Variety (June 1910)

20 VARIETY CORRESPONDENCE Unless otherwise noted, the following reports sre for the current week it? O M I O A WALTER K. HILL (Walt) BepreejantatiY*. VARIETY'S CHIGAGO OFFICE, IT. 'PHONN, MSI CaWTRAL. MAJESTIC (Lyman B. Glover* mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.; Monday rehearsal 9).—Tbe Monlay afternoon audience bad no sooner seated than people began walking out, and by twos and fours the exodus continued all tbrough tbe show. It was not until tbe end of "Mrs. Bunner's Bun," tbe sketch presented by Elite Proctor Otis, tblrd from last on tbe bill, that a resl, good, whole- some and unanimous outburst of approrlng ap- plause wss sent forth—and at that tbe noise waa far from a riot. There were many note- worthy things to consider in tbe entertainment as a whole. Foremost comes tbe credit* due to three mites of femininity—Edltb Haney, Jo- sephine Fields and Marguerite Haney, the last mentioned two working along practically tbe same lines. Edith Haney was tbe first person in weeks to secure a recall in third position on the bill. There was not a quarter of a houseful to witness her act, but her four songs won so much appre- ciation that an insistent demand for her to ac- knowledge tbe corn of cleverness brought her out for a bow. She would have been a vast help to matters If she had been switched with John W. Ransone, who, four numbers further down on the bill, passed away in alienee. Miss Fields, on personality and performance, carried the "Balnia Girls" (New Acts) along with her to what suc- cess it attained. Marguerite Haney did a like service for tbe girls and two Englishmen em- ployed in "The Leading Lady." Marguerite was a flash of gaiety afid brightness in an atmosphere of drag and drawl whlcb enveloped the perform- ance, and bung over tbe aketch she was In. Still a fourth girl, Kathleen Clifford, was conspicuous for cleverness In tbe melange of sketches, girl acts and singles, which dragged tbe afternoon away. While her male types are all evolved from tbe same mould, her artistic handling of the similarities made them eacb one entertaining, and her introduction to Cbicagoana was accom- plished with an attendant success whlcb must have gratified ber. Turning to tbe men, T. Roy Barnes comes in an easy winner of tbe blue ribbon. Barnes made tbe Barnes and Crawford Interlude an early promise of good cheer with witty patter and bright nonsense. Campbell aud McDonald opened tbe show wltb folk songs, dances and native costuming. Byers and Her- mann were in "C" position with tbelr acrobatic, pantomimic and grotesque scenic offering. The man who docs tbe contortions, bendlngs and splitting performs In a msnner little short of marvelous—he seems absolutely splueless. Harry Atkins, sandwiched between two sketches, re- vealed the ball marks of artistic cleverness to sneb a degree that tbe applause of tbe after- noon, for a single entertainer, was bis well de- served portion of the sparsely distributed favors. ' His imitations are wonderfully well done. Billy Osston and Isabel D'Armond had a hard row to hoe. So much of tbe same style of work whlcb they presented had been seen all through tbe show that they were up against It in trying to slip patter, dance and song over tbe footlights. While there was not uproarious applause on tbe rebound, they would undoubtedly have made a healthy clean-up had they been released from their handicap. The Four Cliftons closed the show, taking tbe stage at 5:30, to put a period to as draggy an afternoon as patrons of tbe Ma- jestic have spent In many moons. WALT. AMERICAN (William Morris, mgr. and agent.). —A capacity audience attended Monday even- ing, although not the crowd that generally holds sway. This may be accounted for by tbe holding over of five acts. Campbell and Brady, opening, polled down quite a big score. Clever Jug- gling and a dancing finish sent them along easily. Twin City Quartet, of neat appearance but short on harmony, through the tenor's high voice drowning tbe others, may be beard from when this is looked after. Nick Long and Idalene Cotton scored a bit with the dramatic aketch, 'The Banker and the Thief." Clssle Curlette didn't find it difficult to bring tbe audience back Into a laughing humor. Arizona Joe gave a glampse of prairie life, with his dashing cow- boys doing thing is real live western fashion. Oenaro and Bailey opened after intermission, usually a "tough spot," but cleverness downed this and won. William Courtlelgh and Co., In "Winning a Pippin," were the real comedy mak- ers of the night, getting many laughs from Court- lelgh's German and French characters, well played. Richard Carle's popularity netted him applause at his entrance. His opening song started him on bis way for the clean-up which followed, and his several funny stories pleased Immensely. Tbe Four Magnanls gave forts muslcsl melodies and proved very Interesting. H. R. FOLLY (John A. Fennesy, mgr.).—The Oppen- belmer stock enterprise sails under the title of the "Broadway Belles" this week. The prlncl- psls came over from Cleveland, while those which have been employed by entertslnlng Folly patrons for tbe past fortnight moved over to Detroit. Tbe chorus remained to help tbe new leaders along. Monday evening there was a spsrsely settled house to witness the show; perhaps the warm wave reduced tbe attendance, perhaps not. First part, olio sod afterpiece furnish poor excuse for entertainment. Mae Taylor was the only excep- tion' to* the otherwise unanimous count of.indir ference. A "nigger act," with chorus numbers interspersed, constitutes the first part and tbe burlesque Is "Dutch Justice," with more chorus number*. The olio employed Rossile, In songs; Clyde J. Bates and Lew Fein, tonga and talk; Mae Taylor, In songs; and Wiley, Ferris and Co. In all they could use of Tom Nawn'a old act. Word for word tbe old laugh maker was told over, but handled so wretchedly it counted for nothing. Miss Taylor was the bright spot in the olio, and leading a number in tbe afterpiece sbe sgaln helped make tbe entertainment pass. Tbe show was clean in dialog and "business"—about tbe only virtue. The costuming, except in Miss Taylor's case, was plaint to a degree, and never attractive. Summer "has came." and on this week's showing the stock will not long fight tbe beat. WALT. WILSON (Jones & Scbaefer, mgrs.; sgent, Frank Q. Doyle).—To observe these audiences is alone worth the eight-mile ride. Wednesday night last week they threw in a corking good show to boot. Tbe best class of Chicago's em- ployed live In this neighborhood. They take tbelr amusemeut faithfully and wholesomely. The men sit together, talking about tbe cashier in the restaurant downtown where they eat lunch. Tbe wives sit together and pan their neighbors. Once In a while a lone married couple leaven tbe scene; tbe husband with a look of "thank-good- ness-I'm-downtown-all-day," while the wife, ap- pearing to have a grouch against the carpet sweeper, tells blm tbe household news. Then there are scores of couples who think they wlsb they were married, the young men with all their salaries on their back and the girls wltb the slack in tbelr fathers' bank roll done up in puffs on tbe back of their bead. .It's a great audience for actors to work to; they laugh and applaud to relieve tbe several strains'. Tbe booking showed bed judgment, for of the five acts three were singing acts band running, and two presented instrumental features. To set for Alber's Bears tbe picture machine was used. The Three Lyres offered a clever musical turn before tbe films were- turned on. Tbe blackface comedian seems prone to drag bis work too mucb. A shortening of tbe act would benefit the result; but lsugbter and applause in abun- dance were their deserved rewsrd. The Ha- waiian Quartet opened with songs and guitar playing, and Abbot and Alba bad a sketch offer- ing which had vocal features as its most enter- taining part. When tbe vaudeville doctor orders Dorothy Vaughan there can be no substitution, for her individuality and method are apart from other singing turns In "one." She ran away wltb the show, each song building up until in her "laughing" number she started a riot of ap- plause and laughter rarely witnessed in these houses. WALT. VIRGINIA (J. V. Rltchey. ragr.; agent, Frank Q. Doyle) .—The first half bill last week held Delia Stacy and Co., headline. Wednesday night the bouse was packed for tbe first show. Indi- cating that Delia's Burma dances held a potent Influence over transients and resldenters around Madison and Halstcd. Opening tbe show, Lan- caster. Hayward and Lancaster were seen in a diverting act; Lyall and Raeburn present el "The Girl and the Governor," and Walters and West were henrd In song and talk. Miss Stacy carries two special drops for her act, an open- ing plush, and scene for the close in whlcb she Introduces the "Burma" dance In bare feet. This close Is led up to by the man In her act who slogs "On tbe Road to Mandalay." He has a fine voice and excellent appearance, and 1m conspicuously helpful In bringing success to Delia's specialty. "Silver Threads Among tbe Gold" Is used as an opener and introduced the twain to an Immediate hit. In ber sole num- ber Miss Stacy dresses in blue tights, presenting a stunning picture; in fact, her fine appearance distinguishes tbe offering throughout. The dance itself Is executed with grace and skill, de- void of any objectionable feature, unless bare feet and ankles might give offense to the prudes. There Is no suggestlveness, and that counts high in tbe score. WALT. KEDZIE (Wm. B. Malcolm, mgr.; agent. W. V. M. A.).—Harrington, Mildred and Lester opened the show Thursday night, and tbelr spe- cialty won applause. The girl, who does finger whistling, draws her contribution to greater lengths than good judgment warrants. She might better reverse things, and cut ber encore short by whistling fewer choruses of popular songs. The man gets some real laughs out of his piano playing. There are not many men, however, who would care to don his closing make-up even to gain more laughs than be does. There Is a lot of talent centered in tbe act. but It seems to be misapplied. John P. Reed bss a comedy way of saying and singing tblngs which pleased, and his topical verses brought him several recalls and demand for more. Mr. and Mrs. Nell Litch- field are still "Down at Brook Farm," where they have been since vaudeville was variety. John Neff and Carrie Starr shov.td the class of the It 111. their novel scenic backing and original manner of putting over a bunch of nonsense winning applause as they passed along, and for a wind up NefT's prance-dancing was a riot. Fink's Mules terminated tbe proceedings. Ca- pacity business. WALT. CIRCLE (Ilalabon Bros., mgrs.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—Joseph Callahan's protesn work was the most conspicuous example of artistic merit In the bill, which held attention during tbe latter days of tbe last week. Douglas and Douglas opened with acrobatics; Davis and Walker laid principal claim to attention tbrough the man'* dancing; and tbe Bison City Quartet cloaed the show. WALT. REPUBLIO (Charles Koester, mgr.; agent, S.-C.).— Last week's bill attracted attention. Onetta, classic dancing, did well; Miller and Lysle, well received; Suraaal and Ratal, started the laughing spell of the evening. Miss Ratal at the job bunting toubret plays splendidly. Mr. Suraaal's piano playing kept the audience in- terested. Berntrd and Orth made them laugh. Maxwell and Dudley, classical tinging and good comedy, did well; would have gone mucb better In an early position. H. R. JULIAN (J. O. Itm Morris).—Tbe attendance. Gus a bounding rope Evans, imitations, ton, hit of show; ter for his well Comedy Four. Conderman, mgr.; agent, Will- latter part of last week good Henderson's funny tactics on brought him applause. May well received; Long and Cot- Gus Bruno, shoutt of laugh- delivered monolog; Orpheut H. R. FOREST PARK.—An hour's ride from the city is situated among tbe farms and fields. The re- sort held a light Sunday night crowd. Tbe long ride from tbe city affects business. Tbe park it well laid out, but badly neglected, tbe entrance being in need of more electrics. An electric fountain, situated a few yards from tbe entrance, seems to have lost its power of attraction, and looks like a gloomy mitt against a bright back- ground. A miniature railroad running directly across tbe path of the incoming fun seekers blocks traffic; at several places tbrough tho park this occurs. The Grand Canyon is the most popular ride, running at a terrific speed for a dis- tance of three-quarters of a mile. The Giant Coaster is something on the same style but much shorter. These two do the heaviest business. Something new Is Pneumatic Tube Railroad, run by compressed air. It Is on tbe style of a sub- way and runs around the park. Among tbe other rides are "Leap the Dips," "Shoot the Chutes," "Steeple Chase," up amongst tbe leaders. Pic- ture theatres are plentiful, and one vaudeville theatre (10-15) playing five acts in conjunction with pictures. A big swimming pool was thrown open 12. Seats are around it; 10 cents is charged for spectators. Tbe park Is handicapped through being situated beside a cemetery. When tbe fun seekers reach this section they don't remtin long. "Leap tbe Dips" course lsys right aloug the graveyard border. "Merry Widow Whirl" remains idle. Open air concerts are given by Slrlgnano Band, and are a drawing card. H. R. SITTNEll'S (Paul Slttner. mgr.; agent, S.-C). —Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Phlllber opened tbe second show Ssturday night, and pleased tbe crowded house wltb t character change sketch, which had vocal offering chiefly to commend It. The O'Brien Troupe, five men and a girl, closed the show with acrobatic demonstrations, which de- served the liberal applause received. On second a pretty girl in handsome gowns and a foot-lively young chap who has a cheerful way of doing a i:onsense turn comprised the make-up and Inter- lude of tbe Dobertys, one of tbe successes of tbe bill falling tbelr way. Rafayette's Dogs, mar- velously well trained, astonished beholders, and tbe Knickerbocker Comedy Quartet passed fairly well with a fair act. Tbe Trlllers got a lot of comedy out of tbelr rsg pictures. Summed up and averaged, tbe whole bill proved ample recom- pense for climbing two (lights of stairs (three to the balcony.) at 10-20 per climb. WALT. GARFIELD (Robert Wassman, mgr.; agent, Frank Q. Doyle).—Opening Robert Fosba, flashy musical turn that won favor. Samuels and Chea- ters, pleased with singing and talking. Barry and Johnson, In "Held for Ransom," some good comedy, and scored big bit, headlining. Orphans' Quartet sang their way into favor. Parent and Barrett, in "Lem and His Sweetheart," well ap- preciated. H. R. FRANKLIN (Earl J. Cox. agent).—Four acts and a picture machine made it a struggle for patrons to get value In tbls era of pretty good 10-20 vaudeville hereabouts. The attendance was large last Friday night, hang-overs from the first show merging Into tbe crowds which saw tbe second performance. Huegel and Qulnn. songs, acrobatics and dancing; May Calder, songs; Ed Delaney and Co., and Warfleld and Campbell (colored) furnished tbe show. The sketch of- fered by Delaney and Co. occupied the most time, and Is worthy of consideration principally because it was the only act worth saying any- thing about at all. WALT. BANNER (F. C. Smalley, mgr.; agent, Will- iam Morris).—Under good management this house is becoming popular. Quite an attractive bill the last half of the week. Royal Minstrel Four, went nicely, opening. McCormack and Wallace, ventriloquists, scored heavily; Grenton and Cane In a dramatic sketch, very good number; Watson and Dwyer, many laughs; tbe Lombards, gym- nasts, accomplished bard tricks easily. U. R. CRYSTAL (Scbaefer Bros., mgrs.; agent. Frank Q. Doyle).—Good attendance for closing show last Friday evening. Emclle Troupe, clever bicycle riders; Beeson and Harris, singing and dancing, well liked. Douglas A. Flint and Co., In "Tbe Mixers," bit of bill.—They were a bit hampered by tbe small stage. Orpbeum Com- edy Four, applause winners; Lawrence Crane, mu- sician, clever tricks. H. R. Tbe Julian and Crystal close for the season 18. Nell O'Brien closed bis vaudeville tour at the Majestic Sunday. Searl and Violet Allen were divorced in Judge Petlt's court last week. White City has given tbe freedom of Its gatet and concessions to White Rats for Friday, 17. The Rex and Elite theatres have cut out vaudeville and will give only pictures for the summer. Reported here that "High Life In Jail" will be extended into a three-act comedy to be called "Tho Rest Cure." bookings in this vicinity, left for Louisville Satur- day last to start park bookings. Innes tnd Bytn secured a judgment tbrough Adolpb Marks for the miscarriage of their bag- gage by tbe Lake Shore road recently. Archie Onrl and Co. start an eight weeks' tour of Jake Wells Circuit 20, booked by Jake Ster- uad. They have tbe full luter-State time to Im- mediately follow. Lou Anger, it is authentically reported, and Sophie Bernard, both members of "Tbe Gay Hussar," wblch closed Saturday night at the Chicago Opera House, are to marry. Rosalie Muckenfuss went south with tbe beat wave, and Is spending this week with ber Inter State Circuit clients in Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, where it may be cool. Chlfolo, a loop-the-loop rider, was lujured at Luna Park ' last Thursday night when tbe mech- anism refused to work. He waa taken to a local hospital, where he la at this writing still confined. Ruth Marriott, of Morvllle and Marriott, bat taken up ber residence with her mother, in Chi- cago, in anticipation of tbe advent of - an belr. Mr. Morvllle will be kept out of mischief mean- while by an act which be will do with Chuck Melvln. "Baby Mine," with Margaret Clarke and Otis Harlan, seems to have struck tbe popular fancy. Tbe Princess stated in its Sunday ads. that seats for the farce could now be secured for every holi- day uutil Cbrlstmab; but it was cool wbeu the ad. was written. When "Tbe Gay HuBsar" closed Saturday nlgbt at the Chicago Opera House, Florence Reld and Frederick Santley, two of tbe prin- cipals, turned to vaudeville, and will open at tbe Majestic, Milwaukee, 20, coming to tbe Majestic here 27. Ben Bornsteln, who looks after Harry Von Tilser'a lnteresti In Chicago, has gone to New York to travel Main Street for a few evenings before going to-the Blue Mounttlnt for bit sum- mer vacation. He will return to the Saratoga about the first of August. John J. Murdock landed in Chicago last Satur- day and bid away at his home In Highland Park. When seen at tbe Majestic Monday afternoon be said there was no further Importance to be at- tached to his trip borne than the fact that he needed a rest and thought be bad earned it. Heard on a trolley: "I see Richard Carle is In vaudeville now," said one chap to his com- panion. "Yes; and ssy be gets a good bit of money. Morris advertises that he is a $3,000 act," was tbe reply. Said tbe first man: "You read it wrong; that's the name of his aketch." "The Carnival of Roses," which came west with eight weeks' bookings, chopped off tbe last four after the Majestic engagement last week, on account of a disagreement as to recompense, end went to New York. The act sails for Lon- don about the first of July to open at the Talace. E. P. Churchill Is back from a business trip to his former borne, Kansas City, where be per- fected an automobile deal which may take him permanently from show business If bis maturing plana reach fruition. He goes to New York soon, to remain In tbe east until about tbe first of August. Tbe Pekln Theatre violated the fire ordinance last week, by placing extra chairs in the aisles. As a consequence tbe bouse was closed by tbe chief theatre inspector, and satisfactory assur- ance must bo given that the offence will not be repeated; otherwise it will not be reopened under Its present management. Victor Moore will be launched as a star In tbe Hauerbach-lloschna musical comedy. "The Girl and the Doctor," at the opening of the Cort's reg- ular Sept. 4. Meanwhile Frazee & Lederer will present Richard Carle In "Jumping Jupiter" on July 18. Mr. Lederer left for New York Tuesday to engage tbe players for Carle's support. The amount of damage was not at all In proportion to the excitement which followed a fire In a basement of Euson's Theatre early Fri- day morning last. Guests of tbe Hotel Rich- mond, next door, were aroused by tbe night clerk and an Impromptu dance le robe de nult was staged without police Interference. Nobody hurt; Just scared. W_. S. But ter field made about bis last trip of the season to Chicago last week, at t majority of his theatres lu Michigan are closed or will soon be closed. He has renewed his arrangement wltb Daniel Lynch, owner of tbe Garrlck, Grand Rapids, and will continue dramttlc stock In thtt theatre as heretofore. Mr. Butterfleld recently branched into tbe painted sign business, forming a corporation which will extend ltt operation! throughout Michigan. When "The Girl in tbe Klmona" is produced at tbe Ziegfeld, 25,. tbe acting company will include Carl King, Arthur Hull, Sarah Marlon, Louise Kelso, Arllne Bollng, Dom Mac- Mlllen, Carl Winterhoff, Dorothy Maynard, Ca- mille D'Arcey, Dale Fuller and Margaret Hall. Tbe position of representative for this theatre has been vacated by John T. Prince, Jr.; he it filling hit old position, temporarily, as Chicago representative of tn eastern weekly. OUIe Young snd April, having finished their Rumor had It, locally, thtt two people had been drowned In Utah last week, supposed to be Barnea and Crawford, vaudeville artists. The* newsptper scouted around the Majestic Saturday hoping' to confirm tbe rumor. While one of the reporters were on the third floor, Barnea and Crawford came up in the elevator to report to Chas. Beehler that they bad completed tbe Or*