Variety (December 1954)

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54 Wednesday, December 8, 1954 I'ahiiMS N# Y. Mac & Lorraine, Ray Romaine & Claire, The Regals (5), The Pitchmen (2>, Fanny & Kitty Wat- son, Mambo Aces ( 2). Lew Parker & Jayne Heller, The Texans 12), Jo Lombardi , House Orch; “The Atomic Kid” lRepreviewed in current issue. If the current bill at the Palace is any criterion there’s a dearth of talent for theatres offering vaude on a modest budget. For the new layout at this Broadway house boasts only one act which has never played the site in the past. Lew Parker & Jayne Heller, spotted in rext-to-closing, reprise Parker's “Bickersons" routine which »s familiar to most tv view- ers. Ensconced in twin beds on stage, the bickering couple gets off some spirited lines good for chuckles. Mac & Lorraine, youthful terp team, onen the s^sh with conven- tional steoping. Femme gets in a solo bit. the better to disolay her shapely perns, then joins her part- ner in softshoe prancing orior to a fast w<ndun for okay returns. The Regals. a Negro vocal com- bo who wax for the Aladdin label, dish out a Untenable brand of har- mony in the rbvthm At blues idiom. Five lads, who work before two mikes, score nicelv with s°veral of their disk tunes plus a Christmas medley. Midway in the bill are The Pitchmen. Onlv one remains of the original grouD who mako with the music from a weird collection of instruments. Of the two miss- ing, one died lest year and the other retired. Lone remaining member recently added a nianist to the turn. S^me basic format, however, Drevai's and the turn gets over well \v ! th a varied rener- toire that includes Sousa marches and impressions of Clyde McCoy, et al. Fanny & Kittv Watson, who say they’re celebrating their 50th an- niversary in show business and look it, finallv have shelved their longtime routine which had them onstage in WAC uniforms. Ven- erable duo are now reprising the “story of their life” via werbling such songs of ve^tcry^ar as “How Ya Gonna Keep ’Em Down on the Farm?” It’s a nostalgic bit well received by the predominantly middleaged audience. Mambo Aces are a snappy turn who stack up as prime exponents of the latest dance craze. They dig the beat with gusto in a fluid performance that catches mast aspects of this Latino terp cre- ation. Winding uo the eight-act slate are The Texans. Man and wife team display a sock exhibition of rope twirling cPmaxed by a neat whin-cracking routine. Aside from working in his “Bickersnn” skit, Parker also in- terviewed actor Robert Strauss who did a brief p.a. at show caught Fridav (31. Latter, who appears In*“The Atomic Kid” on the Pal- ace screen this v'eek, had no act and exchanged pleasantries about his Hollywood experiences. Reviewed under New Acts is the hand balancing turn of Ray Ro- maine Claire. Per usual, Jo Lombardi’s house crew backs the show nicely. Gilb. holders. Comedian's angle is to play up jokes at his own expense, such as at his baldness, etc. Les Traversos, terp-twain. get across 5 with a varied mixture of dancing. Mafe-fertYme'' dtto ‘ are strikingly garbed hThelio for their second appearance. Marguerite & Charles hold at- tention in a nimble comedy-aero turn. Victor Seaforth scores solidly with impressions of George San- ders, the Inkspots, Sir Winston Churchill, and Charles Laughton playing the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Skillful ventriloquism from Bob- bie Kimber and juggling humor from Frenchman Gaston Palmer are other attractive items. Sylvia Campbell has a pleasant singing spot, and Jack Walker, musical di- rector for Vic Oliver, wields the baton over resident house orch. Layout is not one of strongest seen at this house, but has a fair pro- portion of appeal. Cord. Melropole. <»lasgow Glasgow, Dec. 1. Alec Frutin presentation of “Scots Wha Hae,“ with Billy Rusk, Derek Rosaire’s Wonder Horse Tony, Jimmy Neil, Billy Cameron & Irene Campbell, John & Betty Royle, Renee Sherry & Kenral Bros. (2), Betty Kaye’s Performing Pekinese, Cliff Stetson, Hillington j Girls' Choir, Aitkenhead Pipe Band, Moron Girls (8), Jack Mas- terton House Orch. a successful formula for ice revues which has never failed to payoff His new seasonal offer, “Cinderella on Ice,” a lavish production, should keep this 8.000-seater at capacity level and will be a major lure dur- ing the school holidays, which start later in the month. Production marks the blades debut of Tommy Trinder, a top lo- cal comic, who has recently re- turned from two-and-a-half years in Australia. Trinder admittedly is on ice but he makes no attempt at any fancy figure work and is ob- viously content to keep himself up- right. His personal comedy appeal is unmistakable. despite the handi- cap of banal dialog The book by Basil Thomas and Pauline Grant retains the essential ingredients of the panto and the plot is embellished with a series of spectacular layouts which give full scope to the ballet sessions led by Sonya Kaye in the title role, William Hinchy as Prince Charm- ing and other leading members oi the cast. Further embellishment is the in- clusion of two specialty acts. Jo, Jac Sc Joni, a comedy trio, w'ho have always been big clickers in the more intimate atmosphere of vaudeville, lose much of their ap- peal in the vastness of the arena and many of their intriguing bits of business are lost to segments of the audience. The slick juggling routine of the Half Bros., an Ar- gentinian duo, proves more accept- able in the circumstances. The en- tire presentation has been lavishly staged by Pauline Grant. Myro. VARIETY BILLS WEEK OF DECEMBER 8 Numtrilt In connection with bill* bolow Indicate opening day of ehow whether full or split week Letter In parentheses Indicates circuit. (I) Independent; (L> Loew; (M) Moss; (P> Paramount; (It) RKO; <*> Stoll; <T> Tivoli; (W) Warner NEW YORK CITY Music Hall (l> 9 Shirlee Emmons George Sawtelie William Upshaw Edward Powell ‘lellie Farrell Eric Hutson nusons Famous Bears Ramses Rockettes Corps de Ballet Sym Ore Palace (R) 19 Prof Keller Church Sc Hale Wally Dean 5 to iill AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE Princess (T) 4 Jean Sablon Chris Cross Guss Brox Si Myuta Ron Parry 3 Hellos Irving Sc Girdwood Eddie Lynn Dale Gower Show Girls Dancing Boys Tivoli (T) 4 Roy Barbour T Fontana Sc K Vaughn Margaret Brown Julian Somers Nina Cooke Eddie Edwards David Eadle John Bluthal Lloyd Martin Vocal Octette Male Dancers PERTH His Maiestys (T) 4 Michael Bentine W Latona A Sparks Buck Sc Chic Dagenham G Pipers O'Hagan A H Stead 2 Myrons Francis Van Dyk Seyler Heylen Max Blake Irene Bevans Ballet Girls SYDNEY Tivoli (T> 4 Jerry Lester Howell Sc Radcliffe Harry Jacobson 2 Chadells Atele A l.atu G Dawn 4c F Cleary Singers Dancing Boys Ballet Girls BRITAIN Empire. Glasgow Glasgow, Dec. 2. Vic Oliver, with Ivey Collins, Hilda Barry, Vanda Vale; Gaston Palmer, Sylvia Campbell, Bobbie Kimber, Victor Seaforth, Margue- rite & Charles. Les Traversos (2), Jack. Walker Orch. Vic Oliver, longtime vaude and radio comedian in Britain, at- tempts an innovation for modern vaude by acting in the Noel Cow- ard one-acter "Fumed Oak.” Play- | let is sandwiched between acts in the second half of layout, and proves an amusingly successful ex- periment. There’s novelty in see- ing the balding Vienna-born come- dian in a grey wig and bushy moustache, portraying the seedy English husband Henry Gow who turns on his wife, child and mother-in-law. Oliver’s own personality comes through the character at times, but he fulfills the thesping chore with success, and is supported by Ivey Collins as his wife, Hilda Barry as his mother-in-law, and Vanda Vale as the simpering child. In rest of the program Oliver makes two appearances, the first with his piano and a speedy line in patter. Many of his gags have been heard from him on previous appearances, but they still garner lails from a large section of stub- Scotch scenes are always color- ful on the vaude stage, and local impresario Alec Frutin has inject- ed plenty of the Auld Lang Syne element into this annual festive season layout. Comedy portion is vigorously led by Billy Rusk. Scot funster who cashes in on a lisping style of speech and is best when miming the tough industrial working man of Clydeside. He has an amusing Three Charladies sketch in com- pany with Jimmy Neil and Cliff Stetson, and is also good as a lounge bar “wolf.” Jimmy Neil, sandy-haired pleas- ant patter comedian, offers a skit on commercial tv announcements. Would improve act if he slowed down his rate of gabbing, in which he also tends to slur his words. Jenny Hogarth, amply-built femme, aids as comedy stooge in sketches. Two animal acts, both under same producer (Derek Rosaire>, take a big trick with the out- fronters. Tony, the “TV Wonder Horse,” does topdrawer obedience tricks on stage, and can even simu- late lip movements to give effect of gabbing. Act is clicko with juves in audience. Other animal turn is a cute cluster of Pekinese dogs which skip, dance and roll. One opens and shuts a gate, another rides a scooter across stage, and group are a standout as they leap over hurdles, one steadfastly refusing to jump and garnering many laffs for his naughtiness. Dogs wind by whirling round on flying-saucer joywheel. Billy Cameron 8c Irene Camp- bell, dressed in stylish Scot kilt, provide a polished Highland danc- ing act, and John & Betty Royl6 are a sound vocal twosome, the distaff half being a slimly-built at- tractive type with nice eye appeal. Renee Sherry 8c Kenral Bros. (2) are a n.s.g. musical trio. Hillington Girls’ Choir, 23 teen-J age girls, offer a “Sing With] Lauder” spot, incorporating many] lesser-known and attractive Harry Lauder melodies, and score solid- ly. The Moxon Ladies are a well- drilled line of chorines, and the Aitkenhead Pipe Band, w’ith bag- pipes shrill, give a roistering finish ■n a “Tramping Thru’ the Heather” finale. Gord. MeH Mr. Kalanag (EMPIRE, EDINBURGH) Edinburgh, Dec. 3. • Kalanag production of Wonder & Magic Revue; starring Kalanag, Gloria de Vos. Musical director, E. F. Fienbork; songs and costume designs, Gloria de Vos; music, W. E. Muller; choreography, Rob by Gay; decor, Z. L. Mayor. Ice Show Review finderella on Ire London, Dec. 2. Claude Langdon presentation of an ice pantomime in two acts (12 scenes). Stars Tommy Trinder, with Sonya Kaye, William Hinchy, Jo, Jac & Joni, The Half Bros. (2), Brita, Basil Cudlipp-Green, Jack Harris, Joe McGuirk, Joy As- ton. Joan Connell, Leonard Morris Orch. Book by Basil Thomas and Pauline Grant; directed by Paul- ine Grant. At Empress Hall, Lon- don, Dec. 2, ’54. Top $1.50. Kalanag. Swiss-born magician, is here with his international magico revue, which adds up to entertain- ing fodder for most types of stub- holders. He ranges through an ex- tensive repertoire of tricks and illusions, and show is aided glamorwise by an attractive line of chorines and song scenes. Main virtue of production, presented at this vaudery in two-hours’ twice- nightly shape, is the speed and briskness of presentation. Kalanag himself is frequently on-stage, making appearance after appear- ance in different-colored suits and jackets, and scenes are rapidly presented. While stooges are obviously used in certain items, outfronters are also invited on to stage in many scenes, and customers are completely baffled by many illu- sions. This is specially so in a lounge bar sequence, where Kal- anag transforms jugs of ordinary water into any drink asked for, from real sherry to port, whisky, champagne, hot coffee, anything, in fact, “from ink to milk." Gloria de Vos, from Sweden, is the distaff attraction, being glam- orously gowned and showing con- siderable s.a. She sings nicely such tunes as “I’m in Love With Love.” and has an attractively husky voice. Among Kalanag's main tricks is his Dr. Kalanag sketch in which, garbed in white medicowise, he cuts a woman into three parts in full view of audience. Top spot is the scene where he causes a Hill- man Minx automobile to disappear from view in full eyesight of the customers. A memory - reading chore is performed soundly by Miss de Vos, who hands out tele- phone directories to the audience and claims to have memorized 40,- 000 telephone numbers from New York, London, and European capi- tals. Local touch is added by in- clusion of well-known local num- bers. such as police, fire brigades, railroad stations and newspaper offices. Production carries 20 tons of equipment. Dresses are colorful and lavish. Kalanag brings a charming sense of fun to his em- ceeing. which suggests you don’t need to takfeit all too seriously. Gord. Claude Langdon. operator of the EmprefY Hell-arena, has developed San Antonio Nitery Gets Yen for Privacy San Antonio, Dec. 7. The old Tropic, local nite spot, is being converted into a new pri- vate club and it will cost about $30,000 for the conversion. When reopened it will be known as the Dragon Lady. Vee Jowdy will -be manager of spot.- ASTON Hippodrome (I) 4 Dexter A Dale Freddie Carlisle Gerland A Roberts Ann Rooney Katrina Jimmy Lee V Valentine Girls BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome (M) 4 5 Smith Bros Mills A Melita Sally Barnes J Laycock A M Harry Bailey Joan Rhodes Winters A Fielding BLACKPOOL Raise# (I) 4 Sembrini Turner Sis Freddie Frinton Brooks A Lane Louise Pets Irving Kaye 3 Indriksons 3 Judys BRIGHTON Hippodrome (M) 4 Vic Oliver J & J Bentley Gaston Palmer Raker & Douglas Marguerite & Charles Clifford Stanton Sylvia Campbell CARDIFF New (S) 4 Al Martino Bill Waddington 2 Arvings Reginald Depomte Anton A Janette 2 Angelos Chow Ding Co FINSBURY PARK Empire (M) 4 Dorothy Squires Riki Lingana A D Lane & Truzzi J Whiteley Girls Arnold Berens Morris A Cowley 4 Jones Boys GLASGOW Empire (M) 4 Anne Shelton Dunn A Grant Nitwits Alexander Dog Rev Freddie Sales PAS Sherry GRIMSBY Palace (I) 4 Phillys Dixey Varga Models Jack Tracey DuMarte A Denier D Reid A Mack Revel A Field# RAJ Penn HACKNEY Empire (S) 4 Dickie Arnold Mickle Warren Merl A Eiger Derek Nixon Cortez A Pam Martians Margo Scott Judy Lambert Plcddllly Pin-ups LIRDS Empire (M) 4 Joan Regan Tommy Cooper Rex A Bessie CanAeld Smith Les Dounos E Arnley A O Tommy Locky Cynthia A Gladys MANCHESTER Hippodrome (S) 4 Diana Decker Kirk Stevens Sam Costa Dolores Venture Mundy A Earle Jimmy Edmundson Len Marten Nelson Bros Krandon A Kama NORTHAMPTON New <l> 4 Jimmy Mac Ragoldi Bros Jan Harding Miss Blandish J Raymond Girls Burke A Kovac Accordianaires Al Shaw NORWICH Hippodrome <l) 4 Sonny Boy Ginger Chilton GAB Joy NOTTINGHAM Empire (M) 4 Jimmy Young Russell A Wright Hal Monty HAW Mack W Keppel A B BAM Konyot Downey A Daye SHEFFIELD Empire (M; 4 Dave Morris Morgan A Gray Don Peters Aiidonis Frank Cook Speedmacs George Meaton Jose Moreno Co SOUTHAMPTON Grand <l> 4 Dawn White Co Miles Twins Brazilianos Bert Brooks Cox Twins Victor Seaforth Joe King 2 Michales SUNDERLAND Empire <M> 4 Carroll Levis Co Violet Pretty Teen Agers Alaine Diagora SWANSEA Empire <M> 4 Tony Brent Lee Youngsters Eddie Arnold Rusty Billie Anthony Brian Andro Iris Sadler Russmar 2 Bobby Collins WOLVERHAMPTON Hippodrome (l> 4 BAA Pearson Nordias Hengler Bros Bunty St Clair Milton Woodward 3 Readings Susie Archie Glen WOOD GREEN Empire (Si 4 Billy Cotton Bd Breeze A Stephens Desmond Lane Fe Jover Billy Maxim Vera Cody Frances Duncan NAN Grant Cabaret Bills NEW YORK CITY Ben Selr Tony A Eddie Jimmy Danielt Three Flames Blue Angel Pat Carroll Mort Sahl Susan Johnson Geo La faye Bart Howard Jimmy Lyons Trio Chateau Madrid Ralph Font Ore Ma.va Ore Balmont Plata Joan Blahop Al Castellano John Barney Hotel Ambassador Quintero Ore Sarkozi Ore Hotel Plorr# Manuel Capetillo Rapael Ruiz Conchlta Carlos Montoya Stanley Melba Ore Cep-cabana Vagabonds Maria Neglla Martha Bentley Bob Sweeney Peter Conlow Jean Stevens M Durao o»e Frank Marti Ore Gale's Alan Gale Jackie Heller Warner A McGuire Larry Foster Teddy King Ore **•- J Fifth Ave Bob Downey Harold Fonvilla Haul Webster Hotel Plaza Kay Thompson Paul Methuen Ted Straeter Ore Mark Monte Ore Hotel Roosevelt Guy I*ombardo Ore Hotel St Regis Rosalind Courtright Milt Shaw Ore Ray Bart * • Hotal Statier S Finegan Ore Hotel Taft Vincent Loper Ore Latin Quarter Marshal] A Farrell Ilolger A Dolores Ashtons Debonairs Jet Sharon Ralph Young Piroska Art Waner Ore B Harlowe Ore Le Ruban Blau Julius Monk Irwin Corey Turtlenecks Norman Paris 3 Dorothy Louden Melita Little Club L’Apache Faconi Jules Kuti Rudy Timfield Two Guitars Kostya Poliansky Misha Usdanoff Lubov Hamshay Aliya Uno Versailles "Bon Voyage” Paul Gray Louise Hoff Tommy Wander Margaret Banks Rosemary O'Reilly Carl Conway Betty Colby Ann Andre Rain Winslow Danny Carroll Danny Desmond Don Dellair Jim Sisco Salvatore Gioe Ore Panchito Ore Viennese Lantern Helene Aimee Dolores Perry Bela Bizony Ernest Schoen Paul Mann Charles Albert Village Barn Hal Graham Senna A Gyle Jack Wallace Givens A Ferris Mary Ellen Trio Larry McMahan Piute Pete Waldorf-Asterla Patachou Nat Brandwynne Mischa Borr Village Vanguard Stan Freeman C Williams Trio CHICAGO Black Orchid Budy Baer Cooper A Rogers One Act to Fill Rudy Kerpays Duo Blue Angel "Calypso Jamboree” Phyllis Branch Count Daville I.ady Tina Joc-a bodi Dcrs Al D’Lacy Quintet Blue Note C Ventura Ore Mary Ann McCall Chez Pare# Cross A Dunn Tommy Leonetti Richman A Mannequins Brian Farnon Ore Cloister Inn Laurie Ailyn Ralph Shagon tos ANGELES Ace Harris Dick Marx Johnny Frigo Conrad Hilton 'Skating Stars' Margie Lee Cathy A Blair Shirley Linde Weidemanns Polo Perky Twins Jimmy Caesar Eileen Carroll Ray McIntosh B Dears A Dons Frankie Masters Ore Palmer House HUdegarde A Jack Whiting Howard Senton Gene Bone Robert Norris Empire Eight Charlie Fisk Ore Ambassador Hotel Joyce Bryant Ryan A McDonald Harry James Ore Band Box Billy Gray Leo Diamond Dorothy Claire Nicco A Barba Larry Green Trio Bar of Music Happy Jesters (3) Jacqueline Aires C Callinicos Freddie Katz Eddie Oliver Ore Blltmore Hotel Romo Vincent Tippy A Cobina Norton A Patricia Hal Derwin Ore Clro's Sonny Howard Clark Bros (2) Carlsons (2) Tina Louise Dick Stabile Ore Bobby Ramos Ore Charley Foy's Gil Lamb Fran Gregory Tommy Dugan Charley Foy Mary Foy Abbey Browne Ore Crescendo Mel Torme Mocambo Andre Philippe Paul Herbert Ore Joe Castro Four Moulin Rouge Frank Libuse Margot Brauder Szonys (2) Miss Malta A Co Doubiedaters <4; Mme Ardelty Jery La/.arre Ffolliot Charlton Tony Gentry Gaby Wooldridge Luis Urbina Eileen Christy Bob Snyder Ore Statier Hotel Xavier Cugat Ore Abbe Lane MIAMI-MIAMI BEACH Clover evub Kalantan Luis Torrens Betty Ford Tony Lopez Ore Selma Marlowe Line Woody Woodbury Leon 4 Eddie's Lois De Fee Toni Rave Rose Ann Rita Marlow Charlotte Water# Nautilus Hotel Alan Dean Antone A Ina Sid Stanley Ore Black Orchid Jo Thompson Richard Cannon Count Smith Sens Souc* Mote* Lenny Maxwell Sacasas Ore Ann Herman Dcrs Anne Barnett Saxony Hotel Lou Seller Eric Thoreen The Haydocks (2) Tano A Dee Nina Freddy Calo Ore Johnny Silvers Ore Bombay Hotel Phil Brito Nelida Peter Mack Sandra Barton . Johnlna Hotel B S Pully Sam Bari Harry Rogers Ore Bobbie Lynn DlLldo Hotel Bea Kalmus Martin A Maio Fausto Curbelo Ore Vanity Pair Chico-Chico Havana Cuban Boys 3 Tones Judy Foster Club 22 Joe Mooney Three Peppers Club Echo Jayne Manners Bobby Byron Satin Dolla Grade Scott Mtkkl Mars Ray Slndino Trio Bar of Music Bill Jordan Hal Fisher Beth Challis Harvey Bell Fred Thompson Five O'clock Bell Barth Hal Winters Don Ostro Ore Isle De Caorl Charlie Farrell Holly Warren Eleanor I.uckejr Charlie Carlisle Caprician Trio Wally Hankln Ore IAS VEGAS. NEVADA Flamingo Kay Star Alan King Silver Slipper Sally Rand Buddy Baer Kalantan Hank Henry Desort inn L Walters' L Q Rev Sahara Marlene Dietrich Lest Frontier Dorothy Shay Shecky Greene Bt Cortot Rowan A Martin Vicki Young Ooldon Nuggot Gas Light* A Pink Tights Sands Vic Damone Louis Jordan El Ranch* Vogas Sherry Britton Al Bernle Barry Sisters Thunderbird Locuona Boys Choir Sahara Mae West RENO Mapos Sky room Buddy Lester Continentals Don Arden Skylets E Fitzpatrick Ore New Golden Day Dawn Dusk Billy Falbo Sue Scott Will Osborne Ore Riverside Bernard Bros Vlvianne A Tasse Starlets Bill Clifford Ore Montmartr* Novellos Lago Sisters Romero A Chlcuelo Salvador Levy Nancy A Rolando C Playa Orq Fajardo Orq HAVANA Troplcans Tex Mex D'Ruff Quartet Troplcans Ballet S do Espana Orq A Romeu Orq S Suarez Orq