Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesday, September 9, 1942 HOUSE 1IEVIEWS S9 New Tollies leer Puts Accent On Glamor in Click Los Angeles Debut By JACK HELLMAN Los Angeles, Sept. 3. 'Ice Follies of 1943,' presented hy the Shipstdds and Oscar Johnson; staged by Jfaiichon & Marco; chore- ography, Frances Cloudet. At Pan- Pacific Auditorium, Los Angeles; $2.75 top. Cast: Roy Shipstad, Eddie 5hipstad, Oscar Johnson, Betty Atkinson, Bob Blafce, May Ross, Norah McCarthy, the Maxsons (2), Bufford McCusfcer, Jenna Schulte, Bud, McNulty, Os- borne Colson, Charles Hain, John Kinney, McKellen Bros., Heine Brock, Papez & Zwack, Thomas Tiuins, Cloudet, Fricfc & Frock, Fol- liettes. Accent falls heavily on production and costuming in the Shipstad and Johnson 1943 edition of 'Ice Follies,' which had its official break-in at the Pan-Paciflc rink as in previous years. That it will haye a profitable stand, also as in previous years, is a cer- tainty. Natives can't seem to get enough of the frozen frolics, and this troupe rates high with the ducat buyers. Tariff for this issue stops at $2.75. Contributing mightily to almost certain sellouts at all performances Is the downtown newspaper pitch. But this troupe would do alright without all that printed support, as lip service will spread far and wide in its favor. The virtuosos of the flashing blades are as expert as ever and the newcomers perform with skill and eclat, but the kudos really belong to Miss Fanchon (Fanchon & Marco) and Frances i Claudet. They're the ladies who set up the show, with the former responsible for the stag- ing. Miss Claudet was -assigned the choreography and direction of rou- tines, which she discharged with Bhowmanly skill. Missing from this year's lineup are Bess Ehrhardt, long .star of the com- pany, and Evelyn Chandler, one of the top femmes of the rink. The newcomers, however, add youth and zest to the caperings. Outstanding Is Betty Atkinson, a lissome slip of a blonde, who gets around the ice with the skill and verve of the more seasoned troupers. Another is Bob Blake, a smiling redhead who in- novates a tap routine on the runners. May Ross for the first time is really giv^n something to do and executes all the trick maneuvers with con- summate artistry. Norah McCarthy Is also a come-lately who can glide with the best of them. To the home guard it wouldn't be the 'Follies' without Ruby and Bobby Maxson, those effervescent kids (brother and sister) who bring down the house every time they skate by. The Swing Waltz,' most popular en- semble number of this troup? in years, is now their specialty, and they had the mob pounding their paws with vigor. They're popular enough here to head their own show, which by now must be in some minds. The Shipstads and Johnson must realize their immense popu- larity as the lithographs and pro- gram cover carry their picture. At the mere mention of their name by the announcer the packed house broke into deafening applause. Roy Shipstad is, of course, top man with the troupe and deservedly so, although he does seem to be slowing down. Other specialists are BufFord McCusker, Jenna Schulte, Bud Mc- Nulty, Osborne Colson, Charles Hain, John Kinney, McKellen brothers, Heine Brock, Papez & Zwack, Thomas Twins, Eddie Shipstad,' Oscar Johnson, Claudet and Frick & Frack. Ice FolUettes, some 40 In number, are more youthful than previous ensembles and work nicely Together. Best production numbers are 'Enchanted Lake.' 'Modern Nur- sery Rhymes,' 'Arabian Nights,* 'In- dian Legend' and the 'Dress Parade' finale. The Shipstads and Johnson are deep In lettuce on this issue. Tour will cover 21 cities, and unless Ice fans in those towns have been sur- feited with this form of entertain- ment, they should send attendance figures soaring past previous marks. For this Issue of 'Follies' is easily the topper of the entire collection. MUSIC HALL, A. C. (STEEL PIER) Atlantic Citv. iSept. 6. Abbott and Costello, Tip, Tap & Toe. Murphv Sisters (3), Wally West, Carol King, Ben Yost Singers (9), Dick Dana, Eddie Kaplan, Manny Kaye, John McConnell's Orch. Abbott and Costello are what this Labor Day weekend crowds came to see, but there is a big varied bill in addition. At show caught and others this day, it was necessary to omit'feature picture and skip acts at each show in order to add more A-C showings so as to appease the mob. They've been doing as many as 12 shows a day over the weekend. Tip, Tap and Toe put over excel- lent tap routine climaxed by fast stepping on drum. Murphy Sisters (3) do neatly in harmony singing, including 'A Boy and a Girl,' and "Worth Fighting For' and donning work aprons and caps to finish with 'We're the Girls in Factory.' Carol King, in white chiffon and lace, does nicely in whirling toe dance, and Wally West, in impersonations of Fred Allen, Henry Aldrich, Jimmy Stewart, Major Bowes and Jack Benny, got bij; hand Ben Yost Singers, in scarlet coats, vocal 'Wrap Your Dreams.' Dick Dana is emcee and straight for comedy skits with Eddie Kaplan and Manny Kaye. While Labor Day was not up to standard throughout resort, crowds waited for seats at this catching. Cart. CHICAGO, CHI Chicago, Sept. 5. IVfary Raye & JValdi, Bob Evans, Escorts & Betty, Chicago Theatre Ballet, Coleman Clark & Co. Louis Adrton'j Orch; 'Holiday Inn' (Par). Depending on 'Holiday Inn' to draw the business, stage show at the Chicago this week is not strong, be- ing a conglomeration of vaude and night club acts. Feature of show is return of house dancing girls follow- ing summer layoff. Girls debut with 'Jingle Jangle' routine, attired in colorful cowboy costumes. Chorines are young, smart-looking and dance well enough, although the routine is not outst^ding. The Escorts and Betty, Chicago radio singers, offer a variety of popular harmony numbers in the traditional crooning style of quartets. Their voices are light in calibre, best suited to radio, but the mike system picks them up nicely. Novelty is a table tennis match be- tween Coleman Clark and Bob An- derson. Wally S h e r w i n , who referees the game, tries to clown it into the realm of entertainment and apparently succeeds, because the audience reacted enthusiastically. Anyhow, it's a pleasing oddity for vaude. Mary Rave and Naldi offer out- standing ballroom dancing. Girl is a brunet looker with a vivacious per- sonality. Better-than-average ven- triloquist is Bob Evans, who brings his dummy, Jerry, a tough little egg, to the stage for a 10-minute session of song and tomfoolery. Pair solo and duet 'Indian Love Call' and 'Gonna Write Myself a Letter' very ably, Evans achieving some very nice falsetto effects without any ap- parent lip-moving. Finale features the chorus in a patriotic medley entitled 'Flags on Parade,' very colorful, with the flags of all nations displayed in a smart dance routine. The Escorts and Betty, patriotically costumed, lend spirited vocal "ac<:6ihplmlme"iTt"~tS""a snow-closer much in line with the times and heartily applauded. Biz great. Loop. RKO BOSTON Boston, 5ept. 4. Johnny Long Orch, Una Merkel, Wally Brotim, Deval, Merle k Lee, 4 Teens, Helen Young, Gene Williams; 'Jifagnt/tcent Dope' (20th). Having blown its top for the past three weeks with tremendous bills-, the RKO is letting down a bit this week with a generally mild stage sesh featuring Una Merkel and jQlinny Long's orch. Biz is good, though, what with the holiday week- end; the opening stanza (Friday) corraled hefty, if not very hearty, audience. Show opens with a band number and brings on Helen Young, who warbles 'Deed I Do' and 'Silver Wings,' then registers solidly with 'One Dozen Roses.' The latter, in a smart arrangement with the band offering a background vocal chant, goes over better than any other mu- sical number on the bill and leaves a favorable impression. Wally Brown, who's been soloing for some time without Annette Ames, takes over in the deuce and works himself into a smart recep tion. The double-talk, alert timing and audience-wise manner of this solid comedian lends a needed big time flavor to the proceedings. He appears later in the featured spot, stooging for Miss Merkel, and takes most of the laughs while gracefully giving the film comedienne the buildup. Her material is not espe cially potent, but she delivers it pretty well. The customers were cordial. Deval, Merle and Lee also add vitamins to the show with their standard comedy adagio stuff, and take a hefty share of the reception -The band, which purveys no par- ticular brand of music lacks a stage- hep manner, just plays a strictly routine batch of tunes most of them the sweet genre. Long-plays a few bars of schmaltz on his left-handed Addle and m.cs the specialties. The Four Teens, a mixed quartet, work hard with 'Kalamazoo,' "Three Little Sisters' and 'Massachusetts.' They are a little uneasy but have promise. Gene Williams moans a few tunes in a rather enervating style as the band's featured vocalist. Except for Helen Young's chore, though, the band seems to lack real audience punch. The show thus be- longs body and soul to Wally Brown, and he makes the most of it. Elie. ORPHEUM, MPLS. JVIinneapolts, Sept. S. Claude Thomhill Orch (18) u;ith Lillian Lane, Buddy Stewart, Mar- tha Wayne & Art Melvin, 5unny Rice, Ben Beri Little Tough Guys (2); 'Broadway' (U). A few more numbers like 'Autumn Nocturne,' involving additional key- board performances by Claude Thomhill himself, undoubtedly would firmly establish him on this, his first, Minneapolis visit. Coming here an unknown to a large part of the local public, Thomhill moves a piano downstage late in the band show to massage the ivories for 'Nocturne.' It's Uie show's high spot. Thornhill's personnel consists of seven brass, four saxes, six rhythms and four singers along with com- mendable stage dressing. A number of the boys double on instruments. It's a good aggregation of musicians, leaning mostly to the cats. The out- fit, however, could use a little more novelty, being more or less strai|;ht dance music. There's no questioning the sale ability of the outfit's offer- ings, however. In Martha Wayne Thomhill has a young singer possessing plenty per- sonality and vocal talent. Teams with Buddy Stewart for some sock ducting. Sunny Rice essays difficult taps, with her outstander being a com- bination tap-ballet done to '18th Cen- tury Drawing Room.' Lillian Lane does well enough with 'Skylark' and 'Wonder When My Baby's Coming Home,' after which Thornhill's pianoing highlights the band's next presentation, a medley of pop tunes. Ben Beri infuses amusing comedy into his juggling turn and makes hard tricks look easy. Much skill and adeptness are displayed during his manipulation of balls, clubs and tambourines. Hally Chester and Harris Berger, the 'Little Tough Guys' from Unir versal pictures, stopped the show with their roughhouse tomfoolery and singing. And that's probably all that matters. It seems that~the act would profit if Berger restrained himself a little on exuberance. Ches- ter puts over "Tangerine' to good ap- plause returns and, with Berger im- personating a Mexican senorita, the pair sells a singing and dancing comedy tango. A well-flUed lower fioor at the opening matinee show caught Friday (4). Rees. OLYMPIA, MIAMI Miami, 5ept. 5. Ned Sparks, Yola Galli. Jack -McGoy,-The Raymonds, Ed Rtcfcard, Harry Reser House Orch; 'Mag- nificent Ambersons' (RKO). Sour puss Ned Sparks is a b.o. smash, but an entertainment splash, and few mild ripples stirred up by balance of lineup are hardly suf- ficient to wash out melancholy re- flections Induced by Orson Welles' cinematic excursion Into psycho- analytic repression. This is one of Sparks' Infrequent side-trips from the sound lots, with result that following built up over intervening stretch Is hanging on the door for a look see. Unfortunately for many it's a let-down. Comic's long absence from stage Is apparent in hesitancy to feel out his audience, or even wait for laughs. Although his monolog is fatilty, it's not so much his gags but the fact that his pan is almost totally obscured by the mike, contributing to tepid reception. However, given time to get the fee^ of the boards again, Sparks would probably be a wow. He's a howl from the wings to the mike. An operatic soprano, Yola Galll was well received. Her exception- ally showy arrangements and quick changes of pace remove whatever b.o. barrier may be attached to arty arias in vaude. She earned solid re- turns. Jack McCoy is an Ingratiating chap who might rate among top comics if he'd cut about half of the jingle jangle. Final few minutes he's a wow, but warm-up is wearing. Impressions of a timid jitterbug and sophomoric youngster saying good- night to his date are guffaw-getting routines, Ed Rickard Is a shadowgraph artist, creating clever tableaux on a reflection screen by manipulating his digets. It's unusual and rates atten tion. The Raymonds are standard tapsters working on elevated stairs Harry Reser's usually fine house band was not up to par at this catch ing. Standees at all shows. Harr. ADAMS, NEWARK Newark, Sept. 4. Teddy Pouielt Orch (14) ujith Peggy Mann, Tommy Taylor; Diana Berry, Dick & Dot Remy, Judy Canova; 'Joan of Ozarks' (Rep). Current format-is season's curtain- raiser for the Adams, house having been shuttered since June, when solo pix policy was abandoned after a brief trial. Resuming its last year's successful vaudfllm scheme, theatre's getaway show is average in entertainment value, but plenty potent in b.o. returns. Idea of getting Teddy Powell's crew to open the season was plenty smart showmanship, maestro being a particular fave in these parts since It was as a leader at nearby Dona- hue's roadhouse that he virtually came into his own. Newark's swing contingent being what it is, Powell's smart 14-piece setup, staffed with three rhythm, five reeds and six brasses, couldn't very well be any- thing but clicko, and deservedly so. Powell has welded his crew into a smooth layout that's plenty strong on rhythm and doesn't permit its brass to reach the cacophony stage. Band has an ace song-seller in Peggy Mann, a comely chanteuse with good pipes and plenty of s.a. Gal does a good job on 'Sleepy Lagoon' and 'Gobs of Love,' teaming also with Tommy Taylor in a smart version of 'Who Wouldn't Love You.' Taylor is okay for sound but lacks stage presence, Diana Berry, new to vaude, has a long way to go and a lot to learn Gal gets off a few taps and then lopes around the stage in the Cass Daley manner. Also does a vocal which doesn't help matters much A change in dress and coiffure might help perk the act, but a newly pol- ished routine would appear to be the most'obvious desiderattim. Dick^nd Dot Remy, last seen here in Ed Wynn's 'Boys and Girls To- gether,' know how to get the most out of their standard comic aero turn. They came in for their usual salvos. Judy Canova, dn last, is still ped- dling her hill-billy stuff to good ad- vantage. Raffish turn, essentially corny, gains added lustre here inas- much as star is also featured in cur- rent screen presentation. She gets off a couple of rustic vocals, goes through a slow clog and then teams with sister Annie in a wacky piano duet. Results plenty, okay. Jona. TOWER, K. C. Kansas City, Sept. 4. Blondell Twins, Jack Spot, Bar- bara Kelly, Professor Backwards, Tanner & Thomas, Don Tiff House Orch; 'Joan of Ozarks' (Rep) and 'Dr. Broadway' (U). Tower starts new season with two features and 40-minute vaude bill of top quality. Don Tiff, formerly with Henry Busse, has been brought in to handle music, with Mike Carll leading and trumpeting, Marilyn Ballinger warbling. Current bill sets high standard for new season and continues policy which has af- forded Kaycee theatregoers both quality and quantity at regular price of 30c. Stage show starts with playing by house orch of an original composi- tion, 'Sunburst,' by Tiff, pianist, as voice from unseen m.c. over offstage mike introduces the reorganized mu- sical unit. Miss Ballinger sings 'My Guy.' Buddy Thomas, doubling as m.c, in addition to kter appearance with his partner, Betty Tanner, then intro- duces the Blondell Twins, who go through a fast acrobatic routine. Girls are lookers, and know their business. After an impressive buildup by the m.c. Jack Spot rides on atop a unl- cycle to present some excellent comic and trick work on his wheel. His satire on a stripper, while balancing on the unicyde, is sure- fire. Barbara Kelly, a 'Discovery Night' winner, is next on with three timely numbers. The Caissons Go Rolling Along,' 'Anchors Aweigh' and 'The Marine's Hymn.' Girl has fair voice, and plenty of volume. Professor Backwards, featured re- cently on a western network air show, has the next-to-closing spot. He starts with a fast line of patter which he evidently strives to keep up-to-date, to judge by some new gags built around war and national defense topics. Calling for words from the audience, the longer the better, the professor writes them backwards and upside-down on a large blackboard. After mental tricks, he sings chorus of 'My Bonnie,' pronouncing words back- wards but in correct order. Off to nice hand. The finale brings back Thomas with his attractive midget partner (or a routine which includes a couple of songs and some nifty hoof- ing. Tiny gal has nice personality, A packed house for opening show Earl. Eddie Paisley and his Four Vo- cations have replaced the Manuel Lopez orchestra at the Wonder Bar, Detroit. STANLEY, PITT Pittsburgh, Sept. 4. Lou Breese Orch (15), 3 Stooges, Berry Brothers (3), Kay Allen, Jimmy Palmer, Steve Bauers, John Crosby; 'Beyond the Blue Horizon' 'Par). Practically Old Home Week here, what with every act an annual regu- lar at the WB-deluxer and the lot of them adding up to a b.o. holiday (Labor Day) show. Stooges have al- ways meant biz here; Berry Brothers are gradually achieving the name status with their increasing screen appearances, although hoofers' latest film, 'Panama Hattie' (M-G), hasn't been released here yet, and Breese Is growing in popularity locally • and his band gets t>etter by the season. With some escapist nonsense on the screen in 'Beyond the Blue Horizon' and Lamour and Technicolor to bol- ster it, result should be all right at the count-up. Wasn't so very many seasons ago that Breese's orch was a pretty con- ventional outfit, peopled by just average union help, but he's been breezing right along'since then and has come up this time with a crack crew that's long on music, strong on entertainment and long on showman- ship. Half hour or more allotted him is sock all the way, with Breese developing some corking comedy over the distance. Most of this Is the doing of Jimmy Palmer, guitar-play- ing singer who's planted early as an inattentive clod who's always-trip- ping over himself and generally making a nuisance of himself. In the end, he asks for a chance to sing and Breese explaips al>out the mike, how to stand, etc., etc., and after a couple of amateurish starts Palmer goes at it and really crocks 'em with 'Sleepy Lagoon' and 'My Devotion,' with Breese salaaming au over the place as if he didn't believe it Palmer, incidentally, is a loceJ lad who used to be known around here as Jimmy DlPalma when he (Continued on page 44) New Adis MABIE NASH Singer Drake Hotel, Chicago One of the most striking' of Chicago's more aristocratic dining salons, the Camellia House of the Drake, styled by Dorothy Draper, is th2 perfect setting for a beautiful singer. Draped camellia-pink satin covers the walls and is festooned near the ceiling with red velvet, huge white baroque chandeliers. In this setting, youthful, blonde, strike ir.g Marie Nash Is making an effec- tive Chicago debut The daughte. of Laura Leburg, former opera diva, is a Chicagoan and has a fresh, vivid personality, a piquant beauty and a fine soprano. Songs arranged by Paul Baron are especially effective. Surprisingly, the singer does 'Deep River' and 'Danr. Boy* with excellent success, these usually being/ linked to the heavier-voiced males. She also does 'When I Grow Too Old to Dream' in pleasing fashion, creat- ing and holding the mood perfectly. Amusing is an original number, 'My Beloved Is Rugged,' telling how the Army transformed a weakling lover into a young Atlas. Ray Benson's orchestra lends skill- ful support For the dancing, Lenny Gaynor, baritone, does pop numbers in gracious fashion. Loop. GLOMA FRENCH Singer !• MiBf. Palnmbo'a, PlUiadelphU Here's a personable young lady with an .abundance of talent who could go tar with a little coaching and handling. She has plenty of looks, a golden blonde with a figure to write about An excellent so- prano, hits the high ones right oa the nose. When caught Miss French mixed things up with the 'Italian Street Song,' 'My Hero' and This Is Worth Fighting For.' She's only 18 wHh a natural charm, poise and freshness. She'd fit anywhere. Shol. EDWABDS SISTEB8 (t) Dsnecrs 7 MiBs. Apelle, N. T. A smooth pair of Negro tappers who show ability but fail to rouse the audience. They lack ability to sell. Unldentical costumes—one wears slacks, the other shorts—further de- tracts. Right now their only sock routine is a challenge stint -on stairs. Fran. JESSE^nd JAMES Dancers 10 MIns. Apollo, N. T. Couple of Negro youngsters hoot madly from one routine to another with no regard for pacing. It's a standard break-neck type of turn associated with colored hoofers. With better routining, theyM go better. Fran,