Variety (September 1915)

SHOW REVIEWS 15 GREELEY SQUARE. The "atmosphere" of the Greeley Square Is not conduciye to cheerfulness. Perhaps It was the heat Tuesday evening, or mayhap It was really so. There was no "uplift" to the performance, which consisted of six acts and pictures. The feature film was "Her Great Match," founded on one of Clyde Fitch's plays, with Gall Kane as the star. It was well re- ceived by the rather meagre attendance. The vaudeville section of the program began with Van and Hasen (New Acts), followed by Aveltng and Lloyd, a team of young men side- walk conversationalists who work along en- tirely new lines, barring the annexation of Roy Barnes' Cockey Roach" gag and Ed. Wynn's "There's no sense to the darned thing," not to mention their exit which strong- ly resembles Victor Moore's in "Change Your Act." A team so original in all other re- spects should not have to crib from anybody and their comicalities would make good on any English-speaking bill anywhere. Marie Russell, with her black-face singing, Is evidently a favorite at the Greeley Square, as she was given a reception on her entrance. She entertained acceptably with four songs. Her brown make-up is very artistic and she deceived those who did not know her until removing her gloves. Anderson and Burt, man and woman, have a good small time sketch based on the old story a man cannot pack his suit cast without the assistance of his wife. It is built on old-fashioned lines, which permits each to confide In the audience while the other Is off stage. George Armstrong still opens with the music of "Is Everybody Happy" to bring him on for his crudely constructed "blue" parodies. He Is growing obese in the vicinity of his midriff. La Delia Comiques, tumblers, closed with some fast work, marred by absence of spontaneity. It is noticeable each of the four men sets himself before every trick. Jolo. ROYAL. With the weather not up to the liking of theatergoers Monday night, the Royal seemed to be housing a rather disappointing crowd. The audience was well seated, but the atten- dace expected never arrived. Manager Egan must have expected a record-breaking atten- dance for long before the show started ropes were in the back of the orchestra to take care of the crowd that never showed. Around 9 o'clock they were taken down and things ran on their way without any interruptions until after the fourth or fifth act, when It became too warm for a good number, who passed out, and by the time the Gilbert & Sullivan Revue closed the show half the house was empty. The bill gave ample satisfaction and at times bordered close to some of the big time programs during the season. Three turn* using pianos were well placed so as not to Interfere with one another, thus making the show as light as possible, helped along by sufficient singing and comedy to break the dull moments. Wilson and Aubrey In their comedy bar specialty held the opening position and easily scored with the comedy wrestling bout. Both men worked fast on the bars and were well rewarded for anything they attempted. The audience appeared in good humor at this early hour, and the act scored one of the hits of the bill. Leo Beers, a neat appearing single, with a good selection of song and piano num- bers followed In the footsteps of the preced- ing turn. Mr. Beers has an even-running routine with one number as good as the other, and little variation shown throughout. As a small time single he should find plenty of work, but when It comes to the big time entirely new numbers would have to replace those used at present, for they are not right for the better grade audience. Fantasio In a novelty combination of nos- ings and songs was followed by an old Key- stone reissue that split the bill. Ponitllo Sisters (New Acts) were well received, and It was following this turn they started to walk out, keeping it up during the remainder of the evening. Bertha Crefghton and Co. pre- senting her comedy sketch "Our Husband," would have been as pleasing as the sister act, only for a very poor closing that sur- prised almost the entire house by Its sud- den ending. The playlet brings forth many a comedy situation helped along by the good work of Miss Crelghton, but this all hoppens early and Is soon forgotten. The finale needs brushln* up. With It right the act should have very little trouble. Harry Tlghe and Zoe Barnett (New Acts) held the next-to-closlng position and the lit- tle kidding Tlghe did brought Its usual laughs. The Gilbert ft Sullivan Revue, "Pinafore," closed the show. JEFFERSON. The Monday matinee attendance must have been disappointing to the management, for those in the orchestra for the first show of the afternoon were very few. Nor did the attendance grow much larger. A special eight- act bill was offered for the holiday. The heat, probably, was the cause of the light attend- ance. What few were present were turned away unsatisfied, for the way the show was put together could not have pleased many. The people who patronize this downtown house are a hard bunch to satisfy, but the way tnat show ran would not have pleased many another audience. The house Is undergoing a few alterations. New boxes are being built on the lower floor, and the stage has been raised a few feet Dixon and Dixon (New Acts) held the open- ing position followed by Arthur and Emmy Cody (New Acts). Both turns passrd o" quietly. The old familiar sketch, "So ne i Midnight." Injected a little comedy nt th 1 time that was welcome, but due to a'ba»l TjJ was obliged to pass off to light returns. The company did not appear to be working as well as when last seen, especially the man doing the "souse." The cast practically killed the few chances the playlet had. John and Jessie Powers worked hard to get something going. The comedy tried for from the sise of Mrs. Powers did not even get much. Rearrangement would do no harm. Mabel Morgan with poorly selected songs stirred lit- tle until her final number, when she received the first real sign of applause. Miss Morgan must have received the cue from those on ahead, for during her second number she said to the orchestra leader "A riot." She got, however, the first semblance of a hit after singing a well rendered ballad for her closing number. Ballads should be her specialty, for with rags she is away off, only harming her- self In handling them. Gardner, Vincent and Co. gave the show more of a flash than anything else, for there is little in the sketch to bring out applause. The few comedy situations landed nowhere and they were forced to follow In the footsteps of the preceding turns. Lew Ward, next to closing, scored the one big hit He caught hold early with a "souse" number that was* well done. It was the quick changes made upon the stage that brought htm his success. Wearing a sort of a Jim Morton coat, he car- ries his "props" with him and changes with- out walking off. A "Yiddish" dance as his final number placed him in right with the audience and he showed Judgment in not at- tempting anything else after It. The Jung- man Family, wire walkers, held the closing position, and lost considerable applause through the many misses meant for comedy. The burlesque acrobatic finish, after the act is completed, should be dropped. futbushTbrooklyn. Far out on the outskirts of Brooklyn Is the Flatbush theatre, which opened Monday with U. B. O. vaudeville. It Is In Its second year, formerly playing Loew vaudeville. The Flatbush had fair business Monday afternoon. Not far from this house is the Brooklyn ball field. This week's bill Is headed by Eva Fay with Marie Fenton second on the billing matter, although this young woman made a much more noticeable success at the finish of her turn than the headllner. The mystifying work of Mrs. Fay held the audience, especially the women who had many questions to ask the mind reader. However, at the end the ap- plause lacked the spontaneousness noticeable at the close of Miss Fenton's efforts. She fol- lowed the headllner. Miss Fenton Is looking better than ever and with "clothes," she Is on the right track at the present time to make herself better known as a single. Her four numbers excepting the last, "Little Old Ford Rambled Right Along," are well suited to her. The closing number Is well handled but It is not new and the Ford thing Is pretty well passe In any style now. The black and silver dress, however. Is enough to put any song over. It Is fairly bewitching. In fact nil of this young woman's clothes are artistic. For an opening she had "Back Home In Ten- nessee." a number fast growing In popularity. A comic follows with the necessary catch line to get over with wide awake audiences. For s ballad Miss Fenton Is using "When I Leave the World Behind." It Is one of the act's strong points and brings the girl big returns. The show, which Is In two parts divided bv a ten-minute Intermission, started with Kaiser's Terriers, that made an acceptable opener. Williams and Segal, dancers, followed. The couple are purely dancers but are forced to use a song to start Just at the present they apnear far too lackadaisical In the lone song. The dancing lacks sufficient originality to making a big Impression. The Farrell- Taylor Trio who followed were a comedv hit. The turn never seems to grow old. At present they are getting the best results with "The Song of Songs" and "Tulip Time In Holland" used vocsllv and Instrumentally. "No. 4" held the only sketch of the bill, "A Business Proposal," with Chauncey Mon- roe and Co. Monroe easily carries off first honors In a comedv role that gives him a num- ber of opportunities. The two other members are Marearet Joyce and Will T. Chatterton both satisfactory. Dugan and Raymond opened after Intermis- sion going very well on the strength of Du- gan's "nut" comedv. much of which might be naased unnoticed by many audiences. Fern. Biirlow snd Mehan closed well with tumbling The Flatbush Is riving an eight-act show with a "name" headllner at prices up to BO cents on week-dav nights and 7R cents, Satur- days and Sundays. James T. Dolan Is managing the house and has everything In ship-shape order. HALSEY, BROOKLYN. The Halsey draws from a neighDoruood evacuated bv Its Inhsbltsnts when beach weather prevails, but nevertheless the house wss filled Labor Day evening. The lower floor of the theater has a seating capacity that 's «qn«1 to the entire seating of most houses. tv ril-r»slnment rsn with but two ole- t re Mori motions, starting with John Man- »•'•*. who mingles with hoops, throwing them shout In a snapnv fashion. Although having i rood routine, his endeavors will he limited to ^ia small time, as the bigger homes could not use a > Ingle turn of this kind. Two part- ners of nmial skill could make for this chap i cartable trio that would stand a good chance of advancing. La Rue snd Richmond, "No. 2." work after the former Wllnore Sisters style, one ^trsla-ht with her partner handling the comedy In groteaoue costume. This latter girl Is a r< ii rom*dlenne and nuts over with ginger what co. pf'v the turn has. Some of the material l« lacking In originality. Songs are Inter- imngkd with the talk starting with "June.'* Dick Crollus and Co., "No. 8," In his race track sketch passed along satisfactorily. The long talk at the start waa completely lost in the big house through the young woman's enunciation. This act used full stage, with Til ford and Co., following, also In that space which necessitated a two-reel picture of scien- tific nature that proved rather interesting to fill in for the change in setting. The ven- triloquist, Tllford (New Acts). Carew and Drake (New Acts) next. The headline was awarded to Mayme Rem- ington and her Picks. The turn failed to make any better impression than the major- ity of similar acts. The colored boys work hard, but the act lacks newness. James J. Duffy, who sings comic songs, followed, get- ting along nicely with the audience, topping off with a patriotic number that helped him muchly. The Six Malvenos In the dosing spot put over the biggest laughing hit of the show. SHOWS LAST WEEK. AMERICAN ROOF. The American Roof had a surprise Labor Day night—it held capacity. That unusual sight up there seemed to be superinduced through a turnaway condition somewhere else, perhaps down stairs. People were filling up the roof as late as nine. For the big holiday gathering a better bill should have oeen on tap, but a considerable overhauling of the original program may have been responsible for the raggedness of the run- ning. No act of Importance was on the hill, and the show wobbled along, with three male teams coming In a row after the opening, a very light sketch for the feature spot, and a slow working male "single" next to closing. But three women were on the stage during the evening, one a single, another In the sketch and the third a member of a mixed two-act. Four women could have been counted by the audience, as In the Juggling (billed as The Sharps), Cromwells, the young man, does a female Impersonation while handling his arti- cles, without disclosing his proper sex. Crom- well Juggles well for a girl and occupies the same relative position on the small time Bel- ma Braats does In the big division. Cromwell closed the first half. Wilklns and Wllklns opened the second part. These two turns got all of the Important ap- plause of the night, excepting Carrie Llllle, who was "No. 4" with songs, and got over very well, considering the bad section of the show she had to follow. Miss Llllle has sev- eral songs, nearly all new to small time, with "Safety First" for a good comic, and a "Turn Turn" number that would lead one to suspect Rose Bailey had written the lyrics. Still It remains more a matter of delivery, and Miss Llllle handled It quite decorously. She's an excellent "single" for the small time, because of her songs, changes and liveliness. Wllklns and Wllklns move slowly at first when starting In as a "bench act." Their cross-fire talk In the style of McMahon and Chappelle (no other resemblance) brought frequent laughs through the man's retorts. He takes a seedy charac- ter, on the eccentric, and afterwards does a tapping slow dance that has plats* to accen- tuate the shoe work, the couple closing with a rather new at least idea of tango teaching, that, if It had arrived at an earlier time, would have been a sure comedy mark. Mr. Wllklns might develop his eccentric Idea to its highest pitch, changing somewhat his first dressing scheme. Willie Smith had the next to closing spot He's a young man, who has "Songs and Song Readings." If Willie doesn't mind, he can pass up the "Readings" when next to closing. It's not fast work for that position but then. It is easily supposed Willie on the small time always gets his best with "Passers By," a song-recltatlon. Willie has evening dress and appearance, more of the latter and braid on his clothes than material Just now. He didn't do the Yiddish number very well, and It's ma- terial young Mr. Smith should have his hook out for. Romalne and Roberts opened the show. They played a violin and sang tenor songs. Not ten or more songs. Just about three, which were plenty. The act seems new and may work In as one of the Lyons and Tosco kind of turns. If the small time will enthuse over that style. Bunth and Rudd (programed as Evans and Dalr) were "No. 2." the eccen- trlques doing a little of everything and not a great deal of anything, closing with trick bone playing, after opening with burlesque magic. The Maglmls Brothers were "No. 8," another act trying for too much. The boys had better center their ability if they can locate that. Once upon a time they did a very nice hard-shoe dancing turn. Now they are going in for dancing, singing, talking and disguises—In clothes. The sketch wss "Thanksgiving Eve," played by the Mullally-Plngree Co. No author men- tioned, the program only remarking "The Clever Comedy Playlet." It's a mstter of opinion, that "clever." Two "souses" roTl home Thanksgiving Eve. carrying a basket. They talk "souse stuff" and wonder what's In the basket. A baby's cry later Informs them, and although no baby Is seen during the play- ing, the mother comes on the stage quite late In the action, talks to her husband (who can not rrcognlee her through a veil), then a pathetic finish. It's a sketch that might do In a limited number of small timers, but not for the headline snot at the American, nor does the playlnr either entitle It to any such honor. It would take high-priced players to put this sketch over as might possibly be done, although the veil thing gives It a hump In the "storv. The Carl Dammann Troupe closed the show. Four acts out of the nine had buslneHR of one kind or another with gloves. Through this no one would have sus- pected there had been a matinee, or perhaps the third nmi fourth acts using the business wore not of the observing sort. Bime, FIFTH AVENUE. At the Fifth Ave. the last halt of last week the acts could not have been placed any different to break the comedy coming so fast, for six of the eight on the program went In for it. Comedy is always welcome at the Fifth Ave., but the overdose spoiled the tall- end of the bill. The attendance was up to the standard, every seat being taken around 8 o'clock. The au- dience started to applaud the opening pic- ture and continued right through the bill. Mabel Burke sang an ill. song to her usual returns after an Interesting two-feel drama, followed by Fantasio, who poses before the stereoptlcon. Some of the slides are out of the ordinary. Something new was shown when Fantasio started to sing. "When I Leave the World Behind" and "Song of Songs" were well rendered with a more than pleasing voice. Bonner and Powers started the comedy going, aided by a short reel picture showing their doings after they leave one another. What little talk Is employed brings its returns, but the picture Is too long. The act pleased, but should be rearranged. Qulgley and Fltsgerald. the second turn using comedy, easily scored after the men went In for dancing. The opening talk Is away off, or maybe It was due to the way they used It, for now and then a few lines were distinguishable. The act is also run- ning a little too long, and If anything Is to be cut, moot of the talk should go out Both men are neat steppers and also good piano players. "Nettle," a light comedy skit with a well worn theme held up for the comedy honors of the evening. The playlet runs along at an easy gait hut the comedy situa- tions oome aplenty. These are bound to please. Cleo Gascolgne did not stir much until her final numbers, and although they were well received and sung, a little brushing up In the wardrobe used for them would do no harm. In fact an entirely new set of dresses could he used. Warren and Conley In their familiar skit almost stooped the show at this time with comedy talk and songs. The team got right to them, scoring a well-deserved hit BlUy MoDermott, who was headlined, went right after them from the start for he must have figured he would have to get them early or lose out. This he did, with a bit of new tela, and soon had them in the palm of his hand. It Is about time Mr. MoDermott discarded that beautiful looking suit for something a little cleaner. Lasky's "Trained Nurses." with a change In the leading roles and some girls that do not measure up to the big time standard found It hard going, for they were walking out through the entire turn. Anna Ford and George Ooodrloh are now handling the prin- cipal roles, but with the new girls, the act has a small time appearance. ROYAL Following In the footsteps of Harry Swift manager of the Harlem opera house, the Royal's management has Installed megaphones throughout the block of 149th street and West- chester avenue, for advertising that Is a nov- elty. The Royal show Is running a hit too long, due to the performance not start- ing until around nine o'clock, and leaves no essy chance for the remainder of the bill, after an hour of pictures. After the preliminary three-reel Bssanay Logan and Geneva, man and woman, on the tight wire, release the last half of last week, Logan an< opened the vaudeville section. The man Is an excellent performer and a number of fast running slides, with a corking backward somersault for a finish (the only startling thing attempted) brought applause. The team's Idea of comedy Is wrong, and they should stick more close to their regular routine. A corking good small time opener. Following came May Melville, a singing comedienne, with mediocre numbers. A disinclination to throw her voice far will remain her big handi- cap. One number, "Nerve," was well de- livered to moderate success. Edwins Barry and Co. In "The Home Breaker," held the sketch position, and made a favorable Impression. The "Sis Hopkln" make-up of Miss Barry, and her portrayal of a girl with a penchant for kissing, drew a number of laughs. The little lady playing the wife of the minister, showed a conspicuous nervousness. The rest of the company did fairly well. After an old HI. song by Mabel Burke (who Is doubling between the Fifth Ave. and here) a Keystone comedy drew laughs, and then came an announcement as to the policy of the house for the coming season, Jack Gard- ner with a rearrangement of songs snd talk, and a new picture, "The Recruiting Station'* (Mr. Gardner burlesquing the scene ss of yore). Ills new routine baa a number of laughs, but It needs work for the rough edges to be worn off. Wilson Mlzner's "Ships That Pass in the Night" held Interest. Lillian nil worth as a derelict, got all possible out of her part A couple of new people are In the roles of "the gentleman" and the "crook." Golet Harris and Moray banged over a big score with their combined singing and playing of Instruments. "Kentucky Home" and "Bom Bom-Bay" were among the beet numbers of- fered. Class and ability make this an ac- ceptable turn for any bill. Fred Gerner. the high Jumper and his high school horse closed the show In good style.