Variety (September 1907)

VARIETY 19 of being the initial act upon the new stage. A solid round of continued applauae greeted them ait the curtain roae. The act ahowed up strongly taking several bows. Barton and Ashley carried off nrst -honors with their melange of«nonsensical comedy. Walters and Hill offered another comedy effort. The Hebrew characterisation of the co- median was quite the beat that we have had for seme time. Their material was new and re- inforced with some taking parodies. "The Sex- ton's Dream" stood forth as a brilliant example of stage setting. The song portion won an en- core. The Intrusion of The Grace Huntington aud Henry Keeuan company, a local act, cast a gloom on the evening's entertainment. This group produced something under the title of "In Wy- oming." The Intent was no doubt melodramatic, ». hi the. plot, If mi<h there were, waa vague and uninteresting. The act was closed at the end of the first performance and the Three Ollfana re- placed them. On Monday the Ollfans were called to nil their date at the Wigwam and the I .citing well Bruce Company filled the void. Spes- sardy'a trained bears were in the cloalng poal- tion and proved not only entertaining from their educational qualities, but also as laugh winners. For the present the policy of the house will be ••three a day" with the range of prices from 10 to 30 cents. WIGWAM (Sam Harris, mgr.).—Week 2: Compared with the average bills of late the program la rather light, but all the acta were well graded and of a pleasing diversity. The (iagneux loomed up with prominence and scored emphatically with their decidedly original jug- gling offering. The Three Ollfans were another feature that registered atrongly. Dan O'Nell played a return date and waa heartily welcomed. Stanley and Scanlon, musical comedian*, well thought of, as were the Two Dots, a pair of Juvenile acrobats. Hardle Langdon, comedienne with a pleasing stage presence, won approval with her vocal selections. Clinton Montgomery sang the Illustrated ballad. EMPIRE (Hal Curtis, mgr.).—Week 2: That Quartet moved over to the North Side and was the featured attraction. The El Did Trio, with Armento, the tumbler, added, appeared under the styling the El Did Four. Maud Williams, who formerly handled the female leads In the Kolb A Dili Company, was given a prominent place In the programming. The Three Kobers pleased with a line of acrobatic feats. Gilson and Tolon, -ketch artists, and Will Brown furnished the comedy of the bill. MISSION (8. Frief, mgr.).—Week 2: This house still continues with vaudeville, the bill containing Hume, Cain and Holly, Godfrey, Nat Wentworth, The Juvenile Troupe, and Stanton and Sandberg. NOTES.—It is stated that the Sullivan Consl- dlne people have about completed arrangements whereby they will be able to give their acts a week in the Mission district.—Belle Gordan has recovered from her late Illness and was at the Unique, Los Angeles, week 2.—Mr. and Mrs. John T. Powers will play New England time com- mencing November 18, under the direction of Alf. T. Wilton.—The Grace Huntington Co. threatens snlt against the Princess people as the result of their cloalng the company after the opening performances. BOSTON By ERNEST L. WAITT. VARIETY Office, 278A Tremont Street. "Advanced Vaudeville" Is having Its second week's trial here. It has not created an un- toward stir—in fact, hasn't created a stir at all. The Tremont Is doing merely a fair busi- ness. Keith's Is tilled up most every perform- ance, aud the Orpheuin has excellently attended matinee*, with fair business evenings. Keith's Theatre orchestra is now being led from an organ, at the hands of Hart E. Grady, the new director. It Is quite an innovation and is greatly appreciated by the audience. The organ now in place Is a temporary one, a fine new one will later be built Into the front of the stage. Mr. Grady has already become Im- mensely popular with the audiences. A plan of having morning "try-outs of new acts will he adopted this week at the Orpheum. No more try-outs are to be held at Keith's, till going to the Orpheum, and it is planned to have them on Thursday mornings. The orchestra floor has been raised, bringing the orchestra up so the music can be beard on the stage. R. N. Larson has tuken hold of the general newspaper work for both the Keith and the Orpheum here. KEITH'S (P. F. Keith, mgr.).—This week's hill has nothing serious in It to act as a balance to the long list of comedy features. It pets the patrons laughing early and keeps them at it—a very g< od hill as a whole. Fred Walton, In hi* pantomimic 'Cissy's Dream," goes as well as ever, hut he does need a new nurse, for Miss Jenkins can't sing and shouldn't try. George T. WKtsoii and Florence Little in "A Matrimonial Bargain" are unusually good (New Acts) and May Tully In "Stop, Look and Listen." does really great work. This girl would make a fine emotional actress, judging by her work in this. Beasts Wynn makes her first appearance here as a vaudevllllan. She Is not particularly at- tractive In her white gown, but when she changes to pink she Is entrancing. Her song with a "plant" In the gallery goes unusually wel f . Paul Conchas Juggles cannon balls, etc., as of yore. Smith and Campliell still raise laughs, so no one has any fault to And. Da Vov and Miller, acrobats; Jessie Blair Stirling. In Scotch songs; Fetching'-Brothers with their musical garden; Roblnson-Pnrquette Trio; Owlcy and Randall, humorous Jugglers; Lonnle Fbllett. In Imitations, and an Interpolated matlon film showing "Busier Boston"—the film run at dou- ble speed and causing great laughter—complete the bill. Orchestra and balcony "sell out" every day. TREMONT (Jno. B. Schoeffel, mgr.).—"The London Models" hold over this week, chief fea- ture being the first reproduction here of the "forbidden picture" of "At the Bath." While unusually artistic, these picture reproductions do not awaken much enthusiasm. Somehow Boston doesn't take to seeing nude women and men on the stage. The Max TourbilUm Troujie of cyclists do an act that borders on the sensa- tional. Carliu and Otto, German comedians In "The Mosquito Trust." get everybody laughing, but Williams and Tucker, In "Sklnuy's Return." have a little bit too much vulgarity in their sketch to suit Boston. The same Is true of Karno's "A Night in the London Slums." There is too much thumbing of the nose, etc. Dj- inond's Minstrels, three men, one of whom plays the violin finely, have a good act. George (Honey Boy) Evans la the same old Gearge, only more so. He got the bouse singing at full speed. Nellie Beaumont was a frost so far as herself was concerned, but her girls worked well. Nellie needs less press agent and more ginger. ORPHEUM (A. J. Duffy, mgr.).—This week's show is much better than the opening one last week. Harry Tate's "Motoring" leads off and the dally papers notice especially the facial expressions of the company, which are remark- able. Bert Levy Is back In Boston with bis caricatures, aud Dan Burke with his "School Girls" make good at once in singing and danc- ing. The Basque Quartet did not reach here In time for the matinee Monday, but at night created a sensation. Louise Henry, singing in character, made a lot of friends, and Rosaire and Doretto, in acrobatic comedy, went well. Taclanu bad 'everybody saying "Isn't she fine" until he pulled off bis wig. Then the noise of the "Oh" was amusing. Clifford and Burke have done the same act here so many times of late that they are growing a bit tiresome. Palfrey and Hoefier, acrobatic cyclists, have a novel act that is well done. Business good at matinees, lair evenlnga. COLUMBIA (Harry N. Farren. mgr.).—"The Rialto Rounders" in "A Day at Niagara" and "A Day at Saratoga" are here this week, Sam S. Howe being the leading feature. There Is per- haps a little too much vulgarity in some of the burlesque numbers to attract women to the show, but it makes the men laugh. Harvey and De- vora, singers and dancers; Sam Howe and Louise Kenvllle do a good one-act piece called "A Broken Heart," and Ida Gladstone with Lisette Howe make a dashing pair of soubrettes. The Parisian Living Pictures would hardly stand a show with "The London Models" of "A. V.," but will serve. The Bison City Quartet sing well. Business is very good. PALACE (Charles Waldron, mgr.).—Sam A. Scrlbner's "Big Show" Is here in "An Acci- dental Discovery of the North Pole." a really clever burlesque in two scenes. Falardo, who plays many Instruments; Hodges and Hodges, also instrumentalists; Jean Darrow and William Colton in "Late for the Act," a comedy skit full or spice; Cur tin and Blossom, and Bowen and Llna on the horizontal bars comprise the show's olio. The Palace olio consists of Bates and Earnest. Dutch comedy; Ferris and Marx, singers and dancers; John Lavln, 111. songs; Rob and Bertha Hyde In a comedy sketch, and Devene and Shurti. comedy acrobats. The new electric and marble front on this house ha- served to bring In Increased business. S. R. <>. at night. HOWARD (Dr. Geo., Lothrop. mgr.).—The new "Kentucky Belles" company—using paper with Reld's photo on It—Is here In "Mr. Wise from Broadway," a strong burlesque full of music. It is a little different from the usual burlesque show, and more interesting. In the olio are Flemen and Miller, singers; Three Melvlns, acro- bats; Cocda and Amato, In "The Mixer and the Maid," and Andy McLeod—about the only one left from the old company. The Howard's own olio consists of Ran^etta and Le Rue, com edy acrobats; Dill and Ward In a singing stunt; Frazar Trio, novel dancing; Necdham and Wood, in "McCarthy's Reception," that Is very laugh- able; the Evans Trio, child impersonators; Norma Beaux In songs; Walter Stead, coster singer; the Patrkolas. comedians, and Wesley Norrls. colored singer. Excellent business. The How- ard has broken Its record of attendance the past two weeks. LYCEUM (Geo. F. Bachellor. mgr.).—Al. Reeves' "Beauty Show" 1b here with Reeves at the hanjo as of yore. Andy Lewis, Hebrew comedian. Is the strong card on the bill, with Blanche Martin next. Business very good. AUSTIN & STONE'S.—Except for some new songs by "The Minstrel Maids," the attrac- tions here have not been changed from last week. NORCMBFGA PARK—The Four Lukens, on the triple bars; Leon and Adeline, comedy jug glers; Frances Abbott and company In "The Lit- tle Leading Ladv"; Yackley and Bunnell, musical comedians, and T. W. Litchfield, Impersonator, comprise the bill In the open air theatre. Next week Is the last of the season. PREMIER.—Motion pictures. "Irish Scenes." and songs by Beth Rohie. Grace Merrlman and William Chase are featured here this week. fffjR, — Motion pictures. Final views of the recent Labor Daj parade are shown here this week. "Cab 23" Is the comedy film. Lillian Clancy and May White are the favorite singers. JOLLIETTE.—Motion pictures. "The Sea Wolf" Is feature film, with "Who's Boss of the House?" next. "Slow But Sure" and "The Child's Revenge" are others that take well. Joe Roth Is high line In the singers' list. A new motion picture house, to be called The Star," Is being constructed OO Tremont Row. near the Comlque. It is to be run by Solomon Rosen - burg. an Independent. PHILADELPHIA By GEORGE M. YOUNG. KEITH'S (II. T. Jordan, mgr. Monday re- hearsal fti.-This Week's bill Is entertaining and sufficiently varied to suit even skeptical vaudc vllle patrons, there being a little bit of every- thing In the variety line to help out. The "Song Birds." which proved a vaudeville feature in the opposition house for three week! during the sum- mer run. was back as the chief attraction of the Keith Mil and from the manner In which it was received on Monday, the act. which Is one of the best that has ever lsen shown in vaudeville, promises to have an equally successful stay here. Dividing honors with the "Song Birds' was "Handkerchief No. 1ft." a comedy skit offered for the first time here by Fred Bond. Fremont Ben ton and company. There Is nothing new In the construction of the piece, but In the hands of this capable company the sketch was good for a hearty laugh from start to finish. It approaches the burlesque at the finish, but there la no let up in the actiou at any time. Salerno, the Juggler, showed nothing different In the routine of tricks used on previous visits, but was as well liked as ever. Winsor McCay, the cartoonist, also came in for bis share of the applauae with bis rapid aketcblng, which made such a good impression before. The Ellnore Sisters nave cnauged their talk and songs, also their costumes, and they contributed a goodly ahare of the laugh winning material of the bill. One of the liveliest acro- batic sketches ever seen in Philadelphia was fur- nished by Splssell Brothers and Mack, who made their first appearance here In three yeara. An abundance of new comedy has been added and the act moves at a race-horse clip from start to finish. The Delmere Sisters retain much of the material used when here before, even the dresses appearing the same. 'Hie girla have a neat act which met with approval. Mile. Emerle Is new here. She does some clever work on the trapeze and Hying rings, preceded with a disrobing act a la Charmion, without the latter'a Frenchy trimmings. Mile. Emerle has light assistance from Mons. Silvers. George II. Wood disap- pointed Monday afternoon and James H. Cnllen, tbe "Man From the West," was given his place on the bill Monday night, making bia usual good Impression. Earl and Bartlett opened with a singing and talking act of fair merit, and Le Dent, the juggler, did some clever work in handling eight and nine balls. Tills youngster also has some comedy wblcu has an original tint. Max Duffek, In a musical novelty, and Phil Bennett, a character singer, were also on the bill. There has been no falling off In tbe business at Keith's, almost capacity audiences being tbe rule in tbe evenings, while tbe matinees have been'well attended. FORREST (Klaw & Erlanger, mgrs. Monday rehearsal 9:30).—Arthur Prince, tbe English ven- triloquist, and "Bubbles." one of tbe series of productions by Joe Hart, held over from the opening week's bill, and with Hope Booth, In "The Little Blonde Lady," were the principal features of a well-balanced bill which proved to the liking of tbe patrons of "Advanced Vaude- ville." Prince continued to score the big bit he made last week, proving his right to the lead In his class of entertainers. The musical travesty, "B'ibbles," Is working more smoothly, making its principal point for favor through tbe vocal efforts of Norma Seymoure and tbe stage set- tings. A playwright's rather vague Idea of a dramatic critic and the interior of a newspaper office are depicted in "The Little Blonde Lady," but the vehicle la rather pleasing to tbe taste of those who are willing to overlook the short- comings. Miss Booth made an excellent Impres- sion in the title role, but Charles Deland's im- personation of the dramatic critic whose flirta- tious habits govern his criticisms, and Henry Carson's office boy were equally exaggerated and in keeping with tbe impossibilities of the sketch. Billed as bis initial appearance in America, Kara, tbe European juggler, was given distinction which was his several years ago when he appeared In this city. He has changed his routine of tricks since then, but showed several since used by Salerno and others. All, however, were skilfully performed and there were several not seen here before. Juggling several balls while balancing his COBiedj assistant on his head Is one and tbe pair doing a bead to bead stand while Kara turns some novel tricks with hats, Is another which called for particular notice and favorable com- ment. Tbe act Is unique, well liked and classes up with the best now offered in vaudeville. For winning good, sound applause no act on the bill claimed more honors than the Meredith Sisters. They have changed their act little, If at all, since last seen in this city, their final number excepted, but each song In native costume was received with the same warm recognition and the last number. In which the girls appeared In pretty boy suits, put a finish to their act which earned a real ovation. No sister act shown by the "Ad- danced" has met with quite the success. An- other act which pleased immensely was that of Clifton Crawford. His style Is apart from the usual offering of monologists. the material bright and witty and of a sort which appeals to those who enjoy tbe higher class of vaudeville enter- tainment. Hawthorne and Burt wasted a lot of time bef.vi. reaching the real comedy Of their act. but the loose dancing finish took them off In good shape. Tills pnir made the announcement of the surprising discovery that Kdlson Invented electricity. Sager Mldglcy and Gertie Carlisle repeated their familiar "retool day" sketch which has always been good as a laugh winner aud It bus lost none of its attractiveness. Newhouse and Carroll are under New Acts. CASINO (Ellas & Koenlg, mgrs. i. The two ex- tremes in the burlesque form of entertainment are found In the construction of Charles H. Wald- ron *s "Troeudero Bnrlcsqucrs' " offering for this season. The usual first part, olio and burlesque form of program', the tirst and last being credited to Frank Finney and he has given an elaborate display Of his versatile powers of concoction. •Fun at Dooley's Drug Store." the first part, may be his In part or is a whole, but material that has done duty long enough to have earned a pension find* Its way In very often. The ambition of everyone connected with the Jumble seems to be to make as much noise as possible and work as hard and U fa"! as they can. Everytsidy does to the best Of their ability, not excepting one or two of the heavyweights In the chorus, who have a hard task cut out In keeprng up with the sllm- ■!!cr- ones. -There Is an abundance of slapstick Comedy. The "barely Lilly." which Is a new- way to introduce the water squirt. Is worked overtime and there are lapses when pistol shots are not heard for at least two minutes. There Is action .-very minute and plenty of laughs, while the chorus has lots to do. The numbers average good With a minstrel band number, the girls rattling the bones In chorus, being a feature. The dressing I* pretty without being elaborate. red bring the favored color and tights of this hue figure prominently throughout. With the excep- tion of a remark about "unclean feet." a rather ionise expression by (Jrace Toledo in the rheumu tlsm bit, and a portion Of Motor's speech In the burlesque, the show Is free from vulgarity. It Is in the burlesque that Finney shows the beat work he has done In years. The Panama con- troversy furuishea tbe base of the story, being the fourth time It hss figured so far tbla season. Tbe piece is called a dramatic burletta and this Just about explains It. There ia a real plot, even to the murder of the villain, by the adventuress. The plot operates through the piece, bat there are one or two musical numbers to lighten It and Finney contributes about all tbe comedy, in au- dition to singing a parody which will be funny when he aud tbe orchestra get uaed to one another. There Is a strong bid for kind applause at all timea and it generally succeeds. At pres- ent the piece is too loug, there being ample room for cuttlug In Finney's speech. There are mora) pleasing numbers here, "Monkey's Love," by Ella Onus being the be»t. "Silly Moon." another pretty number, is spoiled by poor singing. A March of Nations Is shown In tbe finale, showy costumes being worn. Finney at all times works hard and carries his burden well. Claude Rad- cllffe and the others divide the honors In the drat part. Kadcllffe does good work aa a Spaniard) in the burlesque, while Jack Burke, growing fat aud prosperous looking; Jack Boyce and Harry Buckley also handle their roles capably. Kllsj Claus makes a better, appearance than she dots an adventurers, while Anna Hilland Grace Toledo take care of the little they have to do In good shape. Will McAvoy affords more comedy than he Intends acting the role of a murderous and cheap Spaniard. Lilly Waters, plump and smil- ing, earns distinction as the American standard bearer in the finale. Jack Boyce opens tbe olio with a fair singing turn. Burke and McAvoy are still doing their burlesque boxing and "Fun In a Gymnasium." Claus and Badcllffe offer a aketch of little merit, some looie dancing by Badclflfe at tbe finish helping it some. The same can to said of the comedy acrobatic act by Dave Ran- setta and Grace Lyman. A little bit of several well-known acts appears In the make-up of this one, tbe falls only winning laughs. Alf and Mabel Wilson, colored, close tbe olio with' S hurrah, making a big bit with their - singing and dancing, the latter being much the weakest. "The Trocaderos" sre giving a first-rate show now, aud when cut to reasonable time should rank well up among the best of the season. GAYETY (C. L. Walters, mgr.).— The "Rents- Kant ley" Company Is tbe week's attraction and big business greeted the oldest trade mark-title) In burlesque. "A Day's Frolic" and "The Darling of the Demons" furnished entertain- ment which pleased tbe Gayety patrons. BIJOU (L. H. Baker, mgr.).—The first part of "Newport," which title la giveu the two-act musical farce In Miner's "Dreamlands," Is similar in many respects to that used last year, but there is a complete change In tbe second portion, the laugh-winning idea being carried throughout In place of encroaching upon the straight musical comedy plan, and if the effect upon the audience Is to be considered, Dave Marion baa constructed a show which Is Just what tbe patrons of thla sort of entertainment enjoy most. There Is plenty of action, enough noise and an abundance of good music from start to finish. The settings sre at- tractive aud suitable, if not elaborate, and the costumes all that ia needed give the good looking bunch of chorus girls a nice appearance. One ef two of the girls are more than usually attractive and all are good workers. Marlon is never Idle while on the stage and there are few breathing spells for him. He Impersonates two characters In the first part. Excellent support (s received from Harry Fox, who Is on the stage almost ss much ss Marlon, and the two work well together. Fox makes a bully "straight" man, In looks, dressing, appearance and ability to build up the support for Marlon's comedy. The Hebrew of Will Lawrence Is overworked at times, while Fred Barnes, who is given ample scope as '"Spike" Hogan, needs trimming down in Its roughness and more appropriate dressing. The beat that can to said of Fred Burke as an Irishman is that lie has little to do or say and keeps-quiet rather'than force it. There Is no excuse for the 'sissy" character by George II. Pearce. Marlon has left little for the women principals. Agnes Behler does little else than look pretty, and this she does In her severul costumes, the yellow cloak effect excepted. Adelaide Fell contributes a bit of comedy as a scrub woman, and the Earl Sisters have unimportant roles. There Is not a poor hum- 1st in the show. "Dandy Dan" by Harry Fox was the big Individual hit, while Agnes Behler and the Earl Sisters shared honors. Tlie ,, "Tlght- Ing Song" is retained and gets Its ' share of laughs. Some of the prettiest cosfflmeN of (lie girls are shown 1n the second act. The finale to the first part Is a patriotic'one. a strong bid for applause, but a strong cfbslng number. Marlon and Fox were again In ' chief evidence in the olio, contributing the 'feature with u loose Jumble of talk and a good song.'The girls are used to good advantage In the act-.' The Earl Ulsters open the olio with a fair ># *hfer" act. and a good hand-balancing act by the J *|iiree Ilanlons closes. The Liberty Four show t<) much better advantage than In the burlesque*. The house lnuiiagement reported all records for receipts broken up to Wednesday night. The show- should prove a winner all along the line. TROCADBRO (Fred Wlllson. mgr.).—The "Sam Devere" Show presenting "Mr. Planet From''Mare" and "The Belle of Boston" was the week's at- traction. I'hll Ott. Jule J«eObS, Al. Stedmaii, Nettle Nelson, Dot West and Dorothy' Warde were the principals. Lavelle Sisters. Blanchard Bros.. Jule Jacobs and Dot West; Phil. Ott, WlVon and Co., and HsSOSjdS and Warde appeared In the dllo. Business satisfactory. PEOPLE'S (Klaw & Krlanger. mgrs.) .-Bob FJtzaiinmous and his wife, Julia Clifford headed the week's bill In n mixture of bag-punching and singing in (lie form of a sketch, the pair making a good Impression. Froslnl proved a big hit With his selections on the accordlau, while Frank Bush kept up tbe laughter with some new add old stories. Vinle Daly sang three songs and danced herself Into favor. O'Brien Havel and Effle Law- rence repeated a familiar sketch, which pleased; and John Birch and his "Drama of Hats" re- eel ved warm recognition. Allenej aud his trained "monk" pleased. Carney and Wagner offered a whirlwind dance and there were moving pictures to rinse. The management rejs»rts business Im- proving.