Variety (December 1907)

t *• • VARIETY 21 • :i THE MAN WHO CIVILIZED THE MUCH ABUSED INSTRUMENT, THE ACCORDEON ENORMOUS HIT AT GARRICK. ST. LOUIS, this week. KUW 4 ERLANGER CIRCUIT December 8th, Shubert, Kansas City. First-Class Film Rental Service 199 THIRD AVE., NEW YORK AGENTS FOE Gaumont's American Films 11 % CENTS PER FOOT. "THE PERSEVERING LOVER" Agents for OATJMONT CHBONOPHONE. Telepbooe 2994 8tayresaat. fink * Ortloff Cadors 1366 BROADWAY, Formerly with Telephone 4467 88th 8t. NEW YORK. Mats. ■eating 300.—Lew H. Newcomb and Frank Mas- tyn Kelly, the cartoonist, formed a partnership ind will be seen together in an act before the end of this month.—O'Dell and Hart are on their way East from Seattle, where they hare played for several months.—Sam Da Vries, who is ami la ted with the booking department of the Sulli- yan-Cohsldine combination, la personally routing acts for a circuit of 27 houses Northwest to Su- perior. East to West Virginia, and West to Kan- sas City. These Include a number of Sulllvan- Considlne holdings In the diverging territory. An- other theatre for which ground has been broken at Dubuque. la., will be added to the list about Feb. 1. The building will coat $30,000 and capac- ity of 600. Three shows • day will be given. Tbe manager of the Grand Opera House and own- er of the new $8,000 Nlckelodean which opens Dec. 9 In that city Is financing the construction.— The Hlbblng (Minn.) Vaudeville theatre burned to tbe ground on Thanksgiving Day.—Colville and McBrlde are in the Middle West.—Beecher and Maye are coming Weat to aecept engagements on one of the circuits.—Tbe Grand Opera House. Butte. Montana, recently acquired by Sullivan A Consldlne. will receive its acta through the Chi- cago office of the concern, superintended by Paul Ooudron, who assumed charge of the hooking de- partment here, replacing Curia. O. Brown. Tbe Family, the first Sulllvan-Consldlne house la tbe Montana city, la now giving continuous perform- ances and acta are rooted from tbe Seattle office In conjunction with the Clark circuit In Montana. —May Nevadot and Algernon Eden are on the Polock circuit In Pennsylvania and Ohio.—Flood Sisters, Albartus and Altus, Dan J. Harrlntjton. tbe Georglaa and Grant Churchill and Company are In the Western States territory.—Frencfclli aud Lewis will end their engagements on the Inter- state circuit December 9.—Mr. and Mra. Carroll have closed an eleven weeks' engagement on the McShoffrey clrcnlt in Pennsylvania.—Lancaster and Cavanaugh have been heard from.—Kansas and 8aymour and May are traveling South.—The Sldonlas have oeen booked by Henderson la In- diana and Illinois.—Ml Keralake and his trained pigs have been booked on tbe 8ulllvan-Consldlne circuit by Paul Gourdon, opening at South Bend. Indiana, with other dates In the Middle Weat until Spring when they rejoin the Ringllng show for the second aeason.—John J. Murdock has re- turned from hla prolonged trip to New York and is again at his deak In the Majestic Theatre build tag.—Tom Consldlne. brother of J. W., of the Sullivan Consldlne combination, was In the city last week on a pleasure trip en route to California, Texas and Washington.—Apollo Quartet la In In- diana.—Claudius and Scarlet start on a circuit In Illinois In January.—Schaar Trio are pilgrimaging in Iowa, with other States to follow.—Roberta, Hayes and Roberts are In the Middle Wect where they will remain all season.—Carol Sisters, Three Jackson*. Frank Wilson and Frledlander Broth- ers are In thla vicinity.—Fred Lincoln, general manager of the Sulllvan-Consldlne circuit, Is on an. Inspection tour of the West and auperlntendlng the construction and opening of two new houaes. The Majestic. Denver, acheduled to open Dec. 15. nnd the Novelty, Topeka, a week later. The Denver house cost $75,000 and Is modern in every appointment. CHICAGO OPERA HOUSE (Frank Rivers, man- ager for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).— •The Futurity Winner," Rice and Cohen. Bessie Valdare Troupe, Howard and Troupe. Arlington Four. Sullivan and Pasqualena, Ida O'Day. How- ard and Esher, Washburn and Keeley, Potter and Harris. Marvelous Plaukleh, Harry Holman. OLYMPIC (Abe Jacobs, manager for Kohl & Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—Henry Lee, Al Shean ind Company, Howard Brothers, Farrell- Tavlor Trio, Ferry Corwey, Mile. Marguerite, Hose and Ponv, the Ruppelts, Mills and Morris, the Aldeans, Lea and Opp, Sam Collins, Callahan and Smith. HAYMARKET (Wm. Newklrk. manager for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—"The 8ong Birds." Avert and Hart, Mason-Keeler Compauy, the Renards, Fetching Brothers, Emlle Subers, Reed and St. John. Dorothy Adams. Kolhass and Company, Josh Dreano, Imperial Four. STAR (Tom Cormondy. manager for Kohl A Castle).—Juggling Normans, Seymour and Hill, Wlllard-Pond Company, Josle Allen, John A. West. Burke's Musical Dogs. GAIETY (South Chicago. F. Fltzpatrlck, man- ager for Kohl A Castle).—Golden and Hughes, Re-Anos. Phil and Nettle Peters, "Auto Girl," Fred Sosman, Blssett and Scott, Estelle Hiracb, Yulll and Boyd and Tots. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy, mgr.).—A veritable example of musical comedy without the In- congruities, more or less blended in the succes- sion of "musical comedies" exploited in burlesque tills season in "Mr. -Wise from Broadway," presented by "Tbe Kentucky Belles." The piece Is In two acts and was written by Sheppard Camp and George A. Norton. Mr. Camp la also responsible for the music. The number* were conceived and staged by Aurello Coccla. One praiseworthy feature, is the total absence of ungainly characters. 'There Is neither a Hebrew, German nor Irish type in the two acts; the first showing the deck of a steamer with a panoramic view of the shores of Panama, and the second an Interior. There Is a decisive musical comedy atmosphere throughout the show, with no dull pervading moments. Tbe plot is divided and served In sections, but the melange of humor and music appealed strongly to the Sunday after- noon audience. No one cared anything about the "atory." The elements have been Inter- woven with Ingenuity for the obvious purpose of testing legitimate material In burlesque. It |a probably too refined and Intelligent for those unaccustomed to this season's output of "ad- vanced burlesque," but If the forthcoming shows are equipped the same, we may yet see an innovation. There are numerous costume changes. Tbe girls, sixteen in number, all sizes and looka, some comely, make five complete changes la tights, for there are that many dis- plays of fleshings besides the ankle length dresses. A clear, treble soprano voice was heard among the choristers. Tbe owner of It should be given mora latitude. "Fuzzy Wusxy," a song with several spicy verses was given by Jim Diamond In place of 8heppsrd Camp, who was troubled with a cold. Tbe music Is catchy and ensembles snd staging approaches on the "pro- duction" standard. "Tbe Army" contribute* a good portion of tbe amusement with Andy McLeod anA. Diamond. Sheppard Camp resembles Pete DalleT in the "rival scene." He delivered bis lines effectively, and was conspicuous through- out the aho\v. His humor Is droll and significant of more refinement than commonly expected In burlesque. Jim Diamond, with a seml-eccentrlc make-up, threatened Imminently to monopolize every comedy situation, and he would not have to exert himself to do so. Tbe grotesque leg mania antics, together with his cheerful man- nerisms, without overtaxing them, are worthy of commendation and shouTd place him In the limelight. Billy F. Flemen makes a capital "straight." He knows how to dress and delivers his lines In a smooth, comprehensive manner. J. B. Gibson added color as a Spaniard snd played the part well. The olio opens with Mae Taylor, a ahort and plump good-looking young woman, In a pleasing singing number. Olllson and Benny offer a Western comedy entitled "The Cowboy's Courtship," replete with whoops and wild and woolly hilarities aucb aa make the West famous. There Is a tangible atory. If Mr. Gibson, who wrote the act and gives an accurate portrayal of the uncouth cow-puncher, prudently modified some of the incidents and dialogue to unfold the logical sentiments more subtly, the vehicle would be worthy of a promi- nent place in vaudeville. Flemen and Miller are what the fastidious coterie concede "Fashion Plates." Flemen dresses correctly and knows how to wear good clothes without appearing freakish or over-dressed. The couple have a string of nonsense which they serye effectively. It Is a question who first Introduced some of their topical sayings, which are familiar to tbe average theatregoer. The talk alone can carry the act, which aa a vehicle Is meritorious. Mel- vln Brothers displayed strength and dexterity in hand balancing and acrobatics. Andy McLeod. "the Irish minstrel," In a musical monologue. responded to several encores, so emphatic was his success. The show can without hesitancy compare with some of the best. NOTES.—Chas. I. Lane, formerly with "Sis in New York" Is preparing a single act for vaude- ville.—"The Eight Madcaps," a foreign "girl act," are coming over from Germany to Join "A Knight for a Day," with John Slavln and May Yokes In tbe cast, at Wallack's, New York, Dec. 14.—Jack Burnett and Ed. Hutchinson, of Hutebinson-Lushy Co., are tbe composers of a Philippine serenade, entitled "Lusou Lee," which will be published soon.—C. H. Miles, manager of tbe only variety bouse In HIbllug, Minn., and other Interests lu the iron range, was in the city last week conferring with bis booking agent, Sam Du Vries, with a view of establishing a circuit of small theatres in this vicinity. Mr. Miles is reputed to possess considerable wealth, being the principal stockholder In tbe new Ma- jestic, St. Paul, and heavily Interested In min- ing stocks in the Iron region. Hla theatrical investments are said to be a hobby and diver- sion rather than a lucrative speculation. P. H. SAIN FRANCISGO By W. ALFRED WILSON. VARIETY'S San Francisco Office, 1115 Van Ness Ave. (Room 112). ORPHECM (John Morrlsey, res. mgr.).—Week 24: Bert Leslie was tbe stellar attraction at the Ellis street bouse, bringing to us a new con- signment of distorted verbage. This apostle of slang continues to reign s warm favorite here- abouts. The Three Sisters Urma offered a well graded assortment of tricks upon tbe trapese in a graceful fashion. The Three Westona, all young women, were rather ordinary. Judged by the Orpheum standard. They offered selections on tbe violin, 'cello and cornet and also a singing specialty that was tbe best feature of their act. The Four Gracea in statuary posing completed the list of new comers. The holdovers were Anna Eva Fay, The Great Quartet and Mary Dupont and Company. NATIONAL (Sid Grauman, mgr.).—Week 25: May Yobe was the big feature and Grauman out- did all previoua advertising efforts. .This head- liner proved one of tbe best drawing cards of the season. Miss Yobe'a Initial song wss a poor choice and plainly showed that ber voice has lost consldersble of its former volume- The sec- ond number wss much tbe better and won a recall. The Searl Allen sketch, 'Twin Plata," was the "one best" of the week's bill, being well primed with snappy dialogue. Thla vehicle was in the hands of Ward, Clare and Company, a capable trio who worked it to Its best advant- age. A song Introduced by one of tbe Iadlee could be cut with advantage. Ted and Eugene Faust, pantomime musical artists, have an act along original lines and were well thought of. Cumiogs and Thornton were a clever sketch team but wasted many precious momenta with a mean- ingle-s semblance of sketch. It was their sing- ing portion that won the banda. Nick Conway. Irish comedian of the old school, fitted well with the balance of tbe program. Helen Brandon opened the show w}th a singing specialty and a strong routine of toe dancing. The League Brass Band, s crack local organization of alxty pieces, was the added attraction. Their selections were well chosen, being of tbe popular brand. VICTORY (I. Coleman Levey, gen. mgr.).— Week 2.%: Tbe Alpha Circuit entered into active participation in the Western field of vaudeville with the opening of their class, a structure with a seating capacity of 1,000. Tbe attendance was limited only by the capacity. Camp's "Dooma- GUS EDWARDS SAYS: That tbe "School Boy a and Girls" act la now beaded west and Is proving tbe greatest novelty vaudeville sensation that managers bave played in years. Herman Tlmberg the clever little comedian at the bead of this original and unique act, Is sknply creat- ing a furore everywhere. Edwards will also spring a good many novel .urprlses after New Year's, 2nd haTI bunch of the most clever novelties he"., ever conceived. "See-Saw" is certainly ." EZJEL tr'S " re „"" * rabb,n * 5 both pro- fessionals, trade and the public. That's What the Rose Said to Me." L-o ?^ ar ?" * re *t »*nil-high-class ballad, is now SPSS? m *• m<Wt Buc <*"™ balladM|l Yours musically, GUS EDWARD8. t E , 8 -- per bapa tbe Blondes with clever ?&%gsr • rc,, ' , **'•" "■'»«• «»•■* MORE P 8—Guess you'll all be at tbe i. M. A. Benefit Sunday night, Dec. 8 I'm going to give you "See Saw " 'come and see how they "get it." day," a scenic spectacular, was th» f«i»nr« ~* m. opening bill. Owing to the* l.'te* SlVif of 'ft. effects the act did not appear to ita full ad i!Su*w bU ! ne 7 ert beless carried off first honors. Kmh-Si"? DO c enCl0 " a ,ormer t«*» of the Lombardl Opera Co., was another number that aroused the audience to an enthusiastic pitch striking some phenomenal notes in the hlirh register. His costuming, however, verged on the absurd. Chas. Saukey offered a clever series of equlllbristlc feat, u£>n the slack wire T^e Burtons trick cyclists, made a poor Impression he routine being very ordinary ind they cTosed to alienee. Tbe 8praguelles, musical act. lent w.?h r§, th J . %{£ E 0 r? m . JoUj Zeb ' "°o rtaSd with the "Doomsday" In the billing, made bis appearance rather late In the evening and waa well received. Faasett and Elliott ware- pro- grammed for the Initial evening, but owing to late arrival were not in evidence. They arrived In due time for Tuesday'a abow and did much to strengthen tbe bill. An unprogrammed black- face monoroglst, of whom the least said the better, was sandwiched In. The policy of the house will be "three a day" at prices ranging from 10 to 80 cents. WIGWAM (Sam Harris, mgr.).—Week 25: Dsn Harrington, ventriloquist, made hia first ap- pearance in tbls city. His collection of figures was of a familiar order, all tbe stock Inani- mates being represented. A good line of con- veraatlonal material put the act In good stand- ing. Blnns' Troupe of Dancing Olrle waa the big number of the week. The girls show train- ing and adaptability with a youthful miss stand- ing out aa tbe atar. A flood of colored "spots" was worked to excess. Tbe American Newsboys' Quartet filled a return date, receiving a hearty welcome. Coccla and Amato, In a well ar- ranged intermingling of staging sad novelty dancing, bsd a choice position on tbe program and received their full share of approval. Avlll and Grim. In a comedy acrobatic turn, were lo number one position. EMPIRE (Hal Curtis, res. mgr.),—Week 25: The Franks Musical Comedy Co. continue In stock. This week's offering l« a farcical skit entitled "Those Servants." Jules Mendel, a local comed- ian, assumed the principal comedy role. The olio presented Shedman and his troupe of trained dogs; the Four Andersons, who Included a trio of clever child performers, and Zanfrella's statuary. NOTES.—Severs! Nickelodeons have been opened in the rebuilt portion'of town, and from all reports are doing well. — It Is rumored that Jimmy Lea, at present at the People's Theatre, Los Angeles, will act as producer at the Em- pire In this dry shortly.—Among the floral pieces in the lobby of the Victory wss one from Man- ager Si'! Oraaman, of the National. Considering that the Victory Is a competitive factor, this courtesj was the cause of much comment. When answering advertisements kindly mention Variety.