Variety (September 1907)

18 VARIETY NOTES. Zertho'H "Comical Dogs," a foreign act, in looking for. American time commencing Aukuhc, 1906. M. S. Bentham is the New York representative of the act. James Dunedin, of the Dunedin Troupe of cyclists, is claimed to have accomplished the unusual feat of successfully doing a triple spin around the handle bars of a bicycle at the Toronto Fair, where the act was playing last week. Edwin Keogh and company in "A Bit of Blarney" open in Trenton Monday, com- mencing the tour of the United time. Ida Rene arrives to-day, one week late according to schedule. The Romany Opera Troupe is not the Zingari Troupe altogether. The latter act is now rehearsing, and will again appear in vaudeville with four new members, re- placing that number from the original Zingari company, who filled in the ranks of the Romany. Barney Gerard's new vaudeville act will be presented the last of this month. Fol- lowing the production Mr. Gerard will present an act to be known as "Barney Gerard's Comedians" playing a farce. Ed Ackerman, of the Western States Vaudeville Association, is expected to ar- rive here in New York next week. Paul Wolffe, secretary in the Empire circuit offices in New York, is away on a vacation. CORRESPONDENCE Unless otherwise noted, the following reports are for the current week. GillGACiO By FRANK WIE8BERO. VARIETY'8 Chicago Office, Chicago Opera House Block (Phone Main 4380). MAJESTIC (Lyman B. Glover, mgr. for Kohl St Caatle. Monday rehearsal 0).—The large seat- ing capacity Is taxed at every performance. The array of celebrities is beaded by Flo Irwin and company, who surprised the auditors by present- ing one of the cleverest and brightest farcical Bketcbea seen in a long time. The sketch Is programmed as "Mrs. Peckham's Carouse," and was written by George Ade. It scored tremen- dously. "Polly Pickles' Pets," Joseph Hart's mythical fantasy, Is an absolute novelty and was liked bettef on its return than the former pro- ductions from his laboratory seen here recently. Cliff Berxac's horses are retained, giving the same interesting performance. George Wilson has a number of bright sayings and kept the audi- ence in continual uproar, until he started with the parodies, when enthusiasm subsided. Cooper and RoMnson. colored, are comedians who under- stand each other thoroughly, for better team work has not been seen in raudevllle. They know how to sing comic songs effectively. The comedian is an eccentric dancer of uncommon skill. The "Hebrew" song might be modified. It is ridicu- lously exaggerated and absurdly clownish enough to bring laughter. Makmurl, a young man with rather awkward stage presence, enthused the music-loving portion dY the audience by bis artistic execution on the violin. Sisters Urma, in triple trapeze gymnastics, displayed dexterity and mus- cular strength. They are shapely and make the descents with unusual preclseness and uniformity. Masslos O'Connor is a German. For some reason he baa acquired the name "O'Connor" on his ar- rival to this country. However, he is the best shadowgraphlst seen at the local honses and his act was thoroughly enjoyed. Astrella Sisters, assisted by Albert Warner, In songs and dances, pleased. The girls are graceful dancers and show some neat wardrobes. Dudley, D'Ormond and Dudley, Lovlgne Sisters and Castellat and Hall were announced. CHICAGO OPERA HOUSE (Frank Rivers, mgr. for Kohl St Caatle. Monday rehearsal 9).—The bill la made up of Tom Nawn and company. Mc- Mahon's "Pullman Porter Maids," Mary Dupont and com pa ay, "Four Dainty Dancers," the Christie Duo, Dalay Dumout, Gallando, Gil Brown, Reno and Begar, Kemp's Talea, Nellie Kevelle, Henry Hoethlg. IIAYMAKKKT i Wm. New kirk, mgr. for Kohl Sc Castle. Monday rehearsal tt).—Bert Lealle la top liner thla week. Also appearing are Gua Ed- wards' "School Boy a ami Girls," May me Reming- ton and "Picks"; Elsie Faye, Parla Chambers, Kramer and Bellclalre, Ed. La vine, Mr. aud Mrs. Ben Meara and company, Louise Campbell, Harry Beaumont, Mexllaa and Mexican. OKPUEUM (Jones, Llnlck and Schaefer, prop.; Sam Levlne, mgr.).—Thla new continuous variety theatre la located on State street, near Monroe, In the heart of Chlcago'a buaiest thoroughfare. The exterior la magnificently and artistically dec- orated, representing an expenditure of many thou- sands of dollars. It haa by far the moat attrac- tively designed lobby In the city, and Its architec- tural construction is moat beautiful. The interior haa beea completely equipped and provided with up-to-date handsome furnishings patterned after the EtJgllab style. The aeatlng capacity will com- fortably accommodate 700 people. Six abows a day will be given, the first starting at 11 a. m., and continuing until 10:30 In the evening. Four- teen acts and moving pictures are alated for the openlug bill. They are: Robert Du Mont Trio, Josie Allen, Felix Adler. Couture and Gillette, Wayburt Troupe, Garrity Slaters, Rogers Bros., J. C. Odell, Katbryn Martyu, Harry Allen, Mamie Hornlsh, Harry Clark, Musical Huehn and Deo- da to. The new bouse Is destined to become popular, having everything in Its faVor. It la the only vaudeville theatre of Us kind in the city, and the Idea of being able to aee a show at 10 o'clock In the morning la novel here. Managera Jones, Llnlck St Schaefer state that it Is their In- tention to provide diversified and wholeeome enter- tainment. They are energetic and astute busi- ness men aud this is the largest venture they have so far undertaken. COLUMBIA (W. P. Schaver, mgr. Monday re- hearsal 10).—The list this week consists of William Spera St Co., Holly and McKlunon, Great Everton, Lombard Brothers, Clifford Arnold St Co., Claude Austin, Joe St. Claire and Bart Mc- Guire. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy, mgr.).—A continua- tion or sequel to the romantic atmospheric dis- closure of last season haa been provided by Joe Oppenheimer's "Fay Foster" company this year. Mr. Oppenhelmer or the producer of the openlug piece, called "Dress Parade," displayed marked tendencies toward the chivalrous gracea of a cen- tury ago, and extracted historical episodes quite gently and scattered them without particularising their genuineness or accuracy. The result, how- ever. Is an ambitious effort, and the sponsors should be absolved for that reason. There ia a atory, terse and easy to trail, but the fast action, which adds to the favor, detracta, especially in the numerous hurried entrances and exita, followed by the male principals In clustered "gaggy" de- bate. Selections from music publishers' cata- logues with ditties from "The Grand Duchess" and "The Belh* of New York" are Interpolated with good effect. The burlesque Is called "The Yankee Admiral," showing a aeaport with a battleship in the distance. A poppy transforma- tion scene precedes. Much of the dialogue han- dled by the comedians la replete with "ad lib" remarks, probably on account of the "author's" neglect to furnish a sufficient quantity of laugh producing material, aside from the proficient con- tribution of romantic epigrams for the heroic American patriots. The scenic embellishments are well conceived and consistent. The costum- ing, while not showing elaborateness, is better than last season. The tights In the "Tropical Moon" number are attractive, as are the black and red dresses. The numbers are frequent and music well chosen. The feminine contingent can boast of several comely girls, among them are several who evidently make their first appearance on the stage, as they cautiously and promptly followed the evolutions of the more experienced In the front line. Great Carroll made a pictur- esque appearance in an elaborate gown, and played the matronly part with skill and refine- ment, and sang several songs In his customarv high pitched voice. Harry L. Cooper abandoned the large "stomach" in the closing piece. His features are not adapted to the conventional make up of a German, and be was more agreeable without It. Cooper Is a hard working comedian and gained many good laughs on his own account. Glole Eller wore tights throughout and figured prominently in numbers. Lena La Couvier was heard to excellent advantage in songs. She, also, wore fleshings. Lewis and Chapln offer a comedy sketch which was liked immensely. Lewis alter- nated a dude and Mexican In the action, the latter with a semi-Italian dialect, but he did very well, considering his first attempt In char- acter parts. Joe Dillon and Marty Moore could strengthen their act by adding brighter material. The Idea Is good and will undoubtedly Improve in a few weeks. Moore has fairly good concep- tion of Hebrew comedy and is able to sing better songs. The act as a whole was liked. Marvelous Hlltons showed clever trick cycling nnd created iiukHi laughter with the comedy, which is most original. Some of the feats are new, skilfully devised and accomplished. The show this season Is much better than last. It Is clean, fresh and quite entertaining. There are opportunities for tietterment and the chances are It will be the best show Mr. Oppenhelmer ever bad, when In good running order. SID J. EUSON'S (Sid J. Euson. mgr.).—Harry , Bryant deserves to be complimented for deviating from his customary brand of obnoxious burlesque, more so for his tenaciously progressive attitude as shown this week. Some one evidently con- vinced him last year that his show was weak, for he has this season submitted to the censor com- mittee the best show he ever had in the wheel. The material furnished by E. Tracy Sweet In "His Fortieth Wife" and "On the Broad Walk," Is not over teeming wjth mirth and neither are the lines particularly height ,or witty, but they convey a "theme," and there Is a thread of a story. The comedy is more commendable In the closing piece, and the audience manifested appre- ciation. Tights in profusion. Every num- ber seemed incomplete without their dis- play. Ankle dresses are exhibited once and the girls appeared splendidly In them. There are eighteen uniformly good-looking and active sleuder maldena. The number ia augmented by the "Eight Stella Girls," Imported from Eng- land. They introduce a neat alnging and dancing specialty In the olio. They are a well behaved lot aud are not under the impression that they will cause a furore In thla country, as others from their soil Invariably concede when with a burl- esque show for the first time. The music supplied by Louis Dall la moat melodious and catchy. The "burlesque" quartet, composed of male principals, is better than a number seen at the vaudeville houses. Charley Harris gave his "giddy" spe- cialty In the action, being left out of the olio for some reason. Harry Bryant appears In his fam- iliar character when the show Is nearly at an end. Billy K. Wells makes a consistent Hebrew, and handles the author's lines and his own efficiently. He makes a good showing In the olio with jokes and parodies. Lillian Sieger waa until thla sea- son a member of the "Navajo Girls" In vaude- ville. She la a good looking young woman and appears pleasingly lu male attire. She la an ex- cellent cornet Mat and her selections were roundly applauded, John J. Block alternated as Irish- man and' Rube, neither of which attracted much attention, probably becauae he was the stage manager and kept In the wings most of the time. Florence Hughea made herself conspicuous aud led numbers with the chorus, and Edith Bry- ant, also a blonde of the aame type, bandied her lines capably. Martha Habelman carried a char- acter part and Elisabeth Wayne waa a saucy soubrette. She la animated and gingery, but should smile oftener. Darmody la an expert juggler of firearms, giving the aame clever per- formance aa last year. Elliott, Belalr aud Elliott amused with comedy acrobatics and "bumps." It la a good act of their kind and gave the olio diversified flavor. FRANK WIESBERG. EMPIRE (William Singer, mgr.).—The Empire Show returned and played to capacity, the largeat audience since the house opened, notwithstanding the fact that the show started the season here only a few weeks ago. The show ia much im- proved and a credit to the Wheel. Roger lmhof, Johustou aud Buckley, Connolly and Klein, Emma Weston, Moutambo and Hurl-Falls, Al Zimmer- man, Suxanne Corrine, and the active "bunch" of choristers, are responsible for the complete and very entertaining performance. NOTES. lorn Brant ford, the English artist who brought over Oneta and "Silent" Talt to this country, haa added another importation to his managerial list. It la the single dog act of Micbal Braham'a. The canine is aald to possess remarkable intelligence and waa a feature at the London halls. The act opened at Ft. Wayne. Ind., last week, and its future time is now being arranged by Mr. Brantford.—Mra. Julia Seibert, proprietor of the Bijou, Kankakee, 111., A. J. Shimp, manager of the Bijou and Orpheum thea- tres at Rock ford and Freeport, and H, C. Dan- forth, preaident of the Bijou circuit of theatres in Wisconsin and Michigan, were in Chicago dur- ing the week.—John Burnett has completed a new sketch for Wilson and Hamilton, entitled "The Wrong Flat," which will have Ita premier this month. Mr. Burnett haa also turned out a new playlet for the George K. Spoor and J. P. Ham- ilton company. It is called "Mrs. Sheppard and the Black Sheep," and will be played alternately with ••The Chrlatmas Gift," the vehicle em- ployed by the company last season.—Bobby Gay- lor has again emerged aa an Irish monologist, having abandoned the sketch idea.—"The Rol llckers" were defeated in a game of baseball by the "Chinatown Charlie" and "Nellie, the Cloak Model" companies, during the shows' en- gagement here. The score waa 6 to 11. "The Roirickers" claim they forgot to appoint an um- pire, while their opponents had two.—Flo Adler is on the Anderson, Kobl Kfc Castle and Hopkins circuits, and will be seen In Chicago shortly.— Among the acts booked for the niter State cir- cuit by General Manager E. F. Carrutbers are: Linden Beck with, Jessie Couthoul, Thomas J. Keough and company. Troja, Palfrey and Hoefler. William 111 in it ii and company, Anna Doherty, Gus Bruno, Marion and Pearl, Yuma. Bert Leslie opens at the Lyric, Mobile, Feb. 26, with the Majestic theatre to follow, while Shean and Wil- liams open on the Inter-State November 4. Mr. Carrutbers has also secured Marblnl, a foreigner, who turns cakes of ice into Images with mar- velous rapidity. He is known as an "Ice Sculp- tor" and will be featured on the circuit.—l)e Velde and Zelda are playing fairs in the 'East and will go In vaudeville in the fall.—Williams. Strouse and Williams will close with the "Trust Busters" company next week and return to vaude- ville.—Clem C. Magee Is with a road attraction this season, but contemplates returning to the variety field.—Wurnell Brothers, formerly known as Arnold and Artie, want Western time.—The opening bill at the Bijou. Jacksonville, 111., con- sisted of Loos Brothers, Marlon and Rosalie and Jlmmle Rose. McGrew & Crittenden are the managers. -Linton. Bedford and Seymour, Ind.. will have vaudeville theatres in the fall.—The "Auto Girl" changed her name to -The Marvel Millie De Captain, the Fluffy Ruffle Girl." Col. John D. Hopkins suggested it. —The Majestic, Beaumont, Texas, opens for the season the ttrst week In October.—The Inter-State circuit is booked up solid until Christmas.—Daw- son and Booth are playing dates in the Middle West.—Three De Grams finished their time on the Hopkins circuit in the'South.—Johnny Rellly, Juggler, is coming from the East to play West- ern time.—Delmar and Dexter have abandoned vaudeville for a stock engagement at Nashville.— The Medallion Trio close with a musical show on Sept. 14. and will book up for the season in vaudeville.—Potter and Harris are scheduled for the Majestic Theatre Nov. 11. They are now on the Orpheum.—The Inter-State Amusement company will open a new theatre at Qulntman. • In'., Nov. 1. with vaudeville tri-weekly.—Alvin Brothers will shortly resume their dates In the Middle West.—James Holt Is looking for time in this part of the country, and the chances are his search will not be In vain.—Harvey and Adams are with a stock company in Norfolk, Va., at present, and intend to play datea later in the Middle West.—Globe Theatre, Milwaukee, opened 14 under the management of W. H. Cannon. It Is a new variety house.—E. F. Carruthera has ar- ranged a $1.5(10 show for Lake Cliff Park, Dallas, Texas, week Sept. 10, also attractions costing $1,000 for Hot Springs, Ark., the same week.— Barney and Dick Ferguson open at the Dominion, Winnipeg, Sept. 23, tor the Western Vaudeville Association.—Fred Horn, of Madison, Wis., will open a new theatre in Portage some time next mouth.—Louis A. Koahtnan, at present with 'The Raaah of Bobng." will soon re-euter vaudeville, having advised the agents to arrange his time in the Middle West.—The Sldoniaa close with the "Parisian Belles" to-day, and- will go In vaudeville for the season.—Stafford and Stone have been booked In the East by E. F. Carruthers, who also acta as manager of the act.—'Hie Bljou, Belolt, Wis., opened laat went, under the guidance of Qulun and Davidson.—Nelson aud Egbert start on the circuit booked by Henderson's Exchange In November.—Roecoe Slater and Leon Finch are the vaudeville feature with the Flora De Voss company thla season.—Major O'Laughlin is com- ing from the Eaat to fill Weatern time.—Cora Lawton Mitchell aud company are on the Amnions circuit lu Indiana.—Mr. and Mra. Frank Fair- child are playing datea in Illinois.—Cora Young- blood Carson aud Sextet (mualcal) open their vaudeville season In the Middle West on Sept. 2.— Crawford aud De Laiu-ey are In Pennsylvania and want dates in the Middle States.—Beatrice Smith has sixteen weeks booked through Henderson's office, iu Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.—The Pilgrim-Morelock Amusement company haa pur- chased the two "Toyland" shows from Myers A Free.—Harry Armstrong, the theatrical agent, who probably supplies more attractions with chorus girls than any other agency In the Mid- dle West, gave out a statement to the effect that the dearth of coryphees in Chicago ia now greater than ever, and the demand constantly increasing- Thla he attributed to the Urge number of mualcal aud burlesque shows sent on tour* this season. Mr. Armstrong states that during the early sum mer months he waa besieged with appeals from managers all over the country to recruit choris- ters for musical attractions and burleaque shows. but was unable to fulfill the demand. A large number of glrla formerly identified with burlesque attractions have joined musical shows this season —most of them starting from Chicago. Mr. Arm- strong has compiled a partial Hat of the girls placed with Chicago organizations. Among them are Margaret Greer, Loretta Hammond, Lou Ad- ler, Julia D. Cyntha, Marjorle Blanchard, Edltii Edwards, Marlon Roe, Carrie Ward, Mary Orth, Pearl Adams, Haxel Jordan, Jeane Perri, Cleo i'erri. Rose LaDell. Mildred Baxter, Marie Scherzer, Vera Grant, Pearl Berger, Gertrude Grant, Dorothy Steele, Thelma Jacobs, Crystal Lewis, Laura Castle, Florence Harbough, Paula Leslie, Bessie Burch, Louise Rockwell, Mabel Moran, Eleanor Werderman, Viola Allen, Isabel Johns. Libbie Adams, Eleanor Ring, Florence Ancker, May Vance, May Scott, Harriet Holland, Ella Lockart, Grace Feltes, Julia Hart, Margaret Davis, Helen Gelott, Harriet Nolter, Janet Mac- Donald, Jessie Buckley, Mabel La Vole, Anna Nolter, Ella Davis, Ruth Arlington. Alma Hill. Edith Gilbert. Lwis Kelley, Marvey Smith, Maude Irving, Tessle Harger, Margaret Holland, Ella Braudall, Violet Harloek, Alma McCormack, Vir- ginia Morris, Virginia Hartxenheim, Myrtle Voile, Stella La Belle, Lol Marlowe, May Stewart, Efflce McGrath, Marie Douglas, Dolly West, Ruth Van, Merrill Burroughs. Mabel Webb, Annie Hoff- mau, Jule Regan, Bessie Evans, Annie Jule, Ruby Berger, Blanche Jarboe, Dorothy Bennett, Helen Carney, Bonnie Clarke, Maude Piatt, Gertrude Piatt, Birdie Paul. Elaine Carew, Trlxie Vettell. Ida Ly ii ford. Babbette Clayton, Grace Golden, Carrie Hubert, Marguerite Gouldlng, Helen Waah, Stella Hillard, Louise Delworth, Dorothy Han burg, Abvitte Tremayne, Lillian Sonsterby. lima Downing, Kittle Campbell, Pauline Devere. Eleanor Parker, Maud Smith, Junlta Cole, Geral- dine Porterfleld, Ecelyn Smith, Laura Schomer. Adeline Schomer, Delia Wells, Florence Moore, Clara Murchain, Nettie Northrop, Ruby Mlltmore, Rose Illrch, Edna Dea, Anna Con fray, Evelyue Fox, Catherine Herlove, Flos Gamier, Tessle Miland, Miss Walton, Jesale Brueing. Florence Moore, Augusta Bell, Annie Vellck, Efflce Tyson. Frances Carter, Roae Temple, Ella Hansen, Miss Cardwell. Marie Black, Edith Clayton, Miss David son, Nellie Turiiey, Ethel Pratchett, Kittle Stone, Eva Williams. SAIN FRftNGISGO ORPHEUM (Martin Beck, gen. mgr.).—Week 1: Houdiui continues to be the big magnet. As a sensation for this week he offered an escape from the regulation straight jacket furnished and adjusted by the police. The feat is acompllshed in full view of the audience, which lends an added zest. Apart from this boadliner Chris Richards stood as the one l»est bet, his eccentric comedy offering scoring an emphatic hit. The Farrell-Taylor Co. had a blackface farcical effort that was much to the liking of the Orpheumites. Fred's Educated .Monkeys and The Buppelts, equilibrists, were also new comers. The re- peaters wire I/eona Truher and her Picks, The Balzers, and "The Geisha's Dream." NATIONAL (Sid Grauman, mgr.).—Week 2: There was a preponderance of singing in the week's offering with three of the acts making their bid for favor solely in the vocal line. Of these singing turns the Mysterious Duo, who ren- der a number of widely different selections, were easily the best. In* both solos and duets the team scored and the only element of mystery about the net Is their reason for their assuming the absurd Mother Goose hats. Louis Cecile Hob- son, billed as Sacramento's favorite vocalist, pleased us the opening number. Master Harry Iloff still remains, rendering the Illustrated ballad. Von Klein & Gibson made a very favor- able Impression. A well-arranged and pleasing singing and dancing act was the offering of Haw- ley and Leslie with the child impersonations of Miss Leslie as a feature. Harry Tsuda. a Jap- anese equilibrist, accomplished the seemingly im- possible. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Powers added gaiety to the programme with their pot-pourri of comedy. Harland and Rolllson in a novelty musical act were the closing feature. PRINCESS (Sam Loverlch. mgr.).—Week 31: The combination that Manager Sam Harris gath- ered together In New York and rushed across the continent to open this house proved a satisfying selection. To the McNally Troupe fell the honor