Variety (June 1907)

VARIETY 15 Cobb's Corner iATxrmpAY, rtm i, tm: No. 87. A Weekly Worff with WILL the Wordrlfht. There's a 000* if the world for every singer and a stager for every songw M*w thai I hare written the Mf, who will slag itl GIRL. . . Chorus: There's a girl in thia world for every boy and a hoy for OTory Ctrl, Aad as sure at fate, if you'll only wait,, toon or late you will meet your mat*. Vow I don't know. ao much about lore and suah, hat I know this much moat he, If there la a firl for ovary hoy, yoa are the girl for mo, OopyieghMd, 1007. by F. A. Mill.. Words by mo; muiio by oompooor of "I Won- der If You KlM Me." WILL D. COBB Wordwrlght. Published by F. A. Mill., Vow York. tbe vacation has been or* Is known ss the show was ucer overlooked West Stders ag the last CORRESPONDENCE Unless otherwise noted, the following reports are for the current week. Gil IG AGO By FRANK WEISBEBG. VARIETY'S Chicago Offlco, Chicago Opera Boose Block, (Phone Main 4S80). BUSON'S (Sld J. Buson. mgr.).—The efficient stock company made another stride In pretentious summer burlesque tbis week and deserves to be complimented. Frank Finney's smutting farce "The Doings of Dooley." beld over from last week, is this week preceded by a satire entitled "College Boys," given in musical comedy grandeur, With genuine humor and attractive numbers ataged by Aurelio Coccla. The caat has a new principal in the person of Carrie Seits, a local favorite, and bar magnetic presence, dash and vivacity scored with the proceedings. Mr. Finney, Minnie Amato, Ed. Morris, Pete Dunswortb, Joe Mason, B. F. Boeeanan, Llssle B. Raymond, Blanche Baird and Georgia Sully are provided with congenial parts. Kuson's la a house of mirth and music. One would have to trod a long way to find a better or more entertaining Indoor summer show. The olio num- bers are Varno and Valdaro Troupe, Ed. Moon and Three Ernests. EMPIRE (William Singer, mgr.).—Tbe first of the three summer stock companies to be exploited by the Empire Circuit (Western Burlesque Wheel) alternately at the Empire and fatty. Chicago, and the Star, Milwaukee, InsugurSted the season at this new West Side house, slfdltaneoualy estab- lishing the third organisation period in Chicago. The com gahlaed by Joe OApenbeimer, "Number 2." It la evident t! put together to haste, and the- p detail in bis eagerness to prorld with burlesque Immediately ft road attraction. The imperfections of the first performance aa regards the staging, numbers and handling of the material, Invariably excused by the managers, but generally unaccounted to tbe audience, might be absolved under the circum- stsnces. The fact, however, la apparent that the censor has not been commending when he per- mitted the staging of the frail, reminiscent and frequently Irksome piece called "Are You an Elk?" It served faithfully in the glorious daya of ancient stock, hot even the oldest survivor of the sncestrsl regime i prefers modern entertslnment. With so much more up-to-date and diverting ma- terial available, there la no excuse for tbe inten- tional rehash. The closing piece Is named "A Mulligan Stew," with conventional episodes and some "business" used by Burke Brothers early this season, Including the almost forgotten "tele- phone" scene. The two comedisns hsve the centre of tbe stage most of the time. It Is much better then tbe opening, and with a few more re- hearsals should be entertaining. There are four- teen girla and there la evidence of insufficient practice In numbers. Some are comely and dance well. There was confusion among the principals aa well aa tbe chorus. The ball game at the finish provoked laughter aa did many other non- sensical situations of tbe hilariously noisy kind. The customing in tbe closmg section is nest snd averages with ordinary stock dlsplaya, showing pink tights and dresses. Tbe "Ta-pa-pa-GIrl" number, originally introduced by Kolb and Dill two years ago, was the feature, but not quite so effective in dressing or surroundings ss it might be. John Burke snd May Howard are at tbe bead of the organization. Miss Howard has little ma- terial, but whatever she utilises is accomplished with preclseness and completeness as in the days when she headed her own company. She is handi- capped for proper surroundings, and beside Pinkie Darrough, who sprights up occasionally, there is no other female part, excepting one or two chorus girls, who ejaculate now and then. Burke is funny in the burlesque and works well with Billy Spencer, both made op as Irishmen. Better and newer stuff would serve them more. George T. Davis has a good tenor voice and played a "strslght" part well. Will H. Cross alternated a tramp and Texas rsnger. gaining some promi- nence, ne should not appear as the first olio number, following the finale of the first part. J8M olio, besides Cross, consists of Spencer and Davis. — TO CORRESPONDENTS Kindly have all correspondence reach this office hereafter not later than Wednesday. Where impossible to make mailing con- nection for that day with current week's report, matter will be for the preceding week. The Chat. K. Harris Cosrisr mJ^F^S^U • 9^*9 O^f wSW^J ^^^W^SrW WSg "i SWnS^^^^W S^^S^W Auer and Be Onto snd John F. Burke, Billy Cross and Carrie Bastedo in a sketch reminiscent of the primitive days, for a stock show it is not wholly complete, but will be probably whipped into shape before tbe week is over. New matter' and plenty of it with proper staging and surroundings sre the essentials. TBOCADKBO (I. M. Welngarden. mgr.).—The burlesque offered by Mr. Welngarden's stock is called "The Greaser," showing Chinatown. The two principal characters are Chinese. Considerable of the material employed by Weber and Fields for many years has been freely need, Including the "red and white" light episode, "roulette" scene, "contract" Incident and "syndicate" argument. The numbers are effective and songs catchy. The vocal department la weak and the show needs one or two female principals who can act and sing. "The Deluge" remains the feature of the olio, which is msde up of Pierce and Mildred,. Frank Dunn, Howard and Germalne, and Raw son and Clare. The latter came on from Grand Rapids preparatory to departing for New York, and were Improvised for the olio, appearing In their comedy sketch "Just Kids," which was seen with the "Bon Tons" early this season. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy, mgr.).—"The Briga- diers" returned, closing the regular season of the house, which stsrta In with stock next week. MAJESTIC (Lyman B. Glover, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 0).—The unusual ab- sence of big familiar names on the three sheet board In front of the house was noticeable, but did not seem to quench the desire of the large throngs for "advanced vaudeville," which la conspicuously advertised in the lobby. There are several acta on the bill that are either new or have not been aeen here in recent years. Shifting of acta was general on Monday evening. Willie Weston, who had fourth place in the afternoon, waa moved to the No. eight position at the second performance. Weston haa artistic methoda and scored tremen- dously with three songs and Imitations. Tom Nswn and company returned for the first time since they departed for Australia a few years ago and repeated their previous "dream" comedy "Pat and the Genii," pleasing immensely. James Har- rlgan haa a string of bright saylnga and won many laughs with hla droll Improvised talk, which he delivered in a cheerful manner while juggling. Amelia Summervllle, tall, stately and of pleasing demeanor, received a good Share of applause for her songs and "personal" gooalp about society. The Klnaons offered a very diverting musical spe- cialty, the work of the comedian in imitations of musical instruments being particularly clever and striking. The comedy la unnecessary and only leaoaua the meritorious quality of the act. "Tam- ing an Actress" is a playlet written by Merrl Osborne, who takes credit for the "whole produc- tion" on the program and plays the principal part, supported • by two others, a man and a woman. The chief fault with the vehicle la that the situa- tions are conventionally tame and Infrequent. It needs more action and rim, although Miaa Osborne displayed oonsidershle of it. Fadette orchestra returned and gave a half hour's performance. Joe Watson plays hla first vaudeville engagement In Chicago, haying dosed with a burlesque show sev- eral weeks ago. He uses the same material to good advantage. Hla mske-up of a Hebrew la relevant and consistent. Edna Sheppard la pretty and aang illustrated songs In an effective and pleasing manner. McFtrlanfi Snd Murray offered s good line of bright talk and were die recipients a much deserved favor. Julia Rfngsley and Nelson Lewis hsd early place and did well with "After the Honeymoon," considering. Ml e. Ches- ter introduced her "Statue Dog"* in a *»eries of poses. Bellong Brothers were billed, but did not appear owing to illness. OLYMPIC (Abe Jacobs, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal ft).—William Bramweli and Eleanor Gordon In "Cupid at Home." Eight Vasssr Girla, Ferguson snd Mack. Louise Agoust and company, Spencer Kelly and Frederic Rose, Clara Beasey's Oats, Warren and Blanchard, Mr. and Mra. Franklin Colby, Reno and Asora, Harry L. Webb, Larkins and Burns, Two Marelles and Early and Late. SAN FRAINGISGO By W. ALFRED WILSON. ORPHBDM (Martin Beck, gen. mgr.).—Week 26: The presence of James Morton, who besded the bill, saved the show. Hla irreslstable humor kept the house in a continual roar and memories of his previous visit made bim a strong drawing card. The Sutcliffe Scottish Troupe did not figure strongly, there being a general lack of interest In their bagpipe selections, and their scrobatic feats suffered in comparison with other acts of that kind seen on the circuit. The Four Fords pleased with their lively style of clog dancing; Werden and Gaddish presented an illustrated sing- ing act under the title of "ballads with semi-oil paintings." The act belongs to the ten twenty class and one wonders how they made the circuit. Valerie Bergere In her second week fell back on her "Bowery Camilla," which proved a big winner. Paplnta, The Royal Musical Five and Carroll and B.»ker In their second week completed the bill. NATIONAL (Sld Grauman, mgr.).—Week 27: The bill had a good balance and was well worth the Journey "one block west." Edmonds, Emer- son and Edmonds open the program with a me- lange of comedy that In plot smacks strongly of "Van's Office Boy." The younger man works In Cohan fashion, but does It cleverly, and is easily the star of the trio. The woman delivers her lines in a high pitched voice. The finish in "one" goes splendidly. Tanner and Gilbert have a laugh winning comedy sketch, but the marked approval that greeted their well harmonised singing finish should Induce them to employ more singing at the expense of the comedy. Archie Boyd and com- pany were the feature of the week with a playlet following in plot a familiar theme of the rural drama. Boyd waa In hla element aa the aged farmer and the "company" of one man rendered excellent support. The Two Casettaa, Introducing s x<h-Ic« #>f fantastic snd whirlwind dances, were a taking novelty feature, aa were the Three Valeu- teens In a Well costumed casting* set. WIGWAM (Sam, Harris, mgr.).—Week 27: A satisfying program waa offered constituted by Francellns, a "atco.ig man" act; Cbaa. Mason and company in a fares offer lug entitled "Peter and Paul"; Caldera, magician; Tbe Southerns, colored singing quartoti. the Musical Buckleys, and Edith Williams, vocalist. GBAUMAN'S GLOBE (W. R. Dalley. mgr.).— Week 27: Sousa and Sloan started proceedings with their burlesque magic The Cox Family, a clever quartet of youngsters, rendered pleasing vocal selections. The Howard Brothers were the novelty feature of tbe program, winning strongly with their original ban.1o act. The Three Alvar- ettaa have an eaeer«ata4«ej acrob a tic act with some comedy added. The Harry La Rose company pre- sented "The Sailor and the Horse." The Hawaalan Quartet waa also on the bill. EMPIRE (Wm. Weston, mgr.).—Week 27: Gus Williams was underscored and the reception accord- ed bim left no doubt aa to the appreciation of hla efforts. Jeanette Dupree essayed a monologue In "one" enlivened with a singing number, and proved the moat heartily welcome single artist thst haa ever played the bouse. The Reese Brothers (colored) had a presentable act consist- ing In the main of gun spinning. The Poet com- pany in ita "getaway" week offered "A Day at the Circus," a medium that served to Introduce some good burlesques on ring acts. Ives with hla "strong man*" travesty was particularly good, and Post had a funny hit In the acrobatic line. In their parting week some tribute should be paid to the excellent chorus that haa backed up the Post produ ctio ns. LYCEUM (W. H. Weber, mgr.).—Week 27: Silent Talt, an eccentric wlaard* waa a pleasing feature of the olio. There la originality to the act and some good dumb comedy is Introduced. Strykland, the musieal robs. Miriam Mar. coon ahonter, and Jean Hathaway, baUadhrt, cloned the olio. Tbe Jack Golden company offered "A Friend of the Family," a pleasing farcical effort with some good musical numbers. NOTES.—The Empire Theatre, Oakland, a West era States Association house, opena June 10 under the management of B. M. Carlson. The policy of vaudeville, reinforced by stock productions, win be Inaugurated. Al. Hallett will be the producer and according to the present program will take with him the major portion of the James Post com- pany, which closed at the 'Frisco Empire June 2. —Closing an engagement of thirty-two weeks Mr. snd Mra. James Poet (May Ashley) will retire to their home in the North for a rest.—Chaa. Mason, who has been acting aa producer for the Weatern states people at their San Jose house, win replace Post at the Empire here, bringing with him hla own company.—Archie Levy, the* Sulllvan-Con- sldlne representative, fell In leaving the National this week snd snstained a badly sprained ankle. After a week's confinement he waa again able to attend the affairs of hla office.—William Weston and Edward Ackerman of the Western'States As soclstlon left for Denver 26 to close a deal where- by they obtain control of the Crystal chain of houses. Henceforth Weston will make hla bead- luarters at Denver, from which point he will direct the destinies of the Western States Association In the Rocky Mountain district.—A call waa issued for a meeting of the White Rata and those eligible to membership May 81. Sam Sldman of the Kolb and Dill company sounded the trumpet.—Jeanette Dupree has brought salt In the United States Cir- cuit Court sgainst Kolb and Dill for 15,000 for damages alleging a breach of contract, and an additional $8B& for balance claimed aa, due oh back salary. Miss Dupree alleges thst she entered Into contract with the firm to act aa leading woman at a salary of $150 per week for 12 weeks. After playing six weeks she received the usual two weeks' notice. She resisted this dismissal, and on the week of April 8 she was caat for the part of Birdie in "Fiddle De Dee," a minor role wherein she waa compelled to wear tights, which she says waa another breach of contract. BOSTON By ERNEST L. WAITT. VARIETY Office, 278A Tremont St. Many a thank offering went up this week from the theatre managers of Boston, for the westher was cold, rsiny snd disagreeable -and excellent for the box office. The result waa a fairly good Address all eommunloatloaa SS CHAS. K. HARRIS, 81 W. list St. V. TV (Meyer Cohen. Mgr.) Vol. 8. New York, June 8. 1807. No. <•) OUR LATEST LOVE BALLAD The Coming Song Hit II i Just Because Send at Once for Copies* Orchestras tions in Any Key business at each of the houses. The Orpheum, Lyceum and Howard are expected to cloae in about two weeka, but the Palace will ran along for some time yet, possibly all summer. Will Oressy and Blanche Dayne made their final appearance for this season In vaudeville at Keith's this week, putting on "The New Depot," the rights to which Mr. Cressy baa jnat deeded over to hla old friend,. George Wilson. The piece la a delicious blending of New England philosophy and pathos. Second on the bill waa "A Shine Flirta- tion" by Beatrice McKenale, Walter Shannon snd Harry Sullivan, a really great musical skit. The original Pony Ballet took well because they danced with ginger, snd Howard snd North repeated their hit hen'. 7 in Walton, a graduate of the local legitimate houses, did an unusually good act in "one," Including songs, dances and lmpersons- tlons that deserved a much bettor place on the Mil. Hie silent dance atarted the giggles way up to the hack row. The Dunedln Troupe are good. Oladya Clark, formerly known aa Gladys Klsber. with Messrs. Bergman and Mahonay, does a good song and dance act, a snsppler song would lm* prove the sketch. Dora Bonos makes a good lm* presalon with her violin playing; Mr. aad Mra. AUison put on "Minnie from Minnesota;" the Marttn Brothers do a good xylophone act; Zone, Jordan and Zeno have some dull moments In their aerial act which could he eliminated If they would work faster; Naff and Miller do a good back and wijg act, and Francis Wood, hoop roller, la inter- esting. Pauline, hynot 1st and mind reader, la headlined at the Orpheum this week. It la his first appear- ance here. He does nothing that Prof. Oerpeuter did not do twenty years ago, but the not goes well In vaudeville. Mra. Liale Leigh and company in "Kid Glove Nan," a good sketch, ran second, and Lanky. Rolfe A Co.'a "Ye Colonial Septstte" get great applause. "Happy Jask" Gsrdne.r la his musical monologue, la a novelty and maksa good quickly. The Belff Brothers hardly prove worthy of their self-chosen title of "the greatest," hut do deserve the title of "great." Charlie Barry and Hulda Havers sing and dance well, and Welsh, Mealey and Montrose give the only acrobat act on the bill. Laweoa and Lemon do a novelty bag punching stunt that opena the bill with a ruah. Business holds up very well at the Or- pheum. Hilda Hawthorne opena tbe olio at the Lyceum this week with some good singing, if she did not yell ao loudly her act would be better appreciated. Cbarlea Banks In a monologue, 0. W. Williams, ventriloquist, Billy Barlow in a hodge-podge, and Bert Bohannon with illustrated songs complete the list. Belle Travera la featured In the burlesque portion. The Howard waa jammed nearly every day this week—on Monday the patrons stood seven deep behind tbe rail. Millard Brothers, cyclists, start off tbe big acta, and Lee Tung Poo, Chinese baritone, given a lot of amuaement. Anderson and Golnea, colored comedians, sre great local fav- orites. Butler and Lamar, sketchists; Marron and Marron, In Irish comedy; Chefslo and Capretta, comedy maglclana; Sandow and Lambert In a clean cut phyalcal culture exhibition, and "The Great Fredericks," who hasn't changed a hair In physical appearance or a bit of hla act these many years, comprise tbe olio. Tbe Howards, bur- lesquers, put on "Silver Chimes." George Alex- ander heads tbe comedy company In "The Bar- bcr'a Revenge." Jay Hunt, manager of the How- ard, is to play "Rip Van Winkle"- at the annual, benefit of his daughter Charlotte in Boaton next Wv?8?k "House Full" wss the rule st tbe Palace a great part of the week, due to weather conditions and a good abow. T. P. Thomas has made a hit here. This week hla burlettas are "Skimmer- VAUDEVILLE PEOPLE Send Us Your Open Time We can place you over a oirouit of good Southern time of 15 weeka. Ghe lull particulars in first letter 60UTHERN VAUDEVILLE AGENCY, MAJESTIC THEATRE BLDO.. BIRMINGHAM ALA.