Variety (August 1907)

18 VARIETY Tht Chas. K. Harris Coir.tr Devoted to the interests of Songs swsL Singers. Address all communication* to CHAS. K. HARRIS, tl W. tilt St, V. T. (Mayer Cohen, Mgr.) Vol. «». New York. August 10. 1007. No. 13. CALL Managers of Musical Comedies, Farce Comedies and Burlesque Shows, we wish to call your par- ticular attention to the fact that we have now ready the greatest selection of songs suitable for any production snd your time will be well repaid by calling at our office to bear the songs played over by our pianists, and bear the songs sung amidst pleasant surroundings. Don't wait until the last moment, until rehearsals begin, when ypu will be too busy to listen to "Just tbe kind of song" that you may need and will not be able to get, as you may not have the time to bear It properly demonstrated. Our offices are at your disposal at any time and all times; a call at any time during the day will more than repay you and you can select what you want and not have some song forced upon you that will be In every show on the road under tbe promise that you are tbe only one. To those thst hare used the Harris songs we know you .will come sgaln; to those who have not used the Harris songs we want you to come and we know that you will be satisfied. Northwest tbU summer.—Joe Whltehesd is un- decided ss to his plans for next .season. He will eltber Join a musical comedy or play tbe Sulllvan- Considlne time in the West.—Claus snd Radcllffe have signed for Waldron's "Trocaderos" for the coming season.—A new moving picture theatre is being established at Oskaloosa, Iowa.—The new Auditorium nearing completion at Batesvllle, Ark., will probably play vaudeville next season. It has 800 seats.—Arthur II.. Kherns is playing at parks in Michigan.—"Silent" Tait Just finished his en- gagement on tbe Coast, and bis future time is mm- being arranged by Tom Brandford, his man- ager..—Grace Wilson goes with B. C. Whitney's '•Show Girl" next season to play tbe soubrette part.—Millie Carlos, formerly of Corena Sisters, has purchased two cub bears from Big Otto's Anlmsl Show, and will trsln them for her new hiuglc act which will be shown In vaudeville soon. —J. A. Coburn's Greater Minstrels Is being or- ganised here. Mr. Coburn Is in tbe city complet- ing tbe details of tbe organisation, which has Cincinuatl for Its starting point, Sept. 1.—Lewis's new vaudeville theatre. Pana, 111., opened last week.—Fred Lincoln, general manager of the Sulllvan-Consldlne Circuit, left for Omaha and Denver to arrange for the opening of the two new Sulllvan-Consldlne theatres, on or about Sept. 2. Tom J. Meyers, for two years connected with the Norris and Rome Circus and Orpheum Circuit, will be manager of the Omaha house.—Maude Rockwell is the soloist with Stark's Orchestra at White City.—The Orpheum, family theatre, •Watertown. S. D., opened this week under the management of F. C. Bacon.—Fitzgerald and Gil- day opened a 26 weeks' engagement on tbe Sul- llvan-Consldlne circuit August 5.—The Orpheum Theatre. Leavenworth, Kansas, It is expected will lie rebuilt in a few weeks.—The Majestic Theatre, Streator. 111., opened this week. The Western Vaudeville Association does the booking.—Mr. and Mrs. W. W. O'Brien closed their park season and started for the Northwest, opening at Butte, Mont.—Jessie Coutbroul Is spending a few weeks at Hot Springs. Va. She opens her season about the middle of Sept em 1st. —Jones and Walton are resting at their home In Baden, Pa.—Chas. Sharp, St present In Germany, will start on tbe Western Vaudeville Association time when he returns to tbe States.—Bud Ross, late comedian of the musical show at Chester Park, Cincinnati, opened on the Sulllvan-Consldlne Circuit for 15 weeks. - Vic. Hugo, manager of the People's Theatre, says his house opens for the regulsr season on Sep- tember 0.—Kit Karson, wire act, is giving ex- hibitions at Wlldwood, N. J.— Cummings Trio will stay In the Middle West the coming season.— Fiedler and Shelton tried out their new act at the North Avenue Theatre, and received several • < M IITILD TIME IT ILL THE BIGGEST SONG HIT DT TEARS. CHORUS. Love me when tbe moon is beaming. Love me when the stars are dreaming; In tbe morning—in the night Love me. Honey—love me right. In the 8pringtlme. in the Summer. In the Winter, in the Fall. Love me. Honey; Honey, lore me. Any old time at all. IB West 80th Street. FRANCIS, DAY & HUNTER Publishers of -Handle Me With Care" X good offers for next season.—Most of the Sullivan Consldine houses in tbe Middle, West and East open September 2. Tbe old theatres have been remodeled and redecorated.—Louise Jackson Joined Hilda Carles' "Red Raven Cadets," which will be featured with the Nat Wills Company.—Morris Abrums Is playing dates for William Morris' Western office.—Mr. Sachs, of the Sacba' Sigu Co., Milwaukee, will open a new 10-ceut vaude- ville theatre in that city, to seat 500. It Is located at 12th and Walnut streets, and will open the latter part of this month. Three shows a day will be given.—Messrs. Gentry and Williams, of tht Gentry Show .No. 1, secured acts through Robert Fargo last week.—L. DeAerlen, a French contortionist, is expected In tbe Middle West dur- ing the month.—Youngs and Brooks are spending the summer weeks st Suffern, N. Y., and will shortly start for tbe West.—A new moving pic- ture theatre opened at Davenport, Iowa. W. R. Johnson, formerly of Union town, Pa., is the man- ager.—David F. McCoy, after visiting bis relatives here for several weeks, left for New York to as- sume the management of the Family Theatre.— Bartell and Garfield, at the conclusion of their dates In New England, will come west.—Chas. Godfrey, who has a summer resort at Reed's Lake, Grand Rapids, Mich., is giving bis patrons vaude- \ ill.-—Joe Edmonds will play In the Middle West commencing In September.—Levlne and Levlne signed for 17 weeks with Gentry Bros. Circus.— Kenneth Lake has been secured by I. M. Weln- garden for the new burlesque show now being or- ganised here for the Columbia Amusement Com- pany. —George Evans, after spending a few weeks with reiutlves st Streator, 111., passed through the city, en route to New York.—The Atlas Dramatic and Amusement Company, a corporation, with headquarters at Cheyenne, Wyo., proposes to build a vaudeville theatre in that western city. The house will seat 600 and will book in con- junction with tbe Novelty Theatre at Cheyenne, recently acquired from Henry Lubelskl, and two circuits in the West controlled by others.—Murphy and Wlllard are in the West, having 25 weeks booked by Chris. 0. Brown.—An open air theatre Is being promoted for Pana. 111., by Green and Dearth. It will be known as the Lyric Summer Theatre, and vaudeville and moving pictures will make up the bills.—The vaudeville theatre at Virginia, Minn., opens August 25. under tbe man- agement of F. C. Whiting.—Nina Blake and Georgia Drew Meudum have signed with tbe La Salle Theatre Stock Company.—Three shows are rehearsing at the Empire Theatre this week. "The Girl Question," for LaSalle Theatre; "Miss New York. Jr.." and "The Empire Show" with Roger Irahof.—The new Orpheum Theatre, Fremont, Neb., is now under way.—F. M. Barnes, tbe the- atrical agent, was suddenly called to South Haven, Mich., by tbe serious illness of bis wife's mother, who has a stroke of paralysis, and is not expected to survive. SAIN rRANGISGO By W. ALFRED WILSON. VARIETY'S San Francisco Office. 115 Van Ness Ave. (Room 112). ORPHEUM (Martin Beck, gen. mgr.).—Week July 28: Three of the acts were newcomers, and the Neills offered for initial production their new playlet (New Acts). World and Kingston ran the gauntlet from operatic singing to rough burlesque comedy. The Orpheumltes liked the brand. Some excellent acrobatic work of the eccentric sort, of- fered by Seymour snd Hall, won favorable notice. The Five Byrons, colored instrumentalists, went fairly well. They make no attempt at comedy, and Rosner's aggregation on the other side of the footlights were strong competitors. Ethel Green and Billy Gaston, repeating their offering of last week, were easily the hit of the show. The bal- ance of the holdovers were Roberts, Hayes and Roberts, LeB Jardy and "The Stunning Gren- adiers." NATIONAL (Sid Grauman, mgr.).—For the first time since Perl Wllkerson attempted thte impos- sible with a congregation of "rurals," Manager Grauman summoned the courage to try a "girl act." Lillian Dolllver and her "Eight Dancing Girls" were the opening number and proved satis- factory. Tbey were well matched, catcblly cos- tumed and the unison with which they danced showed adaptability and training. Gavin, Piatt and Peaches were on too early to register full strength. Their novel drop Interested the house from the start. The man is a good comedian with original mannerisms. Both can sing and their duet with a guitar accompaniment was the strong- est card. Their sketch Is rather disjointed and could stand reconstruction. Jos. J. and Myra Dowling presented a fast-moving playlet, entitled "A Sagebrush Widow," marked by Rome clever acting, but is rather dense as to plot, and It is doubtful if the major part of their audience "got the drift." Mile. Leontina, a high-class vocalist, rendered some operatic selections that won her several encores. Carter, the magician, submitted some new feats accompanied by clever side talk making him one of the most pleasing features of the bill. Abagail Price was an attraction of the Fay order, though hardly of the Fay class. She Interested the women Immensely. The Four Shan- nons. Juvenile singers and dancers, were well up and won approval. The Musical Spraguellos and Klmbals were the closing feature. The offering is styled "The Guadlmento Diablo," and is an amal- gamation of tbe former musical act of the Spraguellos, combined with a series of striking stage settings with electrical effects. The act bears the stamp of originality and Rcored heavily. WIGWAM (Sam Harris, mgr.).—The Bell Trio was featured, receiving a hearty welcome home. So emphatic was it that after the opening per- formance they were deemed strong enough to close the show and the program was rearranged with the trio In "Good Night" place. Their ultra- fashionable tuxedos of grey won a hand at first showing before a note bad been sounded. Their ability as vocalists requires no comment. In some of the numbers, especially In the higher pitch, there Is a unison of cleat* resonant harmony that answers the query "Why the Bell?" John Rapier, I former comedian of the Davis stock, assisted by Ids wife, working as The Rapiers, essayed a sing- ing, dancing and conversational, act before the third drop. RaplerR Is a remarkably tall and slender |>ersonage and emphasizes his sllmness to advantage by the use of form-fitting clothes. Tbe peculiar csst of his countenance requires but little makeup to be laugh-winning. Their material la not of tbe best, ' snd Kapler falls to use the "Howdy Do" song that scored for him at the Davis. Tbe dsneing, while simple, is well timed, snd is the best part of tbe act. With a suitsble sketch the pair would register well. The La Zars, though billed as musical artists, achieve their main success in the singing portion. Tbe man goes some In blackface comedy. Tbe Sisters Excels in their neat novelty act "The Girl In White" were well liked. One of tbe young women is stunningly gowned In a costume that breathes of Paris. The other is an acceptable "chappie." Clifford and Hall were a pair of capable singers and offer some fair bits from the field of comedy. Yarrlck, the magician, won h|s share of approval. Clinton Montgomery carried the house with "Honey Boy." The Squires-Burns fight pictures proved a strong drawing card. EMPIRE (Hal Curtis, res, mgr.).—H. V. Fits- gerald, protean artist, with "Miss De Vere's Diamond," was the headllner, proving a strong drawing card. The Imperial Four, with their show-shop sketch,were well thought of. Tyson. Fenall and Tyson proved a trio of clever dancers and were one of the hits. Tbe closing song of tbe two women wss a catchy bit. Hayes and Al Point, one, an irresistibly funny midget, had an acrobatic and dancing act that was well placed on the program and warmly greeted. The lightning tumbling of Armento won him approval. Ned Bennett was on the programe with a bone solo, a clever act of Its kind, but too antique to interest. We have hsd Sam Gilder here for many years. MISSION (8. Fried, mgr.).—The Chas. Mason Company produced the second, section of the Peter and Paul series, Intercepted with some pleasing musical numbers by Botbwell Browne's "Gaiety Girls." An Increasing patronage testifies to the Mlsslonltes' liking of the Mason brand of humor. The Western States Vaudeville Association is gradually gathering In the park dates of Cali- fornia. Recreation Park, Fresno, and Oak Park. Sacramento, are the latest additions. The Bell Trio were entertained at the Metropole Club on tbe evening of July 28 by Esco Ives, the balladist of the Empire, who was one of the original trio. If the high-flying party for who Al Onken, of the Sulllvan-Consldlne force, cashed a $65 check that was returned "no funds," will call at the S.-C. office Mr. Onken will guarantee him booking of continuous time. Lottie Gilson opened at tbe Bell, Oakland, 28. She Is bonked for the National Aug. 5. Willie Zimmerman left for Portland Aug. 8, to play a few weeks of Western States time in the Northwest. BOSTON By ERNEST L. WAITT. VARIETY Office, 278 A Tremont St. KEITH'S.—As a whole, Keith's show this week Is not as good as usual. Henry D. Gardner, a local man, who did some work with tbe bank officers' shows, essays a monologue. Although fresh and eager, he is very amateurish and bis "stuff" Is very "punky." Matthews and Ashley have fair songs, but tbe comedy could be bettered. otto brothers. German comedians, are laugh pro- ducers, and Ray Cox, fair. Edgar L. Davenport is headllner In a new sketch (New Acts). The Ten- nis Trio in club Juggling do neat, swift work snd tbe Elton-Polo Troupe in a casting act are phe- nomenal. Stevenson and Nugent, dancers; Sophie Everett and company in "A House Warm- ing"; Charley Farrell, blackface, complete the bill, beside, of course, the Fadettea, who have four more weeks here. PALACE.—Charles Waldron at the Palace has a "find" In Frank Finney, who heads his com- pany this week in bis own comedy "Miss Frisco" and "Johnny Kelly's Party." Finney has proven so good that Waldron is to put him at the head of his Trocadero Burlesquers around the Wheel. In this week's olio are Annie Goldie, singer; Baker and Jerome, Jumpers; Hilton, comedy Jug- gler, and Hume, Cain and Hoey in a comedy aiuglng turn. The gorgeous new marble, glass and electric light front of tbe Palace will prob- ably be finished in a week. AUSTIN & STONE'S.—The Southern Cakewalk Company of sixty colored people are the high card, with songs, dances, etc. In the theatre are the "Minstrel Maids," and the olio Includes Ar- thur Peters, boy dancer; Cassene and Delmia, comedy Jugglers; tbe Meadows Comedy company. WONDERLAND.—This park will keep open until Sept. 15. The Kishizuna troupe of Jap acrobats; Minting, who climbs up a 50-foot pole on a unlcycle; the two Hal Hot ts. equilibrists; Mile. Emery and Mons. Sllverne on tbe trapeze, are in the free circus. PARAGON PARK.—Sadie Knowlton In her new act, "The Dash of Death," Is featured here. She rides down a steep incline on a bicycle, Is thrown 100 feet Into the air, wheel and all, and diopg into the lagoon. Some great press work has been done for this act. Speedy, In his 1?S0- foot dive, and Don Pedro Maurengo are the other attractions. LEXINGTON PARK.—Melville and Hlgglns, In "Just a Little Fun"; Bryant and Savllle, in their minstrel act, the Bartelll troupe of acro- bats; the Torelll dog circus; and Wally Clark are the bill here this week. NORUMBEGA PARK.—The Le Brun Grand Opera trio; the Paytons, <•<....red dancers; Sid Baxter, trick cyclist; Fields and Hanson, comedy instrumentalists; and Foster's dog Mike hold down the open air theatre stage here. OOMIQUE.—"The Abduction" is chief film this week, with "Buying a Donkey and "The Ten- derfoot" holdlnsr up the comedy end. PREMIER.—Heading the list here Is "The Kind C-iim ifnf er." « th "The Athletic American Girls" second, and "The Redskins." Antonio, a r eally good boy soprano, Is an added attraction. NOTE. Harry Farren, manager of the Colum- bia, has charge of the vaudeville bill at the Marshfleld Fair. He has engaged Delmore and Oneida, the Todd-.Tudge troop of foot-Jugglers; the Holmans, comedy bar workers; Mile. Lunette in a "slide for life"; Mardo, eccentric Juggler; Dalley Brothers, equilibrists; and the Alvenas in a wire act. "The Strolling Players" began rehearsals at the Columbia this week. Cobb's Corner SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1107. No. 76. A Weekly Word with WILL the Wordwrlght. BALLAD. ORIGINAL!!! NEW IDEA!]! NOVELTY!!! 'neath the old tree, Sweet — Busy with Joe Weber's new musioal show. Book by Edgar Smith. Lyrics by Will D. Cobb. Music by Gus Edwards. (Side Remark)—Summering at Cobb's Cor- ner, 12th floor, Hotel Rand. "Close that window, d'you want me t' freesel" WILL D. COBB Wordwrlght, Cars Websr's Theatre, NEW YORK. PHILADELPHIA. By GEORGE M. YOUNG. KEITH'S (H. T. Jordan, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 0.)—A clever troupe of English pento- mimists showed for the first time here "The Lon- don Fire Brigade," a humorous absurdity which, with "The Man's tbe Thing" (New Acts), the Bounding Gordons and several acta which have been featured bere on former visits, made up an attractive 1 summer bill and pleased Keith's pat- rons. The Rltcbie-Hearn Troupe burlesqued the London fire fighters in laugh-provoking style. There is a good bit of rough-bouse comedy ami in one or two spots it borders on rather coarse burlesque, but It classes high along with the other English pantomime sketches and kept the audience convulsed. The Bounding Gordons have a novelty in the acrobatic line which won them recognition. The youngest member of. the trio puts a good finish to his work by turning fifteen somersaults and ten twisters on the plstfonn. The act made a very strong Impression. There was plenty of danciug on the bill and the honors were pretty well distributed. Cartmell and Har- ris showed some clever footwork, both In single and team dancing, adding Just enough comedy and singing to the act to make It a go. Emma Francis worked Just as hard as if it was the middle of the regular theatricul season, and with her lively pair of Arabs she repeated the success met with ou former visits. Although she sang but one new song, Clarice Vance scored her ususl big bit, her quiet manner and unique per- sonality finding room to stand out among the other singing acts and she was received Just as warmly as ever, which Is as much as any act that ever comes here <an claim. Another singing team to win a big share of the honors was the Howard Brothers. They had one or two new Jokes, a new song and several funny parodies along with one or two good imitations and tbe audience brought them back several times before being satisfied. The Dixie Serenaders offered a mixture of singing and dancing which pleased. Haverly and MeCrea fitted in nicely In place of Keefe and Pearl, having a Jangle of rapid fire talk which won laughs. Fred and Ade!e Astaires, a Juvenile dancing team, were entertaining, the boy belli:; a surprisingly good toe dancer and did a buck dance on his toes which was worthy of a more experienced dancer. Apdale's trained animals offer* d a novel act. introducing some clever tricks, Winifred Stewart sang three songs In a fair voice. The Valdlngs performed showy tricks on swinging bars and gave a display of cus EDWARDS SAYS A new disease named "Blonde Eye," of a very contagious nature and extremely hard to cure. Is now creating rh epidemic throughout the Middle West. Symptoms of Blonde Eye are a peculiar tingling sensation around the heart, a desire to spend money, and a paralysis of the optic nerves (sort of a "lock-Jaw of the eves!"). Cause!—"THE BLONDE TYPEWRITERS" act with Johnnie Stanley; this, and Gus Edwards' other act, "THE SCHOOLBOYS AND GIRLS," are the two biggest vaudeville sensations of the year, both booked solid for over a year hence. Tie new act. "THE RUBE KIDS," is now In active rehearsal and looks so good that idds for Its first appearance have already been made by the New York managers. Between rehearsals Gus Edwards Is busy writing the music for Joe Weber's new musi- cal production. Thereil be some "hits" this year! Musically yours. GTS EDWARDS. P. S.—"School Days" is some song—eh? MORE P. S—Frank Morrell. with That Quartet, Is causing a sensation In 'Frisco Just at present singing "That's What the Rose Said to Me" and "School Days." Truly yours. GTS EDWARDS MUSIC PUBLISHING CO.