Variety (May 1946)

Wednesday, May 22, 1946 55 Night Gub Reviews Havana Madrid, N. Y. Kettor Cha.vres, Harris, Claire. & chnnnon Virginia McGraw, Line Sr"ckto» Varete &. Catolino Rhumbo Band? ; $3.50 minimum. Havana Madrid continues ^to be „ne of "he better places in Gotham ■Jm Arthur Murray students to dem- ?«i/ate their new rhumba tech- Skues in sure-fire Latin atmosphere. A^an offering to the non-Latin £ade, however, owner Angelo Lopez h? s rung in more than, the usual number of straight American' acts ?ohisnew show. Paced by Nestor Chayres and the novel dance team of Harris, Claire and Shannon the bill emerges as an hour of solid en- tertainment. Chayres. the virile Latin baritone olaying his third date at the club, clicks solidly. Singer has a large following at this place which wouldn't let him go at _ the show caught (17). Secret of his hold on the audience probably lies in the way he works each number for its lull dramatic content, using ani- mated gestures that milk each word. Repertoire runs from dreamy Span- 'ish ballads to stirring toreador songs. On for a full half-hour, he had to beg off. Harris, Claire and Shannon have put together a novelty in ball- roomology with their gimmick of one man dancing with two gals. Act is real class, with' Harris spinning and lifting the femmes either singly or together in eyecatching routines. Brunet is the better dancer of the two, but the act's unique quality and the trio's cleverly-executed routines elicit top. returns. Team opens with a bolero, then go into a David Rose waltz in which Harris dances with each of the gals separately. Best number, is another novelty, in which they open to only the beat of a tom-tom. Drum cuts out and they finish the number With no music at all. Finale, an old-style cakewalk, is a smooth, rhythmic ar- line, rangemcnt. ' Virginia McGraw (New Acts) completes the bill with some flashy terping. Alan King, emcee, was but ill at the show caught, with maestro Carlos Varela filling in acceptably. Line is above average in looks and . turn in three nicely-staged produc- tion numbers. Varela's band backs up the show in good fashion and provides good dansapation, doubling with Catalino's orch. Stal. Boulevard Room, Chi Chicago, May 17. Orrin Tucker Orch (14) with Scotty Marsh; Copsey & Ayres, Ladd Lyon; Shyrettos (3), Line (12) with Arelene Lindstrom, Jeff Lane, Mar- guerite English; $3-$3.5p minimum. Boulevard Room producer Dor- othy Dorben can usually be counted on for some colorful, if conventional, routines—spruced up with crisp cos- tumes that bespeak a liberal outlay of baksheesh, and this time is no ex- ception. Revue, titled "Frills of a Lifetime," is built around cues sup- plied by (he line's stints, with origi- nal tunes furnished by Mildred JafTe and Douglas Craig, and acts, as well as Orrin Tucker's orch, are right in the groove,' although some cutting and reshuffling were called for at the opener. Huge bandbox setpiece behind the orch is the setting. Chorines, look- ing like models for Kate Greenaway drawings, get things going with a whirling number during which a huge parasol loaded with smaller ones is lowered from the ceiling, whereupon the gals each grab a parasol and-ribbons dangling from the big job and go into a maypole dance while Jeff Lane sings "All Frilled Up," plus "You're, Devastat ing." Ladd Lyon, who'd show up better in the Shyrettos' spot midway in the layout, does his usually well received handstands on a revolving disk atop four bottles, being as- sisted by his brother. Bob Copsey and Carolyn Ayres clip off top ap- plause of show ' with their Jack Cole-ish tomfoolery iri what's de- scribed as an "East Indian boogie." At the half, line contribs a novel item to "Cuttin" Up," another origi- nal, with huge reproductions of cov- ers from Vogue and Harpers Bazaar in the background (the prop boys really get a workout this semester), costumed as seamstresses, they cavort around a dressmaker's dum- my, winding up with a stunt a la JJrapo wherein they whip up a gown lor the dummy. House lights are «oused while the orch plays a few Iu ne f in which various sections of «»e band light up varicolored mu sical notes—a clever idea and den mtely payoffish. Shyrettos* standard cycle act SJJ •!?' leading into another original, * rills of a Lifetime," sung by Lane, miring which girls parade out of the pages of a large album dressed as orides, from Helen, of Troy to a flap- per model. Copsey & Ayres, re- Prised for sbcko terms in "Wedding oi the Solid Senders." mop up again --and. that's where the show should terminate. Instead, the Shyrettos ioet out as " a bride and groom of iHS6 and their/minister," a corny, antlcllmactlc notion that adds noth- ing to the score. Band backs the show well. Tucker displays a genial personality, and Scotty Marsh is a cute if not espe- cially outstanding chirpstress. Mar- guerite English gives with the Gershwin, Porter, et al, on the Stein- way betweentimes, and Arlene Lindstrom is effective in the Boule- var-Dears' solo spot. . Afifce. latin Quarter, X. Y. (FOLLOWUP) . Jackie' Miles hasn't worked in a N. Y. cafe with an overwhelming tourist trade since he preemed in midtawn N. Y. bistros at Leon & Eddie's five years ago. Most of his stints have been in the more sophis- ticated spots, but he's kept up with mass taste through frequent work in theatres. He comes to this spot after a lengthy run at the Roxy theatre where he preliminaried research into material with peasant' appeal and consequently hit the crowd "With familiar fodder spooned out with his accustomed sparkle, even though he was nervous at the unveiling show (19). However, he makes a concession to the hepsters with a bit that must be autobiographical, He has a dis- sertation on Florida rookings of the season just completed that must bring back some bitter memories to those that have been through it. Discussion of prices in the Miami Beach hotels and quick partition of dough through . casino • activities, brings out the laughs. Well—Miles can laugh at it now since he's work- ing again and he'll be able to pay off those IOUs \n only a few years. Rest of the show comprise hold- overs and show moves in the sprightly, fullbodied Latin Quarter tradition with Radio Aces, Tito 'and Corinne Valdez, Three Rays, Penny Edwards, Lou Saxon, the Wally. Wanger gals and the Esquire , boy Jose. Sapphire Room (HOTEL EI. COBTEZ) Las Vegas, Nev., May 15. Gene Austin, Sherrell Sisters, Frank Brandt's Orch, Bob Laine; no min. or cower. he's long, doing a clever job with the appropriate "Mister Five by Five." • Alice Mann, orch chirptress. who's also the boss' Mrs., does well with "Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief and follows with a new British ditty, "Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker." She has a pleasing delivery and a deep, throaty voice that's in- timate and well handled. Jay Seiler and .Mack Malone & Maudell, held over from previous revue, has the aud well in hand with material that shows. marked improvement since show was re- viewed three weeks ago. Fo.os. Kelly's Stable, N. Y. Stella Brooks,' Joe Springer, Earl Warren Sextet, Vicky Zimmer Trio; $1.25 min. With business all along 52d street taking a terrific nosedive recently, this boite was forced to unload Rex Stewart's combo last week and fill in with more modest budgeted tal- ent. Quality of music has conse- quently fallen off but this drinking spot still retains a pleasant, intime atmosphere and gives a show that's a bargain for the $1.25 minimum tab. Stella Brooks . heads show with some stylized torch-singing of num- bers like "I Cover the Waterfront," and "As Long As I Live." Has a tricky vocal device of trailing her end notes into a thin wail which is interesting but can be irritating when overworked. Joe Springer ac- comps at the piano and does a few solos with some' flashy arpeggios that register. ' Musical chore is furnished by Earl Warren's sextet consisting. of sax, trumpet,: trombone, , piano, bass and drums. Combo is a well-rehearsed outfit that' switches over easily from straight dance tunes to solid jam- ming. 'Warren's sax playing, vocal- izing, and emceeing is pleasant glib stuff very easy to take. Vicky Zim- mer!s trio is a zingy rhythm outfit of bass, electric guitar, and piano. Femme leader at the piano nas a cute personality that helps as she scats through her tunes. Variety Bills WEEK OF MAY 22 KaravraU n» ****«e4toa wllb Mil* ix-km umIM-iiI* nmltf . tat dim whrthri fall •pill irera Loew NEW YORK CITY Capitol (22) Guy Lombardo Ore Willie Shore Bob Williams Aunaihary Ulckey State (23) Manuel Vlera . . '■ NEW YORK CITY Paramount (22) Duke Ellington B Mills Bros Stump A Stumpy Clark . Bros CHICAGO Chicago (28) Woody -Hermit n . Paul Wlnchell Stove ' Condos The newly decorated Sapphire Room reminds more of New York'; eastside than of Las. Vegas, where you expect an informal, be comfort- able ' atmosphere. White leather furnishings, pale blue walls, and white plaster of paris columns and. wall vases do not quite fit in with the lackadaisical life and garb of the town. However, the show does a lot in reestablishing warmth and ''infor- mality to the room. The show is Gene Austin. Austin, a Sinatra-like rave- of 20 years ago, is a great faye here. He knows the kind of audience he's working to, and what to do about it. His easy brand of showmanship and amiable good humor go over, big, as evidenced by the packed and ap- plauding crowds in attendance. Aside from the personality angle, his pipes are in fine shape—being almost indistinguishable from his "Blue Heaven" days. Incidentally, he is not a performer who has to capitalize on past glories: working with Austin are the Sher- rell Sisters—Grace and Pony—a couple of eye-appealing femmes who not only accompany Austin with guitar and bass, but also take over with some vocalizing oh their own, which is on the good side, too. Show opens with Austin and the gals doing an original, "Now and Then," which gives way to Pony Sherrell and "Take Your Shoes Off, Daddy" and a novelty, "Madame La Zonga's Busy Day." ■ ' Arstin follows with a medley of some of his old hit numbers—"Blue Heaven," "Melancholy Baby," "After You've Gone," etc., and finishes with a parody on "It Might as Well Be Spring," dealing with gambling, which goes over with a bang here. Sherrells return for "Can't Read Your Mind"—well done blues. Aus-> tin closes with "Sometimes I'm Happy," and "Who," plus a fast audi- ence participation "Casey Jones" and "Turkey Trot." Had to beg off. Frank Brandt's orch keeps the dancers happy, and Bob Laine plays a good piano during intermission Tavern Room, Chi (BISMARK HOTEL) Chicago, May 21. Martinis, Everett Olson, Eddie Fens Orch (8); $1.50-$2 min. Small and intimate nitery, re- decorated for the summer months, presents short but neatly packaged show that should please the steady customers. Bill-toppers are the •. Martinis, husband and wife singing team, who get good applause with selections from Romberg's "Desert Song" and "Wanting You" from Herbert's "New Moon." Encore was another Her- bert number, "Italian Street Song." A good-looking team, the Martinis have better than average voices, displaying a good range, and just enough showmanship to make a success of the semi-classics at the cozy boite. Balance of the show made up of acts from the orch with fiddler Everett Olson standing out. Olson does good job with "Hora-Staccato" and follows with "Play Gypsy" from the "Fortune Teller." Trumpeter Trav Booster pleases with "When Day Is Done" and bari- tone Harvey Crawford proves that long Navy service didn t hurt his pipes any. Eddie Fens and orch back the show nicely and provide patrons with smooth dance arrangements.. Foot. Harold- Boyd l-H'ry Stevens K Adair Dnncera Willie Howard WASHINGTON Capitol (23) Nefl Jerry Lewis Paramount Regal (22) Key Eldridgc B Dorothy . Dohegan . H'r's B'n'm it sen Bo Jenkins MIAMI Olympla (2) Tommy Ryan . Lloyd & Willis :l Mandells Lee Trent Martha . Stanley RKO BOSTON Boston (23) Louis Armstrong' < Colo &' Atkins Slim & Sweets Canfleld & Lewis ILea Elgart Ore ■ 4 Elgin* Billy Gilbert . Eileen Barton SAN FRANCISCO Golden tiate (22) Warren St Jean . Hair & Esten Lloyd Mnnn ROCKFOKD l'uluce (24) Hollywood Capers Tat McCaffery 3 Brandt Sis H & A Balabanow Ray Conlln Jr RMnss St Matthews il in nil) SI'RIXOFIELD Court Sq (23-26) Bunln Puppet* Trumpet 2 Dorn . Bros Henry Kelly. Harris & Anders l.ane & Small WILLOW (iROVE Turk (26 only) Holloway Sis Linda Parish Stanley Bros Sonny Spnrks The Gibsons WOON80CKET New Turk (26) Jack Doleon 3 Ponzells The Harlnells Cabaret Bills NEW, TOBK COT Bill's Oaj t0'» IStbel Gilbert Charles Strickland lubk. Ryan Harold Wlllard Jimmy .Burn* lllne Angel Kohcrl Maxwell Bills' Larkln 3 Eddie Mayebofr James Copps Cnre- Society (Downtown) Josh White Sarah Vaughn Bernlo West' Cliff Jackson Pete Johnson- J C Heard Oro Cafe Society (Uptown) Golden Gate 4 Moune ' Vicente Gomez Fee Wee Marquette Claune Hopkins Ore Leon Warrick IVd Mi-Ilae Ore Hotel New Vorket Jerry Wald'Orc • llhtri IVntisvIt aula Geo Paxton Ore Hotel Plena Myrus Consuclo & Artlnl Los Pnnchos Stanley Melba Oreo Hotel IMam Hlldegnrde Mark Monte Oro . . Hotel Roosetelt' Joe nelehman Oro Hotel. St. Regis Danny O'Noll ' Peggy Norman Paul. Sparr Ore Theodora Brooks Mr & Mrn Melody A6INCV The OutstatMlinfl- Agency* 1926-IK4 BooMmj for tb* Matt DlicrimlMtiBq of Udtpen i eut Theatre OwMti • 1501 iroodwav-Poromowrt tldcj. N«w York lltroat f 4352-3-4' <:i.KVEI,AND Palace (23) Louis Prima Ore Barretts Pitchmen COT.UMBI S Palace (27-29) Andrews Sis Vic Schoen Johnny Bond . Red River Boys Clinrlle Lelghton Boogie Woogle 6 Pat Hennlng NEW YORK. CITY Strand (24) Tommy Tucker' O Steve Evans . H Ross Sisters The Chords PHILADELPHIA Karle (24) Chester Morris Mlnevltch Rascals Johnny ' Merry Macs 3 Chesterfields Blackhawk, Chi ./ Chicaao, May 15. Jay Seller; Mack Malone & Man dell, Billy Bishop Orch (12) with Alice Afann, Bill Darldw; $2-$2.50 min. North-of-the-border good will in the form of Billy Bishop and his Canadian orch invaded this old cm boite and carried off show honors. Like his fellow countryman, Guy Lombardoi . Bishop gives with soft, ultra-danceable music that is relief from the torrid outpourings dis- pensed by some of the name outfits around town. Maestro opens show soloing on piano in Chopin's "Polonaise" backed by orch featuring three fiddles, a trio of brass and three tenor saxes. Bishop is followed by trumpeter Bill Darlow, as wide as Esqaire, Mont'l (FOLLOWUP) . Montreal, May 10. Haskell the magico adds plenty class to the current bill at the Es- quire, Montreal, which features a terp team, a singer and a novelty girl drummer. There's no fake hoopla attached tb Haskell's stint, his routines being done quietly and effectively. Tees off with "evolution of an egg" rou- tine which sets him well as an at-, tention-getter. After that it's smooth sailing with the disappearing cigaret and card routines. Vanishing bird cage with a payee holding the cage is a killer diller,' since it's a heat switch from the ordinary "vanish- ing" tricks. Haskell's femme aide adds smartness to act. The Strands are a neat looking acro-terp duo who register okay. Main forte is the balancing with the femme doing much of the holding chores. Mary McClenaghan's skin- beating is sock, but too noisy for a small room like this. Gal has plenty showmanship and costuming helps the act considerably. Ludovic Huot, French baritone, has a. pretty fair set of . pipes but will need a reper- tory, arrangements, and a few les- son's in cafe delivery before he. can go on to better things. His French items go over big, but that's no in- dication how he'll do in other spots. "Ole Man River" and "Argentina" are only so-so. Line (12) still a big feature here helped nicely by Ar- mand Mecrte's boff showcutting. Laza. NEW YORK CITY Music Hall (23) Bettina Dearborn Charles Lasky Luclle Cummlnge Ed Relchert Joe. Jackson Jr Rockettes Glee Club Corps de Ballet Roxy (24) Count Basle Oro Ray Sax Peters Sis Gone Sheldon FlatbUHh (25-26) S Williams £ Dad Barkley Sis J Arena tk Pal Phlllla Willis Allen Reno Jamaica (20-22) The Socialites Deblll & Tanya H & R Mur<tuette Van Kirk Bobby Byron 3 Welles BOUND BROOK Brook (2S-26) Madeline .Holmes Mack & Desmond Paul McWIlllams Lucy Nash . Danny Chang CAMDEN Tower* (24-26) Graysons Jock Lane ft Birds Wood & Lanier George Freems 3 Claire Sis CHICAGO Oriental (23) Chuck Foster Ore Bob. Eberly Masters & Rollins Coco Steve & Eddie ELIZABETH Liberty (23-26) Van Kirk 'Al U Jean Johnston CLARK ItOS. New At Paramo ant, Naw Yorfc With DUKE ELLINGTON Aad Hi* Orcbatrra Placed hj' EDDIE SMITH 1AOI Broadway. New York linogene Coca' Mary Lou Williams. Udmund Hail Oro Carnival Milton Berle Hop, Skip; Jump . Elly Ardelty Stan Fisher Marlon Colby Uen Vost lingers Waller John Miriam Gwlnn Miriam LaVella Club IS Jerry Bergen Flora Vestofl Candi Cortex Roy Scil ley Flora Drake G Andrews Oro Club Sudan Patters'n & Jacka'n Leroy Carrlngton Canfleld & Lewis B Eckstine Oro Cbnucabana Deel Arnaz Ore Julie Wilson Bob Johnson Joey Gilbert Lynne Burrett Ernie Hoist Bd Haul & Eva ltaycs Diamond norsesbot Joe B Howard Lionel Kay* Watson Sis Friul Scned Ann Pennington Willie Solar Jacqueline Hurley Michael Edward Bill Acorn Emma Francis Jimmy Allison Bill Moore Four Rosebuds Vincent Travers Or Morty Reld Oro 460 Bestanrant Benny Goodman O ti'wlcb Village Ina Jan Merrill Ann Paige Carrie Flnnel B. S Pully , H S Gump Russ Carlyle Oro Havana-Madrid Nestor Chayres Virginia McGraw Don Casanova H'rls Cl're Shan'n Hotel Ambassadoi Grade Barrle signed for the Capi- tol theatre, N. Y., June 6, on the Ritz Bros. show. Jack Prince (23-26) Helen A Howard . Three Poms •Seed & White The MaTrcos Marlon Hut-roughs (23-24) Madeline Holmes Farrar St Barry 'Bob Laverne. ATI/ANTIC' CITY Steel I'lrr (2R-26) W &, J Brown Ballard & Hae Joey 'Bishop Acrom'anlaca (1 to fill)' BALTIMORE Hippodrome' (26) Lewis St Van Patsy Garrett J Mann St Llnde Jack Shea Mate (23-25) Holloway Sin Linda Parish Sonny Sparks The Gibsons (26-20) „ Palermo's Dogs Ralph English Jack Prlhco- Anthony & Rogers Morgan flis HARTFORD State (24-26) Eddie Bracken Tommy Dlx Whltson Bros Hosallnda Barbara O'Brien . .loan Barry . IIOLVOKE Valley Arena (26) C Thornhlll Ore KANSAS CITY ■ Tower. (24) Carlton Emmy .liiy Arnold llal Menken Wing & Wlngo NEW BEDFORD Balis* Sq (22-2S) Paul Gary 3 Fonzells The Harlnells Tom O'Neal PHILADELPHIA Carman (23) Taddy Cliff Hotel Talt Vincent Lopez Ora Hotel Waldorf-A Xavler Cugat Oro Mlsha Borr' Oro Iceland Alan King Una Cooper Eileen Doneen 5 Kings 4 Whirlwinds Lou Martin Oro Kelly's Stables Teddy Kaye 3 Osmund Sis Stella Brooks Rex Stewart Oro Nellie Hill Ln Conga Dlosa Costello Diane & Edwards Jose Curbello. Oro La Murtlnloa* Ben Blue Lcsaey St Mooro Roger Dannes Dixie Roberts Joe Candullo Ore Sacasus Ore . lAtln Quartet Jackie Miles Rndlo Aces Penny Edwards 3 Rays Don Saxon Esquires Marty Beck Oro Buddy Harlov/e Oro Loon * Bddlo'a Eddie Davis Sonny King Tony Kardyro Christine Johnson Howells Jo Ann Summers Madison Cat* Jan Call Jack Kerr Carl . Uarte Monica Boyar Sonny Kendis Oro .Monte Carl* Dick Gaaparr* O Roberto Slhrtlioy Old Bosnanlaa Jackie Philips HuiMiy' Lewis Jnrilnq Sc ParvlS Sadie Banks Mltnl Kellorraaa I Claire Sis Relon Boner Jo* La Port* Or* Riviera Louis Betancourl O Tea Lewis Ore Jules Land* Oro Hotel Astor Alvlno Rey Ore - Uaicl Belmont I'lnia Paul Regan Jack Fields Bob Russell. Kalhryn Duffy Dcrt Eddie Stone Ore Hotel Blllmor* Dick Stabile Oro Lathrop St Lee Phil D'Arcy JJd Mnrlnrle Knapp Hotel Commodore Hul McJnlyre Oro Uotel Dial* Al Trace Ore Hotel Kdlsoa Blue Barron Oro Essex noose Pancho Ore Hotel l^ilngloa Moml Kal Tapu Kau* Tallma Mail* Mokihana J Pineapple Oro Hotel Lincoln Buddy Morrow Oro. Zanzibar Rochester King Cole 3 Tip. Tap & To* Marie Ellington Maurice Rooco Howell St Bowser (Continued on page 58) Noro Morales Ore Roban Bleo Mervyn ' Nelson Maxine Sullivan. Vln noddle Muriel Gaines Cedrlc Wallace Trl* Bass Krctcnms Blanka Basil. Femeen N Alexandras Sari Gorbl Mlscha UzdanoB Irene FOodora Dara Bit's* KaravaefT Spur's Heel Splvy Daphne Hellman J. Marshall Stork Clok Morales Oro Versa me* Carl Drlsson Emll Petti Ore Village Ban Billy Kelly Paul & Vide Susan Cabot Jane Whit* Page- Morton Hert Stone Patsy Lane Jimmy Nola Tex Fletcher Village Van«a«r*) Eddy Manson - Eleanor Bower* Don Fry