Variety (August 1915)

SHOW REVIEWS 13 PALACE. One must be funny to be funny on as hot a nigbt as was Monday, and Stella Maybew, not tbe ligbteet weighted girl in show busi- ness but headlining the Palace bill this week, was funny that evening. The only sad thing about the act she and Blllle Taylor did waa a single line on the program reading, "Return to vaudeville for a limited engagement." It's the "limited engagement" portion that com- pels the sadness, for vaudeville should never have lost this charming comedy and singing couple. At the Monday matinee the Palace gave away 150 glasses of free drinks at in. lemonade bar. That may tell the country- side how warm it was that afternoon. The only remarkable part of It is enough people paid admission to any theatre to drink that number of "pure" lemos. Besides the pro- hibition gift, fans, attractive uniformed at- tendants, neatly gowned usherettes, and a cool appearance all over the theatre that fans did something for, the audience was still fanning itself at night, so what must have been the atmospheric condition behind those heat- throwing footlights during the matinee? Miss Mayhew entered a drawing room set, second after intermission, with Mr. Taylor In the pit directing the orchestra. She sang about her "Bill," and what different people told her regarding his whereabouts. That called for several impersonations, prominently among the strange ones, for Miss Mayhew, being an Italian and a little child. Miss Mayhew took the kid thing as though full of confidence, but as they said about Becker, it's something between her and her Maker. "8111" squared this wholly personal lyric, however, by joking about it at the end- ing, he saying his wife told the same thing twice daily, and another laugh came for the tag, when each thanked the Lord they were working again. After that Miss Mayhew went to "Devlin Tune" for a couple of encores, and then Mr. Taylor reached the stage, sing- ing Berlin's new ballad, "Araby," that looks like an easy hit. After that came a "table scene" in which a waiter (who looked as though he had been captured at Sherry's) took part, Mr. Taylor Joining in afterward. It was good enough—for a warm night, and the bit may have come from some show the couple were in, Miss Mayhew having starred (not starved) last season in "High Jinks." "Stick Around," a song, went with it, then "I've Lost My Girl" and a "Chicken Dinner" number to close. These final two were en- cores, and some bows happened in between. Mi-s Mayhew has gone on the late "Must Re- duce" (not salary) circuit. She looked trim, almost agile if not pert. The Palace program this week is running Jerkily, but any kind of a show fits the weather. Besides the Mayhew-Taylor couple there were Lopokova (New Acts) and Houdini as extra attractions, the latter closing the first part with his "Submerged Box Mystery" so often done at Hammersteln's. A bit of credit Is due the Palace manage- ment on this Houdini appearance, and the same thing has happened in other instances in that house where there has been a quick shift or change in the bill. The programs for the Monday shows had Houdini carded wrongly for his act. The sheet containing bis billing was taken out of each program, and by the night performance a single sheet insert carried the correct information. It may have been a small thing in the estimation of many, but It is certainly keeping perfect faith. Opening the second half were Joe Howard and Mabel McCane. Their popularity was told through the 29 minutes their act ran. Marie Nordstrom was shifted to the second before Intermission spot at night. Her an Is not a warm weather endurer. Whether Miss Nordstrom is doing good work in it or whether the material is the best part—for vaudeville— might better be arrived at in cooler times, but its easy to see that this particular kind of endeavor would amuse a majority of regular vaudevillegoers under normal conditions. It's not difficult entertaining it would seem, freaking what is mostly freakish anyway In vaudeville, and when so many seem to have discovered this, it remains but a matter of the manner in which it is gotten over. The show opens with a News-Pictorial, fol- lowed by McMahon, Diamond and Chaplow, Miss McMahon's "scarecrow" dance and Mr. * Diamond's more legitimate dancing carrying the turn along to a strong finish, for the first act and on a hot evening, Miss Mc- Mahon's work caught more appreciation be- cause of that. Her single dance following the scarecrow^Js too long, though It allows Dia- mond to make his evening dress change. Miss Chaplow sings a couple of songs. The open- ing one has been pretty well done around here to be handed out at the Palace now, and 'Bom-Bombay" closed, much better since it Is newer. "No. 2" held Milo?. a tramp Imitator who has an excellent comedy opening leading up from his billing matter and the question mark on his name. He sings In falsetto off stage, entering In the dirty tramp outfit mak- ing a good laugh. Milo? as an Imitator of uudu, wnibtles and the usual routine would have an acceptable act for the big time if he could reduce It into an acceptable turn. That might be done by dropping all of those faded imitations that have been done since Imita- tors found they could whistle for pay, and re- taining only those he does so well they sound new. Likewise the second double voice song and the "Mocking Bird" thing should go out in a hurry. Milo? has two acts in one now. One-half of what he gives would be Just about enough. As a whistling Imitator he should be too delighted to be on the big time to stretch his act out as long as he has done. Ben Welch was next to closing, and Maryon Vadle and Co. in "Lyric Dances" closed the show. 8ime. AMERICAN ROOF. Barring that it dragged badly In places, the first half show at the American Roof was suffi- ciently entertaining to keep an audience con- tent If not enthusiastic, during a sultry even- ing. Marie and Mayne opened the bill, fol- lowed the overture, In about the average aerial turn, their turn being good, but not startlingly original. The next, Wayne and the Warren Girls, was called a refined song offering, refined to the point of being insipid. As singers they were not bad, but their talk was flat and didn't get across. They don't work together well as yet, and leave several breaks for an audience to grow critical. Cooke and Rothert went better, drawing quite a good deal of applause. The lad is dressed as an Eton boy, is nimble, nice looking, and does a lot of good tumbling. Most of the fun came from a trick drop, a beach scene with a bench and an umbrella concealing a spoony couple. A lighted lamp post placed danger- ously near the rolling surf looked out of place until the drop was rolled up at the end of the act to disclose a scene of a city as viewed by a "drunk." Then the lamppost fitted the scene, but would have looked better had It been placed in back of the surf drop and not seen until time to use it. Lew Holtz in black face drew more laughs than the rest of the show combined, and de- served them. From his talk comes one cheerful discovery—suffragette as well aa Ford Jokes, are on their way to Join the forgotten things. Holtz had about six Jokes of this sort, one laugh to the lot. Hazel Kirk and her company preceded the Intermission, using the full stage with a draw- ing room set and a blue velvet back drop that made quite an imposing appearance. She has caught many of the tricks and mannerisms of the French actresses, she Is small and pretty to look at, a graceful dancer, and while her voice is not wonderful, it Is rather sweet and clear. Martin and Fabrini followed the intermis- sion with some singing and some soft shoe dancing, and a bit of fancy dancing by tbe girl, very well done. The girl deserves praise. A short sketch followed this concerning the plans of two people over the prospect of in- heriting money—which money they don't in- herit. A messenger boy furnished most of the comedy. Goelet Harris and Morey were entertaining In a mandolin and piano and voice combina- tion. The three sing well, and the little danc- ing and talking brought in did nicely. The Four Maxims, two girls and two men, had a juggling act, mostly with racqets and tennis balls, that kept most of the audience seated until the curtain. HAMILTON. The light shower Just before show time lifted the humidity of the day and helped to give the Hamilton a fair sized attendance Monday even- ing. Things were not running right even when the show started, for no more had the Leon Sisters and Co. who opened, started their clever wire walking specialty, than both ends of the stands that hold the wire firm gave way. The three people were on the wire at the time. No one wad bull. The curtain was rung down. Marie Arvelle was rushed on and kept the show going. The Leon Sisters did not appear again during the evening. The accident seemed to put the audience in good humor, for when it happened they applauded, and continued to do so throughout the evening. Marie Arvelle could do wonders with herself If she would but give more attention to her dress. Her singing she does In good style, with a well rounded voice of volume. She easily walked off with a hit. At that she only did three num- bers, one of her best being "A Little Bit of Heavtn," but they were all welcome. Emmett O'Reilly and Co. in a light comedy sketch easily pleased. Although the comedy situations do not come fast enough, there are enough for any small time audience. The Englishman who handles the comedy could work his points up much better. A serial split the bill at this time, followed by Joe Kelsey with a small time routine well rewarded. There are plenty of southern numbers on the market suited to his style of delivery that he could easily use, instead of that "Nance" number which does not bring him the proper returns. A gambling number for a finish with a few Imitations, which helped considerably, put him over very well. Finley and Burke in old time bits of comedy and song soon caught hold and were liked throughout their stay. A little cut In the kidding could be made, for It soon becomes monotonous. Vision I) Arts closed and re- ceived recognition due to some of the poses which are out of the ordinary. A four-part film closed and held those present. ROYAL. The current program at the Royal In the Bronx tbe first half of this week contained a couple of familiar acts to vaudeville goers. But that didn't help any too murb. for the at- tendance was offset somewhat by the light rain, before show time Mondny evening. It was "Dance Contest" night, one of the many extra features this house holds weekly. The hits of the bill as placed In favor of by the audience, were Julia Nash and Co.. Hale fend Patterson, and Lillian Shaw, all In the front lights. After a Keystone comedy, and a Scllg three- reeler (that is of no value) The Fnynes (new act), gave the show proper a good start. Ward and Shubert In a rather small timey turn practically a single by Joe Ward with his wife assisting at the piano came next. But as Joe has appeared in a number of cabarets In this vicinity there were a few who took kindly to his offerings. After his first two numbers of no use to present day vaudeville, Ward sang "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" that really started his act. A character number and the two songs Incorporated for a finish, put them over. Miss Nash In a comedy sketch, next, scored due to the eccentric playing by Miss Nash. The little sketch looks as though new, demonstrated by each character who missed one or more lines. But with more work and the rough spots smoothed down the turn should improve. A reissue of Charlie Chaplin brought laughter. Rogers, Pollock and Rogers, two men and a dainty miss, held Interest. The comedian is working somewhat better since his last appear- ance around here. A recitation by one of the men was put over very neatly and thoroughly appreciated. A better finish should be worked up, for the one at present Is the turn's weak- ness. Hale and Patterson danced their way to a real hit on "No. 6." A nifty cake-walk is done for an opener, with El Choclo a complicated dance, which seems original, following. Their fast temperamental dance medley for a finish placed them over with a margin to spare. Next came Miss Shaw, the big favorite, who very nearly had her turn broken up by an insinuating remark from some rough in the gallery, but Miss Shaw held continuous apprec- iation from there on. When she had finished, she stopped the proceedings, and was forced to do an encore, rendering a late song number "A Little Grey Mother." Gray and Peters closed the vaudeville with their fast bicycle turn. The act is showing nothing not attempted by others, but as the boys work fast every minute, their turn will do for the better grade of small time houses. The weekly Dance Contest concluded the evening's entertainment, with the contestants all striving to win the gold watch and bracelet. A Keystone comedy featuring Fatty Ar- buckle gave any number of laughs, followed by George Fairman and Lew Archer (New Acts), who scored a fair-sized hit due to the dancing of Lew Archer. Sol Levoy then sang "Boni-Bombay" in his usual style and was re- warded. Gus Edwards' School Days" although a rather old one at this time, easily walked away with the honors of the evening. Not only did the comedy receive all that waa due it. but the singing came in for its share of applause. The company worked well, and although they did do a little too much kid ding at times, this was overlooked through the good entertainment offered. It was wel- comed after what had gone before. The He- brew comedian holds the turn up single hand- ed and Is also helped along by the Italian. One number did not sound right and waa flat throughout. Milt Collins, on rather late, had a little work in front of him before he secured full attention. Some were walking out Just before he got on, but remained when he started hu- morous talk. Mr. Collins has changed all of his talk and his new stuff is Just as good, it not better, than what he was doing before. Although he hits the danger line quite ofton it is all accepted In good humor. Julia Velva and Co. (New Acts) closed and those who waited saw plenty of pep and ginger In this girl 81 ST STREET. Despite the intense heat Monday night and the convenient location of the cool Hudson River, the Broadway and Riverside drive In- habitants who patronize the 81st street theatre gave that house a capacity appearance with the entire lower floor completely filled and a reasonably large gathering holding places in the balcony. The house runs a five-act program with a first run feature toplined. This week the film attraction was "The Sealed Valley" (Film Reviews) directly In the centre of the bill. The vaudeville portion opened with La Prince and Sanchez, a foreign comedy knock- about act with a number of familiar bits in evidence. The men do some excellent ground work, but the presence of the prop duck and slapstick didn't help matters to any ex- tent, particularly in this house where the clientele comes under the "highbrow"' classi- fication. Ada Meade with a series of special numbers and some gorgeous clothes held the second spot in "one" and scored one of the two big hits of the bill. Miss Meade rendered four numbers with appropriate costume changes, the best being a descriptive song recital on Broad- way which earned her the encore. Her dell- very is unusually good and with her person- ality and appearance, there seems every reason why the expected route should be forthcoming. Good single women are unfortunately a vaude- ville scarcity, but Ada Meade can claim the distinction. Pierre Pellettier and Co. held the sketch position with a conglomeration of talk en- titled "The Wall Street Game." Four appar- ently capable people are employed to present the vehicle, which lacks strength in every particular. The act gradually assumes a talk- ative point and all Interest Is lost. The whole affair is dressed around a fairly good idea, but too much time Is utilized to reach the climax. Considering the ability of the prin- cipals, they should look around for a more suitable vehicle. Following the film came Brent Hayes with his banjo and the hit of the evening. Hayes can handle his Instrument with the best and was encored to the limit. He mixes his selec- tions in a sensible manner and in addition is a good showman. The Keystone Trio closed with their acrobatic skit in which the Chaplin impersonator stands out conspicuously Wynn. HARLEM OPERA HOUSE. The bill at the Harlem opera house the first half of the week not only contained big names, which helped to draw them In with the bill- ing on the outside, but also had big enough acts to run a show that would remind one of a good big time entertainment. But once under way, ono had to form a different opin- ion of It. It started wrong and never did come up to anything like the bills that have been put on at this house In the past couple of weeks. The tall-end, however, did hold up its purpose, and although quite a few peo- ple were lost after the discouraging opening, those who remained saw the best part of the show. In fact the performance was en- tirely too heavy for the season. It was Joseph Kessler's new war sketch "Food for the Cannon." written by Osslp Dynow, that put the damper on th«* evening. The rest of the program contained mostly singing turns, but these could not over-balance what the war sketrh did to the audience. The playlet in far from right, In fact will take a good bit of work before It Is made right. It In In three scenes and runs over half an hour. Sitting and listening to nothing but war talk for that length of time would not be enjoyed by many and this could be seen by thoso who walked out. The playlet was •■v 0 _ .•{•- yerv early for a heavy sketch of this kind. There Is nothing to It but the playing of Mr. Kessler, for the remainder of the cast Is poor. After a Universal drama and an L-KO crmedy Irene Cameron and the Fowler Boys (New Arts) passed off quietly. Eugenie Le Wane (New Acts) gave the show Its real start, but this was soon overcome by Joseph Kessler and Co. In the war sksVh. NATIONAL. The sudden arrival of rain amid the usual summer panic period filled the National to the doors Tuesday night, the rush of patrons ne- cessitating the suspension of the customary professional list for the time being. With a full house, the show ran like a well oiled machine, each individual turn gathering suffi- cient applause to warrant Its entry into the hit column. The topllner Is Ellly West (New Acts), who presents a nifty Chaplin Imper- sonation woven into a cleverly constructed pantomimic skit fashioned after one of the early Chaplin scenarios. West was in un- usual favor with tbe Bronxltes and corralled the bill's hit with little or no effort. The show received Its Initial start with the arrival of Dotson and Gordon, colored chaps, who dance with the best. The straight man is an excellent eccentric dancer whilt the comedian measures up equally well In the same department. They b>v%gl "d position and landed nicely. < Jft Gordon anu Marx, GerrwStfiuoralcs, offered the stereotyped double "Dutch turn with some corking good laughing patter built around several technical sentences. The en- core is rather old, but exceptlonaly well done by this duo, It being no other than the beer- pitcher bit. For this brand of time Gordon and Marx should become a permanent fixture, for they can amuse and entertain. Second only to West they earned the honors. Maude Tiffany, brilliantly arrayed In a spangled outfit, has a good routine of popu- lar numbers snd delivers them In fine style, the opening being "Bom-Bombay," with "Kentucky Home" for a finish. She filled out the spot and could have gone through an en- core, but wisely bowed on. The Throwing Tabors closed with a good Juggling turn built In a pretty setting with some appropriate atmosphere to lift it beyond the usual line of similar acts. Knowles and White opened. Wynn. CITY. Rain was tin* gent-ial complaint along l<ith street Tuesday night. Monday It was the heat. The house was comfortably filled Tuos- day for the first time In some days. Collec- tively and Individually the bill afforded good entertainment. After a four-reel feature bad passed away the Moscow Duo in binglng, music and danc- ing opened the show creditably. Tbe boy got most out of his dancing of the usual Russian style. Then came Musette, a little dancing violinist, who scored upon her good behavior and tuneful melodies. She opened with popu- lar song choruses with here and there a classical bit, and It gave her a fair start. Rut the boys were strong for her closing number In white knickerbockers. Adams and May scored heavily with talk- ing and singing. The male member Is the loquacious soda dispenser, still doing it with ability. The girl Is an excellent feeder, also a good looker. Good small timers. A Hearst-Sellg bumped in at this Juncture and gave a lull for a few minutes. Hut after that a couplo of song-plugging boys from the Watterson, Rerlln & Snyder stable came forth with "When I I^eave the World Behind" and "Araby," tho singers coming In for a big re- ception. The show got back on Its way with Bernard and Roberts following. The boys have new talk, much to their benefit since last seen around here, and It proved Itself In applause. The parodies for a finish placed them over nicely The comedian is typical along his line of work, whllo the straight possesses a fair voice. Prince and Deerle walked right Into ap- plause, laughs coming from the silly doings of the man. They retain tho "Telephone Number" for a finish, It being the acts big asset, which placed them In the hit column. "Neutral," a war sketch, next pleased this audience, but doesn't fit Into vaudeville. The house start..d walking out about this time as a weekly serial went on tbe screen. Rut enough remained to allow Joe and Lew Cooper to repeat their success of but a few weeks ago. Their act has not changed since their last appearance down here. The boys wore street clothes, but seemed right at home with their audience. John Lavler on the trapeze proved an •«• rollent closer, gaining laughs with his talk and applause on his tricks. A four-reel feature ("Scandal") concluded the performance.