Variety (February 1944)

Wednesday, February 9> I9't'l' HOUSE REVIEWS 49 !lfusic Hull, X. Y. Paul WmchcU, S/mWcci/ the Stal, i\r«e BJoiidell, Robert Merrill, Ein- <.st Ditiicflii, flftisic H(tU Glee Club. AlKsio H«Il Syriwhony Orch, Corps de Ballet, floc/^cttcs, 'Joiie Eyre' <20(li), lerieioed m Vauety," Feb. 2, 44. Paul Winchell and Shaikey the Se.il aie °^ *° unusu?il atj- t.iiitaee on the \ast Music Hall stage, both scoung nicely Winchell, \entiiloquist, jppe.iis in a LOloUul Pennsyhanid Station finale iiumbei his mild, innocuous comedy material receiving sati.stdctoiy audience re- sponse Sharkey, a standard seal- tiirn, lolls up a good laugh scoie ■■with Ills inntiitionsi including that; of a plane Hitlei and Toio One of the moKt pflective bits of staging and batKmounding is the •'Museum ol Art ■ production where the coiking Mut.ic Hall Ballet Coips, IS piesented Ma a magnihcent "Painting by Degas," portiait-drop Pallet loutines m the classic gaiden scene aie outstanding Backed by the goigeous coloi • scheme rof red': and bright green; loli- : age, Floience Rogge, ballet director, has routined hor group of, skilled tierpers in a series ol eye*filling num- beib langiiig fiom the peiteeted grate of the conventional ballet to the lively, sailors' hornpipe. • Hillbjlly .singing and dancing pro- duction, ^features Mae Blondell, Fobeit Merrill and Ernpst Duncan. Following a feuding pieeCj; with: the bearded hillmen brandishmg: rifles, a (lie scene and a shotgun wedding. Miss Blondell cleans up with hei acio-comedy terping The Music Hall Symphony Orch, ivith Erno Rapee conducting, is piCt sented in a stirringv melodious piece called "Roumanian Rhap.sody-." ■ Rockettes, as per usual, aie plupeitect. Moji. €lii«Hg<», Chicago, Feb, 5. Dean Mmphy, Harry Cool, Hud- sou Woiidejs (2), Gaudsmith Bios. (2), Cliicflf/o Thcotre BalUt 116); "No Tune foi Love" (Par.) Hnuv Cool local sinking faNOule, ..shares ; headline - honors with Dean Murphy, lecently at the Palmer House,A year ago Cool was fea- liued vocalist with the Dick Jurgens oichestra at a modeiate salary. Chicago Theatie Ballet staits the ball rolling with a coloiful 'Maiti- luque-Fantasy" done to the tune of "Became Mueho" followed by the Hudson Wonders who can always be depended upon for brilliant acio dancing and tucks Their krks, re- \eise aeuals and other stunts send t em off solidly. Gaudsmith Biothcis, standaid foi years, maintain a high laugh quota with confiedy mixups w ith then French poodles Hai'ry Cool .baritones ■ his way thiough "Paper Doll,' 'My Ilealt Tells Me," S"ar Eyes, ' ' Shoo Shoo Baby," "Foi The Fust Time." 'Mau- zy Doats' and "Pistol Packin' Mam- ma' foi excellent i espouse "Mairzy Doats' pi escntation is takeoff on the .illustrated song days, lyrics: being . piojected on the screen. . _ Dean Murphv socks over a - great ■ line of-impressions and stories. Does inipeiconations oC politicos and film stais and Mi^. Roose\elt and FPR Chicago Theatie Ballet in black ■ and while costumes, working on a double level stage, close with an eye- flUing routine with Cool vocali/ing for added effect Motg a finish. Smiley sings 'Ridin' Down The Canyon" to his own accoidion Diayson gets some healthy laughs with h>s patter song, "I Just Got Through With College" and comedy dances punctuated by pi alt falls The Winter Sisteis, a dynamic tiio, make it lively With their aciobatic taps and tumbling, Dorothy's one-and- a-half twisting someisault is a dan- dy. Biz was tail at the second ihow opening day. Corb. Slaiiloy, Via. ■ Pittuburgh,: Feb.. i. Vdughn Monroe Orch .(16), P/iyfHs Lynne, Belly Jane Smitli, Git Moiiou, Mwpliy ^;^s (3), "Tar::aii'i Deieit Myuety' IRKO). WB. dehixor has. been getting a .steady sti'eam • of, -good stage - Slibws lately,.."aijd the V,aughn. -Monroe: unit IS no e.^cception. It's 60 minutes ot solid eUtprtainritenti Band contributes: inbst pi ,it, of course,: but; the brace of Supporting' acts-is-first-too, add* ing just the light \diioty touch Handsome maestro with a hrst-rate baritone has a'flexible style, suitable f'(jr every.:taste, Band can beat out a brassy blare with-the best ot them .and.catei'5 to. those, less. inhibited in their inusical; tastes.- Macle M trumpets, five saxes, three trombones, bass diums, guitai and piano, sweet music piedominates, paiticularlj in that crack sax section: .but live hounds are by no means neglected in the Monioc icpeitoiie For his own vOcal selections he wisely sticks to the class sturt, lea- tiiring "Oh wfiaf'^a ing' and " Stout Hearted Ment'- and dueling with Phyllis Ljnne, his iemiiie vocalist, on "The Suriey with the Fringe on Top;" Latter IS a classy blonde trick who whams over 'No Love No Nothin" " and 'Shoo Shoo Baby ' before Monroe loms her on ' Surrey." Orch has a crack arrangement of ' Holiday for Strings" that s a high spot ot the show. : AH : the/- way- thiough band displays a genuine ef- fort to get away from the cut-and- diied pops featured by every other outdt that comes around,. and it woiks out vejy nicely. Over-all im- pression is, one of distinction instead- of average excellence. Monroe, how- ever, might-watdh his diction,^ Since his low register sometimes trails ofl. into garbled inarticulateness. Three Muiphy Sisteis, stylized miniatures of the Andrews gals, sock over flock of numbers and stop the .show with harmonizing and vocal cut-ups, mob wouldn't let them get away.' . Betty Jane Smith,. cute blonde dancer, IS-on up front and scores first -Visually and then with, her .educated ballet tapi, and spins Gil Maison is back with his flip, amusing chatter and his trained dogs and monkey.: Its a turn guaianteed to disarm the .sternest sourpuss. , ^. Cohen.;, Aflaiiii$i, Xcwark Newark, Feb 4 -Eiinc- A'Jndriynertt:.'!: OrcJi (18) u ilh Bob Lido, Nita, Roia & Cacliitn, Pntiictn Gilnioje, Jack Marshall Fovi Fiavks, "Samt Meets Tigo" 1 Rep) State. .\. Y. ilTonori Hiitloi!:. Wesson Bros., Bob Fnsioii i3> Deiol, Metle & Lee, G. Riiy let I ell Javtes Ewns, '"What « Woinari' iCol). . ;■ .■ ' ; ■ Cuiient .show has all the elements of , a . good' variety layout, with an evenly, di\-icled,.iiumbcr of vocal and dumb; acts;, ■ Paciii.s? is smqoth/and program builds interest despite one clilll -spot; V ,: '-'C • ■Topping '.{he bill is :th6 forrher Glenii . Miller ; cbirper, .Marion • Htit--' ton,; ; who .- . soN-erai mpnths ago branched out as n .single after' tour- ing >\-i.tli.: the.. Moderiiaires. ... .Miss. lluUon ml,^es hei mimbeis to achie\t a soIkI o\ci,i11 eflect Does 'Pigloot Pete Too Young or Too Old" and' "Hockin' Horse Ran Away", and, ;ei,ico.rcs,'.\vith' a ■:e;;cel-^. lent arriiuRemei)!,, ot "J^ake It Easy", which ' 'ailovy,^' ilicr,., to. 'get - :'in' .'gome liumorous. Utlt.s; ..' W find. she. got. off . by, bringing Oii the .riqx-t;.aci. ...„..'; ..'■■■■ .:;:.■-■'.■' ■:'.,, ,:,^; '.■':We:s.sO:n-':- Srothers'-," irecenlly' re-, turned fioni an ollshole USO toui .prov-idi;, :'{h6'.criined,y\so.cT^ of .the pro- graiii:;-\vitl'i-,...th'eifr'; .^ui'cfire -takeofTs,, ntosl -of vvhtch have.; been ,on ;dis- ,^13lay in .'■ tl.lese parls;V .AdtUtipri - of li Sinatra sialire; ; :n.cl.ds: a., new nott? to their rO;U'ti;n'cs.V; .und:\' gives •: - thern , a .Sock •fi.ifi.shii'; 'tilis;..bit,;hits the, 'mark; with all but some Sinatra zealots let ofl a bit ol steam at this good ■hatiired' .i'ib.. :of! 'the . ■VbiCe.. Also beggKi oir. '.. ;.;;: Openei is .I.imes Evans, luggler : who, ■ ■ m:ai vipulates'; - three,', balls,'.' .a cross :■ .shaped ;;it6')n," ';andi::' a,-, .fulli; .sized' bed '.\Yith;- liis feet.; 'Turn; has suflRcietit .siJet'd and variety '.to. pro-, vide a good warmer-upper. . .'Went: (ivor v.(»!l. . . . '.;,'.:V ''-.-..''^';;'^ ''"^i Bob Easton (New Acts) takes ovei the deuce ana gets his shaie of ap- plause :.;(:!eS,pite.t)i6:fac:t.. that 'the act (jbuld- . staiid.'. some.' moderhizing. G Ra^ Tdicll (New Acts) does smooth , card .'iriahiuplatibn . .and magic tuin loi !,ood lesults, while Deval, Merle and Lee. m the closing spot cnspla\ •,ood comedy ball- lOoniologN toi a line mitt Jose score. Do a burloy routine of hand balanclhg ;ancl: lii'ts xyhioh 'amuse the younger patrons. ; . Eaile Kellers house oicli did a geneiallj good job of show bdcking, depidte dillipulty with Ani;i,a, p'Day!s accompaniment.' : . .'EvPryftihg cohsidered, . the. .i-'^hpw provides ; plonty . -of ■p.ppor.tu.iity: VP give .Onl with. ?tpp,la.u.sd. :HpU:<e all half' filled ,, at opening show,', Friday, 14). Hold. Wiis'iinaioii, Feb. 3. ,, ■Will: Gsliociie's ; Orcii, until ■ Mal i tennysori,. .Marianne, , L(;'e'. Piitc.s; [ A.irieS ' &';.4r!!p',. Max Cifl-i.l,£i;>, "The Lbiger'' \2:0ik: ..." '■''']■■"■... ■'■] CIrHo. Inilpls. Iiiodiniinpod.s, Feb. 5.- HhI Mdntine OuU with Al Noble. Gloiia Van Dfiniiy Dxiyson, Smiley Biirnetle, Todd Mason Wiiite? Sis- ters (3); "Happy Land" ^20t/i). .:vBacked by .strong picture support ;ftnd Smiley Burnette as co-headliner the .stage. Hal Mclntyre and his band ha\e a pleasing sesmon heie this week The outfit, new in these parts, impiesses in the melody and rhythm depaitments, with smait ai- tangements and attractive novelties. "Holiday Foi Stimgs' clicks espe- :. cially with the cognoscenti..' . Mclntyie staits fa,st on "Shoo Slioo Bab-v ' then shifts to the lo- .;.niantic vein with; Al Noble' taking; a. fine vocal on People Will Say" and "My Heait Tells Me ' The boys serve Up some top diawei ]ive m "I'm Having a Heat Wave." and follow Wjth.';'.'Sti. Louis.;BlufeS.''''' .' Key 'iM'.en' step down, to Ihe.frbht'iptke ipr tlie^^ bleaks while Icadei plays a fancy lick on the sav Gloi la Van i egistei s plenty of peisou'lity in seUing "Put jout •,Arms Arouiid' Me'?', and ;'Em- biaceable Yon " Mclntyie has to pick up quick with the band to gel her off. ' ' '^ Burnette . introduces; , himscM' :by ;;telliiig labbuj/ Autry;-'teeing iri; the Army. He l.oo.schs, his? viical .Chords With a- bit'pf;-braggin,!i; .called. "I: Can. . tick Any '■' Man 3ut' -PPpeyc,'' foi - .' lowed by va few IVoiriOsiiun gags be* fore calling on Todd Mason Bui i :';:.e.tte;:..lu'res" ' ii' -' kid. . up 'froni "i.he aiidience.' to' hold papers iii ;: his .nngers. and teethwhile Mason;. cut,s .;-tbera \v.ith ;his' blacksiiake-whiix-'Eor M,adi'igifcra'S .cre'Wf attracts ah. adult audience which doesn't : care for blasting '.musici;,;, CPhseguently,; hi.s opener, . "UnclecicSed,',',;. fails , to jelly I Hovvever.. lads soon settle into a. coifi- l-fpttablo groove -ivith "Knock Wpod."- which itceives a fine lesponse. Bob Lido. Madnguera s vocalist, proves, ineflcctn e w ith "My Heart Telli Me " Listeners retuse to.: take him'-se- riously;. ■.':,; ^•.' ;'.■';''-;;';'.'-:; V .' .,;.Four..Franks.',mi5£ed:;dance quartet, and Jack Marshall are the show stealers. The Franks' tap and com- edy loutines win -solid response, While .; Marshall's .anties 'with ' a . ha^ bum facial contortion.s and imi^a- tt6n.s leave the .custpni.erS' yearnln lor more. : ', Patitcia Gihnoie's ehuping at- tracls a lukewarm: response; ;: She .shows up be.st with "I, Gotta Get; Hot" Geoif,ia Sothern, stiipper, can- celled altei opening show Ruig lllpp, Balto Baltimore, Feb 5 ,: Rfiy' EifsT'Sh,' ;CrosbW Sisl'er,<j .12):, Oruntos i'i). Pansy the Horse ;(3)., Fefice fufo Hoti.se Orcift; (12);. "North Star' (RKO) (2iid wk ) .. Stage '.;show ';,is • cb.ah.oieil. ; despite lilm's 'h.p,;. .but 'playing time is held dovKii. NeyerthiilesS .biil; has..: s.ufli- 'cient' entertal.nrnen't value.. 'P,ace.d by Ray .English, .kncickabout;hoofer- with^ soine ■ ' ftbod matei'iar . opener, . the Oi'anto;s,' two men; and a ' femme in routine porch stuff, buiid.lo a .strong fi'hish.;', '.;: . Cro.-^bv Si.-^iers. two .■'in.ging young- ster?, .with ;,8 guitar accompaniment. Whaclc out a .solid .session. Gi:ilr.r player, with ;a. flair I'or comedy, sGorp's, With; impre.ssions' .br,'Joan'^..D vi.s. Jerry Collona and Donald Duck. Clirl.-; hnvo .-'Oi'k arrar.j;emen;.« of "I Want My,"' Mamma" and :'.'ponkey, t,S.erc>nadc,'' and earn an enc<n'<?, ; ; Ray^ En.,!^lish'heids .in 'hiS ,0;wh'-.sp6t.; I lii: .ad'clttion' to 'the' emcee a.s.sigiimenl. 1 \'i.i;t'Uai.l\" Iniock.'-- hinLself out with 'l'i-iVli; 't'ail.s'. ,'J'an.s'y'thf HorsC. 3 starid-; iiiid', ■•l4irtj;'':'ji'et's' "rcsulfS:,' with , the 1 'stulTcri '; eci:ui'iTc:'S ■ com'ie ■ antir.sftaeei:!'; by fi-nimc looker wfho helps .soli coii- tidcraljly; "" ,."'''-:.:■ ■ v '.'■ ~ '. Bit all ri^ht ior 'a.-.holdovey..':'. . ■•■,,:. ■'.''?'■", ., ,'■ ',' ■' Blinil., I<:arli>. Philly P'iilfide'p/iKi, Feb. 4. Toinliiy Doi spy Oith (22) luUJi Gene Kiupa SentimentaUst<i (4), Belly Bienei, Jimmy Cook, Ed- waids Snteis (2>, Paul Regan; "Dovghboy in I)eland" (Col). If Gene Krupa had any qualms about how his difficulties would attect his populauty with PhiUy ad- mirers, the drummer man can for- get all about his troubles, ludging from the reception the Quaker City gaters .are .giving, him. this, sesh. ; E\eij time the gum-chewiiig skins expel t unlimbers his big sticks the (iown-fronters go wild and liLs o\:alions are spontaneous and ear.-clPafertirt'g, ■ :' Krupa .shares individual, . honors \\:ilh, Dor.scy and Betty Brewer, ear- soothing pipci Tlie gal, easy to look at, acorcs w-ith nobby, .arrangements of "Put Youy Arms Around Me," No Love.; No ' Nothin'." . and a: h\)>cd-iip \eision ol I Can't Give You-Anything'But- Love,";.;- Doisc^s male vocalist, Jimmy Cook apes Frank Sinatra's style- too much to icgistei on his own He gives his soii.gs, ■ t'lie -sannje Iwoohatra treatineiit.: but oh ; hiiri! 'it doesn't lo.bk so good.; '. I'ts. too. obvious. ,; Doi^cv s band musically, is in its usual; hi'gh :'''pja;ijcir .■mixing ; iap ; its rhyfhins t(); S;Uit the tastes of.; every- :ohe. . Nice toiiGh is service: flag ;On baokdrpp. w'ilh. 3i);stars.,;0ne fpr;each Ijorse.\;i(c. no\v in .Unifbrmv.;, Supportilig acts,:are .okay. Paul R(3,gai) .gets . his' ■ ;(/uota of chuckles with . inipersoiiatioiis, and.' the Ed- wards Sisters ijlease ,\vith' bevvilder- ing. vct- gracclul terp.sologv, ; . House .filled .when, caught' (Friday evening). . ' .Slml, !Vali4»iial, L'ville , Lo'immltev Feb. 4. ; Bill Robimm. CooH & Christy, Lihoi!«li Trio. Anita O'Dtfj/i Nick Ciaiat L Co, "CImi Secret Service" 'Mono). . .-;:..:''■;;■.'.:"■' ;.'■"■'•;"■ , -Patrons give Bill Robinson ; a' vva.rm . W;6lc(Jine '.as headliner ;..bn. a \vell-.roU;iidecl ;livc-act bill, and: ■ tfjfe. dusky . .fniistcr gives ; !em . plenty. Rpbin.spii; registered Solidly; with' his stories ;ai):d .i'h.y'thm.,tapping: • Closes his'-'lurii vvitli an ..impression;; of .how he. would be dancing 40 years hence;, ajrd: frp'm iiU ih{Jieatioiis,.he .vliiU still' be. going' :sfi;'6ri,g.';for..'K6iTie-years. :;'' - Nick' Crn\;at and • Co., open with ,a fe'W;, (;p.m:cdy; ...tPw'che's,. ■ and , :S6m:e' elevci v\(iiK on the hoiizontal bais. Fcinme ;■ bs-sisianl;; ;.i,s:' c(e.ebratiy,e'. but 1iad::very litile-lo, dpf;; - ■;;' ,; .', Ahila; .O'D.iiy. ■ former' ypcalis't' with Gene KnipaV^ o.i'ch.:.^f(ives out with a c'oupl.c .ipccial:; .ar.r;i'ti'g(3mcnts'.; ,.;.She's a; good ;)oo.li:ei', ;U)ggcd .in; a ;taiIored; .sill)', arid; has a good .set- b.f.' .pipe.S.; Orc-licstr;!. :\\.as a,' little .on the loud .s,ii'ie '-f pr.'; hci-' iiumbpi's, vand. had dif-' 'fi'cuity ';'play,ing: iii!v.. music, but that vv'ii l'',:p wjba bly; .iitin ed p.u t: in; 1 atcr i.sliows,;. 'Siie':"ji.bt.' over.,i.vyell, but., be,- '; cau.se (if; I'wnd.'s. bacRingv' diah'':;t, re- 'I'orn.,',^'?!';'n' b<yw;.;;',■■■ f -- .j-'' I": L'iborii'i'li,' Trie')., fi'.prjuerit ,.\'i,.s',itors;;at this„'houso,.,',ar(;, ,.^i)nd: :ori ' tlie' xylo-; 'phones,, .ahtV niiirii^i.baS.; ."EJciec of' the trip''-HHs' 1li f''<i,s;:'en;iec.e.'' ''C-lic'ks; ■w,"ith . a 801,0 Sj5e,ci^)lty',■^-v,•Wl<i-:.hi:S: n;iorc youth- i;ifi;il''partn'ei:i''shp\v ;to;gG.6d.;aavan ,'pn . the: ft'.Ofidca 'l:.p.V!^.;. aiKl; a fast; S^ou- tiiic of tdij .Hid ((cen(iic terps 5'hey, get .'a. nic'e'.hai^.d;'' ■' ■ ■.'-.,'' ■'' '■ •' ''' ■«''e<j(5!i'; iind': Chd.S'ty; ci.ifiCtly'' ;tea'.rri,. -■'..'Art' Bi'O'wh; -gets ; the ;au(Jipii'cc!'.; in' good: mood; with" a roUsing.';(it\ga;n.a;- logiie, iti '.which "Maii'zy ..Doat.-i"; giils .the ■;ni'0b singing: :■ ;.Will .'Osbofne's band opens in a full stacle white ra.v'p'h set'-with',' ;whit'e' and gold lyre band fi-oii'ts; ; A ';'grcen. and ■Si.Iy.ored' .fan. pipc.e ' for backgj'ouncl.'hlflkes stiutn;ihg.^siirr6un'd}iig's;'.'.';:'''-;'''';::.',-! ' ',„; ' O'sbprne, who ;a'l;SO'-hai^dlei ■vijdals; is; assisted by' Ma'r'ianne,' wlhp, li.!;;" I«e.s niu'ch;.;of' ;"Em,braceable: YoU.''', :S,pe- cialXieS; ,include;' the :.,(;lapViVe.t; . p.f;; Hal, 'Tennj'son ■ iri, "Rose , RpoiiV,",: itafl ia heoii' ;lighlcd; pia'rib frolic ' by''■"-Leo; Pines, usiiig.; ';.St:ai'. DuSt;;" ;'.;ljisfru-; meiitatiO;h. is' well acc'ehted: in, Gersh- win's. ".Rbapsody in-'.Blue,'':^.W iiig; numlier in(;luding-' baricl .impres- sions of Glciin MiUei and Guy Lo ii-, bardo. .-; Interpolated - acts , inrliiao Ames;& .'Vrno in khockabPut.. cortiedy, and .eccentric . dai'lcihg; and .Max, and his; gang...;:»; .-.^nioptli • clbg..'; act. Max, who has lately developed into an ec- centiie dancei and contoitionlst ■ Show Vruns.;'^()''Wii'riutes, ':is;;beauti-; fidly lighted and set, plays fast.'' ; Aike. Kciili*$i. Iniliilts. Indtanflpolis, Feb 5. D'ArtCffft's AIl-Gtri Orch (20) ivUH Betti) . Laiigi ■.Betty - toiiy Lois' Mar'ie, Florence, Syfiiphoneltes; Mel Hall Coidyn & Sawi/ei, ' Li'<bon Clippci Mystery" Undie) Keith s veers from its regular vaiide; policy-ithis -w.eek;±o.kire.;iiew audiences' with D'ArtegaS' all-girl orch: making its bow here:; The band pleases on looks and .versatihtv, ot- tering a balanced program in (me style Two extia acts, Mel Hall and Cordyn and Sawyer, rate kudos to round out a click combination. D Artega.. slick m white tie and tail.s. opens with his; own tune. • '.'In the Blue of the Evening " using Betty Lang on the vocal The blonde's thioaty style also makes nice music of Shoo Shoo, Baby ' "Mj Hcait Tells Mc" and Either Too Young or Too Old ' Th€i band legiSters big in a special auangement of "Daik Eyes ' and a medley of .service tunes: 'Two; splosists then,' stefi ' Put -to; get themseiyes a hand,;: Lois 'Mariewith' a swell vocal lob on "Begin the Bc- gulhe'';;tp;her'own accordipn ..accpm- .paiji'meii.t'aridjFlorence. the dru -wTth a scat ■version of "Pi.stoT Packin" Mama." . D'Artega;' hi is..; the / mark with';"Rhiipso'dy in; Bliie'';and \\>ind.s; up thP' show w'ith takfe-pffs;: ori' top;; name'.baiids. . ;Betty LoCi;''s;. inSitation' ot Ha/el Scott at the piano if? oke '; .Mel Hall:gets.a'fcrp$s. witlii;nis.fancy' •riding on; high;and'ioW 'wheels-.;'Vi'hile Cordyn ;and .Sawyer's .zahy.'Iine of: patte'i" provides the. cpmedy tpiich. , Bi/ good when caught Co?b B06(07i, Feb 3 ' Shep : Fiekh' Orch - (14.) [ ■ Helen Forrest, Dixie- Dunbar, Miheintcji Ru.icaU CI); "Tlie-. Heat's On"'.)Col).. While he's had a hotel engage ment hole—and a long one al that— this IS Shep Fields' fust ^tat,e sesh here: with his 'reed,-and. w>podwin.(I. ensemble. RKO customers find it novel and difleient and go for it from the outset despite the tepid ap- peal of the tunes on tap. ; ''Band,.' in ..an ; lincbriventional : fend striking.; seating''jjlan,,, starts - of with ; -American Patrol." , does "Holiday for; ;Strihgs':' aiiid' 'Lpst' Chord"'; an,d finishes off with a |ive tune The arrarij^emeh |,s supply . a' ;:\vide ran;ge pi ;cphtrasted. ;ttmb.res,. tone i 'cplprs and spnPritie-s, yet retain the;.nce.e.s- saiy ihythmic diive Seems Fields could ; get more; color into hi.s ar- langements with moie such com- :.biilatipn.s; ■-. in any case;;..he■ could; do mp;re'; sharp - tunes; to; ' atlvanlage- de,spite. effcctiv<5rie.ss Pt: ;"The; Lest Chord," ';;.;;,..; ' ■';'':; -'';. ■.™; ,'■,;:' '-.: ; : M,eredtth .Blake,. his :*bcalist.: 'docS ;"My Ideal" ', and ' ''Shoo^ShPp TBabj'? to regi,s.ter.. plenty; solid., In a Specie .rntjh Pf: strange .''cou'tihing,; ■hpwe\;eri '.she;, eom.e's; back '.to ..;d6 "T:ii,e;..';Lo.s.t Ghorcl,", ;'big number, ;iust., prior ; tp Helen Foirest<; stinl as co-lcaluiod attiactioOi It doesn I woik too vicll .vvit'h'.'either, s'inge'i':"'"..'':;'!,',';';' :'''''.;,,.■:;..!,;.''.; ./;: HPlCri FPi-i-est,:ia'sti.!y .berglaiVi.ortid iftjah'.a'dhcsivg' ,S'pi;t ■■o■^:p!iisl';i^y-:i.nyert■- 'tl.p)l,'■;':s'i'l'l'gs;;-'■-■fJo;■'' 'Ldye:'.',''. -"B'ftsa'md' Mucho" and a cpuple of , plh.ei" ;p,i;<;i;<?s,. 'very. ;w'P'i ^'u.9Ged:." The ■'cu.S-; .I'Omei'S': 'like ;hei'",' V..]Meai'nvhilfi DixiQ Dunbar," i n' lh'e opener,;,;iQes. an okiiy ta))/ ' r.pulihe;., ' ;a'n.d -.' the' : ■M.ih.e;y..H'c:h ;Ra.scals;: click;;. a..s u-sual..:'' jviiti..;'thcjv . .Standard , hai:'mon.ic.a . clPwHrfn'KV','' '.''*; Rcimeo; .Pon(;iue;;getS 'a. big h.ftrid w;Ih,;a ciarincit; solo,;; anct :J(ie Negri ditto in a ■guitar 'stini;, •'Laj'o.ltl, ;Was (idjfi^ plenty of biz. .at-fit'st ,st')Ow.':',; '.- : "' , ■:''■; .... ' ■- " .'.; '.it.;fi<f. ' Apollo, .\. Y. Sioect/iearts of Rhyihm <15) iLith T:iiry .Da:Vis.i DpUie Penibroak, .Ri'ch^ aril Hney, .CWre Sisters ■\i),,:Ei-elyii McGheCi Harokl Nicholas; "Adven- ture' ill traq" iWB). , ."'■';,; :'''.; ,; '.'Tlie- clistaft.'- Side; is .;;pond9r(iiusly, '■- liopreseiited ; in this .layout: i?y "the ; Sweethearts ol Rhythm, ' an all^ , t'fero!me coriiho, \vith; strbhg-.Sissbnaht'; shadings Componently, band div idcs iii'tp six .brasS( four- rhythm .and -;fiv€i ' ■; i:pecls, . a 'i'lilly.; ;equ.ipped eiiseniblis - that,; is;. definitely inipo.tent. in. ail (3e> •. pariments.';.: ,;. ,,; ;'■■ '' ■;;:'".: . Allhough, the girls, ,lvave';arrango.-r . nicnts that-arc on ii';par. wi;ib;most' of' 'the lesser';m'alo ' ...Si'si-hds;./their;' ali^'..;. :i'dUnd'^ \vork;, points';.',up.:"tbe;''''fslarin'g ,niusica.i, .ineptnesS vol!' thfe ' individu'al '; irfusicians.;':',':'■;; ^; SPint ol the solo passages i effect fi ■ :meaSui''e;;,o'f latent; t:aleh't,v''buf •.oiv.-'-tlie'' whole oich ^ appioach is devoid of ! ';p)"('U'c's'si.oii|ir 'eaii.bre,'' .':.,.'■■.;':':, ;■'■'; .Tiny Davis,. a; rotund ■ trumpeter, ' :' eaiTie.s /hiosi ' of the'-.abligafos and cpnVeS" dpwii; '.front 16 vocal;'-'i'V'i.iie;-'; St. Blues,'" 'Vvaiking':bfi'.~wifh 'ihe.'.sold:;' hbnprs;;; She's plenty 'gusty;-- yiolel,' ;;' !j recent, acquisition to "the band; sits "'■ ip ' '■o,n;;.'t.eri..pr ;;sax'■.;and'. .hoodies :_' a .•, cadeiiza (if ,;'.?v\reet: Georgia Brbyvn": piece W'yinni.ng favor .with;the listen-; ! [.ers. ,, Unbilled' leader , of the giKlS',- 'cavoits ni front ol the stand in a I white gown and wiggles hci baton [and VihassiS'betw'e'en' arinounceineiits. , :,;Mis^'ei;l.'arieou.S acts,,are led off with .' DoUie :: Pembrook, ; contortionist,, ■ I whose pietzel bends aic okay but ' .udlv ui^tilv the length ot her act. Climax .is strpnl;'', 'girl ..tying herself '; |;ihlo kiiots while balancing a "balf-r;.' I filled .glass .pvi lief'f(jrehead: ^.:..■ '■">■'•■''•'■ Thice* Claiie Sisteis, only ofay tuin on the bill lomp through a lilting dance loutine that sufteis be- . cause ol its length, Withal, how- :• ever, girls, show to advantage; al-,; thpugh; prun ing the act;;wpiild; ;pbiht; tip. its .strot)j{ points.; . ; ; ; ., , .";;.,, ' Richard; Huey, on lor.one solo and ; also involved in a house skit, clicks solidly with his . boogie-woogie stuff and could have stayed- for an en«?;. core. He s on- imd - off in no, -tim« ; ,fl;at.';,,",;; ;;'->■'.,■..'•;■.' .:-'■ r:;^:r: Evelyn McGhee, a faiiish song- stress who isn't quite hep on tutn- .■ ing a phiase, does a quickie intona- ■: lion of 'Embiaceable You" that sells In the' ;cWshig spot, Harold Nicholas is ■: delmitely : class. ,'Erst- ... while member ot the Nicholas • Biotheis, Harold's been going it alone since his brotlier was called to the seivicc In a spiel that re- ' fleets peilect taste, he explains to :; the audience his appearance as a- single and then sings two numbeis, one in Portuguese, to, augment his dancing routine; The Nicholas : pedal work,which requires no com- plementary ,aide, is brilliant, gracer ; ful and definitelym a superior cate- ;, gory. On his own for the duration, Hal old Nicholas is stiU hanging on, to the top rung. Jonn. Was/u)H/ton, Feb 3 O.x'/orrt , Boys,;; Ladd" Lyo?i (2), , Eileen • Rifter, Roa;iyettc.s, Jo Loni- ; ; 1)01 di's House Band; "Mnacle ol .. Morgans Cieek" (Par) Because of long picture; Harry Ahge'r,; this week: ha.s ;ohly;:32 ;min:r;. iites'to fill, ■w;ith stage'divers'ioii. .Lom-;;\ bardi's band is up on the boards this week with extended platform cover- ■ ing the oich pit Roxyeltes in sa- teen costumes, ,bpen with .a nitty tap.;,; routine; backirig up ; Eileen Ritt'.er's; ^ \rocal of: "Rock-if," She; int.rbd,udes. ' Lad(i Lyon for Spectacular upside- down tucks in balancing Ladd and ; his partner; Robert Conway, from the' atidienc*;., do some' fla.shy tricks. ■.. The Roxj-ettes infioducc the Ox- ford: Boys, ' Whose :.y(ilee manipula-., lions ;and,: radio impressions go over ., big;- They'.respond .With two.Wr coies and could have stayed longer.'. Finale has the Roxyettes in an in-: triciate fencing : routine. For this pi eduction Angei piovides a special ; scrim for.; , a smart -;'introduction... Eileen Rittei uiging suppoit for the. bond drive, clo.sos the show; A? teei Ton<>r. K. V. Kamas City Feb 4. .: Will ey it Dare, Jack Wrtiier,; Dorycc Dreu): Jodnn]/ Laddie , & ■ Company, - .Frank , Steinf^r; Tp.itier Orch '(9) luilh Jack.Parks Sc Marilyn ' Bdtlinger;, "Mootilight in Vnrnio'ttt'' lU) and "She's jor Me" ill) :. ■Tyirig:;.in with the twp musicals; oh ., the.- scf oe'iii:: the'. ''tO-m in ute' :To:Wer',' rcvii'e; thi^ vvcek .is. a: combo of iyk'.V- ': ;Odi' ;and 'comedy, .w:ith.:;,etibugh. nov- elty to balance l!ic bill. - -, v.;,; -:','.', ' '';, . 0|3eriing;wlth'Usifai'Eignature'hum-.,'^ bcr, the' hpus.e; ;orch segues into, the . pop No Love No Nolhn'" with turn Maulyn Ballingcr taking the \oeal ovei the iiont mike m okay fashion.;;;.'-;:'';:■": /■■"'> ', '.;'■;' '■■'':. ,■:•;".. '■■■■.; '' ;■•: , ■ Jac.k-;WalfGrf -(36Ub!i;rig^ m..B,vflrsf;' bring,? ■'pn..."-.Jphimy; tad(i..ic's' ,. ti"tGi'''pf.',: -well-,trainc,^; p'opchds' ft*h,ich, work oh; iiii', iinsiipporled ,;-la,d(le-ri,.:. .:Dog; aciis- iis'i.ialty,,;'fai*e;;w'e.ll; at th.e..,,K)wcr(.aiicl: Ihis one IS no extoption - 'jhfe tleti.p.e' is;han(31cd;;-)i>y-'.Dijryc.e'; iDr'e.w,' .shapely; tapster,'; wilh;-'a;;',Vivdly".-; :rt'.Utdf!C.cliilja,xea b.y. ti. military,^(i.nale. On hcjct ;iS'' the, ''fiiscover.i-'.iS'ighP: ''%M.n.,fie)!.,;'.:Fi'awk, Btbiiier.' who gives '(yii'V'^'W'ith;,."My Ideal'' in, OK itianher.; ■ ■ jKe.xf'jtdrcliisin'g (is;,;^ , (Continued on page 55)