Variety (Feb 1942)

Wednesday, February 4, 19*2 REVIEWS 45 Night Club Reviews CARROUSEL (MIAMI BEACH) Miami Beach, Jan. 31. Benny Fields, Al Bemie, Margaret Fober Dancers (6), Patty OrteXl, * DeMar ft Denise, Danny Yates Orch (7), Juan Pijiedo Rumberos (5); $1.50 minimum. Benny Fields has put Ben Brooks' Carrousel on the map again. This Miami Beach spot, alter its novelty of sitting in carrousel-style seats be- came a passing fyncy, has had a checlcered careeer. Basically a bad room, from Ifie talent and customers' perspectives alike, it only proves the old Mae West adage anew—give 'em an attraction and even Daly's 63d St becomes a "hit theatre.' Similarly the Carrousel, almost next door to the Vanderbilt hotel, a Ben Gaines operation, with an inter- locking management eiqbracing Ben Brooks, Bob Feinstein and I^w Tendler. Fields' advent with his socko crooning proves again that the hoopla about Fields 'comeback' is so much hooey; he's never been away. But, like so many another pioneer, he was just a bit ahead of his times with his insinuating and crooning style of songaloging. He whams 'em per usual with 'Melancholy Baby,' ■'You're a Lucky Fellow Mr. Smith,' Vi Neighbor,' etc. A particularly ef- fective interpretation is-Fields' treat- ment of The World Is Waiting to Waltz Again,' one-of those 'Last 'Time I Saw Paris' numbers, a peach Mack Gordon lyric to Harry Warren's tune which somehow never got anywhere In a picture, Ifields intersperses his songs with showmanly patter. His talk buildup and treatment of 'Papa Nicolini,' and 'Weekend in Havana' are nifties; the saga of Tin Pan Alley is a highlight; and when he gets down to "Wonder Who's Kissing Her Mow' and Kindred g^g-singing, he's really in the groove. ' AI Bernie is a much improved and polished mimic. The mimicry racket lias been worn pretty thin of late but not as young Bernie does it. His seasoning and schooling ' under the Vallee banner has been most effec- tive. His takeoff on Richman is a comedy, gem. . The rest is also-ran save for Danny Yates' crack septet which plays a oifflcult show well. Yates is a vet violinist-conductor, lo^g with Vincent Lopez until stepping out on his own. The Margaret Faber Girls are ext traneous, but somehow the credo in Miami is to give 'em lots of quantity. Patty OrtelT Is sportswriter Frank Ortell's daughter who warbles ade- Ouately; ditto DeMar & Denise with their terping, and the Juan Pineda rumba band, an extra noisy combo. Abel. ^ SKY-HY ROOP, K.C. i.j ... . Kansas Citv, Jan. 31. •Adri/t in New York' with A. M. Angler, Marie McDonald, Ellen Douglas, Jack Irvin, Thayer Roberts, Verda Gordlnier, Paul Suianson and Mary Brandt; cover 50c., no mint mum. . Sky-Hy Roof, Hotel Continental, p a policy switch, is presenting hokey legit meller, 'Adrift in New York,' which is getting fair biz. The Hoof has heretofore catered to the aine-and-dance supper crowd with jemi-name bands and similar attrac- tions. Although the spot atop the Continental is figured ideal for a «ub. It has never had outstanding f"";«e5s in recent years and closed fall after a try for summer waae brought only mediocre re- . jleopening with the seml-legit pol- icy last week Is showing somewhat Better resulU and continuation of SJff^'"*,'''^ "^^vel will keep spot in ^ several weeks. Presenta- 4j A°y,** li^arrlson brothers and Augler Is in the old time meller i^'O", with accentuated gestures, explanatory asides, curtain speeches, ana other obvious theatrics. It's nokum but new to the town. .^^"■"Pany of nine stages 15-role S"!'with a near unit-type musical Sp*^ *" second of the three S„~-. is one of two now operated by the Augler Brothers. Quin. 365 CLUB, S.F. P/,.,1 n Francisco, Jan. 29. Bouni mt*-*?"', ^""s Sifters (2), Stte «>■ Cole Sex' ^Ai^ *^'"-<=«»"'<''» Orch. (5); taS"di2ilf*''""??'' spot is the first to Ssraai^^ffS^v^^H?" *o offset damper a^ curtL''''«"^=''<'"ts and the 2 flwtch^'''-. °Pe"s at P n>. with Trtnfl„^*^f?'°,K on at 7:30 p m. With Sh,?,?^ customers are-inside, ence ?l'o*'J'^'",^„«t*'"e on, audi- ence reacUon Indicates it may be a while before folks get the nitery mood so early. Gale Sextette, mixed ensemble, opens. With gals in flowered froclcs and boys sporting black capes plus crosses on bare chests, revue kicks off with a Spanish Fiesta turn. Some- what confusing on a small floor, but okay as an ice-lireaker. Lewis Sis- ters, couple of pert blondes in black net, deuce with vocals. Manage to collect an encore after warbling 'Month of Sundays,' 'You're in Love,' an okay novelty and 'Cuba.' Bowed off with Swingy version of "Rancho Grande.' Royal Whirlwinds, dress skating act following, go for fast spins and puts oomph into the show. Finale wherein gal is whirled by one ankle is smash. Paul Regan, In next to closing, does okay. Handles imitations of Fred Allen, Rochester, Abbott and Costello, Boyer, etc. For an encore impersonates PresI dent Roosevelt offering to share the Paciflc with the Japs ('we'll take the top half). Had to beg off, ' Gale troupe on for the close with a smart version of 'Dance of the Hours,' climaxing with a spectacu- lar, applause-pulling spin, boys whirl- ing gals in a three-blade fan effect, Wem. PADDOCK CLUB (MIAMI BEACH) Miami Beach, Jan. 31 Jackie Miles, Arthur Blake, Donna Lawrence (since replaced by Bee Kalmus), Patricia Ogden, Rica Mar- tine, Noel Sherman Dancers _(8), Paddock Band (8); $2 minimum,' Jackie Miles is making this barn- like room a' great windup spot. Miles is coming along fast with his stac- cate comedy, much improved since his Leon & Eddie's and kindred 52d street days, and now headed for class picture houses, the Chez Pares in Chi, etc. Long known for his facility as a comedy writer, having scripted for Joe E. Lewis, et al., he's now selling it himself in an original, puincny manner. With Miles is Arthur Blake, good mimic who is best with the femme routines, such as Bette Davis, Hep- burn, Mrs. Roosevelt, and the like. Blake could make himself somewhat unique by confining himself to the women .exclusively, since others are mixing them up in kindred style, and the result would sway from the ordi- nary. When this was caught Rica Mar- tine, Cuban • songstress in the 'Chichicastenengo' style, who was at the Chez Paree, Chi, and foiled for Lou Holtz, clicked; also Donna Law- rehce, personality songstress. Latter Is a looker with nice voice of much gromise. Bee Kalmus, swing singer, as since replaced her. Patricia Ogden, tapster, was also caught with standard stepping. The Noel Sherman line of eight is up to standard for this $1.50 room, which since Miles' click has become a $2 minimum charge joint. It's a great windruppery for the per- formers looking for laffs; same ap- plies to Benny Fields' cro&ning at the Carrousel which also draws the profesh. Abel. Fantasio, Buenos Aires Buenos Aires, Jan. 15. Anne Lee, Guy Moiitana, Hamllton- Varela Jazz Orch. (10); Horacio Berro Madero (8); ffico Carabello, Central American unit (8); Kardos, Hungarian Orchestra (7). Newest, largest and most elaborate nite spot in the Buenos Aires area, Fantasio is something different for these parts, a suburban dine and da'nce est^blisbment, ultra modern in decor, which is trying for both middle class and carriage trade. Lo- cated about half an hour from town, overlooking the Port of Olivos on the Rio de la Plata, this nitery is reminiscent of spots in Westchester, New York, and along the Lake Shore in Chicago. Place is spectacuHar, a vast building with huge glass walls, two levels, gardens and terraces, and an entertainment policy likely 'to start new trends here. Operated by Arturo Kutscher, boniJtace of the No. 1 in-town nite spot, the Embassy, serrHce was still a little slow when caught, but seemed to be trying to improve. Building itself is vastly different from any- thing here. Because it's located on Uie waterfront, where floods are not. infrequent, main floor has been set above the water level. Room extends in the style of an airplane, with the main portions as the wings and the nose containing a monumental stair- way connecting the two levels. Plane resembrance is getting word-of-, mouth since the glass-wall effect makes it look like a Martin bomber. Upper room has unusual cone- shaped beams illuminated front In- side, excellent indirect lighting flat- tering to the average femme, and a pink, red and white color scheme. Dance ftooi", dn whlcH" shows are presented, rises and falls and can also be converted into an ice rink the flrst nitery rink in B. A. Back of this is an unusual bandstand. Avoiding the usual back of the house effect, there is an extensive bar along the rear set at a higher level than the rest of the room, so as to give the brass railers a chance to look over the house. On the side away from the river windows face directly on a series of giant-sized bird cages with tropical birds. Lower level is mainly open to the breeze, but there are glass-walled terraces, special bars, and an exten- sive dance floor. Prices here are lower than in the main room. Entire area has been beautifully land- scaped with fountains, tables on the lawn, etc. In case of high water, which comes during spring off- season, entire lower level could be inundated without causing much harm. Kitchen, all glass brick, has been set midway between the two levels, with ramps leading in both directions, so as to make service easier. Show seem.<i almost lost in the maze of the sjiectacular. Featured orch is the Hamilton-Varela jive unit, one of the best in these parts. Note- worthy are the unusual arrangement of the crew headed by Dante Varcla, who also handles sax, and Bernardo Moriega (Hamilton), billed as the VVrgentine Eddy Duchin.' They han- dle most of the solos, but trumpeter Rossini and drummer Luis Varela (no relation) are also good. Singers, both of whom work only with the jazz outfit, are Guy Montana and Anne Lee, who in private life is Senora M. Both have nice style, and, despite fact that their English is comparatively elementary, their thrushing Is very much in the Yangui Idiom. Nico Caraballo's Central American unit handles Cuban, Mexican and Brazilian material, beating, it out with plenty. of oomph. CarabaUo does the lyrics himself, and his nov- elty numbers, which really set t-ie conga line going, are exceptional. Horacio Berro Madero is mainly for the tango set. Packed house night caught. Ray. EMPIRE ROOM, CHL (PALMES BOUSE) Chicago, Jan. 17. Ambassadors (2), Di Gitanos (2), Cardini, Mcrriel Abbott Dancers, (12), Xowier Cugat Orch (17). Xavier Cugat orchestra continues to impress as outstanding in the tropical rhythm field. Band at pres- ent, appears to ge at a peak, with Cugat a flne personality in front and displaying a neat style in working for audience values. Three good acts make up the floor show. Ambassadors are a couple of English-style acrobats, with some good lifts and hand-to-hand work, work precisely, with..the.accent.on the British. What lIHle talk they have gets by on the accent, appeal being mainly in quality of their acrobatics. Dl Gitanos are a splendid-looking ballroom dance team. . They are top- notch In appearance and showman- ship and sell from the start with some nifty terping. Lifts the man doe; are outstanding, with the woman handling herself gracefully. Choice of music is also commendable, unique for a ballroom act. Shape up as an asset for this room. Cardini remains the suave presti- digitator and clicked with his sleight- of-hand card and cigaret tricks. While tougher to work on a floor where there Is a distinct side view from the audience, Cardini managed to overcome that difficulty cleverly. Merriel Abbott girls continue to be a bright feature of this room. They are young and nifty lookers. Cold. ALPINE VILLAGE (CLEVELAND) Cleveland, Jan. 29. Three Ross Sisters, Bums & White, Orpha Tou>l, Del Kay, Willie Mat- thias' Orch; $1-$1.S0 minimum. By installing hydraulic jacks un- der its large dance floor, turning it into an elevating stage, only one in Cleveland since the Ohio Villa folded, the Alpine Village has be- come one of the town's leading nite spots. Entire stage, in middle of room, rises about four feet, giving customers even in the back seats unobstructed view of the floor.--It also provides spot's boniface, Aiis- trian-born Herman Pirchner, with better production opportunities. Since the war he has wisely thrown out all German songs and Teutonic atmosphere, Americanizing the bis-< tro completely. New stage was In- augurated with a benefit show last Wednesday (28) for the 'Miles o' Dimes Fund.' Ross Sisters, trio of amazingly 'teen age kids, scored repeatedly. Reminiscent of the June and Cherry Preisser team, .they galvanize a song-acrobatic routine with youth- ful sparkle and looks. Aero stunts from a high stand are topnotch. New Acts GEOBGE MURPHY Songs, Dances, Talk Stanley, Pittsburgh George Murphy has nothing to worry about on his current p.a. tour. Although he's been in Hollywood ex- clusively since his last Broadway show, 'Roberta,' several seasons ago, legit background in musical comedy is still strongly evident. Film player was nervous at flrst show here, con- fessing as much, but shakiness should disappear quickly. Murphy's an extremely personable guy whom audiences take to at the outset In addition he knows how to tell a story, has a pleasant singing voice and is a standout hoofer. Cur- rently Murphy's mistake is keeping his dancing at a minimum. Does one number midway and then a few more steps after he's called back at the finish—not enough for a guy who's known to movie audiences for his sock terping. Murphy's act otherwise is an agree- able concoction of vaude standbys. Gets a howl at the beginning when stagehands bring on four broken- down tires and Murphy says, "You can't be too careful these days,' swings easily into a couple of gags, and then into song, 'I'll Get By.' His other two vocal numbers demonstrate allegiance to his home studio, M-G. They're 'How About You?' from 'Babes On Broadway,' and the 'Don't Pick On Uncle Sam,' marcheroo from 'Panama Hattie.' His open-style of dancing needs slightly bigger stage than Stanley has to offer, but even so hoofing is smart and slick. Should be more of it, Cohen. WEST and LEXINQ Comedy Palace, Baffolo This is the flrst burlesque team here so far this season to approach legitimate comedy rating. Combo of well-groomed, oversized straight and small feckless comic has been to- gether now for a couple of seasons and now warrants attention. West, despite hl$ height. Is an ef- fective feeder with poise, while the slight IiexIng is a funny foil They turn in a businesslike job, without too much emphasis on disparity of physiques, with material which while blue and needing improve- ment. Is still off the beaten burley routine of rubber-hose plop and patter. Considering straight's smooth, seri- ous style, comlo could use more ani- mated delivery and hiore highly stylized dressing and props. Burton. MUSICAL MADCAPS (7) Slnglnc^ DHnning and Inslrumenlal II Mins.; Foil Apollo, N. r. This is a sort of familiar hillbilly colored turn with unorthodox, unin- teresting orchestrations. Consists, of one bass fiddle, drums, guitar, ba- zooka, piano; in all a hybrid combi- nation of discordant music plus in- different vocals, terping and tepid comedy. Essay numbers such as 'Tod Old' and 'Old ManJMose' with Indifferent appeal. Vocals are noisy and un- palatable while comic hoofer fiashes familiar, style. Boys are dressed In black cutaways with shoe-string ties, shortened trousers and derbies. Oc- casionally one of the boys double* on a second piano. Strictly for the hinterland. Mori LORBAINE Da WOOD Songs 7 Mlns,. Casanova Clob, Miami Beach Lorraine De Wood is a songstresi of promise. A looker of flne volc^ she handles-pops with eclat and nici pacing. After Tonight We Love' for In. stance, she goes Into a ballad liki 'Make Believe' with an announced Impression of the late Helen Mori gan. She has style and class, mak« ing nice change of pace to conferen* cier. Emlle Boreo, comedian Samm^ Walsh, dancers Diane and Del Camrf, backed by the Jack Kerr and Ralph Rotgers bands. Miss De Wood wiU go places. . Abel. CABL and HABBIET Singing and Danglng 7 Mlns.; Foil Apollo, N. T.- Mixed colored song and dancf team are adequate as "darly fili-inl for usual vaude bills. Nicely cosi tumed In cream-colored outfits, girl wearing shorts, combo does a .coupl4 of fast routine^ to fairly good re^ sponse. Boy's solo terping Is best and vor cals should be Improved or left ouK Mori. SAMMT WALSH Comedian Casanova Clob, Miami Bea«h Sammy Walsh, alumnus of bur- lesque affd tabs, is going places, ae- veloping nicely and strengthening his impression constantly with in- creasingly good material. He has a streamlined 'I Am Breaking My Back for Beck's' routine that satirizes a shoeclerk's career; his wheezing comedy vocalizing of 'Old Man River' is original; the hokum takeoffs on Laughton ('Come Here Mr. Christian'), Lionel Barrymore ('Dr. Kildare'), Beyer and Richman get more from their brushofl satire than when others work at it legit. Walsh also gives Benny Goodman and the Fred waring choir, with the aid of a stooge, a deft touch. In between he smartly paces the Casa- nova floor show, headed by Emlle Boreo with a number of strong acts in support. Walsh works steadily In the mediumgrade niterles and will hit important company with a little more attention to subtleties and 'de- tail. He has the makings of a flne funster and en engaging personality which may catapult him to big league attention. AbeL ' PAT FLOWERS Piano 4 Bllns.; One Apollo, N. t. Pat Flowers is colored boy with a flair for distinctive piano jive. He registered moderately well on this Harlem date with two numbers, 'A Little Jive' and 'Jive With a Band,' second his best. Vocal, though b/lef, is ineffective and should be elimi- nated. With additional polish he should get by in the less important situa- tions. JVfort. Open with pleasant vocal harmoniz- ing, have excellent sense of timing, and with some polish are destined for important bookings. Burns and White come through with brisk tapping, bright repartee and a novel version of the farmer's daughter who became a burlesk stripper. Led by Orpha Towl and Del Kay, Plrchner's permanent light operetta company gives out with a lusty-voiced, condensed version of 'Showboat,' Willie Matthias' orr chestra does a competent job both cuing and for dansapation. Pullen, Unit Review KEEP SMILING f (BROADWAY, OHARLOITE, N. 0.) Charlotte^ N. C, Jan.. 30. Wed Haoerlv, Gasco Trio, Elmtf Cleve & Marilyn Keller, Carl, WoK lace & Carl, Rex Griffith, Olivia Bradford, Peggy Storm, Eight Glamr orettes. Milt HarMns Orch, (8)1 'Don't Get Personal «/). Hany Caark'a "Keep Smiling' rini the bell with strong Hctrtroin sta.. to finish. Although show carries twd acrobatic acts, popularity of musci* teams here keeps this from proving a liability. Gasca' trio gets off to a fast stai with a snappy aero turn in whlel they balance themselves on balls anc work up to a sock close with ona member walking upside down ci crutches on the balls. Rex Griffith, tenor, o;i next, pipet 'White Cliffs of Dover' In pleasln* fashion. This is followed by a pon9 parade, featuring Olivia Bradfor(l billed as 'American Glamor Girl No, 2' and Peggy Storm, billed as 'Olil With the Million DoUar Figure' Latter was presented In a seml-num tableau, which was not as effective as it could have- been had ehi paraded across the stage. Ned .Haverly, Is on next In ai above-average blackface turn. Hi best bit la a shuffle dance on gan< giving train effects. Although he didn't try monolog, Haverly proved himself adept with his musical pat£ ter on song-and-dance numbers, EUner Cleve and -Marilyn Keller drew heavy plaudits with 'their musl» cal novel^ number. Miss Keller came on first with an energetic ren- dition of 'Elmer's Tune.' This brought on Cleve with a prop xlyophone, which explodea and fell apart whe^ he began playing It, After clearing away debris, he settled down fof amusing gagging with Miss Keller. 9nd then gave out with some solid pounding of 'Glow Worm' and thi William Tell Overture. Cleve, ve\ showman, handled act pleasingly while Miss Keller scored nicely Al stooge as well as ginger. Carl, Wallace and Ciarl closed with solid teeter board act, hUighted by i double somersault where Carl lands In barrel held by his wife. Act moves at fast clip. Line, with plenty of lookers,, is okay. Standard fast opener followe4 with parade number, then a 'Rhap- sody In Blue' number featuring th< Welsman sisters from line In a musl^ cal melange of ballet, tap, jitterbuft and acrobatics for novel effect. Closed with a standard Conga nunif ber. Milt Hankln's band backs tmlt up nicely. House one-third full at show caught Just