Variety (Mar 1942)

Wednesday, March 11, 1942 PARAMOUNT, N. Y. Ina Ray Button's Orch with Stwrt Foster; Joan Edwards, Jack Haley, Hat LeRoy; "The Lady Has Plotiy (Por), revteved In 'Variety,' Jan. il, '42. At one point In Ina Ray Button's repertoire, one of her musicians places a baby spot on the Up- of the pit platform. The house then dark- ens and the spotlight diffuses a warn glow^^n the rear of Miss Button's eloquent torsol And then the band goes Into 'Dark Byes'l Symbolism? And thafs the tenor of Miss Hut- ton's entire act—the great stress on her lush chassis encased In a low-cut, skln-dlnglng gown. If there's any- thing between the cuticle and tiie shimmerlnr silk It's certainly well camouflagr Besides, the imagina- tive Impression that the gown's foundation Is aotually nothing but the ripely physical only adds so much more to Miss Button's stage figure, literally speaking. It's eight years since Miss Hutton first bounced her epidermis in front of her first band, an all-girl aggrega- tion put together by Alex Hyde, and Irving Mills. It was then stated'in a •Variety*- review that Miss Hutton 'spelled ^xofTlce forward and back- ward,' and the band's subsequent cleanup bore that out. Later Miss Hutton bought herself out of the Hyde-Mills deal and went on her own, subsequently switching to an all-male band, While 5he's not Using as much body-motion now as then, and though restricted by the Paramount's pit setup from changing her gowns for every number. Miss Hutton Is still a sock stage personality. She per- sonifies sex appeal from her toes up —the liana Turner of the musicians union. And if the band is not quite the best, that's easily overlooked so long as-she is up front and getting all the attention, anyhow. Musically, the aggregation's most distinctive- arrangement Is. (Dark Eyes,'' which segues Into a conga finale that utilizes small bongos which spell out Miss Button's name in radiant paint, with the leader her- self banging a large bongo and doing the conga at the same time. Another good feature of the orch is Stuart Foster, goofllooking tenor, who does alright with 'White Cliffs of Dover* and 'Dear Mom.* Miss Hutton her- self does a neat vocal Job on 'Blues in the Night' Of the show's other acts, only Joan Edwards, herself well upholstered, can take the eye-appeal away from Miss Hutton. Miss Edwards, niece of Gus Edwards and now on radio's 'Lucky Strike Hit Parade,' Is a fine song saleswoman. 'Elmer's Tune,' •Don't Want to Walk Without You Baby' and 'Heart of Texas' brought her a great reception Friday (6), and then she doubly sold herself with Hose O'Day' for an encore. In a comedy afterpiece with Jack Haley she indicates ability for speaking lines, so what are the picture com panics and musical comedy prO' ducers waiting for? Hal LeRoy, with four clever semi- eccentric dance routines, was the show's applause sock at this catch- ing. He worked himself into a heavy sweat for a very appreciative audi- ence. Jack Haley also got over, easily and neatly. His letter from a draftee got a lot of laughs and his medley of songs from former stage and screen hits In which he appeared clinched his good reception. with Miss Edwards he duets 'I'm Nobody's Baby,' preceded by comedy byplay, bnd It's a pleasing bit. Biz was good at this catching HOUSE WntSWS 47 particularly hefty cUcfc this work- out Opening with .a danc* bit then a fair harmonized vocal, they hit the meat of their turn in a comedy se- Jiuence wherein they're in the Army, t's timely and extremely funny. Byrd and Moore, house comecuans, stralghted by Vivian Harris, have one bit up front thafs amusing,, par- ticularly to Harlem audiences. If s built arotind a preacher, a sinner and a soul-savine follower of the for- mer. Line of three boys and three girls helps it out with dance routines. Biz good. W^d. STANLEY, PITT APOLLO, N. Y. FatsJ/MXetis Orch^m wUh-Mvro Johnson; 3 Shades of Rhythm, Evelyn & Anne, Bumham, Harris & Scott. Byrd & Moore; 'Public Enemies' (Rep). Fats Waller's pianology and show- nianship plus are the major sources of entertainment in this 00-mlnute show, but it's supported most ably by the Improved comedy-dance act of Burnham, Harris and Scott Waller Is surrounded by comparatively few turns, carrying most of the time him- self and doing a yeoman job. Waller's keyboard and organ style is accompanied by a band consist- ing of four sax, three trumpets, two trombones and four rhythm; it's a neat playing group almost completely subordinate to the leader's work. It jumps oncasionaUy, and it's loud when it uoes, but it gives its leader the sort of rhythmic background that enhances his.stuff, his playing and ad libbing had this house in a con- stant uproar. From a strict critical angle the voice of his singer, Myra Johnson, leaves a lot to be desired, but she sells her stuff In a manner that went oyer.sbUdly with this auaence. She did an original and a pop, then an encore of 'I Got It Bad.' Evelyn and Anne, tap duo, work in the opening scene in tails; their stuff Is ably done, out routines lack imagination. Three Shades of Rhythm aren't on long, but 'bey leave a good taste with unison rhythm taps, then fast challenging and a whirlwind finish. Burnham, Harris and Scott were caught at this house last year, but have added to -and improved their turn to such an extent that it was a Pittsburph, March 6. Bob Chester Orch (14), Lewis & Van, Araaut Bros. (4) & Sister Nelly, Chester Dolphin; Betty Bradley, dene Howard, 3 Notes, Cy Baker; 'Shanghai Gesture' iUA). Okay show but the acts can take more credit than the band. Bob Chester has the makin's but he hasn't quite found his musical metier yet. Some of his instrumental specialists, Cy Baker on the trumpet partic- ularly, are as good as any making the rounds today, dnd every once in a while Chester bangs out a tune that can stand up among the best arrange- ments of it by the topliners. Still the whole impression of his catalog is one of competent undlstinction. Vocalists have the same lack of dis- tinction. Betty Bradley is an eyeful and as oomphy as they come when nature an.d Max Factor get together, but voice is just passable, iand that also ' goes for Gene Howard, whose baritonic pipes doesn't match his' lankiness, and Elise Cooper and the 3 Notes (all boys), latter a quartet Chance for some comedy to be worked up, however, between the Notes, all little, and Howard,' well over six feet since their first and only appearance together is good for fiock of laughs. Chester's outfit is currently made of five saxes, his one included; three trumpets, three trombones, bass, drums and piano, and their best numbers come right at the front, 'Oc- tave Jump,' 'Blues in' Night' and 'Chattanooga Choo Choo.* After that, it's a tapering off process. First of smash acts is that of Lewis and Van, couple of male hoofers In tails, who start off with some conven tional stair stuff and wind up knock- ing out some spectacular challenge terp minus accompaniment. Chester Dolphin ties things up again with his sock juggling. 'Moonlight Bay' uses Howard, Miss Cooper and the Notes for the vocals; 'Honeysuckle Rose' has Baker on the trumpet reachlni; way up for that last note to terrific palm-pounding, and 'Wait TIU the Sun Shines Nelly' is okay, bringing on Miss Bradley in Gay '90s get-up for band's best nov- elty. It's one of Chester's recent discs but could be expanded better visually. Next-to-closing niche re- served for the Am?uts (4) and Sister Nelly, with thehr old bird-whistling, which used to comprise the whole act coming now only for their fin- ish. ITest of the turn Is devoted to some swell acrobatic stuff with fid- dles. Smallest of quintet who looks like Ernest Truex, Is excellent com- edy reliet and they're solid right through. Band finales on Its theme. Biz first-rate at last show tonight (6). : - Cohen. STATE, N. Y. Richard Himher Band, Jane Pickens, Cliff Nazarro, Olsen & Shirley; The Remarkable Andretr' (Par), reviewed in 'Variety,' Jan. 21 *42. GOLDEN GATE, S. F. - San FraTicisco, March 4. Horace Heidt Orch (12) with OlUe O'Toole, Doodles Weaver, Mimi Cabanne, Larrv Coffpn, Fred Lowery, Charles Goodman, Red Fer- rington. Dona and Don Jtians (3), Jerry Bourne; 'Oblipini; Younp Lady^ tRKO). ~For second we«k-in"Tow,-Gate h?s a traveling band on its stage. Horace Heidt current headed the house band here in years past making It old-home week, which meftns okay biz, but hardly equal to the Tommy Dorsey magnetism of last week. Heidt has surrounded himself with solid talent, his show here being par- ticularly highlighted by the sock work of Ollie CTooIe, topfiight mimic; Mimi Cobanna, luscious vo- calist from the south; Frankie Carle, whose magnificent piano fingering is a show-stopper, and Fred Lowery, sightless whistler. Larry Cotton, tenor, took a few bars despite a tough cold and got an ovation. Band itself kicks out some okay syncopa- tion, working over 'Heart of Texas,' 'When Baby Smiles' and 'Ilose O'Day.' Charles Goodman, baritone, does a smooth job; of 'Blues in Night' and getting over nicely in other solo bits are Red Ferrington with 'Mc- Namara's Band,' Jerry Bowne with 'I Need Vitamin U' (his own), and Dona Woods backed by the Don Juans. Drummer Bernle Mattlnson also gets a momentary spotlight. Non-band members sit on stage throughout, arising as called. Doodles Weaver, of 'Meet the People,' was billed and present but didn't per- form. Heidt works in some novelty, usmg a moppet from the audience to con- duct the opener and closing with a stage version of his 'Pot o* Gold' radio quizzer, with $1 apiece for win- ners. Heidt also fllFs in by roaming «isles and shaking hands at random. Biz fine at show caught Wern. Richard Himber and his men de- liver very pleasant musical diversion, and with several topflight specialists also contrlbutteg, the current State engagement is satisfactory;- The go- ing Is music and song most of xae ■way, but there Is a neat change of pace to comedy. Cliff Nazarro tak. mg care of that Nazarro still has his moments at the piano, but the nut material Is his forte, and he amused the packed firstnieht house -with doubletalk. Comedian lured Himber to the plat- form mike several times, the baton waver being jovial amid the down- ing. S^ms to be a tossup between Nazarro and Jane Pickens as to which drew the best audience re- turns, with the edge possibly, going to the songstress. Miss Pickens was called back several times and was in fine vocal form with 'I Got It Bad,' and 'Don't Want to Walk Without You.' She warbles "My Buddy.' 'Miss You' and 'Making Best of Each Day* effectively,, too. A bit earlier, Mar- jorie Lee, of the band outfit sings ■Blues in the Night' and 'White CliBs of Dover' okay. Himber has something' of a dis- covery in Larry Storch, a 19-year, old lad who Is an impressionist. Youth is first heard over the ampli- flier doing Ronald Colman' and Peter Lorre, then coming on stage to give Jack Oakle, James Cagney and Clark Gable. Storch makes a good appear- ance and should develop into a trouper. Ralph Olsen and Lyn Shirley, who precede Miss Pickens, are an excep- tionally versatile dance duo. The gtrl is agile and the boy pulls sonie dbublejointed stunts that catch all eyes. . ' The Himber bunch is newly routined. A medley drew plaudits and so did the oldfashioned low- down, indicating a colored revival meeting leading to ''Who Built the Ark.' More on the orchestral end at times, especially when the violins are featured, the unit ends with the house smiling as a result of the late comedy punch. Ibee. ORPHEUM, MPLS. Minneapolis, March 1. Sammy, Kaye Orch (14) with Alan Foster, 3 Smart Girls, Sue Ryan; 'I Wake Up Scrcaminfl* (20th). Repeating its highlj; favorable im- pression made at this same house last season, Sammy Kaye's orchestra again wham the customers and fill the seats. There's no question re« garding the aggregation's right to a top rating among the novelty stage bands. Kaye's master showmanship has seen to that The nresent eminence has been gained through assembling a gang thafs equally strong on the vocal and musical sides, with perform- ances noteworthy for their staging, choice of nuinbers, arrangements and, most of all, the entertainment. As examples of the small details lifting the Kaye troupe above the common ruii of stage bands, there are 'Tommy Ryan's brief snatches of introductory vocalizing announcing the various musical numbers, in- stead of the customary perfunctory emcee announcements, and the use. of appropriate backdrops to provide a sort of atmosphere for special numbers. Then, too, there's the 'So You Want to Lead a Band' stunt which is as good for laughs, enter- tainment and boxofflce as it was the f.rst time around. Kaye's boys—furnish—neariy—the entire show, there being only two acts in addition to the band. The performanct runs heavily to the band's musical numbers %nd singing, but there's an ample amount of fun mixed in and a bit of dancing, too, with the melodic portion so ear'- beguiling that everybody's happy. Kaye impresses as smart In sticking to sweet swing. At .this theatre, at any rate, patrons seem to be getting fed up on the hotter and noisier stuff. However, that's not to say that much of the Kaye contribution Isn't torrid enough to suit -most jive fans. Just the right number of old faves are scattered among the hit-parade selections. Taking occasional flings at the clarinet, Kaye is always the satis- factory emcee and conductor. There's much clowning between him and the band to enliven the proceeding. Practically every band number in- cludes vocalizing by Individuals, groups or the entire glee club to make for added enjoyment., "When You're Smiling' is a fast band starter. Alan Foster, romantic baritone, scores with 'Dear Mom' and 'Shrine of St. Cecilia.' Precision tap and acrobatic dancing puts over Three Smart Girls, attractive young women. Maury- Cross, frojR~ the. band, neatly vocals 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' and 'Heart of Texas.' Another band member, Arthur Wright, pipes to good advantage during 'White Cliffs.' Then Tommy Ryan, also an accomplished-vocalist, lays down his electric guitar to evoke enthusiasm by hi? handling of 'Everything I Love' and 'Beguine' with glee club accompaniment A gypsy medley brings on the "Smart Girls again tor terping with tambourines. 'Dance of the Tam- bourines,' band offering, with the illuminated: tambs oH^the darkened stage, is an oksy novelty. A catchy number, 'Modern Design,' has the audience joining in the fun. The band clicks again with 'Remember Pearl Harbor.' Sue Ryan is riotous with'hpr comedy songs and clown- ing. As usual, Kaye has no difficulty obtaining volunteers from the audi- ence to lead the band, and his ques- tioning of the contestants, as well as their baton twirling, is productive of many laughs. The band presents a nifty appearance In its blue Eton jackets. A well-filled lower floor at the opening matinee. " Rees. KEITH'S BOSTON Boston, March 6. Woody Herman's Orch (15) with Carolyn Grey and Billte Rogers, Marion Belett t English BroViers (3), Pat Henning & Co. (2); Ride 'Em Cowboy' (U), Abbott and Costello film holds over here this week, with the Woody Her- man band on st^e for support As far as the band goes, this outfit mak- ing its first stage appearance in Bos- ton,- has plenty to offer the jitter cus- tomers, but little, in the way of en- tertainment for mass.appeal. To off- set this deficit, management booked in two vaude standards. . Pat Henning, next-to-close, got a good reception and extra bows for his line of chatter and screwy im- personations. Unfortunately, when caught he was way^off base at the mike, and mtich of his banter was lost in a muffle 'of unintelligible sounds. Marion Belett and the Eng- lish Brothers, dressed in sailor out- fits, in the trey spot,' repeating their usual rough-house . routine, high- lighted with smart aero tricks for laughs. Trio got a flock of bows. Two singers are featured with the Herman band. Carolyn C^rey, a smooth looker, vocals 'I Said No' and 'Don't Want to Walk Without You.' Gal gets by on her s.a., which compensates for lust a fair voice and a medium abihty to sell. Billie Rogers is satisfactory in her singing and trumpeting of 'Heart of Texas' and 'Girl -with a Horn.' Berm^n vocals 'Blues in the Nlghf and fel^ tures bImseU, with the glee club, in 'TIS Autumn.' Band offers a fine arrangement of 'Blues,', but the tempo is just a shade too slow. Best band number is a jerkey jive special- ty, "Fan If delivered by Berman and the Woodchoppers. Frankie Carl- son was greeted wildly when he got a break for a hot and nifty session with thedrums on '(3olden Wedding.* Business on second show opening day pointed to a fair tally for the week.- Foi. OLYMPIA, MIAMI Miami, March 8. Cross & Dunn, George Roger Dancers', Paul Gerrits, Raul & Eva Reyes, Ruth Clayton, Harry Reser House Orch; 'Captains of the Clouds (WB). Smartly paced stage layout plua sock pix make this, excellent buy. Practically all the turns are from local niterlesL and advancle publldty buildup is bringing favorable b.o. re- . turns. As ever Cross and Dunn continue to promote a saleable bill of goods and they score. Boys are solid song salesmen, and by judicious interpola- tion of fresh material with standards, they keep on rolling along. Creorge Roger dancers are doing a first out here, and provide sure-fire entertainment '.Formerly a quartet they now work as a trio (two males' and femme). Group uncorks variety ' of breathtaking stunts, before cutting loose with imeiqpected comic twist Turnabout is so surprising that first impression i$ that its legit mistake. They're one of the few groups of this type who never completely give way to hoke. when the blowoff comes. A first rate class cafe attraction, they will command plenty of attention. Paul Gerrits has been around, and so have his gags. As a trick skater he's standard, so It looks like a toss- up as to whethier he should work on ' his rollers, or his gags. Raul and Eva Reyes are among the foremost exponents of the baccardl bump tradition, and score solidly. Rhumba routine of a car stalled In traffic is a wow. * Bow Ruth Clayton got billing as 'season's number one songstress' is local $26 question. She aspired to the personality pitch, but she's got a long way to go. When caught dic- tion was muffled, and range Is de. cldedly Umlted. Barry Reser's augmented house bar^d does partlcularlv fine job ^th overture, and backs up turns socky in fine fashion. Leslie. TOWER, K. C. Konsas City, March 7. Bobby Joyce & Ginger, Cycling Whalings, Clark & Bailey^ Bob King, Helen. Dersler, Jimmy Bunn, Herb Six House Orch; 'Sleepytime Gal' (Rep). Bit of production and musical background is called into play this week and added to the regulation variety bill. Berb Six house band, with Jimmy Bunn vocalllng, opens- in a patriotic mood with 'Keep 'Em Flying" and the simulation of air raid sound effects. From there on Bunn emcees standard acts and amateur winner via regular formula for 45 minutes. Standard acts assembled sold a little better pace than usual and bill Is up by that much. First standard turn Is taken by B'cibb'y Joyce and'Gl'iiger, pair tap- ping out a hepcat number -with-an acrobatic flavor, a soft shoe' and a challenge routine, with Joyce's clos- ing aero work the standout- In the deuce Bob King Is spotted wittuhis pint-sized dummy^ a bit of a twist on standard ventriloquism, and execu- tion by King is first-rate. Where most ventro dummies are sassy. King's is cute juvenile, and material to point this up would build the act ■ Am winner Belen Dersler shows good voice possibilities for rhythm singing on 'lA in the Army.' Clark and Bailey turn is an aero Routine with a semi-slapstick fiavor. Bunn then turns his romantic baritone on Dear Mom' and 'Wonder Who's Kiss- ing Ber Now' for hearty response. Closing spot is allotted to Bobby Whaling and femme partner for cycling routine. They use a break- away bike, a straight bicycle for round of tricks and close with a 'sec- ondstory monocycle. Whaling's own list of tricks on each vehicle Is climaxed by balancing femme part- ner on his shoulders .while perform- ing. Bu^n and the band hark back to oper. ..g musical number to keynote the close with a spot announcement to buy bonds and stamps. Quin. Gets 2 Years in Assault Charlotte, N. C. March 10. Robert ('Barney') Mills, 39, vaude- ville trouper, has been sentenced to two years .in State's Prls.on on each of two counts of assault on a woman by Judge W. H. S. Burgwyn In Su- perior Court M Graham. PAR, NEW HAVEN Hew Haven, March 8, Doc Wheeler OYch with Pearl Boilev; Infc Spots (4): Red & Curley; Moke and Poke; Eddie Wittsteln House Orch; 'Wolf Man' (U). Paramount Is again talking a brief whack at flesh. Stage fare pas been op the absentee list at this house for some months, but judging from week- end biz on. the current five-ddy stand, payees ore taking' kindly to. the ac- tivity onstage. Bill is an all-colored one, with the Ink Spots holding' down the keyiposi- tion. Lads score easily with their harmonizing -anti have fans yelling for .more,, despite fact this Is one o2 their several local appearances. .Boys draw generously from their recorded numbers and feature 'World, on Fire' for a sock reception. Red atad Curley open the bill with a drumming- dancing tuiTt that goes to town with a traps-taps combo that i>acks • healthy punch. It's a lio-velfy bit with drummer challenging hoofer 'to'^ match intricate rhythms.' Moke and Poke furnish A .-comedy touch With a slambang song-and-dancesesslotathat ends with a ll^tnlng jltte'rbiig fling with one of the lads in femme attire. For the band section, the Wheeler aggregation puts On a music lest that had a crowded house stomping, clap- ping and joining In the 'vocals. Num- bers are well chosen for' variety and hit a popular chord. Pearl Bailey, band's vocalist, lays a couple of hoi tunes across the footlights and closes with a nice rendition of "Blues in Night' Piano, bull fiddle and reeds get featured spots that click. Show runs an hour, with speed predoml-' - nating. Eddie Wlttstein house orch In for overture. BIz-capaclty. --- Bone;-- - PALOMAR, SEATTLE Seattlet March 5. - Neweomb Brothers, VMleau h Roberto^Bick/ord & Crandall. Freddy Strltt & Co., Dodson's Monkeys, Jerry Ross, At Vies House Orch (6); 'Tragedy at Midnights (Hep) and 'Sing for Your Supper' (Col). Freddy Strltt headlines this week's bill and clicks nicely with his breezy clowning and burlesque- magic; The '. .. and Co.' Valerie, is an. attractive foil for Stritfs alitlcs and also does all right for herself on the terping side. Windup Is a sock dance by the duo. The Newcomb b: others, on first, knock out some melodies on a battery of whiskey bottles, and also please with a duet on a musical saw and i cigarbox fiddle. Bowofl is a version of 'When Day la Done,* with lighted drumsticks on a darkened stage. C^alled back, the boys did 'Beer Barrel Polka' for a good hand. Valleau and Roberta please the crowd' with a fast assortment of magical tricks, spiced by Valleau's patter. On third, BIckford and Crandall display nice timing and skill In acrobatics and balancing, plus some speedy adagio. Pair was a bit hesi- tant in some routines^ but quickly covered up to receive a good re- sponse. Closing Is filled by Dodson's monkeys, who ride scooters, and tri- (C'^ntinud on r-"- ■">'» ,