Variety (August 1915)

VAUDEVILLE WITH THE WOMEN BY MISS RUBY. What looks like a splendidly success- ful play opened Tuesday night at the Belasco, "The Boomerang." Even allowing for the enthusiasm of first nighters and that most theatregoers have had a few months to recover from one season of plays in order to stir up interest in the next season's production, it seems as though this light comedy were due for a successful run. Incidentally, it brought out some charming gowns that show the ten- dency of fall and winter styles. Martha Hedman, in the role of a trained nurse and doctor's assistant, had few chances to wear 'startling creations. In the first act she appeared in the simplest o f dull blue crepe dresses, but for a few moments at the end of act two she came out in a wonderful evening gown. This was made of white silk net over a silver cloth underdress, the net cut into deep ruffles weighted down at one side by silver tassels. A silver cloth girdle was pulled up slightly toward the shoulder at one side, the slanting line further carried out by a spray of silver flowers. In the last act she wore a charming suit of biscuit colored broadcloth, with a short flaring coat and a short, rather flaring skirt, both trimmed with quantities of large brown buttons. Ruth Shepley played excellently a spoiled young society "deb," and inci- dentally wore the prettiest costumes in the play. The birthday party scene gave her a chance to show a gold color satin frock, made on rather startlingly new lines, and apparently proving true the fashion prediction of low, long waists. The dress had a waist cut like a girl's middie blouse, but too tight at the hips, so that it wrinkled around the waist instead of falling straight and free. The skirt was short and very full, corded at the hem to emphasize its fullness, with a rope made of the silk itself that was tied loosely around the hips, and allowed to swing over the front of the gown. This "rope girdle" effect is noticed on several of the recently brought over gowns that the larger importing houses of New York are showing, and Jose- phine Parks, another of the youthful society buds of the cast, wore a gowti that carried out this idea. Pale pink net—about the most popular dress ma- terial just now—was used above a foundation of rose pink satin, tightly fitted to the waist and flared full around the ankles. A loose rope of pink was tied about the hips much after the style of Miss Shepley's gown. Dorothy Megrew wore a charming pale blue frock in the second act, and Harriet Dellenbaugh, as an adorable mother, wore a gown of gray blue chiffon banded with satin, with a girdle of brocade. The feminine clement was distinctly neglected on the early week's bill at the American Roof this time. Pos- sibly this helped account for the fact the show did not arouse any special in- terest from the audience. A French gown is not expected to thro'w' the average spectator into great excite- ment, but a succession of pretty women will arouse a certain visual enthusiasm. There was Norma, a rather charming little violinist, who relied upon her bright face and fairly nimble fingers to get her work over. She belongs to the dark haired, slim, animated type, and she dressed becomingly in a frock of geranium colored chiffon, with a low cut sleeveless bodice, and a high straight girdle of geranium colored velvet, ornamented in front with a design of brilliants. The skirt was banded with silk to flare out above a white satin drop skirt. A string of brilliants wound in her black hair gave a last pretty touch. Kamerer §nd JHowland have a nicely dressed girl, also black-haired and black-eyed. But this one dressed in white satin with much rhinestone trimming, a short waisted frock with two lace panels that fell at each side of the skirt. She wore a cute rhinestone trimmed cap, with a cluster of scarlet rosebuds at the side, and let her hair hang in a thick braid from under it. There was a girl to play the young bride in the Hugh Norton skit. She appeared in a green silk negligee, made about as the accepted rule of negligees goes—a lace jacket and an accordian pleated skirt. The Dixon sisters wore short skirted, plain white satin dancing dresses. VON HAMPTONS' DIVORCE. "Checkers" Von Hampton and Hazel Joselyn, his wife and vaudeville part- ner, have been divorced. A five-year- old son is given in charge of the moth- er. Von Hampton figured in a rather remarkable romance that terminated in his marriage at the Saratoga Ho- tel in Chicago several years ago. He later journeyed to Europe and played with his wife in several London revues. Tabs Going Into Celeron Park. Jamestown, N. Y., Aug. 11. This is the last week of vaudeville at the Celeron Park theatre. Manager Hinman announces for next week and the balance of the season, Loring's musical revue, offering a number of tabs. For the first time in its history, this playhouse is offerinp vaudeville and pictures twice daily and Sunday. Act Didn't Know of Postponement. Chicago, Aug. 11. When the Novelty Clintons arrived here to play the Majestic they vere informed notice had been given two weeks ago of the postponement of the date. Last week the Clintons were at Erie, with the flood. Loew Booking Philly Houses. Philadelphia, Aug. 11. The Loew Circuit will again book the Alhambra, Victoria and Palace in this city with pop vaudeville for next season. 'SILVER KING" REVIVAL The long promised revival of "The Silver King" is now under way, with John Meers at the helm. Among those already engaged for the production are Charlotte Walker and Robert Edeson. Mr. Meers has lines out for any other unengaged stars to fill the all-star cast. The Meers "Silver King" revival is by direct arrangement between Mr. Meers and Henry Arthur Jones, the English author of the piece. Some time ago William A. Brady announced "The Silver King," but Mr. Jones later denied Brady's authority. It is said Mr. Meers is seeking a theatre in New York for the piece, and expects to have a Klaw & Erlanger route for it. RING IN WIFE'S SHOW. Los Angeles, Aug. 11. It is believed here Cyril Ring, who lately wedded Charlotte Greenwood, will shortly appear in "So Long Letty," the Oliver Morsco production Greenwood and Grant are starring in. The piece is now in its sixth week. playing continually to capacity. El- mer Harris and Morosco wrote the book, while the words and music arc I y Karl Carroll. "So Long Letty" is quite apt to move to San Francisco when ready to leave this town. It will later go to New York. Mr. Ring, who is 23 years of age, is said to have had no previous stage experience beyond that gained by him as a member of his sister's (Blanche Ring) company. JOKERS IN CONTRACT. A circuit of legit theatres is about lo issue a contract to be used for pro- ductions of outside managers who want to play circuit's theatres in New York. A theatrical manager saw a copy of a draft of the matter the new form is to contain and pointed out three or four "jokers." One of the jokers is said to put the manager of the attraction playing the theatre under obligation to pay some $300 weekly as a share of the general office expense. Another clause pro- vides for the Shuberts furnishing $600 for advertising purposes weekly for each house. The manager willing to share on an amount of this kind feels he is entitled to say how it should be spent. Broadway, Camden—Loew. Upon the reconstruction of the Broadway, Camden, N. J., which was partly destroyed by fire, the lessees, Sullivan & Wilkens, will play Loew vaudeville, opening some time in Sep- tember. The new management is spending about $25,000 in the re- modeling. Gayety, Hoboken, in Family Dept. The Gayety, Hoboken, managed by M. H. Schlesinger, will become a link m the Family Department of the United Booking Offices commencing Sept. 6, when tfic house will start play- ing a split-week bill of five acts sup- plied by Arthur Blondcll. SONG STUFF. Best Ballad in Years. A Wonderful Song Success. In Any Key. Endorsed by Press and Public. Contains Great Melody. A Sure-Fire Hit. Will Sweep the Country. By the Writers of Hits. You Need This One. Song You've Waited For, Genuine Novelty. A Ballad That Will Live. Read What Says. Send for Orchestrations. Sung by Headliners. Something New. A Marvelous Rag. Successor to An Act Builder. Better Than His We Have It! All New York Is Humming It. A Tuneful Number. Brings Many Encores. Wonderful Punch Lines. Everybody's Singing It. Great Patriotic Number. Every One a Gem. The Supreme Hit. Here It Is! A Raggedy, Raggedy, Rag. Just the Thing for Dancers. A Tinkling, Twinkling, Melody. Fine Opening Number. New One by Writers of Will Create a Riot. Famous Over Night. Song That Touches the Heart. You Remember His Contains Great Idea. We Told You So! A Real Hit. You Can't Go Wrong. A Really High Class Ballad. Hit of Many Shows. An Applause Getter. Beautiful Melody. A Pretty Waltz Ballad. The Song of the Moment. You Can't Stop It. Get It Before It's Too Late. A Scream. Finest Sentimental Ballad in Years. Let Us Fit Your Act. Going Like Wild Fire. Wonderful Lyrics. Great for Doubles. Send for Extra Verses. O. M. Samuel. SMALLER CIRCUSES HURT. Some of the smaller circus aggrega- tions are finding the going pretty rough now that the hot weather and rain have been making themselves manifest. The Barton & Bailey circus, 22-car show, after a season of 14 weeks, closed in Oregon last month considerably be- hind on the route. The circus played t«> a $9 house at one night performance. The similarity of the Barton & Bailey title with that of Barnum & Bailey had no apparent drawing prowess. Welsh Brothers have out quite a big liMlc circus. Business has been any- thing but good upon a route of towns that looked like ready money when laid out. July 31 the Welsh circus played Salamanca and tlie matinee returns were $32.