearsals 10).—Capacity business with Grace Van Studdl- ford as headllr.er, Harry Gllfoll as "Baron Sands," good Impression; La Troupe Carmen and their wire act, a sensation; The Lasky-Rolfe Quintet, a neat musical act; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy In "The Coal Strike." good; Jack Wilson and company, clever; Matthews and Ashley won applause; Freel and Pauley, acrobats, fine. GARDEN (Columbia Amusement Co., mgrs.; Cbae. E. White, local mgr.).—Weber & Rush's "Bon Tons" were not lacking In musical talent and comedy. "The Pousse Cafe" and "A Girl from Mars" are bright and merry with good spe- cialties Introduced. Next: "Vanity Fair" and "The Noblest Roman of Them All." John L. Sullivan.—LAFAYETTE (Empire Circuit, mgrs.; ('has. M. Baggs, local mgr.).—A strange one here, "The New Century Girls" gave us some new nov- elties. "The French Ball," with more or less plot, made a hit. Good comedians and a hustling chorus took a hand. Next: "Colonial Belles." WASHINGTON (Dr. Linn, mgr. Rehearsal 10).— The Hindoo performer Randlon was a feature. Wyoming Jack and Prplrle Nell, trick rifle shots, good; Berna Dancourt, fine; Harry Landers, "One Man Circus," excellent; Harry L. Reed's illus- trated songs, a hit. HIPPODROME (C. Klwyn Edwards, mgr.).—Moving picture novelties and good singing and Illustrated songs, hit. BIJOU DREAM (W. K. Kellmlre, mgr.).—Moving pic- tures, changing bill weekly. Is drawing fine. NOTE.—Shea's Orchestra, directed by Henry Mar- cus, is entitled to a red letter line on program, as it Is the best In the city. DICKSON. CLEVELAND, O. KEITHM (H. A. Daniels, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 11).—Paul Spadoni is a marvellous juggler and the best act on the bill. ITarry L. Tlgbe's