Variety (March 1911)

22 VARIBTY CORRESPONDENCE UbIoss otkorwioo aotod, tko Ioflowisf reports tre for tfco carroat week. FEED SCHADEB Shaman Hosae CHICAGO VARIETY'S CHICAGO .OFFICE i 167 Daarbws 3t 4401 SEE MAJESTIC (Lyman B. Glovsr, mgr.; scant, Orpheum Circuit).—What might be termed a laughing and alnglng show Is at the Majestic It wasn't so much ths novelty of ths bill that made It likeable as the consistent manner In which the speed of the performance was worked up. There wasn't a dull moment from 7.10 until shortly after 10.10, when the final curtain was rung down on Qua Edwards' "Bong Revue." This Is the first appearance of the song wrlter-publlsher-producer lu the Windy City in his lateat effort and the manner In which he was received on Monday right In- dicates that Chicago Is his—If he wants It At the Majestlo it Is some Job to hold down the closing position on the bill, but the Edwsrds act not only did this, but pulled down the one big solid hit of the performance. Two other turns of sterling value which contributed greatly to the evening's entertainment, were Henry Clive and Homer B. Mason and Mar- guerite Keeler. The former kept'those In front laughing for the entire time that he held the stage, and the latter two players, with their supporting company, presented Porter Emerson Browne's playlet "In and Out," pull- ing the laughs from the opening moment, and closing with a rousing finish. Marshall P. Wilder was on Just before dosing and held with his drolleries. Another team who placed a pleasing melange of laughter and music over the footlights, were Callaghan and St. George, In "The Old Neighborhood." They were preceded by the Howard Brothers, who earned three bows at their dosing. Carter and Swanson were the openers and were fol- lowed by Carl Demarest, a violinist, who, with the houso about one-third seated, practically stopped the show. In the third spot, the On- law Trio, presenting a gorgeously dressed slack wire turn, gave the performance Its real start. Fred Jarvls and Frederlca Harrison (New Acts). FRBBv AMERICAN (Wm. Morris, Inc., mgr. and agent).—The bill at the Muslo Hall this week did not develop Into a speedy entertainment until two numbers before the dosing of the first part. It seems to be a general desire st the Wabash avenue vaudeville palace to keep sll the good things under cover until the sec- ond part of the show. Monday afternoon the house was In early, and at the opening had all the appearances of a typical audience at "The Corner" In New York on a similar occasion. Seymour's Dogs held down the opening spot with pleasing effect, followed by the Braces, a colored singing and dancing team, who had rather hard going at first, but saved them- selves by the man's roller skate buok dance at the close. Emerson and Baldwin held down "No. I" position, were greatly liked and did very well. Arthur Reece was In the fourth spot and put over his three English numbers in rather clever fashion, although there -Were moments of dragglness evident. The Bert Leslie Players, presenting "Hogan In Society" on next, gave the show Its real start and de- livered laughs in rapid succession. Immedi- ately after the performance slowed up again when May Ellnore tried to put over a line of "gagging" and two numbers The numbers did not get over In the manner that they should have. This was undoubtedly due to the fact that the oomedlenne was suffering from a cold Nana, dosing the first part, was the real hit of that portion. From the open- ing of the second part the proceedings went with a whirl from the very start, which posi- tion fell to the lot of Arthur Forbes and Co. In "Two Rubes," a farcical playlet of a do- mestic row which proved a laugh producer. The next position wss assigned to Clsrk and Hamilton, held over. They did not wear as well as last week, although the laugha were quite as plentiful. Just before the close, there came the "big scream" In Sophie Tucker, who Is a sure-enough Chicago favorite. Her recep- tion lasted for fully a minute, and after doing three numbers, she was forced to respond to two encores before the audience would permit her to quit their sight The closer was the Great Tallman, pool expert He had trouble In holding them In, being handicapped by the non-appearance of hla announcer. FRED. LINDEN (Charles Hatch, mgr.; agent. Wil- liam Morris).—Light houses for both petform- ances Monday evening, although bill was up to the standard. McConnell Sisters were the two little stars of the bill and the performance they gave mark them as one of the best sister acts around here. Larklns A Burns started with a burlesque balancing act which brought plenty of laughs. George Davis entertained with stories well delivered. Those Four Kids stopped the show, although rather late on the bill. The Mardo Trio closed with acrobatics that pleased. suited. Apdale's Animals kept the audience seated PLAZA (Fred Hartman, mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—The matinee crowd that attended the Sunday afternoon performance witnessed a bill of the pleasing sort The show was run through quickly with the exception of one act, which held up proceedings Ave minutes while having his piano placed to suit F. Mosaetto, billed as an Imported Juggler from London, proved hli worth In opening position. Mr. Grath and Yeomun covered second position on the bill and won considerable laughs from well placed comedy. Violet Allen A Co. pro- duced a laugh a minute with her playlet, which was well liked. Ned Buckley appeared Just before Miss Allen and seemed to be the break In the bllL Of hla three songs, none STAR AND GARTER (Wm Beebe, mgr.).— Jack Singer's "Berenadera" gave excellent sat- isfaction to an audience of the usual Sunday night capacity. The costuming wss of good quality, frequently shifted and in many cases of unique design. The chorus was divided Into "ponies" and show girl slse and they sised up. In the matter of looks, for a good average of the seaaon'a run. They worked vigorously and In harmony without any individual seeking prominence. The numbers were attractively staged, the finale of the first part disclosing a novelty In a "human flag" formation; the girls scurrying up a lattice work wall, sousve- llke, and by an arrangement of their costum- ing forming "Old Glory*' for a "kind applause" finish. "The Serenaders" will be remembered aa one of the good shows of the season. JULIAN (J. G. Conderman, mgr.; agent Wm. Morris, Inc.).—With the exception of the Champion-Richmond Co. sketch, "The Man, the Girl and the 8tranger," the bill which entertained an audience of near capacity last Friday evening was of excellent class. The Western sketoh referred to was so full of in- consistencies, so plotless snd poorly acted that little praise for the work could be accorded. De Witt Young and Sister opened ths show with a well devised and skillfully spplled Jug- gling specialty whloh evidenced much class. Anita, with one change, essayed successfully three types of folk singers and dancers. Wll- helml's Orchestra closed the show successfully. The hit of the performance turned up In Bu- fort, Bennet and Bufort, three clever girls, who have formed up a moat entertaining spe- cialty, diversified by song, dance, piano play- ing and whistling, and one of the cleverest displays of eccentric comedy to be found In vaudeville. They sll sing, sll dance and all work In such harmony at the rousing finish to their act that the show stopped and could not proceed until the audience had cheered them to several encores For three girls they have an act of unusual excellence and dis- tinctive cli PLAZA (Fred Hartman, mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—The "Opposition" bill shown last week was about as good an hour and a half entertainment as could be found sround here. Aside from a little shaking the house received from an explosion that took place upstate, the bill ran through without a hitch. The Banks- Breaxeale Duo preaented a neat musical turn with excellent costuming and well rendered solos, snd for the early position of opening scored easily. John and Winnie Hennlngs, second in line, started the laughs rolling with well placed comedy and eccentric danolng, of which Mr. Hennlngs evidently knows some- thing, Judging from the easy manner In put- ting over his "grasshopper" dance, which brought him a good round of applause. Pst Rellly, assisted by Flo Wells, gave the show a boost with "In the Days of '61," a war drama well played. About In the middle of the play- let. Mr. Rellly has a vision of the boys going to battle. It waa here that the shock of the explosion was felt and could not have been placed better than It waa, for It might have ended seriously had It happened with another act on the boards Mr. Rellly held the crowd seated with his clever bit of vision work. The audience aat bewildered, which brought but a light bit of applause for the act Au- bree Prlngle snd George Whiting won favor. Sansone and Del 11 a, closing the show, got a good start and held it to the finish. CHICAGO OPERA HOUSE (Geo. Kingsbury, mgr.; K. A E.).—"Sweet Sixteen" continues with uninterrupted prosperity attending; voted the musical comedy hit of the season. LYRIC (Lawrence Anholt, mgr.; Shubert).— The Sothern-Marlowe Co. started three weeks of Shakespearean repertoire last Monday, pre- senting this week "Macbeth," with "Taming of the Shrew" the Saturday night exception. COLONIAL (James J. Brady, mgr.; K. A E.) —Julian Eltlnge'a second week of "The Fascin- ating Widow" began last Monday. His stay Is Indefinite, but If business and popularity may be taken aa a criterion, there will be no change of attraction here for aome time. GRAND (Harry Askln, mgr.).—The engage- ment of Geo. Arllas In "Disraeli" (fifth week) Is approaching a conclusion. Sunday night performances have been added for the re- mainder of hla stay, which will add materially to the large revenue already acquired. McVICKER'S (Lltt A Dingwall, nigra; K. A E.).—"The Merry Widow" began last Sunday night a three weeks' engagement, following a return fortnight of "A Fool There Was," In which Robert Hllllard upset traditions of the house by coming back during the aame seaaon. LA SALLE (Harry Askln, mgr.).—"The Girl I Love" has passed Its fiftieth performance, and looks good for fifty more—and then some. CORT ("Sport" Herrman, mgr.; Shubert).— Henry W. Savage Is receiving a comfortable weekly remittance of Chicago money from the uninterruptedly successful engagement of Henry Kolker In "The Great Name." There la no announcement and no reason to announce the ending of the run. Critics proclaim the piece about the one best bet of the dramatic year. GARHICK (W. W. Freeman, mgr.; Shubert). —Give It to the Shuberts. Marie Cahlll, In "Judy Forgot" Is the only booking new to Chicago this week. Forbes-Robertson ended sn engagement In "The Passing of the Third Floor Bsok" last Saturday, marked by profit- able business all ths way. HAYMARKBT (Wm. Roche, mgr.: Stair A Havlin).—Perennial "Saperba" this week, with "new" stuoJruKths advertising st every avail- able spot "Mrs Wlggs of the Cabbage Patch" was sn event for West Slders last week snd prospered. OLYMPIC (Sam Lederer, mgr.; K. A HL).— Last Sunday night's performance was the 180th one of "Get Rich Quick Walllngford." snd the end of the run Is not even hinted st; capacity business always. 8TUDEBAKER (Chsa Dillingham, mgr.; K. & E.).—Annie Russell began a second week of "The Backsliders" last Monday evening. SITTNER'S (Paul Slttner, mgr.).—Excellent program for the full week show. Black and McCune, the openers, fairly passed Daly's Country Choir well received. Provol cleaned up with his whistling and mlmldng. Walter Law and Co., scored, although the audience didn't seem to catch the theme of the playlet Woods, Brown, Barry and Dove, four young fellows lately connected with "Examination Day," "trying out," did nicely. More will have to be added to It What they have Is sure- fire, but more singing and dancing could be Injected, which would bring the act up to the standard. JULIAN (J. G. Conderman, mgr.; sgent, Wm. Morris, Inc.).—Yscklsy A Bunnell; Geo. Yeoman; Abbott A Hammer; Four Woods; Four Flying Vsleentlnoa LINDEN (Charles Hatch, mgr.; sgent, Wm. Morris, Inc.).—Larklns A Burns; Fred Holder; Mardo Trio; McConnell 81sters; Those Four Kids; Aldlne A Cassldy; Billy A Msud Keller; Otis B. Thayer A Co.; Tom A Btacla Moore; De Witt Young A Bister. OAK (Bert Goldman, mgr.; agent. Wm. Morris. Inc.).—Mullen's Dogs; Anita; Powers A Freed; Clifford A Llpman; Otis B. Thayer A Co.; Dick Miller; De Witt Young A Sister; Kopeland Bros; Dancing Shacks; Marvel Duo; Monahan A Monahan; Billy Wandas; Ed. Crawford; Mardo Trio. CLARK (Joe Grimes, mgr.; sgent, Wm. Morris. Inc.).—Radcllffe A Hall; Weston A Dunbar; Boston Von A Co; Tom A Stacla Moore; Kent's 8eals; Larklns A Burns; Dick Miller; McConnell Sisters; Kent's Seals; Great Frederick. EMPRESS (A. Montague, mgr.).—Mr. A Mrs Nello; Mort Fox; Long A Cotton; Sadie Sherman; Genarro's Band. SITTNER'S (Paul Slttner. mgr.).—Four Mu- sical Reeses; Bliss A Ross; Ruth Francis A Co; Al Wild; Hamilton Bros WHITE PALACE (Wilson A Doyle; Lane. Goodwin A Lane; Provol; Sylvan A O'Nell; John Bryne; Elsie Murphy. HAMLIN (Frank Howard, mgr.).—De Mora A Graceta; T. Nelson Downs; Cora A Robert Simpson; Nat Carr; 8taley A Burbeck; Wells A Sella; Provol; Hallen A Fuller. PRESIDENT (I. A. Levlnson, mgr.; sgent, W. V. M. A.).—For the letter hslf of last week the President's show was composed of good material. Hall A Colburn, In "Made Good" were the headllners. The title of the sketch describes the wsy they went Friday evening. Musical Fredericks openers liked; Beanah A Miller won favor; Lee Tung Foo did nicely In second position. Four Plccollo Midg- ets closing the show were s good set for the position. EMPRESS (Al. Montague, mgr.).—Saturday evening La Vler opened with gymnastics on a flying trapese did nicely. Barto and McCue In "In Sixty-Five," a comedy sketch, plenty laughs Graham A Randall ecored with an amusing set, "A Gsy Old Boy." Phenomens entertained with singing. Closing the show, Fred Karno's comedians In "A Nls/ht In sn English Music Hall." hit of program. FOLLY (John A. Fennessy, mgr.).—Whal- len A MarteH, In "The Pennant Winners," have maintained their record; they have even surpassed themselves In turning out an enter- tainment so merltleee that wonderment may be expreased It still Uvea Elmer Tenley Is the star on paper, but whatever of meritorious performance the show puts forward Is supplied by May Yulr and Eleanor Revere. These girls are at It all the time, playing parts, leading numbers and bolstering up the olio. Their strong point Is dressing; almost every time they appear upon the atage they bring to view new coatumes. many of expensive material and all ornate and flashy. COLLEEN (Stone A Schwartz, mgrs: agent, William Morris).—Billy Wandas; Duberry, Morris Jones; Stanley's Goats BIJOU (agent. W. V. M. A.).—Floretta; Arlington A Hallaton; Melrose Comedy Four; Tennis Trio; Rosards; Lynne A Bonnie Hax- zard; Flo Adler. ACADEMY (agent, W. V. M. A.).—Aldro A Mitchell; Paul Bawuens; Nadjl; Jack Haw- kins A Co.; Frevoll; Martin A Gresham; Ma- rie Dorr; Plccollo Midgets. SOUTH CHICAGO (agent, W. V. M. A.).— Alrona Zollor Trio; Whittle; West A Vokes; Helen Stewart; Lynne A Bonnie Hazzard. KEDZ1E (William Malcolm, mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—Three White Kuhns; Four Nel- son Comlques; Kaufman Bros.; Madelalne Sullivan; Harry Corson Clark. PRESIDENT (I. A. Levlnson, mgr.; sgent, W. V. M. A.).—Herbert Germain Trio; Camp- bell A McDonald; Lorraine Dudley A Co.; Nell McKlnley; Herr Jensen A Co.; Revolving Mlnervas: De Vine A Williams; Barnes & King; Kate Watson; Harry Richards A Co. CIRCLE (Balaboon Bros, mgrs; agente, W. V. M. A.).—Durand's Musical Comedy Co.; Russell A Church; Mazzone A Massone. LYDA (George Hines, mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—Barr A Evans; Banks-Breasesle Duo; Longton Cassldy Co.; Bockman A Goes; Loos Bros. ASHLAND (Al Wldner, mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—Five Musical Lassies; The Broken Heart; Suzanne Rocamora; Fitzgerald A O'Dell; Grace Darnelly. SCHINDLER'S (L. Schlndler, mgr.; agent, W. V. M. A.).—De Vine A Williams; Musical Fredericks; Emily Lee A Luolfers; Lee Tong Foo; Marie Dorr. WILLIARD (Jones, Llnlok A Shaffer, mgrs.; sgent Frank Q. Doyle).—Montgomery A Moore; Edward Clark; Two Musical Roses; Mile. Hengleur Dogs; Frsnk Mostyn Kelley A Co. WILSON AVE. (Jones, Llnlok A Shaffer. mgrs; agent. Frank Q. Doyle).—Count Mourtk De Beaufort; Tlvoll Quartet; Don A Mas Gordon Trio; Hawley Olcott A Co.; Arnold's Trained Leopards A Panthers STAR (Jones. Llnlch A Shaffer, mgrs; sgent, Frsnk Q. Doyle).—Clyde Loretta's Mod- els; Seymour A Dupree; Salvall; Harry A Kate Jackson; Mabel Elaine; Rice A Prevost; Real Comedy Quartet; Four Tossing La Valles CRYSTAL (Frank Sohaffer, mgr.; agent. Frank Q. Doyle).—Clemenao Bros.; Three Ameers; Jans Dara A Co.; The Millers; Rich- ard Burton. VIRGINIA (J. V. Rltchey, mgr.; agent Frank Q. Doyle).—Creo; Singing Carrol Is; Col- lege City Quartet; Billy McRoble; Ortaney Troupe; Clay born Jones; Ralph Cummlngs A Co.; Skerbcck Sisters BUSH TKMPLE (W. P. Shaver, mgr.; agent, Frank Q. Doyle).—Greyon; Katheryn Mills; Arthur Angel; Godfrey Sisters; Ed Gllmore A Co. PREMIER (Chas Schaefer, mgr.; agent. Frank Q. Doyle).—Dawson A Booth; Florence Whitman; Bland A Price; Marlon A Edwards; Ed Stone; Bessie La Bell; Wilson A Rose; Harry Loulne. BIJOU DREAM (Slgmund Fuller, mgr.; agent, Frank Q. Doyle).—Kolored Kandy Kids; W. H. Lawrence A Co.; Ray Dick; Ardell A Leslie; Michael Belfry. lOLA (George E. Powell, mgr.; agent, Frank Q Doyle).—Knlght'e Western Novelty Co.; Polskl Stock Co. ESSEX (Bilharz A Lewis mgrs; sgent. Frank Q. Doyle).—Carson A Franklin; Mils Tuttle'a Parrot Circus; Jack Branlgan. WONDERLAND (Guy B. Mills mgr.; agent, Frank Q. Doyle).—Jimmy Rego; Floyd Rath- bun; Abbott A Lynd. ALCAZAR (A. H. Talbot, mgr.; agent Frank Q. Doyle).—West A The Morton Sis- ters; The Raimers Alpine Singers; Ssmuels A Chester; Janet Adair; Colonel Ned Seymour. MONOGRAM (M. Klein, mgr.; sgent Frsnk Q. Doyle).—Washington Prinoe Trio; Brown A Louis; Taylor A Price; Alvlra Johnson. ILLINOIS (Will J. Davis, mgr.; K. A EL).— Rose Stahl, in her second week, hss won sn- other dramatic success In "Maggie Pepper." She has still s week to remain the sttrsotlon hers POWERS' (Harry J. Powers, mgr.; K. A B.). —Nance O'Nell snd Chas Cartwrlght are equally featured In "The Lily," which entered upon Ita second and last week Monday. Wil- ton Lackaye presents "The Stranger" next Monday. BLACKSTONE (Harry J. Powers, mgr.; K. & E.).—David Warfleld. In "The Return of Peter Grimm," remains indefinitely, a potent box office attraction; likewise sn srtlstlc suc- cess for the Belseco star. CROWN (Csruthers A Rlxon, mgrs; Stair A Havlin).—Edith Speare has the nsme role In "Polly of the Circus," this week's attrac- tion. Next week: Ward and Vokes WHITNEY (Fred C. Whitney, mgr.).—The final fortnight of "Don't Lie to Your Wife" began last Monday. Dave Lewis hss proven only moderately successful aa a lone star. GLOBE (James H. Brown, mgr.; Stair A Havlin).—"Graustark" this week to be fol- lowed Monday by David Keaaler and hla Yid- dish Co., a sure harbinger of spring. IMPERIAL (Kllmt A Gazsola, mgrs).—The versatility of thla stock organisation Is shown In their turn on Monday night laat, from "The Talk of New York" to "Arizona" for this wook. PRINCES8 (Mort Singer, mgr.; Shubert).— Bertha Kallah, last Monday, preaented her re- vival of "The Kreutser Sonata," following a profitless week, artistically and financially, of a company of Bavarian natives In folk-plays Rev. Thos Dixon playa hla own drams, "Sins of the Father," atartlng Z7. COLLEGE (T. C. Gleaaon, mgr.).—The mu- sical stock company la thla week presenting "Little Johnnie Jones," sans a naaal twang for "Give My Regarda to Broadway." The preaence of mind displayed* by Grace Johneon, a pianist In a moving picture theatre at Elgin, 111., prevented a panic last Saturday night, when a film exploded. Simultaneously with the report and flash of the explosion Miss Johnson started playing a rapid march on the inetrument and the audience filed out without accident. The damage to the house waa small. « The Lyceum (new) at Peoria, 111., opened last Saturday night, playing four acta of vaudeville. It la managed by Felix Greenberg, with booklnga secured through Chas Doutrick. Edward F. Blederatadt haa arranged to re- model the Majestic, Madison, Wis., snd claims a franchise from the W. V. M. A. which haa five years to run. The F. A H. Armstrong Co. has announced that It will build a houae there to be called the Orpheum. The Champion-Richmond Stock Company are now housed at the Bell theatre. Billy Thompson, manager of the Remlck music houae here, leaves for New York today (Saturday) and will remain one week, getting acquainted with Broadway. He will return to Chicago. Walter De Orlo has secured the Crystal at Montlcello, 111., and will furnish the bookings of two acts weekly for the houae. Harry Payne still haa the management. The case of George L. Brown against Dun- bar's Goats waa decided In favor of Dunbar. Lolo Yberry and Yevette Taylor have brought ault agalnat Chas. R. Svlannlng, man- ager of the Archer theatre, for $300. Joe Flynn haa cancelled all his time around here and will leave for the east this week.