Variety (September 1907)

VARIETY 21 Tki Shis. K. Iirrit Ctiritr Dovotod $0 tk* imtetgsis of Songs omd Smgors. all oemmusioatioas ta- il w. tut it, v. y. (Meyer Cohen, Mgr.) Vol. 8. New York, Sept. 7, 1907. No. 1. Mmmmgers Do yon want good singers? Write or wire. Stngmrm Do you want good work? Call or write at once. YESTERDAY The ballad hit of the country. MY VIRGINIA The new march song hit Both songs by CHAS. K. HARRIS. CORRESPONDENCE Unless otherwise noted, the following reports are for the current week. CHICAGO By FRANK WIESBERO. VARIETY'S Chicago Office, Chicago Opera House Block, (Phone Main 4380.) MAJESTIC (Lyman R. Glover, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—A well bal- anced Mil la the oTcrlng. Stella Mayhew la the particular top-notcher, making her first appear- ance !u nearly two yearn. Bert Lealie la always a welcome visitor, for he invariably fulfills every .anticipation of inmost pleasure. His accurate interpretation of the slang "boss" In "Hogan's Visit" is an excellent '-harnover achievement and scored tremendously. Mae Sailor, Will Cole. Ed Gillespie and Fred Watson gave good sup- port. Cliff Berzac's horses gave a very interest- ing exhibition of animal intelligence. The series of pictorial Illustrations presented by Mr. and Mrs. Edward II. Ke:up are novel and unique. There are very few acts of this sort In vaude- ville and this is the best seen here. Emma Francis mi 1 Arabian Boys made a decidedly good im- pression. Mlsi*' Francis has a captivating ap- pearance and received a good measure of ap- plause for herself and the dancers. Elmer Ten- ley delivered a satirical string of humor which won favor, and the "Four Dainty Dancers" proved the affirmative, possessing grace and charm. Mary Dupont and Company in "A Leap Year Leap" have an interesting vehicle, well played. Ed. Lavlne contributes an agreeable quantity of comedy in bis Juggling act. which consists of familiar but skillfully accomplished feats. The Christie Duo hall from Russia, ac- NOTICE. As Variety's Chicago representa- tive, Frank Wiesberg, has been barred from the Trocadero Theatre by its manager, I. M. Wiengarden, who ob- jected when Mr. Wiesberg truthfully reported the productions given at that theatre the past summer as in- decent and a disgrace to theatricals, the burlesque companies opening at the Trocadero will be reviewed when playing Euson's.—Ed. cording to the announcement. They are dancers. The Majestic Quartet, vocalists and instrumental- ists, found the audience responsive. "The Wrong Message." presented by Mr. and Mrs. Mears and Company, was on too early. It is an active little playlet with many humorous situations. Master Slat?r Brockman was the "company" and did very well. Mexican Herman also appeared. CHICAGO OPERA HOUSE (Frank Rivera, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).— George Farren and Company, Haslane. Elsie Faye. with Plssett and Miller; Blmm, Bomm, Ikrt; Astrella Sisters. Miss Alba, Flske and McDonough. Anna Doherty, Two Vivians, Sophie K*verett and company, The Trlllers. Marvelous Neola. Louis Campbell. HAYMARKET (Wm. Newklrk, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—Benjamin Chapln and Company, Those Four Girls, LaDell and Crouch, Ward and Cnrran, Leonora Kerwin. Mme. Nadjl, Wm. A. Inman and Company, Palfrey and Loefler, Joe Golden, Edwards and Glen wood. Gallando, Keating and McCauley and Edna Sheppard. NEW COLUMBIA (W, P. Shower, mgr. Mon- day rehearsal 10).—This new vaudeville theatre opened this week. It Is located on Clark street near Division, and the only variety house on the North side. Continuous performances are given at 10, 20 and 30 cents. The opening bill is quite attractive and consists of Cliff Deane and Company, Mark Lea. Deverne and Van, Mathlen. Dick and Azora, Olive Helena and W. McGrith. SCHINDLER'B (L. Schlndler, mgr. Monday rehearsal 11).—Enlarged and considerably re- modeled, this Milwaukee avenue house opened for the season, with a bill which includes Court- ney and Jeanette, the Klnaners, LaConda and LeClalr and Bda Walker. Manager Schlndler states that during the season he will play larger and better acts. SID J. EUSON'S (Sid. J. Euson, mgr.). - Manager W. S. Campbell has been quite in- dulgent in the costume equipment of Rose Sydell's "Lond >n Belles," compared with the display last season. He has also conceived an appropriate Idea for tights of which there are plentiful. There are about fourteen changes, several which show elaborateness in design and brilliant colors, dazzling luminously in the fre- quent attractive numbers that have been staged with apparent preciaeness as to unison. The material exploited In the two-act musical com- edy "The Prince of Petticoats" has stood with undaunted pride the endurance of burlesque au- diences in seasons ps*t. The pot-pourri is lively at times with W. S. Campbell, Harry Marks Stewart and J. Wesley Mack In urgent efforts and they create laugba. In the second act the comedy ' Is spasmodically permitted to degenerate to conversational tardiness and the result is not so gratifying. It ia too quiet and unsubstantial. Wliy producers persist in retaining weak and Ineffectual portions of matter after they have proven their futility is a mystery. An attempt should be made to rigidly censor every particle that is not rated with merit or laugh producing qualities. Decrepit dialogue and mere patter are worthless and Irksome to the average au- diences. Mr. Campbell Is missed in the bur- lesque and the burden Is left to Harry Stewart and J. W. Mack. The former ahows a consistent Hebrew, and does not exaggerate the type in make-up and demeanor. Mack bursts out noisily with his Irish brogue, to which he clings faith- fully and earnestly. Miss Sydell was stun- ningly attired, and besides the tights, which always gives her statesque personage a striking appearance, showed several exquisite costumes. There are some catchy musical numbers provided by J. Edwin Owen, and they are given with appropriate effect. Among the women principals are Kittle demons. Amy Gordon, Ray Wallace, Florence Emerson. Miss demons appears In the olio in character songs, and Campbell and Mack present "The Sculptor" with the choristers in a series of poses, same as last season* The Man- hasset Comedy Four sing well and nlend agree- able comedy. The songs are well chosen. Wood- ford's educated animals gave a very interesting exhibition. The collection consists of Intelligent canines, Simians and ponies, and the perform- ance received deserved commendation. Harry Marks Stewart did well with parodies and a string of nonsense. Great Martynne, In mirror danci»a, showed a few new executions, with elec- trical effects. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy, mgr.).—Edmund Hayes In "The Wise Guy" Is still the one Im- portant factor with the show known as "The Jolly Girls." The same set is shown and there Is no evident change either In the material con- struction of the piece or characters. Several new quotations in the dialogue have been added, however, but they are probably improvised, as Mr. Hayes has a faculty for extemporizing. There Is an active "bunch" of willing choristers. They are all sixes and types, and keep In uni- formity throughout. There Is no olio. Archer, LaDella and Davey Introduce their clever acro- batics during the action of the first act. A better finale should be provided. The quintette, composed of Harry Frances and four attractive girls in catchy -wong*. was ushered In "one," and immediately after their last number intermission was announced. The finale has been unwisely arranged. All the girls and some of the princi- pals should have been among the participants to effect a more impressive finish. It was too abrupt. The costuming tills season is far more attractive than last year, although no pretension to lavlshness is made. The black and pink dresses are pretty. There Is one chorus girl In the bevy who Is possessed of a good contralto voice. It was distinguished above the others, and blended admirably In the chorus numbers, which are more frequent than last season. Mr. Hayes is the potent factor in the comedy de- partments, having monopolized every resource creative of laughter. He Is the only comedian «:nd apparently the only one to sustain the humor which flows In abundance In the second act, which contains much of the same "Wise Guy" material. James J. Collins was a robust "straight," and Harry Francis in a light comedy part appeared to good advantage and displayed a splendid baritone voice, which he knew how to control. Stella Gllmore figured In the leading female role, and Warren Davey was active as the bell boy. Robert Archer In extreme vagrant make-up was funny on that account. Harriet Belmont, Newell Sisters and Marie Janseu had numbers with the chorus. EMPIRE (William Singer, mgr.).—There is a tangible story In "A Scotch Highball," written for and produced by the "Jolly Grass Widows." George Paxton is the author. It is described as a "musical burletta" In two acts, probably be- cause it Is not a "musical comedy" and Gus Hogan and Ray Fulton desire to depart from the prolific run of "musical comedies" which have been attached to nearly every burlesque show this season. The chief fault with the "bur- letta" is that the Ingredients afford too many explanations, without developing a reasonable sequel as to forthcoming situations, which are pendingly slow. There are also Interspersed dis- connected fragments that have no bearing or give the slightest Intimation of excuse for their obtrusion. The theme Is not new, but if com- pactness Is maintained and the dialogue bright- eaed up and relieved of the unnecessary "gaggy" talk, such as the threadbare "gratitude" argu- ment, there is no reason why the piece should not serve well. The attitude of the costless au- dience on Sunday evening Indicated the fact that more humor was necessary, but that was prob- ably on account of the indisposition of the au- dience to laugh loudly on one of the hottest nights recorded this summer. The coryphes ag- gregation Is animated and there are some good voices among them. They have been well trained and go through the numerous evolutions with remarkable preciaeness considering their prsctlcsl unfamlllarlty with the numbers, which were lib- erally applsuded and encored. The costume changes are frequent and with one exception the beat in design and color the show was provided with since the days of its former owner, the lste Robert Fnlton. The pink tights snd brownish red costs are a poor combination. The Jap out- fit and the Scotch cadet uniforms are attracUve, and the red Toreador dresses show up elegantly st the opening of the second set. George Hick- man was congenial in an Irish character which converges to "straight" or semi-Irish compared with the familiar burlesque types. It la not crude. He should have more material. Carroll Henry resembles an aristocratic tramp or Bailey and Austin In his make-up of a Hebrew, which otherwise Is refined and neatly dressed. Judging from bis appearance and dialect this is his first attempt In Hebrew character. Jack Dunham also shows some lnadeptness In make-up to represent a conventional German, probably his first season In character parta. The black streaks on bis race In the first part were removed In the bur- lesque. He commands a fairly good dialect but should have more confidence in himself. James Bsrodl sssumed an Italian and diaries Folke was an able "straight." Ed Coe had little to do in the handling of the dialogue but dis- tinguished himself In the Scotch number. Estella Wills, plump and buxom, considering, served In the action and olio with songs and dances which met approval. The Three Musketeers, composed of Dunham. Heslln and Barodl, have the same arrangement of talk and vocal selections as last season when Sam Edwards was the third mem- ber and replaced by Barodl, who has a good tenor voice. The act was liked. Carroll Henry and Nellie Francis should drop their first "Joke." It Is too old. Toward the middle they start with some bright sayings, the personal remarks especially receiving the most Isugbs, while the "melodrsms" with the sssistance of the orchestra, pleased the crowd. Miss Francis has a sweet soprano voice. Three Daltons have an exhibition of muscular strength and abowed a few new Intricate feats in balancing. It is a good act of its kind. Charles Folke and Ed Coe. of Steely, Doty and Coe, have a comedy musical act which promises to merit a good place among the others in their line. More selections on the xylophones ami a conservatively well prepared quanti.y of up-to date talk, together with one or two additional Instruments besides the ?axa- phone. organ and trombones, will place them in the front tank of musical acts. The show when whipped into better shape will answer all the requirements consistent with the demand. In its present condition it is better than last year TROCADERO (I. M. Welngarden. mgr.).-i "Dainty Duchess." NOTES.—Lumpert and Pierce have booked thirty weeks of Western time as far as the toast.—Nat Bernard and AI Coleman have formed a partnership and are preparing a new Hebrew act, entitled -Matrimony and Othermony." May Howard Is mourning the logs of a French bulldog.—Carl Harhert is playing dates In the Middle West for the first time In seven years.— Lou Jack, of Lou Jack and Brother, is the father of a baby boy. He was so elated with the new arrival that he cancelled a week in order to cele- brate.— I^eonard Miller, late of the Four Emper- ors of Music, and Cora Miskel were married re- cently In the East.—Ferry, the human frog, has fully recovered from his illness and will re.st for a few weeks preparatory to opening on the Orpheum circuit.—'Hie Sully Family opened their Western season this week at Moline, 111., coming direct from the East. Elizabeth Estelle, one »f the family, appears in a single specialty on the same hill.—Bennington Brothers signed with the "Broadway Gulety Girls," having cancelled their vaudeville dates.—Jennie Bentley Is adding a number of new tricks to her equilibrist act, whlcn will be seen in the Middle States soon.—Scott and Allen, a new Hebrew act. opened at I/caveuworth. Kans., this week.—Billy Mcltoble. having finished twenty-five weeks of the Sullivan-Consldine time, will play around Chicago until October, when he returns to the Coast.—Paul La Drew returned to the Middle West for the first time In two years, having plaved on the Sulllvan-Considlne circuit. He will remain In this vicinity until fall and will probably make another tour of the Far West later.—M. Samuels is stage manager of the Um- pire Theatre. Wntertown. Wis., and produces the stock shows in addition to the regular vaude- ville bills. J. M. Ordens and S. R. Pylet are the proprietors and managers.—Kerry Meagher of the Western Vaudeville Association returned from a two weeks' vacation at WlnneconJ, Wis.— Ed. LeCeile will play at fairs in Ohio until Sep- tember 27. when he returns to vaudeville.—John nle Riley is coming from the East to fill West- ern time.—Lea Danovas are resting at their home In Logansj>ort. Ind. -Carl Helslnger and Fred Han ford of Oshkosh. Wis., are negotiating for a vaudeville theatre in Duluth. It was first thought that the Ornheum circuit contemplated bull.ling one In that city.—The Slngards, Illu- sionists, are In the South and have In prepara- tion a new act.—Creve and Green are playing the time booked throgh Henderson's Theatrical Ex- change.—Johnson and Marvelle will go |n vaude- ville after their season with the Barnum A Ha I ley show.—A. Alvlui. magician, is lb the East and wants an opening In the West.—Clever Conklev finished 24 weeks over the Sulllvan-Con- sidine circuit, his third trip, and Is now resting In Denver. He recently nnderwent an operation. His season opens September 15. on the Lyric Circuit in the South.—The Roberts Four want Western engagements. They are now In Massa- chusetts.--Charles Hasty's vaudeville company Is traveling In the Middle West.—The Bijou, Oshkosh. Wis., entirely remodeled, opened Mon- day last, under the management of Jones A O'Brien. larger and better shows will be given there hereafter.—Arto and Kraggo are In Atlantic City and will open their season in the West in October.—The Majestic Theatre, dilcago Heights, a thrifty suburb of Chicago, opened last week.— Brook* and Kingman are having their time ar- ranged by Henderson's Exchange.—Birr ton and Vass will upon their arrival from the West play dates around this vicinity. —All the tbestres booking through the Western Vaudeville Asso- ciation, with the exception of those at Joplln. Cobb's Corner SATURDAY, SEPT. 7, 1907. No. 80. A Weekly Word with WILL the Wordwrlght. BALLAD. ORIGINAL! II NEW IDEA!!! NOVELTY III 'NEATH THE OLD TREE, SWEET Busy with Jos Weber's new muaioal sksw. Book by Edgar Smith. Lyrics by Will D. Cobb. Muiio by Gus Edwards. (tide Remark)—Summering at Cobb's (tor* aer, 18th floor, Betel Rand. "Gloss that window, d'you waat as* C frees* f" WILL D. COBB Wordwrlght, Weber's Theatre, nw YOBE. Mo.; Leavenworth. Kans.. and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opened on Labor Day.—Redouble Sims Is on the Lyric circuit In the South and will shortly Dlay in the Middle West for the first time. Hoist (hi and Son are due here from the East during the month. I lodges and Darrell in- tend to remain In the Middle West for some time, having authorized agents to extend their time! —Ardo and Eddo are in the West and contetn plate playing In the Middle Statea this season. - Adele Palmer is finishing IS weeka of the Su'- llvun-Consldlne time and will return East if no Immediate time Is arranged here.—The New Gaiety Theatre, South Chicago, which was built for C. h\, Kohl of Kohl & Castle, opened last week.—Llddy and Terry Burg, late of "Berg's Merry Girls." sre with the "Parisian Widows" this season. They are contemplating arranging an acrobatic dancing act similar to the one in- troduced by the troupe of German girls, aud expect to show it at the Hippodrome next sea- son.—Annie Morris was added to the olio of the 'Broadway Gaiety Girls" at the Folly last week. —Fox and Summers are playing dates in South- ern Indiana.—The Brohams are In the Middle States for Sullivan A Consldine.—Sherwood ami Barrv returned from the Coaat and will remain In the Middle West this fall.—Mr. Cowles, of Marvelous Cowles Family, was obliged to cance! all the engagements and undergo a series of treatments for rheumatism at Mt. Clemens.— Devlne and Fuller started on the Bijou circuit in .Michigan.—The Imperial Four closed for the Western States Association in Nevada and are now having time arranged in the Middle West.— Harry and May Howard are filling dates at parks in Indiana and Ohio.—Five Manolo Fam- ily signed for the Gus Sun circuit, opening some time tills month.—Hugo, a European heavy Jug- gler. will close with the Bell Circus In Mexico early In January, and has written agents here for vaudeville engagements.—Rawls and Von Kaufman have completed their time on the Sul- llvan-Considlne circuit. They will probably re- main in the Middle West.—Charles Nevlns ar- rived from New York to stage the chorus num- bers of "The Girls from Happyland." the new Eastern Burlesaue Wheel show which has been rehearsing at the Sherman House, under the direction of Jules Hurtig. The show opens at the Standard, Cincinnati. Sunday next. It plays two nights at Muncle. Ind., preceding.—Miss Cole, of Shale and Cole, now In the 22d week on the Western States Vaudeville circuit, was compelled to cancel the balance of the time owing to illness.—S. E. Richards, magician. Is playing at parks In Texas and other Southern states.—Dlerlcks Brothers will go In vaudeville after their season with the Bell Circus now ex- hibiting In Mexico.—The Rosslres are playing dates in Illinois and Iowa.—L. T. Johnson, ven- trllouulst. Is on the Western States Circuit, the Sulllvan-Considlne houses to follow.—Musical Rus- sells are In the Middle West.—Lawrence and Grace Sylvester will Dlav the Western circuits after October 14. They are now in the East.— The Renellos. bicycle, will continue at fairs until the fall, when they again go in vaudeville. SAN By W. ALFRED WILSON. VARIETY'S San Francisco Office, 1110 Van Ness Ave. (Room 112). ORPHEUM (Martin Beck, gen. mgr.).—Week 2.V This week's comblnstion was labeled "ad- vanced vaudeville" with Houdlnl, the Handcuff King, as the headllner. Starting with bis open- ing performance when a sergeant of police made the try, a series of attempts were made to "call the turn" on the Jail-breaker, but up to date Houdlnl has lieen equal to all occasions. "The Geisha's Dream," a Japanese spectacular, was presented by O liana San and Company. There was originality to the act and three daint- ily costumed girls reinforced by striking keleldo- scopic effects made It a notable feature of the bill. The flags of nations were offered as a finish, that of Japan receiving a solid round of disapproval Leona Thurber and her "Picks" were warmly greeted. ihe quartet of dusky Juveniles evenly divided as to sex doing much to keep the act moving to Its whirlwind flnlsb. The Balsers, an acrobatic team working In street attire, used a tremplln to good advantage. The second weekers were Ferreros and his dog, Km lie Subers. Mile. Martha and the Fred Ray Company. NATIONAL (Sid Gramnan, mgr.).—Week 26: Arthur Rlgby reappeared, carrying off the honors When answering advertisements kindly mention Variety.