Variety (January 1908)

VARIETY 23 SONG BOOKS THE IHAS K HARRIS JONGSTER {- ABSOLUTELY THE BEST -, ALVAY5 CONTAINS THE LATEST HITS $10.00 PER THOUSAND* With Company's Name, $11.00 per ihous'd Immediate Delivery Chas K Harris 31 WVsl 31" 51 New York ///«• lirttst Bjiltd Mouw in rtic Horld > JOS. W. COHENS UNREDEEMED Fine white DIAMONDS 25 per cent, lower than market value. Exchangeable at full price paid and RETURNABLE ANY TIKE, lest 6 per cent. Diamond Broker 62 7 PENH ST., READING, PA. of every description, beat make. Large illustrated oat No. 24, 15c. Illustrated oat. No. 25 FREE. BAILEY A TRIPP CO., P. O. Box 460, CAMBRIDGEPORT, MASS. CORRESPONDENCE Unless otherwise noted, the following reports are for the current week. "Variety's" Credential Cards to Corre- spondents for 1908 are now out, and only those for the coming year should be recog- nized. No person without one is authorized to represent "Variety." GHIGAGO By FRANK WIESBERG. VARIETY'S Chicago Office. Chicago Opera House Block. (Phone M«In 43SO). MAJESTIC (Lymtn R. Glover, mgr. for Kohl A Castle. Monday rehearsal 9).—Richard Golden, supported l.v three players, presented for the first time here a dramatic sketch by Clay M. Greene. "A Case of Divorce." It tells a terse. Interesting story, highly dramatic and splendidly acted. O'Rrlon Havel and Effle Lawrence In "Ticks and Clicks" were liked Immensely. Willy Zimmerman gave his artistic Impersonations of musical conductors, achieving success. Jnllns Tannen delivered the same routine of stories heard last season In his perfect manner. Edward Clark and his Winning Widows have a good enter- tainment. Lucy and Lucler returned with the same material, but the vehicle is Improved other- wise. Rerry and Rorry created amusement. Paul Rarnes introduced his tramp specialty, with some bright talk, while Lea Aubln Loonef sang French songs, making changes in attire. Casey and Craney offered a singing and talking act. which was liked, and cycling Zanoras showed trick cycling. Mason and Rart closed with their clover bar feats. AUDITORIUM (Klaw & Erlanger. mgrs.: Mil- ward Adams, director. Sunday rehearsal 10:30. Colonial Theatre).—Shifting followed after the second nnmt>er. This was probably due to the non-arrival of two acts on Sunday. They are Mile. Mane D'Eve and Julian Rose. The Wal- thour Troupe, five In number, did well with their expert cycle feats and eccentric comedy. More striking tricks so dexterously accomplished have seldom boon seen here. Lily Flexmore makes her debut. She is billed as "La Zephyr," and scored tremendously with wonderful flexible dancing. It is an absolute novelty. Chas. R. Kltts and Rhoda Wlndrutn In a military comedy. "The Cuckoo." furnished solid entertainment. The vehicle would be more valuable if some of the long speeches were curtailed and portions of the incidents modi- fied. Edith Helena retained another week, scor- ing the same bit. One of the emphatic hits was May Relfort. tlrst time in Chicago. Miss Relfort was attired In a beautiful gown and was cor- dially received on her entrance. "The Storv of a Woman Hater." "False Liza Leech." and' "The Rake's Progress." were the songs rendered In a Hear, pleasing voice. R. Q, Knowles returned aftep nn absence of several weeks, with his songs and talk, duplicating his previous success. Cln Overall!, who figured In the Important inaugural bill. Is also listed as a prominent acquisition. Eight Ynlllans, R|sh>y feats and acrobatics, sur- passed any other act of their kind seen here this season. SID. J. EfSnX'R (Sid. J. Euson. mgr.).—Al- though there is nothing particularly enhancing or original In "The Wrong Widow," prepared by James Cooper and Snltz Moore for "The Morning Glories." the third show of Weber A Rush to visit us this season, the fragments have been selected with evident care and so scattered as to give the action the desired results. The material has little reference to the title or plot, which discloses Itself conveniently and is Intercepted at the point of denouement by musical numbers and "business." There are two "widows," One Is gay femininity, full of frivolity and dash, while the other is more sedate and dignified. The contrast In appearance was too marked for much mistaken Identity in the plot. No one seemed to care what became of the "story" so long as the comedians furnished unsnhslding fun. A min- strel first part occupied about ten minutes. Sev- eral very familiar jokes were heard. The "Trol- ley Car" song used last season was repeated, with the same satisfactory results. The bur- lesque Is without a name. It is reminiscent of a piece employed by the "Parisian Widows" last season. The setting should have been a seashore instead of interior. The "skating" number was revived, also "Milo" with stunning Oriental cos- tumes. The "Cherry Tree" song would have been more effective with electric bulbs, especially when the stage Is darkened. One plump blonde made herself conspicuous In strenuous movements, which earned for the Oriental number several encores. Weber & Rush have been more liberal in the costume display: the changes being frequent and attractive in design and arrangement. Moore is a Jovial German with a tendency to dispel woeful moments, which he does In a felicitous manner. In "A Self-made Man" he shows decided Im- provement over a year ago. when the dramatic vehicle was given at the Trocadero. Ed. Gold- smith, as the son, is too timid, but will prob- ably do better when he Is acquainted with the part. Helolse Horton should drop the Irish dia- lect. It Is not perfect and unnecessary. Clara Raymond did well. The act made a very deep Impression. James Cooper Is unctuous. That he Is a good comedian there can be no question. Ills olio act with Lucia Cooper was liked. Miss Raymond Is a prepossessing blonde, and was evi- dent In catchy numbers, while Miss Cooper made herself prominent In an agreeable part. Hill, Cherry and Hill showed a series of Intricate feats on bicycles with comedy that brought applause. Smith and Rrown danced energetically. They should eliminate one song and show their fancy dancing, which won on its merits. EMPIRE (William Singer, mgr.).—Pat White and his "Gaiety Girls" are at the Empire for the first time. "Casey at the Rat." and "The Down and Out Drug Store" are the vehicles nsed. The former is replete with fast action and hilarity, and the latter contains a little more "slap-stick" and rough-house than Is usually found in bur- lesque this season. "The Doctor's Shop" has been utilized and served In ludicrous style. A better, more animated and willing bunch of choristers has not been seen this season. There Is dash, snap and exactness In their gyrations. The girls carry the burden well. They dress becomingly, but their singing has a monotone effect. The light effects were handled admirably and the "cuckoo" song arrangement Is novel. Pat White Is one of the best low Dish comedians seen this season. While his style borders on the familiar uncouth tad in make-up and conception, there is aptness and wisdom In the manner In which he handles the material. He Is a conscientious com- edian, always formulating sometlting amusing to divert his auditors. Zelma Summers Is a spright- ly young woman and sings quite charmingly. Her specialty In the olio won for her much aplause. Anna Grant, an attractive blonde, was one of the soubrettes. sharing distinction with Miss Sum- mers. Grace Addison Rarrett distinguished her- self In a matronly part, although she appeared as young as her supposed daughters. The mimic "ball game" created laughter, also the absurd "barber shop." The only respite for noise and confusion occurs during the olio. The "Three Terrors" appear In dances. No reason Is ascribed for the name. Their behavior In a series of dances does not Indicate that the "terror" is properly applied. Watson and Rert In "A Busy Business Man." extracted some time-worn Jokes together with some bright and up-to-date remarks, and Jennings and Webb sang songs. Miss Webb doe* the singing. The Malvern Troupe, composed of three men. one woman and a mite of a young- ster, apparently six years old, proved the feature. Their shoulder leaps and somersaulting showed agility and strength. It is a good act. The show all around affords excellent entertainment. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy. mgr.).—"The Wash- ington Society Girls." OLYMPIC (Abe Jacobs, mgr. for Kohl A Cas- tle. Monday rehearsal 0). —The Sunny South: Snyder and Buckley; Grace Hazard: Kelly and Vlolette; Ed win Stevens and Company: Paul Rarnes; Montrose Troupe: Jeanette Adler ami Company; the (Jeromes; Peerless Quartet: Tops and Topsv; Uatto Rrothers. HAYMARKET (Wm. Newklrk. mgr. for Kohl & Castle. Monday rehearsal 0).—Robkers Aroles; Ktlenne; Glrardot and Company: Cliff Gordon: O'llana San and Company; Elizabeth Murray: Conn. Downey and Wlllard; Edna Campbell and Company; Glen Rnrt; Welch and Earl: Fred Latere; Imperial Four. SCIIIN'PLFR'S (L. Sehindler. mgr.V— The Three Frnests; Knox and Alvln; Great Caesar and Company: Peterson Rrothers; Dorothy Vaughn; Sharp and Swift. NORTH AVENUE (Paul Slttner. mgr.).— Sparks and Sparks; Forrest Family; The Roonoys; T. Roy Rarnes and Ressie Crawford: Demlng and Rrogan: Roberts Four; LeRov Rland; Mabel Fllis. TEDDY (Geo. Powell. mgr.).—Vabtre and Clark; Marvellous Mells; Great Taelus; Pete Loose; James Rrown May and Company; Mae Jackson. IOI.A (A. W. Roth, mgr.).— Hart Trio; Taylor and Crawford: Wellington Rrothers: Rankes ami Kingman; Jennie Goode; Welsh and Welsh. NATIONAL (C. R. Svenlng. mgr.).—Tetauwarl Japanese Troupe: Wiley Ferris and Company: Tito Marts; Dancing Ashwell*; Ruth Rurkett: Kollln* and Kllflon. IMPERIAL (P. J. Schafor, nigr.V— George an! Pauline KIdd; Minnie Hess; Sedor Grant: Real Comedy Four; Harrv Haley; Lillian Burnell. NEW CRYSTAL (Fred Schaefer. mgr.).—Rrad- ley, Miller and Freeman; Roy Lee Wells; Court- ney and Jeannette. GARY (Gary. Ind.).— Walker apd Burrell; Thomas and White; Le Conde and Le Clear; Bertha Phillipl; Lena Young. LYRIC (Chicago Heights).—Mildred LeRoy; Moore and Vaughan; Mack Sisters; Sam Morris. NOTES.—Junie McCree, who underwent an op- eration as a result of ptomaine poisoning, is rapidly recovering. His part In "The Girl Ques- tion" is now beng played by Joe Whitehead.— Rrothers DeVan are on the Sulllvan-Consldlne Circuit In the Northwest, playing return engage- ments in Seattle and Vancouver. They will re- main in that territory until May.—John Grieves, manager of "The Merry Makers," was confined to his room with the grippe last week.—Daniel's Scenic Studio in the Chicago Opera House Block has been newly fitted up and enlarged. This con- cern has furnished the scenery for a number of vaudeville theatres which recently opened in the Middle West.—Chas. Crolins, stage manager of the Auditorium, was presented with a handsome silver mounted fountain pen by Geo. W. Lederer. —Sidney Zuckerman, formerly artist for the Shu- bert attractions, will probably become staff car- toonist on one of the dally newspapers here.— (Mark's dogs and ponies will play around Illinois and vicinity lu the near future.—Garnel and Rohorty are In the city arranging their time.— Edgar Foreman and Company, having finished their engagements in the South, will play the circuits In the middle states during the winter.— Track. Gladden and Bessie Babb are booked In the Middle West until June.—Dixie Electric The- atre Gomppny Columbus, Gn.. .Ineorjtorated, with, capital of $10,000. will operate moving picture theatres. Incorporators are Z. A. Brooks, R. I. Zachrias, E. J. Brooks.—A theatre seating l.noo will be erected at St. Louis by the Bourland Investment Company of that city. The building will be two stories high.—Selhlnl and Grovlnl are negotiating for Western booking. They are at present in the East.—Whelan and Searles are playing in Iowa and Wisconsin.—Mitchell and Browning In "His Last Chance" are filling dates in Illinois.—Sisters Reardsley are coming this way to play one of the circuits for the first time this month. They are now in New York.— Rose and Ellis closed with the "Yankee Doodle Girls" and will go In vaudeville for the balance of the season.—Work on the new vaudeville the- atre which is being orect<Ml at Galveston. Tex., for Hoffman & Rrand. will l>e rushed to comple- tion so as to open during the spring.—Riley and Fleming open In the Middle West at>out Feb. 1,— Gaiety Comedy Four are coming eastward from the Coast, where they have played for some time.—Woo]ley and Piers Trio will play dates at the conclusion of their engagement " at the Rink, Cincinnati. -Sanson and Dellla are looking for an opening In the West.—Andrews and Fields are playing In West Virginia and Ohio.— Don and Mae Gordon Company has been reduced to three people. One man and two women now comprise the act.—While playing In Chicago last week the members of the "Merry Makers." un- der the management of John Grieves, formed a unique club known as "The Tessle Tent Club," for the purpose of developing Irrational Instincts among Its loyalists. Theodore Metz, musical director, lias been appointed the "Rig Chief." Other partisans are Sam R. Adams. H. P. Kelly. Win. Hinges. Gladys S. John, Mamie Elbart. Wm. Manssey. Michael O'Rourke. They are known In the dressing room as "Papooses."—Alvo and Copeland are In the city booking future time In the Middle West.—Cushlng. Merrill and Davis are playing in Iowa—Tony Castellane and brother left for New York this week, their first Invasion of the East In three years. SAPS PRAINGISGO By W. ALFRED WILSON. VARIETY'S San Francisco Office, 1115 Van Ness Ave. (Room 112). ORPHEUM (Martin Reck. gen. mgr.).—Week 22: This was the first week of this season's road show and there was a diversity of opinion n« to its comparison with last year's traveling combination. It certainly did not" rank with sev- eral of the ordinary bills offered during the past session. The aggregation possessed the advantage of being made up of faces entirely new to us, and all received their pro rata ' of approval! "Marse Covington." a playlet from the pen of George Ade. was rather disappointing considering its source, as there was a general expectation of something less serious in theme from the slang fabllst. Kelly and Kent were hard workers and their energetic eccentric comedy efforts brought them a hearty response. The Tom Jack Trio had a novelty musical act that proved taking. Keno and D'Arvllle offered an acrobatic singing and 'lancing turn that won them favorable mention. Goran, the ventriloquist, had an original method of submitting his material, though better In his line have shown here. La Gardenia, a Spanish dancer, was well received. Gallagher and Rarrett, with their breezy "Rattle of Too Soon." was added to the road show, and went strong. NATIONAL (Sid Grauman. mgr.). -Week 23: The Five Bellatxer Sisters were the star attrac- tion of the holiday week In a novelty aerial net replete with unique apparatus, the strong-arm work of one of the girls being a sensational fea- ture. The Lavalls was another silent number well up In the front rank. Sam Goldman. He- brew comedian, scored heavily In the comedy sec- tion. A line of eccentric dancing brought a strong demand for more. Herbert BreJton and Helen Downing had a pleasing sketch appropriately en- titled "One Christmas Eve." Their offering con- tained plenty of action and some clever dialogue. George Smedley offered a well chosen selection of mush nl numbers On stringed Instruments. The American Duo In a comedy playlet, "The Rell Roy." had the opening position. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. silvers. In a novelty scenic singing act added to the v.irlctv of the program. EMPIRE • Ilnl Cnrtls. mgr.). -Week 2.7: The Colby Family were featured. Their musical |»or- First-Class Film Rental Service 199 THIRD AVE., NEW YORK AGENTS FOR Gaumont's American Films 12 H CENTS PER FOOT. "THE PERSEVERIH6 LOVER" Agenta for GAUMONT CHRONOPHONE. Telephone 2994 Stuyveiant. fiNR Sf Ortloff 1866 BROADWAT, NEW YORK. Formerly with Max Marx. Telephone 4467 38th St. tlon has been seen here before, though there baa apparently been some changes made In the comedy action. Donat Redlnl and his acrobatic dogs were a well liked feature of the program. Eddie Van, comedy cartoonist, completed the olio. Jas. P. Loo Comedy Players loomed up to good advantage with their stock production. "The Wrong Doc- tor." ZInn's Dancing Girls, headed by Francis V. Grey, offered a series of ballet numl>ers, clos- ing with a cleverly arranged transformation scenic effect. WIGWAM (Sam Harris, mgr.).—Week 23: The Mil was a well diversified combination with- out a single conflict ion. The V. S. Singing Four were Incandeeeented, though Judged by the audi- ence's verdict the stellar place should have been held by either George Alexander or Thomas and Payne. Alexander made a pronounced bit with his monologue, and the colored team. Thomas and Payne, were by far the best duo of their kind seen here In many a day. The man's closing dance on roller skates was the one best of the program. Phllbrooks and Reynolds placed them- selves In good standing with a breezv bit of nonsense under the heading "Miss Stonog." James Dervln, the ventriloquist, was on the bill with nn act closely following the one shown by him last season. Dervin's imitations still have the heaviest swing. Jacobs and Sardel, with a line of familiar comedy acrohntlcs. opened the show. Fred Lancaster, the baritone, returned and was warmly greeted. The Lulgl Plcarre Troupe, a high-grade acrobatic act, closed the show. SIXTEENTH STREET (Sullivan ft Considlno. dl- rectors; Al On ken, res. mgr.).—Week 2.1: The bill was made up of R good selection of S. A C. acta. Howard and De Leon opened proceedings with a standard routine of cquillbrlstlo feats. The Columbia Four, with a mixture of song and comedy, passed with favor. Will Davis, singing and talking specialty, made a good Impression, as did Billy King, a colored comedian. The Sully Family were In closing position. Their "Roys Will Re Roys" wns the only sketch on the pro- gram, and was rewarded with the limit of ap- proval. Belle Howard sang the Illustrated ballad. VICTORY (I. Coleman Levey, mgr.t.—Week 2.1: The 1,111 was above the standard, with Al Jolson In the place of prominence. Jolson led all the way with his monologue specialty and easily won first honors. The Three Macs, l n Scottish songs and dances, were a warmly appreciated number. The Klngsley Brothers, a song and dance team, were of the old school so familiar ten years or so ago. Their conversational ante- dating that time was merltless, but a pair of well matched voices held the place for them. The Norwoods offered :i comedy bar act that registered fair. The Seymour Twins. In a good routine of Roman ring work, were In number one position. Parrel Vinton made another try at vaudeville, and again fell sadly short through the lack of a proper vehicle. Vinton has evi- dently gone back to ye oldc English comedy for his material; at leapt the broadness of some of the lines of "A Summer's Day" would suggest as much. Two In particular are bolder than even the most radical of burlesque* would venture, and though perhaps well suited to the moral at- mosphere of the days of James the Second, are hardly palatable In these times of Theodore. Lem Confer sang the Illustrated ballad. NOTES.- The Mission Theatre will return to Vaudeville the first of the year, playing the Sulli- van & Considlno acts. This will leave the Wig- wam fWestern States) sandwiched between S. A C. Sixteenth street house on one side and the Mission on the other. Warm times ami heavy priced hills are looked for In this neighborhood as 11 result of this competition.—Mike Rollly of Sacramento dropped Into town last week and gave emphatic denial to the rumor that he was dead or even a dead on".—-May Yohe Is playing The Novelty. Vallejo. Cnl.. this week.—Jas. Fran- cis Pooh v and his Dancing Girls left for th* Northwest 20 to plav the Panfages' time for the Western States.—Mrs. Tom Thumb opened at the Wigwam week 30. The Three Kuhns were also on the hill. -Hugh Emmett left for the Northwest 11 to play six .it tcnlturv. weeks f->r Sullivan & Consbllne in When answering advertisements kindly mention Variety.