Variety (January 1910)

VARIETY 19 Daring a ehoroi nbNml at tha California Florence Vaneehorn, a member of the cborue, fall a prey to too rapaelooa dutch of ona of Martha Fiorina's leopards, which are kept op stage. Tha chorna wn rehearsing aoma now atepa In front of tbt cage. Tha glrl'a dram waa awlrlad against It and inatantly clutched by the baaat, who pulled bar up agalnet the ban, clawing bar clothing to abrade. Her companions seised her from tha mad- dened leopard, but their effort* were futile. Giv- ing a vlcf-ma laah with bis paw tha sleeve of tha unfortunate glrl'a drew waa torn away *nd her arm cut by lta claws. The Tlclooaneea of the blow canted It to looae lta bold and Mas Vaneehorn waa dragged to safety. Three of the glrla fainted and the others mere hysterical. Miss Vsncehorn's Injuries will not prove fatal. giving her an even month In this dty at special matinee performances. In Geo. Blessdsle, who Is superintending the Iron work construction of their Market Street tbestre, the Qrauniana have secured one who has the distinction of having built the Theatre Bon Marche, Paris, Theatre Royal, Leicester and Northampton, England, and various other bouses scattered throughout the provinces, snd Germany snd Scotland. He also superintended the con- struction of the old Chutes on Fulton Street, be- sides all the race tracks In California and a ma- jority of those throughout the country. Ells Herbert Weston has secured the booking of Alleu Doone snd Edna K el ley, who have bean playing Australia for some time. Zelaya, the laughing hyena, a new addition to the Chutes Zoo, Is proving a great feature. BOSTON By MOBTOM BIBOE, VARIETY'S Boston Representative. 82 Summer Street. AMERICAN (Lindsay Morrison, mgr.; agent, Wllllsm Morris).—With a strong bill, containing several favorltea and a new "mystery" act, the American drew strougly on the opening perform- ances. Mile. Alice Lorette and her white ststue dog. "Ben," open the bill. The set goes good here. Irving Jones and Burt Grant had troubles all their own on the opening night on account of Grant, the "straight" man, miscalculating fifteen minutes on the time of stsrtlng the bill. He kept Jones out In "one" for several minutes waiting for him. Jones did his best, but, between trying to watch the house with one eye and the entrances with the other, be waa plainly worried. Jonea got a laugh on bis Irish conductor's yarn finally, tben Grant showed up and the team closed In good shape with patter and dances. Wilfred Clarke and Co. In "What Will Happen Next" went with the usual rush. "The Lady in Black" waa next (Now Acts). Cliff Gordon got a hand on his entrance and had the house with him all the way. Severln and Co. in pantomime, "Con- science," was strong headllner, getting five cur- tslns. Nellie Wallace, eccentric comedienne, re- vested her success of lsst week. Bswson snd June, spears snd boomerang, closed well. KEITH'S (Geo. Clsrk, mgr.; agent, U. B. O.). —With extra heavy attendance on account of Loie Fuller's "Ballet of Light," the Keith bill for the week ruus strong. Hugh Lloyd opens it with bis bounding rope act. Lloyd drew an early hand. His violin on the rope went big, and the blind- folded stunt closed the set floe. Harry B. Lester did better with imitations, which closed bis act, than he did with bis opening songs and stories. Mr. snd Mrs Perkins Fisher In "The Half-Way House." good throughout and pleased. Hswtborne and Burt's chatter and dance to close were a con- tinuous laugh. Murphy, Nichols and Co., in "The School of Acting," a scream with heavy encore. I»le Fuller's "Ballet of Light" (New Acts). Charles Dooln and James McCool got opening band. Dooln's- query about being as good sn actor as "Mike" Donlln raised a laugh, and both Dooln and McCool scored In songs. Jesse L. Lasky's "Im- l»erlal Musicians" went well. Dollar Troupe, acro- bats, closed. HOWARD (J. Hunt, mgr.; agent, direct).— Williams' "Imperials," with Zasel's marble statues, In the olio. House bill includes Idania Girls, acrobats; Perry Sisters, pajama act; Alva York, singer; Shorty and Lillian De Witt, knock- about; Martini and Fabrlni, eccentric; Caprice l4»wls, trapese; Mae Nash, songs; Bernstein and Griff. "Preparing for the Fray." CASINO (Charles Waldron, mgr.; agent, direct). —Arnold's "Serenaders," 4 Londons, aerlallsts, added feature. GAIETY (G. II. Batcheller, mgr.; agent, di- rect).—Irwin's "Gibson Girls." COLUMBIA (Harry Farren, mgr.; agent, di- rect).—Miner's "Americans." Wrestling, Wednes- day, Perrclll vs. Carl Smith; amateurs, Friday. BOWDOIN SQUARE (A. L. Griffin, mgr.; agent, Rd. Kellcy).—IiOthrop Stock in "The Two Lod- gers" and "Nobody's Daughter." Vaudeville bill Includes Van Serly Sisters, dancing; Delmar and O'Dell. acrobats; Mason and Doran, comedy; Grace Mantell, songs; Ralph Daly, songs. HUB (Joe Mack, mgr.; agent, William Morris). —Dorsch and Russell, musical; Kelley and Parks, comedy; Anna Malone, ballads; Camllle Falar- riaux. chnnteuse; Csrl and Clea Sisters, s. and d.; Catherine Grey, songs; Harry Neumsn, comedy. NEW PALACE (I. W. Moslier, mgr.; agent. Na- tional).— Orr Lovett Co.; Bob and Bertha Hyde, Mile. Rlcardo, Bernard and Hill, Maurice Rltter, Kipp and Klppy, Le Beggs and Co., Todesca Keat- ing: Trio. Kennedy and Vincent; pictures. WASHINGTON (Nat Burgess, mgr.; agent, Na- tional).—flwaskatas, Lillian Devere, Australian Trio, Dan Weston, Coleman and Mertln, 8acbs and Harding; pictures. OLD SOUTH (Nat Burgess, mgr.; agent. Na- tional).—Allison Sisters. Cbagnons, Joe Smith, Smith and Walker, Falkner and Cole, Alamaba Trio; pic tures. PASTIME (Franke Browne, mgr.; agent. Na- tional).—Elsa Ford, Will Connors, Billy Hall; pic- tures. STAR (Campbell, mgr.; agent. National).— Louise Whitney, Frances Gould, James Brltton, Harry Codaire; pictures. There was a benefit performance at the Colonial 20, under direction of the Massachusetts Bodety, D. of B., to ralae funds for the Sallore' Bevdu- tlonary monument at Annapolis. The benefit waa to have been at the HolUs, but wss transferred to the Colonial on account of the extenalon of Ruth 8t. Denis' matinees. The bill Included Wllllsm Hodge and support from "A Man From Home" at the Park; Lew Dockstader from the Globe; Oedl Lean and Florence Hoi brook from "Bright Byea" at the Boatoo; Louise Dresser and members of "Dick Whlttlngton" st the Majestic; the third act of "Rebecca" from the Tremont; Adeline Genee and support from "The Sliver Star" at the Coloulal. The Taliaferro Sisters held s reunion here lsst Wednesday. Edith Is starring In "Rebecca of Sunnybiook Farm" at the Tremont In thla city. Mabel la starring in "Springtime," which played I*rovldeuce thla week. Mabel chartered a special traiu Wednesday for herself and the entire ."Springtime" compauy to come to Boston and at- tend the Tremont performance. The longest whiskers In csptivlty ere in Boston for the first time. They are attached to the chin of Allster Wllkle, of Scotland, and they measure eleven feet snd one Inch over all. Allster is look- ing the town over snd msy sppear here profes- sionally if he gets a contract which ia acceptable to hla canny Scots ldeaa. Last summer he was the whiskered wonder of Hsmmersteln's Roof, New York. Jeff Davis, vaudeville manager for the Moore Amusement Company, has added six new bouses to bis booking string. Tbey are: Lyric, Natlck; Pastime. Plymouth; Lyceum, Maynard; Broadway, Somervllle; Star, Lowell; Franklin Opera House, Nashua, N. H. "The Shubcrt," on Tremont street, Just above the Majestic, opens 24, with Sothern and Marlowe In a two weeks' repertoire engagement. This will give the Shuherts practically three local houses to rive of the syndicate. The Sbuberts control the Majestic and put their bookings in at the Globe under an arrangement tbey have had since Oct. 18. 1900, with the United States Amusement Com- pany. The opening play will be "The Taming of the Shrew." Seats for the first night were sold by Invitation instead of by auction. Any aeats left on Thursday morning were sold from the box efflce. Darkest Dorchester, one of our most populous suburbs, contains several score relatives of Ger- trude Quintan, the Boston girl, who has the lead- ing role In "Miss Patsy," the latest Henry W. Savage production. The bit which Miss Qulnlan Is scoring In her new "Patsy Bolivar" role la naturally a source of delight to the old folka at home. Jack Johnson, who was an added feature at the Howard Athenaeum week 10, played two unex- pected dates in the local court and broke even on them. Early in the week be was ordered Into court on an old automobile charge banging over from last summer. "I'll be there," said Johnson earnestly to the cops who brought tbe summons, "I've a heap of respect for tbe courts." Jack waa fined $25 ou two counts and tbe third waa put on probation. The following Friday started to be unlucky for blin, too, for he was brought Into court on complaint of a taxi driver, who com- plained Johnson slugged blm. Judge Parmenter asked: "Did you hit tbls man. Mr. Johnson?" Jttck replied: "If I had bit blm he'd show It, your Honor." Discharged. Durlug the week Johnson wss examlued by Dr. Dudley A. Sargent, head of Harvard's physical department, who aald Johnson was "In splendid physical condition and could fight hard." James J. Corbett was scheduled for the week "4 at the American Music Hall, but, owing to the Illness of "Consul," the Morris monk, Corbett goes to Chicago. Opening* at local theatres 24 include: Jeff dc Angells In "The Beauty Spot" at the Majestic; Bert Williams In "Mr. Ixsle of Koal" at tbe Globe; "The Girl from Rector's" at the Boston, and "The Worklngman's Wife" at the Grand Opera House. There is extra Interest attaching to the first Boston performance of "The Girl from Rector's" at the Boston Theatre 24 on account of the cen- sorship of previous productions of the debatable type. General Manager C. Wesley Fraser, of the Na- tional HiKtklng Office, has returned from a trip to New York, where he was securing new material for his circuit, which now numbers about forty houses In all. On his way back to Boston* be stopped over at Rlvcrpolnt, It. I., and gathered in the Thornton there for his string. Morle Victoria Is singing on her eighth week at the Empire. "Pick" Shcpplck, assistant stage manager at Keith's Host on house, has gone to the Jersey City house to take charge of the stage. Fred Mnrdo. manager of William Morris' Boston office, has annexed three uew ones: Orpbeuin, Dover. N. II.; Gorman's, South Framlngham; and Bijou, Worcester. Mm- Mark, manager of tbe Lynn and Combine, T ynn. has returned from a two weeks' health trip to that Dear Old Wesbaden, Indiana. The engagement of Ruth St. Denis In ber Hindu dances at the Hollla waa extended another week, "Dirk Wblttlng." on Its closing week at the Majestic, Introduced another novelty here Monday night In the "nird ballet" from New York Hippo- drome. The ballet carries fifty persons. PHILADELPHIA BY eXOBGl X. TOUVO. KEITH'S (H. T. Jordan, mgr.; agent, U. B. O.).—It waa a lucky thing for the bill thla week that Nat WlUa waa on hand. The "Happy Tramp" was down next to closing snd very bsdly needed. Up to this spot the show, while big snd Interesting In spots, hsd not bit anything strong and tbe house on Monday waa Jnst hungry for a big langh. Wills proved the obliging kid. He Just pulled one of bis songs snd tben sent over s couple of snapshots on local bits. From here on it was plain sailing, for with bis "Hor- tense" stuff and several of tbe best parodlea, be has ever used here be went through flying. The big novelty offering 1b "A Night In a Billiard Parlor" (New ActB). Kathleen Clifford, who ap- peared before in a condensed version of "Top O' tbe World," presented "Betty in Dreamland" much like the other sketch, but not as good. A lot of stuff has been lifted from various pieces and there la an attempt to put a big finish to it with a chorus of men and women, but the thing never did reach very far. The musical numbers are not pretty or well done and the story is disjointed. Arthur Hill did some good work as a dog. Tbe best Miss Clifford did was to work hard. Tbe Pncks did nicely with their singing and dancing apeclalty, new here. The telephone number made a big bit and the act went through well. Helene Greatrex, a clever whistler, waa very well liked. She la a nice looking girl, makea an attractive appearance and whistles well. She also displayed wisdom In selecting catchy numbers and did not have to coax very much to have the audience whistle with her for the finish. Apdale's Animals made good, as usual. Tbe small bear is doing some great work now and one or two tricks by the dogs is way above tbe average. It makea a dandy number. Sammy Burns and Alice Fulton worked through several minutes of singing and dancing before they struck their right spot. Tbls was some cleverly handled acrobatic danc- ing at tbe very finish. It should have come sooner and Burns should cut out tbe imitation of Laddie Cliff, which is not even close. Wil- lard, Bond and Co. did better than usual In tbe opening spot. It was rather a handicap, but tbe house took to tbe horse-play and the act closed to warm applause. The Three Nevaros closed the show nicely with their neatly done aerobatics and balancing. WILLIAM PENN (Geo. Metxel, mgr.; agent direct).—Franceses Redding and Co. in "Hono- rs," Dllla and Templeton, Kurtls' Roosters, Manuel Romaln and Co., Gallando, Mamie Rem- ington and picks. Pictures. LIBERTY (M. W. Taylor, mgr.; agent, Tay- lor dc Kaufman).—Herman Trio, Tbe Raymonds, Francella and Lewis, Tbe Boydella, Leslie Thurston. Pictures. FRANKLIN (Welnsteln * La bell, mgrs.; agent, Taylor & Kaufman).—Herald Square Quartet, Geeban and Spencer, Ethel Golden. Tony Baker, Bosanquet. Pictures. PABK (Fred G. Nixon-Nlrdllnger, mgr.; agent direct).—The Universe, electrical act; Herbert. Marie Stuart and Co., sketch "From 18 to 00," Donnelly and Carroll, Edith Montrose and Co.. sketch; De Alma and May. Pictures. PEOPLE'S (Fred G. Nlxon-Nlrdllnger, mgr.; agent direct).—Farrell, cartoonist; Ward and Lynch, Maud Scott, George Barren, Haslam. Pictures. FOREPAUGH'S (Miller ft Kaufman, mgrs.; agent, Taylor ft Kaufman).—Marrlot Twins, Carmen and Esphey, Mylle and Ortb, Arnold and Felix. Pictures. PLAZA (Frank Mlgone. mgr.; agent, Taylor ft Kaufman).—AdJI and lions, Levis and Lloyd, Samuels and Chester, Boutlne and Tllson. Dan McGarrlgle. Pictures. MANIIEIM (Fuhrman Bros., mgrs.; agent, Taylor ft Kaufman).—Four Lorettos, I/eo and Chapman. Helen Stuart. Pictures. EMPIRE (Sandford ft Western, mgrs.; agent, Taylor ft Kaufman).—Robinson Trio. Lolo Mil- ton and Co., Mark and Laura Davis, Gussle Flamtne, Bosanquet. Pictures. OEM (Morris ft Amk, mgrs.; agent, Taylor ft Kaufman).—Orvllle and Frank, Tagnarello Duo, Stella Itlnehart Pictures. VICTORIA (Jay Mastbaum, mgr.; agent, M. P. C. O. A.).—Bill this week bit a blgb average from start to finish, though one of tbe big features did not help a great deal. This was Roslta, who has gone In for the much over-worked "Salome" thing. Rosle calls hers "The Worship Dance," but its like a lot more, and she never gets far away from the beaten path. At times she gives evidence of being some contortionist, snd might make sn Impression along this line. The Herbert Trio of acrobats put over the big noise act. It Is a long time si .ice a straight tumbling act made such a hit. The men are clean cut workers and have a nicely arranged routine of tricks. Lillian Murtba also went through with a rush. She has two or three songs and a few gags that could be improved, but she has tbe ability to put them over In tbe right way and proved a winner all the way. The llainmersleys presented a nicely mounted singing turn. There are four men and a woman In this numl»er and tbey carry a special setting. The winging pleased, and the act was very well liked. St. Clair and Butler also won favor with their singing, but have framed up their act wrong in dressing. The wearer of the evening clothes should change at once. The outfit does not belong In the act, and It makes the other man lr>ok bad. Walt.m and West Is a sister act, which has Improved some since seen last, hut still has a distance to go to get right. The girls try to put too much* expression In their songs. Neither have gotsl voices, but their efforts show up the weakness. The planolog portion does a lot for the act. The Chameroys did nicely with some ncrobntlcH. a woman working as the undcrstandcr, doing very well In this position. II. and L. Whlt- comb. in a rural offering and some whistling, and Elverton. a biitou and gun spinner, were the ethers. Pictures. PALACE HV. Harrltt. mgr.; agent, M. P. C. o.s' A ». — Wlllsi'd's Temple of Music proved a big hit this week. The Ahearns were well liked lu a neatly dressed acrobatic act. The pair works a bit too slow, but handle all their tricks cleanly. Holt and Armstrong hardly reached with a slog ing turn. The girl needs a lot of study In put- ting a song over, and the man should hunt up some one to tell him how to dress. Wbltely snd Bell. In s Kinging and talking turn, pleased with- out much effort. The remainder of the bill waa made up of Angelo, Kalston and Son. Kosalle Sis- ters, and Gormley and Adubato, with the usual reels of pictures. TROCADBRO (Charles Cromwell, mgr.).—Who- ever framed up the show for "The Ducklings" had a first rate idea for a burlesque show, but did not carry It out, at least the Idea conveyed by tbe first quarter of an hour of the opening was shattered until It was entirely lost In the second section. Last mason I»uie Dacre was at the bead of "Tbe Ducklings," and ber evident unwlll In guess to allow others In the show to get to the front pat a handicap on the entire entertainment that bung to it from start to finish. This season Charles Boyle and Fred Bulla divide up the work almost to even terms, the former going through In fine shape In the first part and then hitting the floor in tbe burlesque, while Bulla never gets very far at any stage. This is because tbe pair never deviate from tbe much beaten path of slapstick comedy. Tbe first part Is called "The Janitor," hut the action suggests several other titles that would fit It better and upon which a much im- proved show could be given if developed. Nothing Is new. In the first part there Is an attempt to stick to a story of light texture, but it is never very close sticking, sud with everything going st top speed tbe piece gets over with fairly good results. Boyle handles most of the comedy ami secures plenty of laughs, working bard and taking chances liberally. Bulla is a much better foil here than later, but he plays an Irish character without convincing anyone that he can go througb on hla merits. Tbe other men do not appear prominently, though Frank Damsel doea a lot with a couple of bits and gives evidence of belug able to handle something worth while to advantage. He is badly dressed for tbe straight part in the burlesque. Frances Farr, Lillian Raymond and Lilly George form a trio of useful women prin- cipals, though neither show a great deal except In the numbers. Miss Farr ought to feature promi- nently, for ahe la a aprightly aoubret, can sing and puts lots of life In everything she does. For Miss. Raymond they have lifted some lines and business from tbe "American Idea," but Misa Raymond does not do much with It. Her best work is In tbe numbers she leads. Once or twice Lillian dons tights and adds something on her figure. Miss George goes slowly until she reaches a bit of business with a couple of schooners of beer In the burlesque, and here ahe waa letter perfect. "Tbe One Night Opera" is given aa tbe title of the burlesque, but It might better he called "Advertis- ing Boose," for this is what it does moBt. Boyle, In the role of a tramp bartender, goes In for al- most every bit of business that has ever been seen in this sort of a piece and one or two that may be his. Anyway It is a slop from start to finish, and he gets a lot of laughs on It. Just why any- one thinks this sort of stuff is funny la a ques- tion, but tbey seem to, and Boyle waa Just as funny as sny other comedian that baa need It. Odd bite of comedy, well worn, made np tbe re- mainder of the piece. The first part was kept at good speed by a lilteral supply of numbers handled by a lively chorus. The producer certainly drilled tbls bunch into taking encores, for tbey never lost a chance and did not need coaching. Two or three numbers led by Boyle uncovered some pretty raw verses and dialog with the girls working It up, but It Is a good bunch of girls and tbey ought to Ik- doing better. Eva Goodale, who must have lost her Job with Watson's "Beef Trust" for get ting thlu, holds a spot In the front row and once appears ns a model, a fat girl lu the middle of the line got ulmost as many laughs as the comedian*, ami showed her good disposition by not getting angry when the football, which Is kicked Into the audience, was returned and hit her on the Jaw that must have made her see stars. There Is another blonde, on the end of the line, who holds her hair on with a black band, who Is acting more than the principals all the time, but was not much noticed until she appeared In red tights, wblch needed a lot of mending. As a matter of fact, the entire costume outfit could stand a good overhauling and cleaning. Faytell, who was prob- ably tbe fat chorus girl, opened tbe olio with III. songs and pleased. Bulla and Raymond offered a talky sketch, which dragged. Damsel and Farr got through In a |»oorly framed up singing spe- cialty, and Hoy Mohh-r and Frank Martin, with the Hall Sisters from the chorus, did fairly well with their dancing act. "The Ducklings" could be whipped into a very good show If that a|>eed thing In the first part was not allowed to stop. Quick action will do a lot for A burlesque show, especially when there Is ns good n bunch of girls with It as there Is In this one. Comedy In bur- limine only gois a certain distance, and the poorer the comedy the shorter (he route. No longdls tunc** records will be broken by the show. CASINO (Ellas A Koenlg. mgrs.). -'Cracker Jacks. " Itl.lOtT (<). M. Bullauf. mgr.). "I.ndy Hue eanecrs." (JAVETY (Eddie Shiivne. mgr. ■. -"Renti Sant ley." ST. LOUIS By FRANK E. ANFENOER. COl.r.MlMA d-'rank Tale, mgr.; agent, Or pheiiiii ( .'•hiii Ihiee 111 others MaM-agul, Dim hie and fmiii> ; I'.ill Mann, n Ml In minstrelsy: Callfoni.'i i.i'-N, gifted; Waller \aw\h and Co.. In '"A l'.:ii '.rand."' entertaining; Dig City Quar- ter. -I Ihains and !>>lla Mclnlyre, hits; Edna Ami' nrtji.vH good and as goo<| as ever; Calcedo. In an ait on the wire. Next week: Dazle, I'uul Sto'loiil, MeConnell and Simpson. Cnrllii and ( lark, (toss and Josephine, Paul Klelst, tthayne ami King, Ilusscll and De Verne. <K\M> (Charles Wallace, mgr.; agent. <>r pliciim Circuit).— Cacana, wire act; Willie Solar ami Alice Rogers, sketch; John World and Mlti dell Kingston; Slg. Luciano Lm ■< a; Mr. and Mrs. Gardner Crane and Co.. In "Plxley's Prodi- gal Parents"; Jlmmle Lucas and U-.li and Tip Co. complete a go.sl hill. Next week: Malsd Bar dine and Co., Lone and o'Doiiucl], Median's