Variety (Sep 1943)

HOUSE REVIEWS Wednesday, September 13, 1943 (Fay-Wheekr-Waters)hi Baff N.Y.6ow Frank Fay, Bert Wheeler, Ethel Waters. 'The--Bricbla vers, Bucfc tc Bubbles; June & Adam DiGatano, Adriaiia & CharlVi Liicieime 4 Ash- bnr, Jerri Vance, Warren Jack-sou;' orchestra under, direction of Lou Fdrmaiir presented by Pntil Small & Fred Fhiklehoffe. Jr.; $2.75 lop;. $3.30 opening night. 'The Messrs. Small anil Finklehoffe have never conceded the corpus delicti. Thcv have disbanded the pallbearers; halted the requiem, on the laudable .suspicion that 'Laueh Time' will demonstrate llut the burial of vaudeville, circa 1932. Avas premature.' . This pithy program footnote' for Laugh Time' lias one serious omis-: Kion—the .word •again.' Or. is itpos- sible that Fred Finklehoffe, Jr.-. wants the public lb. forget last sea- son's smash Show Time'?.- However, with the word 'again.' FinklehofTe and his booker-partner, Paul Small.--.-'might" also-'insert the rest of the phrase, 'and better.' For •Laugh Time' is an outstanding click In the pure vaudeville metier.. It's strictly- variety, front: back and in the playing, and as thoroughly en- tertaining a program, as any Palace"- ophilc could have demanded in the Keith-Albee or SKO heyday. It's-not a: new Frank Fay, but the old one and the best- one. Who' is pacing this show—the whimsical Faysie who used to charm them at the Palace and has reacquired the touch Of charm at the Shubert. With him and equally potent on.the laugh side is Bert Wheeler.Whose.impish- ness blends perfectly with Fay's' suavity/ In thesiriging deparimerit is Ethel: Waters, one of the truly great col- ored performers • of this, or any other, generation. The rhythm •iancing end- is in the capable hands »f Buck and Bubbles, whose humor and' pianologing are potent added values, while pretty Jane and husky Adam DiGatano, with their sensa- tional adagio, are in . the graceful ballroom idiom and getting over big. Why hasn't Hbllywood snared her? For good novelty, there are Gati- tier's Bricklayers, the cracker jack and always fascinating canine act; Liicienne and Asbour, fine Apache turn with the surprise finish of the girl kicking her male partner around, and Adriana and Gnarly, opening comedy-trampoline raised team which scores but could be trimmed a bit to enhance their early spotting. Another novelty, though unex- pected, is included, via the contor- tibnistic stooge, Jerri Vance. ..This audience evidenced that it had never Been such an" upholstered sweater, which made Fay's gag that she's a "San Francisco society girl from the Knob Hill section' a setup for a belly laugh. Another loud laugh re- sponse came during Fay!s slurring remarks about the big billing Small ■ and Firiklehofte had accorded: them-; selves. He added that the presenters Bhad even gone so far as to put their Y pictures On the curtain—referring to two crummy masks! Fay was solid from- the very, ber' ginning, when he was accorded a terrific reception on his entrance following the trampoliriists. His entre'act comedy, solo and with Wheeler, are all gems, making it more obvious that he was overstay- ing himself when he held the Stage for 40 minutes with song delinea tions at the finish. Here is where Fay can and should cut ,lo send the audience out with a thoroughly sat- isfied rather: than completely sati- ated feeling. .Curtain rar.£ up much later than the scheduled 8:30 open- ing night. 'alid didn't come down for. the last time until 11:40. The sec- ond night was a vast improvement. Wheeler, minus Hank Ladd. first whams in a personal-embarrassment routine with. Warren Jackson, who's introed. as the assistant to.m.c.Fay, and then with Fay himself: Later, as the.customers file back after.in- termission. Wheeler is back, in bath- robe, high hat and munching a sand- wich instead of his traditional, apple, lor. his w.k.\ whispering campaign against everybody and everything.- His laughs are solid; his authority evidences anew, that he's ripe for a big-time musical-comedy berth. For the colored performers it'was likewise mop-up. Miss Waters Alone rating the top showstop of the night She took around, seven bows in applause lasting a full two-min- , tites after singing herself out with: ''Taking a Chance on Low.' 'Why Don't You Do What Ybu Did Last *Iifiht , :. , Litae'Joc.'.a medley of her old hits,- 'Cabin in. the Sky' and. finally, 'Stormy .Weather.' • the song \yith which" she's 'best identified-. Reginald Beahe.is her accomp at the piano and Miss Waters:is emoting as well as.singing in an unparalleled manner. . '. > . *' Buck and Bubbles got something of an apology front Fay because-of their deuce-spot inning, but . this long-standard . (cam • evidently can overcome that type' of handicap. Bubbles':a singer as'well as the rer Suted: top, rhythm dancer Jn the uslriess, and the squat Buck and his hot piauistics tied the show into a knot. and. they filially had to bog off-. One of the most refreshing aspects of the show was the complete, ab- sence of -' microphones, a novelty nowadays when most performers, need amplification to fill, a theatre. Further carrying out the- Palace flavor is the presence of Lou For- mah as conductor of the pit orche.v tra. Forman was the lost iwo-a-?d,iy maestro at the RKO vaudeville flag- ship and a past master in the musi- cal timing of' a variety laybu.t...'Opcn- / ing night -here he played the show MUSIC HALL, N. Y. Borrah. Miticyitch's Harmonica Rascals." Molasses 'n' January (Pick land PaO. Reflis:Joyce; FranJc Brooks, Jack 'Spoons,- '-Frank Condos* Rocfc- cucs. Music Hall Glee Club, Music Half-Corps de Ballet; presentation, 'Minstrel. :-Shove,'- produced by Rus- sell Afarkert;: setntips by Nat Kar- soti; costumes designed by Willa Vfiii: liyntiny. effects ' by Eugene -Braun; ballet - numbers, Florence Rogye; Music. Hall Symphony Orcli under direction Enio Rapee; organ', Rie/iard Le'ibert, Harry Campbell; •So .Proudly- We Hail' (Par), re- viewed iu 'Variety,'June 23,.' . the light side, both as to body' and entertainment, value; Russell Alarkert's presentation, • : 'Minstrel' Show.' sets a fast pace; however, and doe's -iu/t leave much .'lime, to nurture that Westmore The preem 'was allegedly marred by .the nonappearance Of its scen- ery. en„route from' the Coast. How- ever, any ' fancy drapes and; drops that may be, laying in a freight car at a Wayside switch were not missed by the audience. One shortconiing. though, was inadequate, lighting: and it's claimed that all of the show's electrical equipment is 'lost.' with the scenery. A couple of times the spot- lights dimmed to the' vanishing point:, in another instance the throw- ing of a. blue spot on 'Bubbles din ing one of his singing.stint's was;.i gr.uc-' some: violation of the rules of light- ing a colored performer, ■ Finklehofie's . George Je.ssci-Jack Haley-Ella Logan 'Show Time' of last season . netted . around $60,000 for the playwright, and this layout, which got its break-in on the Coast, may even top that profit It can slay "at 'this house for six weeks; when it will either-be moved to make way for Paul Robeson in Othello, 1 or else the latter Will be switched, depending on the vauder's biz. On a 12-show-a-week schedule i five matinees, : including -. a third show on Sunday) it should toe a box- office bonanza—judging from its re- ception opening night and its un- questioned-worth as a $2.75' top en- tertainment Scho. Majestic, San Antonio San Antonio, Sept. 8. jack Teaoarden Orchestra < 13) featuring jack t.eagarden,Jr., Pftylts Lane, Trombone Choir andTrunk Horton; Mitzi Mayfair, Burns Tumis It Euelyu, Barton... k Brady, Little Tough Guys (Holly Chester and- Joey Allen, Jean Marshall. Jack JOTtchell); 'Aerial Gunner' iPar) . The Interstate Circuit has set as its opener of the fall stage season, this revue headed by Jack ..Tea garden and his band and supported by a well balanced group of. acts which should make for boff b o., at all shows. It's well rounded Out for SO minutes of music, vocals and hoofing with nice staging and light- ing effects. Teagarden's band composed of six saxes, four ■ trombones, bass, drums, and piano gives out with nice blending of harmony. Heard to good .'effect in 'Swingin' On a Tea- garden Gate,' a 'Blues Medley' and band's themer 'I Got a Right to Sing the Blues.' .From the band Frank Horton, drummer is. heard in some fancy drum boogie, while the Trom bone Choir is also featured in all arrangements. ' Neat beat of hoofing is turned in by the Burns. Twins and Evelyn- Trio come oh with a noat bit of tap dancing and . then makes way for the Twins ia'challenge tap dancing. Evelyn-is on for a brief bit of toe dancing to nice applause. Band's, vocalist is;shapely; blonde Phylis Lane,'who has a nice appear ance and can sell a song well. Is at best In T Neyer Mention • Your Narne.' Jean Marshall contribs nice \-ocalizing of 'Don't Get Around Much..- Any More' and 'Dinah Youngster lias fine range and voice quality. Barton and Brady- turn 5h neat perform ance as two drunks, in their semi-acro bit. ; Mitzi Mnyfair tells of her-.-experi ences 'on recent morale tour of North Africa.. She then gives out with some nifty dancing that gets over in a big way. Show stoppers were the "Little Tough Guys,' Hally . Chester and Joey Allen: . Duo have a neat routine and give the audience plenty of laughs via their clowning. Joey Allen gives out with several vocals which had the gals in the audience gaga. Allen has style and 'appear'-' anee : and' is solid with" his 'Sunday. Monday or Always.' :. Ten garden is heard, on his trom- bone as is his son. Jack Tcnigarden. Jr. B<)th are heard'in some nifly' wailing .'in ■ their 'Blues Medley' which includes :m«.ny Of the yestoiy year favorites With which-the elder ■Teagarden Has been associated. ' Jack Mitchell is.show's m.c."and keeps thfe, show at fast pace.. . He's ,a former radio ni.e. "now" willi- the Interstate group as directol* of its Sunday Radio show, 'It's Showtime' Is at ease before the mike .and intro- duces the acts In a neat style. -Supper show caught house was jammed. 'Andy. ning -only . 39 minutes. Overture.. Salule. to Our Armed Forces.' spe- cially arranged by Earle Moss, con- sumes art' added six .'rffinules' for a total of 45 w ; h'en pinned to the stage- show, itself. While Markei't has not spread him- self on production and not used so much ralcn't. in addition to holding routines down, he has provided lots of speed ' and color - as well as minsirelry nostalgia, .with sbme.spe- cia 1 lyrics'- in a medley scene by .Al Stilhiian.' . -. ". Opening with four minstrels sing- ing on the side of the stage, action -moves' lo full, for a. street.- parade such as held in the old minstrel days.. This also serves as the setting for . Bovrah Minevijch's Harmonica Rascals, troupe of eight who click nicely''though perhaps better suited lb smaller theatres. With-Regi? Joyce, as interlocutor appeal ing briefly' in one, action, again goes to - fullsVage with the entire company, glee club, Rockettes and ballet' girls coming down from the flies on a large, grandstand piece. Molasses: "n* January (Pick and Pat) act as endmeii in blackface and work a ' couple gags with- JoyceV 'Subse- quently/' stepping. ■ down front . for comedy crossfire. Though not. a. sock here, -when, caught, they get over okay. Brief specialties include' a tap dance by Frank Condos and another tapping stint by Frank'Brooks, both of which ■ register, plus a. novelty sesh with Jack Spoons,, who plays a hillbilly contraption and' spoons. Glee club handles.the minstrel sing- ing, while the Rockettes, in an effec- tive ..number embracing tapping, are joined by. the: ballet contingent to form a, long line as done at various times in-the past. Some" additional vocalizing by the glee club closes. Business very good Thursday night at the first show. Char. they were accidents. This satirical (laying hit. the opening audience, and Miles- look five bows. Mildred Bailey puts it oyer With a personal- ity voice atid good humor, in which she kids her ample-avoirdupois. In 'Scrap Your Fill' she lias an assist by the Kaufman melody makers oh the chorus. She follows with 'You'll Never Know' and 'Taking A Chance On Love.' . Evelyn Tyrier at the SteinWaykey-: board> socks over. 'Begin the Begulne' -to' good results. An ex- cellent pianist and a fav.c- here. .Miss Tyner would 'go better' with soft melody and ' move; harmony. . She plays a flash piano arid "in this huge auditorium is inclined to " pound. Lynn Allison as band vocalist con- cludes the short and snappy gram. ■:; ■; Before: the trailers part Art Brown puis the audience in good mood with his.parodies, including a special lyric to stimulate'bond sales. Arfee. . ST. CHARLES, N. O. Neiu- Orieans, Sept. 9. Herbie Kay Orch, Woody Wilsoii, Kay Hiiphes, Tom Weal, Jackson & Wi>dra,.Judy Manner; 'Next of Kin' (V). Well prbporlibned and nicely rou- tined layout with variety predomi- nating. . ~- ■ Kay delivers a program of smooth tunes, mixing the hot with the sweet. Opens with theme song, then changes tempo quickly, to 'Two O'Clock Jump' with the brasses all out. Kay's men all get chance to shine during band's program. Woody Wilson, with an infectious smile and collegiate manner, plus a nice lyrical baritone. Warbles 'Wait For Me. Mary," 'You'll Never Know' and -Star Dust' for big hand. En- cores with 'Der Fuehrer's Face' and 'Pistol Totin' Mama,' which the kids and sen-ice men went for in a big way. : Kay Hughes, blonde looker; also comes ' in for her share of bravos with her -vocalizing of 'See the Old Man Go'.and 'Cow Cow Boogie.' . ■ Judy Manner, billed as 'pint-sized comedienne, and Torii ' Neal vie with each other for show-stopping honors, Judy is a versatile song- stress: and monologist, and O'ifeal is ail adept -toe da'ncerV harmonica player and teller of tall tales, jack- son and: Nedrn'wbw 'em with their Taslh. intricate stcology. Kay emcees show nicely. Biz good. Liiirl HIPP, BALTO. Bdlliinbrc. Sept. 11. 'Club 1300' \VFBR radio-sh.bw.with fry-ill' fMl'ioil,. . Roger Gallegher. Marioil Drtirn. Ken. Williams, Carly eieincnls and Radio Raiigerettes t3); Arnaut Bros . i-2); Prof. Backwards, Fraser & RbberfS: Sisters i3); Ross Wyse, Jr., & June Mniin. Felice fula and House Orch. (12); 'My Kingdom Foriii Cook* ICqI.). . Built around the p.a. of the highly succesful local daily radio show, 'Club .1300' sparked into a wide femme following by IVwin. Elliott ovet "WFBR,' this: layout has had added to it some, outstanding stand- ards that bolster itinto highly -'effec- tive vaude. Elliott (new : acts) is a decided draw here and he measures up well in-the flesh filling in smartly as emcee as well as' in his. own ex- tended spot later in the doings with his radio troupe. Local touch rounds out. the general appeal of the. entire setup which is oh the-straight vari^ eiy side. arid .well larded with'real talent in every spot. . Fraser & Roberts Sisters,- trio -of fetniiie hoofers, utilize prop drums for their tappery in the getaway. Tricky challenge arid, rapid stepping on and off the props is reminiscent of 'Tip, Tap and Toe' wJc. trio of dusky hoofers making -the- ..rounds some years ago:' Give matters a nice start and set spot for Prof. Backwards, southern talking lad with.some fair- ish patter and a .decided novelty, in which he spells and pronounces back- wards words hurled, at him by the stubholders, ■ Makes for a pleasing change of pace. Ross Wyse. Jr.. and June Mahr, follow and sock lo the hilt. Hardr working comic knocks, himself out in a travesty adagio- with his con- trastingly sized femme partner and throws in some effective hoofery and aero stuff to point the'whole busi- ness. Gels steady laughs and a beg- off on the finish. Makes things to order for the Arnaut Bros., lo follow .with their trick'fiddle playing and bird flirtation. Latter bit is an old standby and tricky whistling rings the bell as lustily as ever. '.'■' Elliott's extended chore is spotted in the blowoff. spo't and is where it belongs sending the. customers but satisfied, with his rapid 'melange of cloWning and horseplay that has be- come *a daily habit with/local house- fraus waiting for the stretch of soap operas to follow. He has a decided following and they're showing up at the wicket which makes everything perfect. - Good biz. Burm CAPITOL, WASH. Washington, Sept. 10. . ' Mildred Bailey, . . Jackie Miles, Blair. & Dean, Evelyn Tyner, Art Broxcn; So Proudly We Hail' i Par). .Gene Ford has" moved Sain Jack Kaufman's band up. on the stage this, week, dressed them in bright red coats against four white columns of a Greek setting.. It; makes a preliy picture. All the acts work in front of the band, with Blair and Dean ripening . Hie ' show in three graceful ballroom .routines, Team" works fast and win a lusty hand. Jackie Miies has a'weak speaking voice, slurs lines and 1 most of his racctraok Comedy failed to carry to the mezzanine.- He was at his best in imitations..of Frank 1 Sinatra and Bhig Crosby; melodious skits in which he socks the swoonor-crooher arid sports-coaled Crosby,-as though- STANLEY, PITT Pittsburgh, Sept. 10. Oante and his magic s/ioto -with Moi. Yo Miller and Cotnpatiy of 12- Aboue Suspicion' iM-G).. • PALLADIUM, LONDON ■ Loudon, uy.. 2r>, Max Miller, Billy Cotton '■ and, Anne Shelton, Issy Bonn, Maurice Colleano Co., Manlcy & Austin, Syd 4. Max Harrison, Bobby 'Wright & Marion, Australian Motor Aces, 4 Kenways,. O'Doylc Bros. & Jemi, London Palladium Girls. .. Theatre has reverted to vaudeville for first time since 11)38.- with lineup comprising best available talc-rit con- sidering the war makes'imporliitioris from America impossible, .; Management t'ried~..to get racie. Fields, but English vocicdicnne. is- here tinder aegis of ENSA solely to entertain the troops. They next sought Noel Coward at $2,500 per to render.. his pwn compositions, lint '.. Go.vvar^d was ordered by. the ministry of Information to go to. North Africa. , on' Government mission. Bill, as a' Whole; iticks noielty. Despite that, house, which is: playing to turhaway;biz, gobbled everything oftered", proving audiences are luin-.. gry for vaudeville. Openers are Four Kenways ftwb men, two women) in. trapeze bllcr- irig devoid of novelty, with men re- vealing iron jaws and .slick" show-, manship. Bobby Wright and Marion follow with practically- same routine they have been doing :lor years. - ■ ".'-. Maurice Colleano Co., is American standard act. that's been avbund here,fof soriie years. Still has slick- ness of all American offerings! Bonar more than stooges for. brother. Maurice, the funster-iii-chicf.; Act •was first sock on 'the ; bill. Issy Bonn', on next, is'a radio name-that has come, up by leaps and bounds; / Prewar, his salary"was $200, and it is now- $600. His jokes are still corny, but"his singing, which is what they clamor for. sells him. Syd arid Max Harrison, coupla. Irish lads who have jumped lo the fore in the last few years, were dis- appointing. They did not seem to get: started. Boys have stopped shows - ill the.sticks, but just didn't fit in here. Billy Cotton and band close first half. Outfit is' considered /front rank, With plenty of radio fans.' Ag-. grcgation of 15 leans heavy on brass" section.. After :slow start got warmed up. with trumpeter Ellis Jackson icolored) stopping . show with : nifty hoofing. Another . high- • light is closing number,.'Sons of the Sea,', wilh Cotton affecting a Churchill makeup. ■ O'Doyle Bros, and Jean offer.noth- ing novel in opening of second half.- Trio are-just run. of • the mill step- pers. Hanley and- Austin,, mixed acrobatic- team follow and .hold- 'em all the Way. Femme of duo. takes falfs that seem impossible for the weaker sex; Anne Shelton. one' of the best radio names around, on neat clicked with' songsteririg. Gal. is good/looker and can certainly sell her numbers. Her opener, 'Taking a Chance on Love,' w*s soso: .she follows with 'Fool With' a Dream, 1 which was more to assembly's liking; whilst 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Baby,' done, in various dialects, gets sock''returns.'' Max Miller, in. next-to-shut, holds spot adequately. Cockney comic is readymade for - Palladium crowd who expect 'dirt? from, him and get it in bucketsful. Australian Motor Aces; cyclists, in midair, made an effective closer. '. ' ■.; . Reye. ORPHEUM, L; A. _ Los Angeles. Sept. 8. Jim.?ny Doriey's Orch U8), Kifly Kallen, Bob Eoerly, Pen Ley Bates, Dave Barrv; Thumbs Up' iRep.) Dante r s film house, presentation is strictly a condensation of the more elaborate magic ■ revue he did at Nixon, local legit house, few seasons ago at $2.75 top. , While - comparatiW intimacy of Nixon is much better suited for this type of show: than more expansive Stanley (almost 4.000 seats), stiil Dante manages to make it an enter- taining show, full of lively hocus- pocus and. a flock of. the bigger illu- sions.- The guy's a crack: showman, with a line of gab designed to gel him on chummy terms with the audience immediately., and his flip chatter goes over just as Wellwith this.type of an audience as it does with the $2.^5 mob. •.' Refusing: to use a mike, his boom- ing ^oice carries all the way up and he tells the gang if they .can't.'hear hup in the-upper reaches to speak up,. .Dante gives thein some card tricks,, produces the usual chickens, ribbons; etc., but of nowhere and gets a lot of verbal comedy into ■everything.'."His best trick is still the one where he tells the audience he's going . lo .show them how an illusion is-actually rehearsed. It's a Slick bit-of legerdemain and good for a lof of laughs arid confusion. Only , ether pel son billed is: Moi Yb Miller; a decorative assistant, al- though Danfo does introduce George White, who's been in. magic shows practically .'all l|i,s life and was late Howard Thurston's assistant ; for 20 years. Miss Miller is a looker and only trouble is that it's h;>rd to keep I lie eyes on what / DanUi's doing when she's uroutid., Cohen, From opening note of 'One O'clock Jump' to finale's.'What a Holiday,' Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra and added talent on this week's bill are solid with Orpheum patrons. Plenty of vocals are sprinkled around, the band's comely - Kitty Kallen doing, four; 'Either Too Young- or Too Old,' 'Heard Ybu Cried Last Night.' 'Wonderful, Wor-. risorne Feeling 1 and 'Don't . Get- Around .. Much Anymore,' on an early spot, while Dorsey's answer, to Sinatra, Bob Eberly, puts personal- touch to 'All or Nothing at AH,' 'Sunday.'.Monday and Always.' 'I Un- derstand'. arid'Tarigerinc.' Pair: are" back next'to Closing for some vocal ' rloma'ntic didoes. . A Jimmy Dorsey standout is 'FingerbUsler,' With maeslro grab- bing spotlight. While alternating on saxophone and clarinet. Memories of the childhood book, 'Treasure Island,', and -the peg-legged pirate, conjure up a coincidence in orches- tra's choice of 'John Silver,' comedy number, as the follow for sock ap-.. peai-ance. ■ of Peg Leg Bates, one- footed. Negro dancer. Dorsey fea- tures five sax in addition to his-own, • plus Aye trumpets, four slides. piano,- bass, drums and guitar. At open- ing show large aggregation Whipped through : click arrangements : with . solid touch for top musicianship but,'-' just as an aside, tun.es heed a lKtle more body from the' rhythm sect ion. to help balance predbmiriant wind and ■'reed - iiistriimen.ts, Switching around microphone would help. . Bates, garbed in white, even to his woodeii peg,-stops,the show with-as fine o display of hoofing—soft-shoe, acrobatic or what-have-vou as could be had. N,egro hus played this house before^ always with the same V.(Continued pij : piige 54)