Variety (Jun 1948)

tTedncBday, June 2S, 1948 parnmoumt!. N.Y^ Phil SrAtalny Orch, with Evelyn, Vinla Janet McClain, Jean Pate n^tto Kelly. Manlvn Martin, Phyl- lUi Jc^ce. Sibyl, Bowan; "Dream (Por), reviewed m Vahiety May 5, '48. His once black hair now well threaded with gray. Phil-Spitalny opens his session on the Paramount ctaee with a sentimental nod in tht direction of Bob Weitman, the theatre's managing director. Ob- viously a sign of having amved at the mellow stage of what is per- haps one of the most spectacular successes, in its own held, ol Amer- ican show business in the past dec- nrlp or two, Spitalny recalls for his midience how .it was that Weit- man Eave him his first important break following the organization of his all-girl instrumental and choral group, i Continuing in this vein of appre- ciative reminiscence, Spitalny con- fides to his audience how in tliose early days of trying to make a go of (toe act Weitman was one of the few persons in the trade who en- couraged hitn. And this is why, the audience is told, that he (Spitalny) cets a special sense of pleasure out o£ again playing the Paramount. Sentimentality may be the per- former's stock in trade, but mem- ories often run short .when it comes to gratitude, and, in any event, this particular tribute has an innately* earnest ring about it, and prefaces probably the most exciting pack- age of music and spectacle that Spi- talny has put together to date. One of the most misused words in the American vocabulary is "showmanship." Its assignment to practitioners of sheer dash and noise has torn it out of its sensitive shadings. Spitalny's current pres- entation contains one number espe- cially upon which the word "show- nianship" can be bestowed with all the discriminate intent of the term. It's his productive treat- ment of "Eili Eili,'- Offered as a tribute to" the new statehood of Israel,' the Hebrew chant is built up to a musical, dec- orative and emotional vibrancy that brings down the house. It is not only the high point of the hour's entertainment but about the sockiest interlude Spitalny has de- vised in years. At the performance caught the soloist on "Eili Eili" was Jean Pate, a lithe looker with a riclily dramatic contralto. (She alter- nates in this particular spot with Betty Kelly, a mezzo -soprano, dur- ing the four or five shows a day.) In any event Miss Paten's < ulition Is of a singular stirring diiucnsion, and the choral support behind her is a darb. The tejling decorative touches here are the use of the candelabra on .either side of the ' proscenium and'the flashing on the eye during the crescendo of a filmed shot of the Israel flag wav- ing in the breeze. Another standout item in the procession of standard interpa^ tional melodies, familiar Ameri- can and jazz idioms is the string interlude contered around Evelyn, violinist After a solo on "Nature Boy," in which she adds much melodic flavor to the hit's haunt- ing air, she takes up with the bow- wielders in the orchestra for a spirited arrangement of "Hora Staccato." Evelyn, as usual, blends brilliant instrumentation with solid salesmanship. Among the other potent per- ronners is the presider over the arums, Viola. As a skin-beater this goodlooking miss rates well among the best in her specialty, regard- less of sex. She has a hot miscel- lany ojE beat, rhythm and verve and the three-minute going over she applies to her seven tubs leads «P tb a big ovation. The trumpet section also furnishes somfe stellar specialization. Janet McClain, aft- ' ^Woving that she, like her neigh- por on the drums, can match mas- tery on the instrument with the B?» £ ™^ ""'"''^ contingent, joins SIX other trumpeters to do what sounded like an oldtime bandstand weatment of "My Old Kentucky fnw'lu Likewise noteworthy dur- ing the show are a flute passage by MfUyn Martin and PhyUis Joyce's "Siboneyon the theme of n,.rS?f®'°y's repertoire includes a version of "Sabre Dance" a choral on "Hockabye Baby." „?*«tter entails the use of a pho- nograph record, and while the num- thLS°"J?^^ eood it is one of those inmgs that could be omitted with- the Impact of tlie Cu*.?'*- The '.'National Emblem S "' accompanied by the pro- i„r??Ji,of revolving color wheels S?V""8 the stars and stripes, JtW^s an appropriate George M, nSi l"*^** to the proceedings. l-Vfc y interpolated act on the bill °^ ,?yWl Bowan. While her flnS,^l°1^t*Ws collect a steady S,i SiiucWes and applause, Miss »UWan doesn't sppm fn mnlrB a nnr- nOIJSK RKVIEWS 41 feet fit for this setup. Perhaps it's the sight of the bedpan, which she uses as a prop for her first number. However, the customers get a big kick out of Tier slyly contrived caricatures of Hildegarde and Beatrice Lillie. The show that Spitalny has on tap here contains the makings of a surefire contribution to television. pdec. Ap<illo, Y, King Cole Trio, Buck Claij(oii Orch (11), Morris Lowe Quartet, Count heroy, Howell & Bowser, MarccllusMVilson, Josafred; "Light- ning in the Forest" (Par). King Cole trio is the b:o. lure for this Harlem vaudery's current layout. Grooved into closing spot, the threesome score solidly. Sesh gets off to a torrid start with Buck Clayton's combo blasting out "Night Life" followed by guitarist Charlie Howard, who solos a neat "Awful, Awful Blues" for top re- turns. Mnsle Hall, BT. Y. Leon Leonidoff, Russell Markert presentation with Helene & How- ord, Ted & Flo VaUett, Music Sail bymphony Orch directed by Alex- ander Smallcns, Rockettes, Corps ae Ballet, Glee Chib, June For- rest, Von Grona, Margaret Sonde, Ktchard Tctley-Kordos. Settings, Bruno JWoine; c/ioreogropfii/, Flor- ence Rogge; costwnes, James Ste- wart Morcom^ Marco Mont'edoro; hghting, Eugene Braun. "The Em- peror Waltz" '{Par); rewicitied in "Variety," May 5, '48. Radio City Music Hall nods in direction of the conventions of Republicans and Demos with its current layout. Result is a good blend of showmanship in the better MH traditions. Show is divided into two parts with a newsreel separating. In- trusion of the clips gives the pa- tronage a chance to get ready for the change of mood, and allows the deckhands to strike the heavy sets. The serious aspects of the show I come with Alexander Smallens' in- . terpretation of "Let Freedom Comes oft" stand for impressions of Ruby Keeler, et al and closes with some spirited stepping on the table again to garner hefty palmwhacks. Gal vocalist billed only as Josa- fred pipes a so-so "She's Funny That Way" paving the way lor comic, quasi-emcee Marcellus Wil- son. Opens with some comedy pat- ter then contribs a mediocre trum- pet solo of "I Surrender Dear" for fair salvo. Joins with Clayton's band to toot a hot "Old Mr. Bos- ton,'' then lapses into a tired mono- logue about his marital life which should either be punched up or eliminated. ' : Morris Lane quartet struts its stuff before a scrim separating them from Clayton's crew. Com- prising piano, sax, drum and bass, the boys open with a hot tune then cool off with "September Song" for good results. Fadeout finds scrim lifting to weld both outfits for "Session at the Phih-amonic." With all stops pulled, the customers are slayed by Lane's smash saxing; Comedy team of Howell & Bow- ser, a competent pair, plays this house too frequently to rely upon the same material. Straiglit man displays fair voice in warbling a pair of tunes self-accompanied on uke. Also dpes some okay fiddling. Mainstay of the turn, however, is its gags which prove quite familiar with most of the house. Fresher humor is definitely in order. King Cole trio provides a sock finale with piano, guitar and bass polishing off crack arrangements of 'Deep Blue Sea, "Sentimental Thing to Do" and "I've Go a Way with Women." Latter two are neat- ly reprised by ijianist Nat Cole, who continues his sugary piping with "Route 66" and wows 'em with his classic "Nature Boy." Gtlb. and "P\per Doll,' and a recently recorded tune "What You Don't Know Don't Hurt You." Wind up stint, .and wrap up the show with swell piping of "Lazy Blver'* and "Across the Alamo." Joe Venuti backs the quartet, and dishes out some nice subdued tunes with a combo of Venuti's fiddle, piano, bass drums, trumpet, clarinet and guitar. Opens with a jumpy ditty of Venuti's composi- tion, "Mystery." Also feature maes- tr. in"Wildcat," and get good re- sults and "Summertime." Close with a jam session on "Lady Be Good," plenty good. Sonny Sparks, m.c., introqs the oilier two acts, and has his own spot for a bit of clowning. Wins good hand for his"Babalu" im- pression, and garners laughs with bluisli gags. Kathie Moore, tapster, fetching- ly dressed in an old rose gown, goes over well with her rhythm tcrps. Dottie Dare, diminutive vo- calist, paces through "Exactly- Lilce You," "Don't Blame Me" and "After V^ou've Gone." v The scenic staff ha's done itself proud in the depiction of these items. They've captured the sweep and pageantry of these events in an applause winning manner. The second portion continues with the convention theme in a medley of Gershwin tunes. The "Wintergreen for President" num- ber gives an opportunity for con- vention parades and provides a nice setting for Ted and Flo Val- lett's flag waving and. baton twirling turn. They get some pic- turesque effects with the tricky twirls and off to nice mitting. The line of Rockettes further brighten this sequence with their top pre- cision work. The Glee Club with June For- rest as soloist also provide ah en- tertaining interlude with a well^ arranged medley. Miss Forrest scores with her rendition of "Sum- mertime." The light touch of Helene and Howard's comedy terps comes in handy at this ooint. Starting out in a straight ballroom vein, pair switch to roughhouse antics for top results. Finale is devoted to the Corps de Ballet's interpretation of "Rhapso- dy in Blue." While the choreog- raphy is on the pretentious side there are enough theatrical mo- ments to satisfy the demands of this house. - Premiere danseuses Von Grona and Margaret Sande display good terp-pattern in this number. Richard Tetley-Kardos fills the orchestral background with his piano soloing. Josc^ Olynipia, Miami Miami, June 19. Dollj/ Dawn, Bobby Sargent, Maude Hilton &'Co., The WMrl- aways, 3 Winter Sisters. Les Rhode House Orch; "Winter Meeting" (WB). Long-Playing Disks Continued from page 35 Texas, San Antonio San Antonio, June 15. Red River Doue's Western Jam- boree with Diana Hart, Adolph Hoffner and his band (6); Bill Shomette, Tuffy Dale, Lou Eriicr- son. Bud Whaley, Big Bill Lister, Melody Mixers (2); "Adventures in Silverado" (Gol) ond "Echo Rone'." (U-l). to pure ,ase one of the special turntables at $29.95 so as to per- form the new disks is a question Columbia will soon . find: the an- swer to. philco has also built new combinations enabling record- lovers to use both conventional and Microgrpove disks (uses two tone arms), one sells for $469 and the other $750. With television ad-< vancing rapidly, an investment in either of the large Philcos may not be to the public's taste.j So far, the majority of CBC's efforts relative . to the new disk have been confined to classical lZ- inch sides, plus standard pop mu- sic transferred from albums in its catalog, to 10-inch sides. These sell at $4.85 foj- the larger disks, which carry 45 minutes of music, and $3.85 for the smaller, which carry up to 27 minutes of material. The 12-inchers carry music that would cost $7.50 on conventional disks. Columbia implies that sooner or later is will produce pop dislcs of current songs via the new process. Many publishers and industry men feel that the company wiU run into plenty trouble if it does, since each ■side would "carry a minimum of four numbers. Unless, however, such disks are confined to present- ing film and show scores, record buyers like to replay to build men- tal pictures of the originating ve- hicle. It's pointed out that in the past many record men have at- tempted to give buyers bargains consisting of three and four tunes on a conventional side, but If the songs employed are not all hits, or, at least three out of four are hits, the public won't buy. Interstate Theatres is present- ing a revue headlining WOAI sing- ing star Bed River Dave and a host of other western talent in conjunction with his latest fihn, "Echo Ranch." It's a fast moving 60 minute stanza^ Entire group are on elevator stage and come out of the pit to the now familiar theme of Dave, "Is The Range' Still The Same, Back Home." Cowpoke displays a pleasing personality and handles m.c. chores in neat style. Also vo- cals "Texarkana Baby" and duets with Tuffy Dale in "Slap Her Down Again Paw." Miss Dale is also heard m own slot with guitaring, vocal of "Any- time" and a neat tap routine lor nice returns. , , , v Comedy is contribbed by Lou Emerson, folk ballad singer, wlio teams with Dave for clown ses- sion, also comedy song, "Beautilul Morning Glory". . Bud Whaley of KMAC, and Big Bill Lister, of the KABC "Cowboy Hill Billy Parade,' are pitted against each other ;n disk jockey session on Rose Murphy .s "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" and "Steel Guitar Rag. Jocks mouth to • recordings and rib each other for more solid lun. Diana Hart, Dave's yis-a-yis in "Echo Ranch," offers line of Hol- lywood chatter and warbles ban Antone" to good response. Adolph Hoffner and band, tiom KTHA do hep versions ot t-oi- l^n E^ed Joe'' and "San^Antonio Also background other acts Current layout is a fast moving affair, with the participants offing to solid reaction. Dolly Dawn is a fave here, and scores with a smartly devised rou- tine of pop numbers. The twink- ling redhead" garners steady palm- ing with her versions of "Shine", "Sunny Side of the Street," and "Nature Boy." . . , Mistress of ceremonies is Maude Hilton. Vet performer handles the introes in easy, effective man- ner and in own spot works with attractive unbilled gal partner in comedy canto for nice returns. The Whirlaways turn in breath- taking roller-skating with^ the flings, spins and groupings making impact on the palm-pounders. Male comedy spot is handled by Bobby Sargent, mimic, whose take- offs to Charles Laughton and Groiicho Marx are standout. Throws in other character im- preshes that add flavor to an okay turn- , ,. X Aci-0 work of three Winters sis- ters contains enough tumbling, tosses and flips to bring solid mitts. LeS Bliode and house orch are okay on the backgrounding. Lary. New Acts JAY JAYSON Comedy 20 MJns. . Clover Club. Miami Jay Jaypon is a comic-impres- sionist who can enter the ranks o£ potent young comics that are a bet tor the better bistros and vauders, once he finds a set routining that will eliminate the blue stuff. Howlmakers among his routines are the takeoffs on radio crooners, on the old timeris and the rapid gags tossed in between. Weakness at the momCint is his tendency to toss in tliose blue lines when , he feels the aud slipping away; his army routine, which, though effect- ive is by now, old hat, despite the twist he applies anent the new ; draft law, and a corney flag waving closer which utilizes "Freedom Train" as the kernel. His timing is tops, appearance good and the run of gags above average. ' Lary. THE ALBERTAS (8) Dance 8 Mins. Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. The Albertas, mixed dance team, «how possibilities with ballroom terping mixed with magic. In their opening number, they excite interest by their cigaret palming While terping. It's good for hearty returns. Their comedy terps, however, need better conception. The gen- eral outline of their zanyisms is too forced and frequently doesn't come off. A rearrangement of this routine 'and broadening of their magic work: would improve turn considerably. Jose. dwsft't seem to make a per- capably. Bjz good. ^nay. National, L'vllle LouisuiUc, June 17. .Mills Bros., Kathy Moore, Dottie Dare, Sonny Sparks, Jce Venuti Orch (7): "BMffolo Bill JRides Again" (PR O- This is the first stage layout after a few weeks of straight jpic- tures, and is a clear indication that this '2,400-seater really can stack ■em in when it gets proper attrac- tions The Mills Bros, are the draw currently, and the four lads and a guitar are smoother with the har- mony and slick appearance than on their previous dates here. They intersperse .just enough good hu- mored fun and sly mannerism to p ant them solidly with the cus- tnmers Blend theif voices in top style "with "Manana." "TiU Then" Cafes Set Pace s= Continued iront pace 1 as other of the Palumbo cabaret chain. Willie'Howard is the main event at Mort Gasway's Celebrity Room, and Bonnie Baker tops the special production honoring the GOP at Jack Lynch's Latin Casino. Two fihn world premiers mark the conven- tion week festivities. "On An Island With You" staged its debut at the Goldman, and the Sarle of- fers Henry Morgan's starrer, "So This Is New York," tomorrow (24) in a special bid for delegates. The famed Robin Hood Dell will witness the downbeat just about the time the Republicans are hear- ing the keynote speech. Amparo Iturbi (Jose's sister) and . Hazel Scott are the convention week guest stars, with Dimitri Mitro- poulos conducting the summer edi- tion of the Philadelphia Orch. The Curfew With the Convention well under way, licensees here are still wait- ing for the go-signal and the cops to relax about enforcing Philly's 2 a.m. curfew laws. The lid is on for gambling, and as far as could be seen there is none of the free-and-easy get-it-up attitude that marked the Demo- cratic Convention of 1936. Accord- ing to the best reports, the vice squad' paid visits to several mid- town spots over the week-end. The mere word of this was sufficient to put ,the -more timid spirits promptly on good behavior. Nevertheless, there was plenty of grumbling. What's the point of spending a quarter-million to bring the conventions here, and then throw the damper of a two o'clock curfew over the whole thing? GEE & WHIZ Dance 9 Mins. Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. The peculiarly labeled Gee and Whiz are an energetic tap team that should be able to satisfy most audiences.' During their stint.'they give the dance-floor a considerable lacing in a pair of numbers de« signed to point up youthful energy. Their routines are far from subtle, but that's an item that will ultimately be attained with greater experience. Also needed is a few applause winning tricks. So far,- results are obtained on the good overall impression of their turn. Jose. lIlARRY PRIME Soiisrs 7 Mins., Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. Harry Prime, who hit radio's big- time with his regular appearances on the Chesterfield Supper Club, is making his N. Y. cafe bow iii a manner that indicates he'll also do well in that field. His pipes are okay and he has good projection. He's yet to learn the knack of working in large rooms. His pres- ent projection is geared for intime spots and he'll have to up voice vol- ume before he can establish liim« self in the cafe and vaude fields. . Jose. ROSITA MORENO Dance 7 Mins. Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. Rosita Moreno does a blend of flamenco and other type Latin terps for fairly good effect. She shows essential skill in this line, but present routines are weak. She displays a good quota of taps in the early part of her turn. Her capework is also okay, but there's little sweep to her Latin terps. Miss Moreno although costumed nicely, should pay like attention to her footwear. Jose. JUDITH BLAIR Songs 6 Mins. Leon & Eddie's, N. Y. In two brief numbers, Judith Blair makes a fairly good im- pression, 'Her pipes are good and she projects well. Opening with "Love Is Sweep- ing the Country" and following with "Pretty Baby," she's able to hold interest of audience. How- ever, she's yet to gain sufficient styling for the plushier spots. ____ Jose, British Songwriter Joins Merry Macs Vocal Trio Landon, June 22. The Merry Macs are changing tlicir personnel. Manchester Erard, British vocalist and songwriter will replace Lynn Allen. Latter is returning to U, S. on Hollywood commitment. Erard was associated with «h« Ambrose Bros, vocal trio before the war^ and has appeared in many stage shows since.