Variety (August 1949)

Wednesday, Auguit SI, 1949 Xhe Kids Break Thru Hollywood, Aug. 28. Horace Heidt production of mudeville revue featuring ama- tgur talent; staging and choreog- raohv, Al White, Jr.; produced and directed by Heidt; inusical direc- tnr Vic Galente. Opened at El Capitan, Hollywood. Aug. 28. ’49; 13 60 opening; $2.40 top. featured acts: Wayne and Gil- bert Shepard. Tiny Hutton, Vahnn Khorigian, Nadine Jansen, the Pepperettes (3), Ernie Camerota, Halyard Patterson, Ralph Sigwald, Tommy Check, Pierce Knox, Scot- ty Doggett, Johnny Tulucci: the Heidt-Steppers (11), including jeannine Meister, Gloria Moore, Shirley Schmidt, Jana Ekelund, Beverly Esterbrook, Wiletta Smith, Don Sky, Nino Tempo, Russ Bud- dy, Sonny Berry, Don Spruajice; featured dancers, Jeanne Hanley, Eddie Krieg, Harold Peck; fea- tured sidemen, Vic Galente, Charles Brosen. Abe Aaron, Don Wilson, Stan Fletcher, Bill Rich- mond, Stan Plog, Leo Neibaur, Ollie Mitchell, Howard Price, Gap- py Lewis, Eddie Freeman. Ken Murray’s “Blackouts.” after a seven-year stand here, is suc- ceeded by Horace Heidt's “The Kids Break Thru.” Heidt’s am- ateur layout, recruited mostly from his cross-country radio tour, is un -1 ashamedly for the yokel trade. Booked in for a three-week w'arm- up for the road, this unit’s next stops are Yuma and Houston. There are probably sufficient customers around who enjoy the spectacle of a young lady in an evening gown playing “Star Dust” , on the trumpet and accompanying herself on the piano at the same time. 'This brass-keyboard wizard is Nadine Jansen. Others are Nino Tempo, who plays “Jealousy” on the clarinet and tap dances; Diana Dixon. "The Bird Girl.” who whis- tles “Mv Symphony of the Birds;” Ralph Sigwald, fine for radio but definitely not a sight act, who pipes “Some Enchanted Evening.” ‘The Lord’s Prayer” and “Be- cause;” and Halyard Patterson, who keyboards Bach to boogie standing up, dancing, and with one leg crossed over his playing arm, after which Heidt does a takeoff on him. - Heidt is on stage most of the time as emcee. He engenders a folksy atmosphere at the outset with a “Shake Hands with Your Neighbor” routine, and birthday and anniversary greetings to cus- tomers who are having ’em. There’s also a “Hellzapoppin” lay- out before intermission, in which cast brings payees on stage for first-half square dance finale. Fam- ily air is further encouraged through Mrs. Adeline Heidt’s ap- pearance with her spouse to sing and dance in the production num- ber, “Boy Meets Girl.” Acts arc sandwiched by similar numbers, in which most of talent participates. Heidt-stepoers, six Mys and six girls, are all talented terpsters but their routines are strictly from “Good News.” Twelve men in band, paced by pianist Vic Valente, are spotted onstage throughout the show. They pro-! vide good backing. Other acts are Vahan Khorigian. rubberfaced comic, who takes off on Frankie Lame; the Pepnerettes. livelv girl trio who spark “I Didn't Know' me Gun Was T.oaded” and “Pussy Cat Song;” Tiny Hutton, singer, who does “Waitin’ for the Robert E. Lee” and “She’s Too Fat for Me;” Johnny Tolucci. who mimics Gene Krupa. Slam Stewart. Harry "3mes and other nuisiral satellites; henry Leroy, who plavs “Parade Of the Wooden Soldiers" and other standards w'ith spoons- Scotty nog- cu M IfttiTipet and banjo. “The kii j Araby”: Pierce Knox, piind xylophonist. “Nola" and ptingarian Rhapsody;” Russ “Udd, tapster imitator of Rav Bol- pt* and Rill Robinson; Harold eccentric dancer, and Tom- |«y Check. 10-year-old drummer. 1 -** nnd maestro, whose forte ‘s I Hot Rhythm.” Typical, perhaps, of the entire ^i-act layout is the la.st-act "Cur- Ifn ^?'vs” skit, in which head- unes involving President and Margaret Truman. Col. Hunt, rew Pearson, Ingrid and Roberto, iy, Aly, Vishinskv and Gen. ^cArthur. are invoked. The cast mpersonates these figures. It's Pfetty grim. Mike. HOt^5(E REVIEWS 55 number, “Jealousy,’* gets a neat hand for fast twirls. Lind Bros., local bi.stro favorites, are tops in the vocal department, but song selection is weak. “Sabre Dance” as opener is too fast, and pop “Forever and Ever” is not fit- ting to the bravuro style of the trio. “Ave Maria” gets sock recep- tion, but is followed by “McNa- mara’s Band,” which seems some- what ill-fitting. “Sorrento” gives each member a chance to display his vocal abilities. Closer, rapid- fire version of “Flight of the Bumblebee,” gets the men off well. Alan Young (New Acts) film and radio name, has the audience laughing from the walk-on. Liberace uses top showmanship in his concert planning but chatter should be kept to a minimum. Talk is more in the nitery vein and falls somewhat flat here. However, his 88’ing of Liszt’s "Second Piano Concerto,” .score of “South Pacific” and “Slaughter on 10th Ave.” get a hefty hand. Vocal rendition of “Cement Mixer” seems more like a rude interjection in this routine. Zabe. Apollo, Y. . Miller's "Inside Harlem" uith Dud Bascomb Orch (13), Uynome Harris. The Orioles (5), ^2). Dancing Chorus <14); Spider” Bruce & Co.; "The Rig Fight" (Mono). of business light. Miss Lee ertoire of "Riders in “Why Don’t and a decided high- \ rapiioL Wash. Washington, Aug. 30, Tenth Edition of Gene Ford’s "Going Native” All-Wa-shiuptou Revue; "Secret Garden” ^M-G>. . .Proving again there’s plenty of talent around if it’s given a chance, Loew’s Capitol, in its lOlh annual “family party” last week, brought together a show that had even the wiseacres inquiring; are these really amateurs? Although whipped into shape in a few weeks, ‘the revue performed in professional style, with staging, props, costumes and lighting of the highest order. Outstanding in this year’s “Go- ing Native” is the chorus of 14 girls from local dancing schools who work with the precision and zip usually expected in top musi- cals. Trick lighting effects make several routines especially impres- sive. Response of audience was terrific at this catching. Also tops are a trio of young males (Thomas Pence. Bernard Shur and Grover Boydston) in in- terpretative bits from “Fau.st.” ac- companied by two groups of the chorus in the role of sorcerers and angels. Backgrounded by excel- lent musical scores and fine use of lighting, this number achieves good dramatic effect. Among the individual acts. Da- vid Field, Maryland U. student, who does comic acrobatics on his trampoline: Marion Kiotta, well- trained soprano; James Spear, magician, with very professional female assistant, and Ken Calfee, personable imitator, perform with professional ease and assurance. Carter Barron and Allen Zee may well be proud of the work done by Joe Margolis, Kay Ford. Margaret Faber (who directed the dances). Sam Jack Kaufman (who directed the music), and the others who made “Going Native” a fini.shed product. Levy. Deviating somewhat from its usual method of presentation, the : Apollo has added a mixed dancing ! chorus this week and tagged the , whole show as Norma Miller’s “In-1 side Harlem.” Revue-like format both entertainment and Doxofficewise, At matinee caught <27), biz was hefty. Blue.s-shouter Wvnonie Harris supplies plenty of spark with a quartet of numbers. He maintains an infectious beat and. unlike most of his contemporary chanters, ^*^i3ys good enunciation. /be Orioles are a harmony quin- tet ♦hat’s primarily built around the stentorian warbling of one member who carries the melody. Others back him up with guitar, bass and sundry vocal effects. Overall result is often exaggerated and overdone, as on the group’s “Forgive and Forget.” Boys, how- ever have built up a rep on record- ings and they seem to have a fol- lowing, to judge by their okay re- ception. Made up of three rhvthm, five brass^ and five reed. “Dud” Ba.s- comb’s outfit is an average crew that pleases in a couple of in- dividual tunes on its own as well as backing the show- competently. Bascomb himself impresses in a trumpet solo of “Embraceable You.” Only ofay turn on the bill is that of the comedy acrobatic duo, the Briants. They’ve been do- ing their pantomimic routines for more than 30 years, and the pair still registers handily. Staged by Norma Miller. “Rhap- sody in Blue” Is a fairly effective production number that puts some 14 guys and gals through assorted pirouettes. Lighting is a help, and the group climaxes with a scries of collective lifts and spins. Same dancers also score in the finale, w'hich has ’em in a spirited “Frankie & Johnny” number to cop well-merited returns. Comedy is furnished by house funmaker “Spider” Bruce, along w’ith two as- sistants. Gilb. gives out with a rep- familiars, including the Sky,” “Again.” You Do Right.” “It’s a Good Day” and “Manana,” Po- tent instrumental support is doled out by Barbour’s combo, employ- ing tricky arrangements to stress his guitar. Bunn. Earle, Phlllj Philadelphia. Aug 27. Count Basie Orch, Jimmy Tyler & James Rushing; Sarah Vaughan, Illinois Jacquet Septet, Lewis h White; "Bad Men of Tombstone” (.4.4). Fox. Kt. I.OIliN St. Louis, Aug. 2.5. Max & His Gang, Claire Sisters 12'. Cl/ Landry, Martells & Mig non, Anton Sisters HD, Joe Sehir- mer. Bill Baird & Girlie. Professor Backwards; Russ David Orch; "One False Step” lUl). Orient al. riil Chicago, Aug. 26. Louis Prima Orch (14) with Kceley Smith, Burns Birds, Amaz- ing Mr. Ballantine; "Black Magic” lUA). IIKO. RoMton . Boston. Aug. 26. Vi/ICC & Gloria Haydock, Carl- ton Emmy, Kate Murtah. Dick Buckley, LeJa Moore. Ben Yost s Vikings, Senator Murphy. St. Leon'Troupe; "The Green Prom- ise” (RKOK C'hieaito. I'hi « Chicago. Aug. 26. ^ Jeanne Mahoney, Lind Lniii’ Alan You mi, I Morning” (Par). While Playing iherace, O’ the ibis bill is load('d with tim'a '‘'bie. liberal pruning in .material would garner shAif,** reception. As is. rV^^,^l)Rbtly over an hour. reaUf the Mahoneys. although male mem- s«lo Is bit too long. Final Rounding out its first month, v'aude rebirth here is still paying off at the b.o.. with the current layout shaping up as pretty fair entertainment and enough vaidcty to garner neat mitt action down the line. Opening with a clean-cut sesh of tapping by Vince and Glona Ilavdock. pace is continued hy Carlton Emmy and his neat dog act. which goes over nicely. Antics of dogs bring yocks from kiddos and oldsters alike. Kate .Murtah follows with a bright session ot vocalizing, her ribbing of Holly- wood being .solid with stiihholdcis. Dick Buckley, who struts around the stage while making with the jokes, scores strongly, use of four kids from the audience In pseiido- ventro stint being surefire. Mat- swapping turn with audience stooge gets nifty return.s. Lela Moore, in a sexy dance skit, slows pace hut the Ben ^ost \tkings it hack on the track with some solid vocalizing. Although stmt is limited to three songs. Laneb; (Mown. Laugh.” “OhI Man River. ^ and “You Tell Me Your proam. hovs click neatly and had to beg off. ^ . Senator Murphy, in peannee here in several \iais. hasn’t lost his ability to warm up Ihp p.iveos. Ilis 2.iny ; Icr and nonsensical rem-'t'k'' about world prolilcms win hefty cnee reaction Bill winds up the St. I.eon Troupe. , .sesh of teeterhoard tricks strong close. Larry Hm' house band backs up. acts capably Nice biz at opener. Essane.ss pre.sentation house has brought in a band show for the first time in more than four months, with change of pace regi.s- tering well In most instances. Louis Prima orch, while sound musically, goes overboard on com- edy numbers with accent on the Italian idiom. Band opens with “Mariutch” and scores heavy with hoke of “I No Wanna.” with leader getting heavy laughs portraying the title role of “All Right. Louis, Drop the Gun.” Welcome interlude is the sock drumming of Jimmy Vincent, backed by unusual orch scoring of "Dark Eyes.” Femme singer. Kee- Icy Smith, needs more appropriate gowning and should discard her slower numbers for the faster teni- poes. .Amazing Mr. Ballantine sells a line of chatter that most name comedians could well copy as he dehunks the elementary magic tricks. He garners yocks as he ‘ fails’’ to accomplish each routine. Burns Birds are unusually well trained, with lovebirds walking tight ropes, carrying umbrellas, riding the ferris wheel and, for finale, going for a plane Zabe. .A diversified bill constitutes the .second offering at this house, and with an audience just short of capacity, at session caught, cu.s- tomer applause was of such vol- ume that vaude may be back to stay in this burg. Cy Landry cops first honors with a variety of entertainment that ranges from softshoe eccentric dancing to a burlesk on grand opera warbling. Max and His Gang, dog act. score. And Max shows that he doesn’t have to depend on the educated canines to win the payees. He not only does a neat softshoe routine but also twirls four hoops simultaneously with his head, arms and one foot. He’s followed by the Claire Sisters, blonde lookers with shapely gams, who click with a neat tap routine that could be shortened and not lose its effect. Martells and Mignon are three husky guys and a tiny gal whom they toss all over the place as if she were a ragdoll. The customers ate this one up. Maestro Russ David, at the pia- no. paces the tooters through “Has .Anybody Seen My Gal?” with the music makers contributing n.s.g. warbling, and then closing with a hot “St. Louis Blues” that brought down the mob. The Anton Sisters, three bru- nets. confine their vocal contribu- tion to “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and "You’re An Ugly Child,” all sock. Joe Schirmer. ban joist with (he band, who scored solidly last week, is repeating again. Bill 1 Baird is a personable, suave card manipulator. j Professor Backwards has a line I of chatter that precedes his stint of spelling and pronouncing words ! in rever.se. He appeared at the St. Louis several years ago on spot I booking and, except for some of I the salty lines hasn’t changed his routine. Sahu. Smart presentation of three top jazz names is making the Earle lorget the dog days. There were standees at the Friday (26) open- er. and the line has been steady .since. Combination of Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan and Illinois Jac- quet nlakes irresistible buy for the hot-music shoppers. Basie orch plays the show, with s(iuat Jimu 1 ^’ Rushing spotted for the band vocals. Basie backs up .Miss Vaughan, who is the vocal highlight and the audience fave. The crowd shouts so many instruc- tions and requests at the girl it becomes difficult to catch the sing- ing at times. Miss Vaughan has the faculty of being able to make progressive jazz both palatable and popular. With her cu.stomary distinctfon, true tones and assortment of vocal tricks. Miss Vaughan sings, “I Cry for You,” “1 Cover the Water- front." “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Black Coffee” and “Everything I Have Belongs to You,” for sock re- turns, Lewis & White, the comedy duo, open with the standard heekler-in- the-box business, but move on to solid laughs, particularly with their bit on reefers. Basie orch gets a terrific recep- tion, Jacquet, who follows the show with his septet, is presented in jazz concert style. When his part of the bill is fin- ished Basic comes out before the curtain and chats with the custom- ers while the stage is cleared. He even puts in a plug for next week’s show. The Jacquet combo is then on before a single drape and is flooded in a broad white light. Paced by the hard-work- ing tenor lead the unit tears the place apart with “Snake Pit Boogie” “Black Velvet” and "How High the Moon.” By a coincidence, .h) Jones, former pereussioni.st in Basie’s solidc.st rhythm section, is al the drums for Jacquet. Gagh. Olvmpili, Illiaifil Miami, Aug. 29. Helen Forrest, Hank Ladd with Francetta Malloy, Cat Mountain Buys, Jordan & Parins, Carlos; Freddie C a r I o n e House Orch; "Look fur the Silver Lining" iWBK Xaflonal* E^^illa Louisville, Aug. 26, Jerry Jerome, Wallace & Gale, AI Montan, Gil Robinson, Stan Kramer & Co., Nicholas &. Haley, 3 Chocolateers; Tiny Tonialc’s House Orch (9»; “Mr. Big” (U) and "Easy Come, Easy Go’* (Par). flashy ride. Rallo. Ili|ipoilronio, Baltimore. Aug. 28. Lewis & Van. Martin & Floreiit, Rochelle & Beebe. Bobby Sargent, Peggy Lee with Dare Barbour & Qiiiniet. Jo Lombardi House Oreir (12i; "Make Believe Ballroom” I Col ) the put This is the swan-song show for this longtime combo theatre, own- er Izz.v Rappaport having an- nounced a .secession of vaude with advent of “Jolson Sings Again” .set to open Thurs. il*. i’eggy Lee with Dave Barbour and his instrumental quintet highlight and whack out a nice this windup sesh. Fast oFicning Lew is and Van. his first ap- ing tiny pairs of audi- w it h hovs in a fast for a is provided by hoofers, employ- .steps to point up their taps effectively. .Martin and Klorenz in the deuce, provide eim- siderahle novelty and entertain- ment wit’, puppetry. Get most out of a GI -lue number and a Mac West Jimmy Durante routine, Knockabout hallroomology Rochelle and B^ebe gets laughs af*?r which Bobby h(,ld for .solid mimicry, sion of a miner Is by ghs Sargent takes Impres- a funny piece Three Chocolateers top the hill this week and wham home. ('«)lored boys bounce out dulled up in flash suits, and turn in a terrific routine of hoofing and clowning which had the customers giving them almo.st a continuous mitting. Trio teams for some strenuous flips reminis- cent of oldlime Arab tumbling acts, but thc.se boys do the stuff in jive tempo. A solid click. Giving out on the marimba, Jerry .leromo brings sweet music, having also a cute stunt in which he uses a hand puppet, simulating the wee figure playing the marim- ba. Jerome wears blue gloves, and the effect is heightened hy the luminous coloring of the puppet. It’s something different and rogi.s- ters. Only slow' spot on the hill is Gil Robinson, rope-twirler. Togged in western outfit, guy has a «low line of chatter which can’t warm up the customers, and his rope tricks are pretty tame. too. Wallace and Gale start as a ball- room team, hut ease into some straight aero balancing. Male mem- ber has excellent control wifli one- arm lifts, turn going over well. Robinson, as m e., makes his an- nouncements offstage, a pattern now standard at this house. He staits slowly with some gags, then gives impressions of various ‘•how hrv personalities. Groiicho .Marx imnresh is his best, and he hctws (»ff after a big response for liis c'omody song a la Groucho. Nichols & Haley also teeoff as a haIlro(»m team, hut segue into some fast clowning and acm d.ancing which register. .Stan Kramer ^ Go,. t)ut)pet turn, work on a small hh'tekfiut platform introing some "•eil-manipiilatefl characters. Rettv Hutton, park hum and a viwv good ft'-unk. (’loses by bringing on Kramer’s mom and dad, each manipulating a pair of puppet danrers. Figures are luminous and make fine simulation of chorus line. Nice hand. Chocolateers closed to solid hit. Wied. Components of vaude current here add up as just fair, compared to recent layouts that set a nifty pace this summer. Helen Forrest, in the topllner spot, does an opener, a special-ma- terial piece, that doesn’t hit. Bal- ance of .stint is not of the palm- building type though her vocal abilities are obvious. With more solidity on delivery (viz, the aw'k- wardly approached Irving Berlin- "Miss Liberty” number), she’d click, her later version of “Sunny of the Street” poiiuing that Side up. Hank Ladd, In the comedy spot, hits nicely with his deadpan, smooth monolog. Aide is Fran- e«*lta Malloy 'Mrs. Ladd), who hi'lps build the comedies to a high spot. .Sock bit is that of the Cat Moun- tain Boys, a zingy quartet of hill- l)illy songsters. For that type of ,Tcl theirs is a well-rounded sTint, with a mixture of corn and har- moiiv garnering the mitts. Terpers .Iordan and Parvis go wi'll. with their smooth hallroom- ology interspieed with comedy, plus songs. Standard steight-of- hand gets good re'nonse for Car- los. Stuff is w'ell worked. Freddie (Tarlone’s house hand does okay by the show. Lari/. .Slool I'. Atlantic City, Aug. 25. Monica Lewis, Myron Cohen, Stagg McMann Trio, Paul Sydell Spotty. Taynton Dancers, Johnny O'Daunell's House Orch; " Ring- side’’ (.S’G). Monica Lewis is the bill-topper in Steel Flier’s big Music Hall this we< k. Songstress warms up audi- enee with, name)'-, tim'^s from "South Pacific.’’ going off to nice returns. “Mood for Love." “Lady Known as Lou,” and “Tree in the Meadow” are also done among others. Stage McMann Trio is a harmonica unit, attacking thing from Ion" h.'dr to pops, and putting them all over. Paul Sydell and Spotty, dog act. neatly, clever everv- aHo big. pooch is comedy. .M'Ton near.a nee .Straight balancing of mixed with .some cute Cohen, in his first ap- nt Ihe pier, emcees and keeps audience well entertained with Yiddish dialect stories. Show lounded out with the Taynton darners, who appear in two nlc« numbers. Walk.