Variety (January 1916)

SHOW REVIEWS 17 ROSY POSEY GIRLS. Just one hour Tuesday Bight of "Tho Rosey Posey GlrU" At tho Columbia this wook wu enough. It wss tho first hour. Indication* wero tho second hour would bo worse. Tho company pulled the American flag tor tho first part finale. They sure did need some- thing to bring applause. Previously all tho numbers bad taken encores through an acuta sense of hearing by the orchestra leader. He mult hire heard tho applause la the Palace across the street; there was none at tho C °Yes! b pardon us, Harry Bentley got some sPDlause. but for parodies. He came on carry- ing a violin case, for no particular reason ex- cept to make fun. Mr. Bentley Is a German in this show. Clare Brans, who Is the lead- ing comedian, playa a tramp, so Mr. Brans laid to Mr. Bentley: "What Is that for?" (pointing to the violin case) and Mr. Bentley replied: "That'e my cigarette holder." Of course he could have aald "That* my cigar- ette case." which would bare been more apropos, but still It's a matter of opinion, and as the show has now been out 20 weeks with Mr. Bentley using that line probably slnoo opening, he should know the best what to "*ft was that way all through tho flret hour. Everybody just missed, though It must be told how Mr. Bentley secured spplauae through singing parodies. First though he took a tiny violin out of tho case and juat missed an- other laugh. Hie flret parody was on national airs or maybe emblems. It got over and for sn encore be delivered a parody on "The Heart of Maryland," then another on "Dream- This Is Peter 8. Clark'e show, and if Peter will permit the observation It could be said bis show Is as near the standard of a modern Columbia Wheel attrsctlon as Mr. Bentley s parodies are near current song hits. Harry 8. Le Vsn is another principal. He s s Hebrew and almost captured a laugh when dressed as a little girl he gave a poor imi- tation of Johnny Weber. There are women with this troupe, some principals and several chorus girls. The chorus girls get leaves of absence often for o long time. In the flret part It looked as though they had been sent home as use- less, but they came back. One of the women principals laughed heartily over something she thought was funny and ft must havs lsd tho sudlence to think she lsughs that Rams way when drawing ber salary. Another woman principal had a atrong voice for a burlesqus leader and It suggested a cold In her throat. The 8herlock Sisters seemed a couple pf nice little performers and Walter Pearson In the straight role didn't do so badly, but that doesn't alter the fact that "The Rosey Posey Girls " if they bsve been in this condition all eeeson. sre s mighty lucky bunch to bsve re- mained on the Main Wheel. feet*. YANKEE DOODLE GIRLS. Deeplte the crippled condition of the cast through the illness and absence of the show's prlnclpsl comedian and prima donna, T. W. Dlnktns* "Ysnkee Doodle Girls" gave a very creditable performance Tueeday night, held up principally by the book's comedy wblch stands out conspicuously as the best portion of the show. . While the theme handled Is rather aged, for burlesque. It Is well Juggled by the prin- cipals and a number of decidedly amusing situations are developed with results. And while occasionally ths comics flirt with the borderland of suggestlveness, they never overstep their stage rights for comedy re- sults, leaving much to the Imagination as It were, snd doing quite ae well as if they had taken tbe opposite course. The story is of the ususl burlesque type of widow who hss suc- cessfully done sway with a quartet of loving husbands with the Irishman and Dutchman striving for the vacancy left by tbe last spouse. While the theme le well worn, this aggregation merely utilises It to construct the "bits" snd tbe latter were highly successful In gathering sufficient laughs to wsrrsnt the show a hit. The production department falls somewhat below tbe ususl epeed established by the cir- cuit, but this passed unnoticed to tbe ma- jority, for Mr. Dlnktns bss at least provided an occasional flash In his costuming and the comedy atones for the balance of weaknesses. A parade of natlona, with the choristers rep- resenting the various countries, dressed In regimental uniforms, msde a rather fitting finale to tbe first part, tbe Introduction being well done by the substituting prima donna. The chorus, incidentally, while not break- ing any appearance records, runs slong svenly with tbe competing ebows and exhibited con- siderable life In the dancing with a fairly good vocal volume shown In tbe numbers. George W. Milton le the principal comedian In a Celtic characterisation, running long on ability and short, decidedly short, on make- up. Mr. Milton's Irishman is of tbe chin whisker specie, but Milton can handle his part and makes a great working partner for tbe German comic, alternately billed as Chas. Howe and Henry Nelson. Jennie Delmar le that happy medium between an overgrown soubret and s small prima donna and gave the appearance column a decided boost with her presence. In tbe olio with Milton, Miss Delmar scored a subsequent bit In this part tbe Flying Keelers, an aerial combination, helped out finely with good tricks, working In the cast during tbe show proper. Louise Marshall was also at ber best, par- ticularly In leading several numbers to tbe encore division. Plump, but wpII formed, and with an abundance of personality, Miss Mar- shall stood out from her associates snd wss always welcome. Harry He*rn In a desperado character was acceptable, and Fred Smart, whils a trills over-toned, passed nicely in the "straight" role. The numbere as a mis show senslbls taste, but a few could be relegated to the discard for something more modern. While the at- traction coula hardly otand a critical review, the extenuatlufc clrcumatancee favor the troupe for they are doing excellently well under the existing handicaps. Wyaav. PALACE. Despite Mondsy's Inclement weather, with a thermometer drop that threatened the sero mark, the Palace attendance was right up to ths capacity level (far beyond expectations under the circumstances), snd the cause was ths appearance of Eva Tanguay, the current week'e headllner. The wonder of Tanguay'a perpetual popu- larity has long slnoo ceased to be a topic of theatrical discussion, for tho cyclonic genius of originality persistently outlives all the sinister predictions of professlonsl "death" and not only continues on snd on, but In the oontlnusnce manages to Increase her follow- ing and popularity, snd steadfastly maintains her grip on the title and honor of "vaude> vllle's greatest single women." Tanguay's periodical visits to the metropolis with the periodical reoordanoe of her suc- cessive triumphs are no longer a novelty. In- stead Tanguay has become fixed ae a eort of essential stimulant, for her frequent "re- turns" with her constsntly-chsnglng styles and her endless repertoire of origlnsllty re- lieves the droll monotony of sn otherwise tiresome routine of oonventlonsl vaudeville. Thle Palace engagement le marked with the Introduction of several new Tsnguway num- bers and aa many striking ooetnmee, the first coming on her entrance and probably titled "That'a My Specialty," a great lyric with a regular Tanguay punch, tbe theme describing tbe list of her accomplishments, properly in- cluding Individuality, originality, personality et al., "I'm Here to Stay," reviews ber early vaudeville experiences, well written snd sp- proprtste of the Tanguay style and method of delivery- "I Was Built for Speed" le also new to the east, likewise "If I Only Had a Regi- ment of Tanguays,' the only familiar song remaining being "T-A-N-G-U-A-Y" with "I Don't Clare," and a short recitation for en- cores. The lot comprise one of the beet offer- ings Miss Tsngusy has ever had and the re- view would hardly be complete without some reference to her physical aolf. In tbe past ten yesrs Miss Tanguay has never looked bet- ter nor as trim In figure and her voice hss survived her recent operations In remarkable style. She packed the house and then pro- ceded to wallop out ons of her greatest hits Mondsy night. Th bill In support is probably ons of the best the Pslsce has carried In some months. The feature turn is Mils. Felyne Verblst (New Acta), with Olga Seymour (New Acts) also listed among the strangers, Tbe open- ing uehered In Longblln's Comedy Dog Act, a turn thet messuree up wltb ths best of Its kind on the stage. While only four stunts sre shown, esch ons Is cspable of featuring the average dog act, Loughltn having aenslbly ellmlnsted all the stereotyped simple tricks long since outlived. Tbe dog-propelled re- volving tsble mskes a splendid finale and Is sure-fire for lsughs. The act gave the show a nloe start, earning, at the same time, a solid hit Wllllsm Morris and Co., in "Mrs. Temple's Telegram," held the sketch section, the light comedy finding an easy response. The eklt Is well timed In speed and action, the principal scoring an Individual mark for his excellent delivery. The Farber Girls are slowly, but surely, de- veloping, although the turn shows room for still further improvement in spots. The tsller girl might eliminate her dancing efforts, snd a harmonised finale to tho telephone song would be more fitting. She might slso drop the prop Isugh, the comedienne hsvlng suf- ficient weight to lsnd her comedy without ss- istance. Tbe songs are well picked "Megic Melody," getting the most results, slthough the opener Is a good double. The costumee are e side attraction worthy of note. Laddie Cliff opened the second psrt with his single, with Psul Conchss following. In bis new comedy, "Achilles snd Patrocles," the comedy getting over with a pronounced wal- lop. Tbe Lunette Bisters closed the show, holding practically every auditor In for the concluding whirl. Wynn. COLONIAL The new material on the bill at the Co- lonial this week glvee It added Interest and It Is made more entertaining since the new acta got over. Monday night the Colonial was light, not unexpected with the weather. It's a residential neighborhood where the Colonial Is situated and, as John Calvert remarked: "Who'd you think would go to a show tonight If they didn't have to." But the Colonial's attendance was larger than that and enough were there to remove any doubt about the act's success or failure. Jack Jarrott and Josephine Kern ell (New Acts) are headlining the bill. To Jarrott's popularity In the vicinity was due the at- tendance, proven by the applause when they closed the show. They sre s modern dancing couple and had to follow another dancing act, Adelaide and Hughes, the latter closing the first part. Adelaide and Hughes sre called on the program "America's Greatest Dancers." They did two numbers, "The Pierrot" and "The Cst and the Canary." Neither one evoked enthusiasm or moment. "Tbe Cat-Canary" affair was probably mostly liked by the bouse It's a pantomimic dance with a simple story, so simple It hurts the pantomimic strain li effort that accompanies it It's hardly worth ths thought It must hsvs csussd and about the best item In it is Mr. Hughes' cat bktn. The "Cat" portion of It will appeal to the younger youngsters at matineea. The Adelaide-Hughee combination is going away from ita original dancing intention, try- ing to be, it would seem, too "artistic," st least for vaudeville, where they have no sup- port exoepting that furnished by themselves and acenery. It doesn't seem to be enough. Adelaide established herself by those little tricks of ballet stepping Dssle did so well before Adelaide tried them, and that is what vaudeville will fall for with this team. Opening after intermission was Maurice Burkhart, with a Turn hs can work up into a big vaudeville number, or should. It's an original idea for a "single," written by one of vaudeville's brlgbteet authors, a girl, Blanche Merrill. The act la called "The Thief." Burkhart lyrically and frankly ad- mlta hs lse"steallng stuff," but he's not, bs Is parodying. The matter runa to character work in the dreee with a bare-atage representation through a drop In "one" of a theetre wall. Mr. Burkhart is spoiling the scheme through singing a ballad In ths centre. Nothing straight ahould be In the turn and it could better be played throughout under the spot light (of various colors). If this act falls, the fault will be Burkbart's, but It is unlikely It can fall and It remalna but a mat- ter of bow far Burkhardt can advance him- self with It The Colonial left no doubt of Its liking for the Burkhart act. Then came Claire- Vlneent and Co. (New Acts), with a aketch that caught right on after a few momenta, the Vincent company carrying it over to a com- plete success. Following, In the next to closing spot, wss Josle Heather, with her sister called "Bob- ble," and a piano player named Wm. Casey, Jr. Miss Hesther hss personality and did very well with three or four songs and a reci- tation, the latter evidently English. Her sis- ter, as a boy, joined ber In the Scotch num- ber, helping that materially, for "Bobble" le a neat-looking little kid In bls-her kilts. Miss Hesther held up tbe hard spot rather well. It was asking something of her to take cars of ths show at this Juncture, for It had been a good performsnos sll through. Several turns hsd a piano, there wero a couple of slluslons in s mimical wsy to David Wsrfleld, and their own leader In the Ade- laide and Hughee turn played a violin rag for an encore after filling a wait with a straight selection. Thle leader draws an ex- cellent rag out of his Instrument, much better It sounds than soms of the professlonsl violin rsg players of ths cabareta. Ie It possible there le a difference between violin playere who can read muslo snd those who can not? And If there le, can the note reader excel In rag playing, which la supposed to bo a knack rather than a study T The Bchmettane opened the ehow. They start wltb a peeing bit, both costumed In white, then the young men dose lifts snd other strength fests with the girl, eho flnslly carry- ing him off with s hsnd lift, much to the sur- prise of the sudlence. The act did quite nicely before the email houss gathered at thst tlms. about 8.10, but It'e rather a light turn for the opening position on tbe blggeet bills. No. 2 were Schooler snd Dickinson, who had replaced Al White and Maurice Abrahams after the matinee, the latter couple going In as substitute for Howard, Klppel and Herbert, originally billed. Al White could not make tbe time In connection with bla engagement at the Relsenweber Cabaret, where the revue he leads opens at 7.80. running over en hour. Mr. Schooler Is still wearing an Eton suit, and alao likely has had no ons tell him thst when he Is at the piano, under the spotlight, with his profile to the audience, the line where his make-up ends and the natural color starts Just back of It (extending around the neck) le very visible. Miss Dickinson used several class numbere, also singing "Sweet Adair," which sounds all-right. The act got over fairly well for the position, but this seml-gulse of youth would loom up much bet- ter If accomplished without the Eton and the hair down the back thing. They are really young and the audience might guess It for themselvee. Tbe Schooler boy le s finished per- former on the plsno. Morrlssey snd Hsckett exchanged spots with Marshall Montgomery (New Acts), owing to a full stage setting. They substituted for Keno and Green. The two-act came "No. 4." They are doing much ae an act, and finish strongly with their film absurdity that managea to catch a close up of Charlie Chaplin for added ap- plause. Will Morrlssey has overlooked little for applause, even to a verse he blames on a George Cohan Imitation. Dolly Hackett makee a charming blonde picture and the au- dience was Inclined to applaud her Just for her looks, an extraordinary desire In vaude- ville. The act can stand cutting down. There are two decided encores that divides It Into practically three sections. Morrlssey and Hack- ett are entertainers and as such might con- trive to give their best In a shorter time. Bime. ALHAMBRA. Tuesday evening the'Alhambra was Jammed to the doors end Manager Harry Bailey *nld a similar state of affairs existed on tbe three previous performances (Monday Included), with every Indication It would continue. Asked If the house could make any money at the new scale of prices (28 cent matinees and 3.1 to .V) cent orchestra seats In the evenings), he said "yes," adding the affirmative applied provided the capacity business was maintain- ed, but that It would also be necessary for acts to scrept the Alhsmbra as a reduced price theatre and adjust their salaries accord- ingly. Fred and Adsls AsUlre opened with a little singing sad some snappy dancing, making a fitting Introductory number. Brest Hayes played the banjo, the Barcarole from 'Tales of Hoffman," playing his own scoompanlmsnt on ths ssme Inetrumeut Thsa hs announced he would play the overture from "Fra Dla- volo," which he etsted musicians deolsred was impossible on tho banjo—and proved It (Take that either way.) Morton and Moore appeared la evening clothes, which Is not so effective as their former down get-up, though It did not eeem to have any appreciable diminution upon their usual popularity. Norton and Lee ccored very etrongly with singing and eccentrlo danolng. Miae Norton's B, her top note, spread for her a well-de- served round of applause. Mack and Walker (New Acts) closed the first half. Santlsy and Norton, a clever rathskeller pair, put over a wallop to stsrt off ths laat half of ths program, succeeded by Creeey and Dayns In "Ons Night Only." Belle Blanche lived up to her billing of "the prima donna Impersonator." Hsr lmltatloas are better than ever and are presented In an original war. Robbie Gordons, posing act, closed the show. Joto. PROSPECT. Brrrrrr! 1 Monday night In Brooklyn I Juat Imagine It and ahlver some more. Believe me, it Is some cold In Brooklyn when the regulars themselvee won't turn out for vsudevtlle. Those In front st ths Prospect filled the flret twelve rows snd then sat on their hsnds to keep thorn warm. There were 12 acta on the hill, head- lined by Charlee Orapewln (asaiated by Anna Chance). Tbe ehow ran rather smoothly with one switch In ths plsylng order, Frank Mul- lens being moved down from second after opening at the matinee to next to closing tho first psrt at ths night show. His material has dialect stories and two songs, "Dear Old Dad" snd "My Mother's Rosary/' both pat over In particularly good style. The Sylpbldc Sisters (New Acts) opened the show, and Helene Dsvls (New Aots) was ths first la tho second part Miller and Lylee, the two colored oomedtaae, were ssslgned to the eeoond spot and started the show off with a laugh. Their boxing finish struck the fancy of tha Preepoot audience. Bertha Crelghton and Co., presenting "Our Husband,' a comedy dramatlo sketch, earned a number of laugha. The offering la Jost about three lines too long at present It would be a good idea to doss with "I divorced him three years ago." for a faat curtain. Low and Molly Hunting did not seem to put enough dancing into thslr offering to eult Brooklyn- Ites. They like dsnclng at that house. W. Horellk's dancers, closing ths first part wore an applauee hit Opening the second part Miss Davis scored s solid hit, and ths Werner and Amorce Co., with their comedy specialty In tho seoond after Intermission spot, were a near riot Lillian Fitzgerald snd Henry I. Marshall (the song writer) got away fairly well following. At present snout four mlnutee that could be cut. The opening of the turn le also a little weak. Miss Pltigersld's French soubrette bit seems to be about the top note thst ths act strikss. Mr. Grspewln had "Poughkeepelo," a laugh- able comedy eklt In which ne playa a traveling man, whom the wife euspecta of having a sweetheart In every town. There are any number of corking bright Unee In the piece and the offering was easily ths oomedy and applause bit of the bill. Next to cloelng, the Cbung-Hwa Chinese Four pleased through the medium of their Scotch finish. Tbe picture of four Chinamen dressed In Highland costume doing a horn- pipe, le enough to get s Isugh anywhere. They are offering "Chinese Blues," "Ths Daughtsr of Mother McCree," sn operatic selection aad ths imitation of Harry Lauder, which precedes tbe Scotch dance. Relph Loose end Nsns Sterling did seven minutes of fsst work on ths rings snd bars as the finish of the show, holding the audience in to the last FIFTH AVENUE. Pretty good show at tho Fifth Avenue for the first hslf of the current week—thst Is, pretty good for smsll time prices. Opsns with "Maximilian," cblmp, with s good rou- tine of Its kind but no longer a novelty around here. Edsh Delbrtdge Trio, soprano, tenor and baritone, wltb popular and claeelcal sing* Ing. The berltone ecored etrongly with "Adair," rendered In a fine robust voice, with clesr enunciation. "Tbe Cop," billed aa a travesty on "The System," as a dramatic polios sketch with s "surprise" finish. Good sketch, but badly acted. Ths msn playing ths Inspector has an Idea yelling and punching ths sir Indicates force, while the one portraying a "wop" pea- nut vendor has a make-up Ilk* a comic opera chorus man and often forgets his dlslect. The third man will do nicely. Miller and Vincent are doing very well with their neat singing and cross fire specialty. Maude Fealy and Co. (New Acts). Msbel Burke, the Illustrated singer of the house, rendered "Molly Dear It's Tou I'm After" to the accompaniment of picture visualising the lyric. Rawls and Von Kaufman scored with their talk, but the singing finish detracts from the turn. Mr. Rawls is an excellent blackfaced comedian, suggesting In his method, Jim Mo- Intyre of Mclntyre and Heath. Warren and Conley were the class of tbe ehow with sing- ing, smart crossfire end s good "nut" dance for s finish. Jsck Wystt's "Scotch Lads and Laisles," eleven people, have a pretentions act, comprising singing, dancing and Instru- mental work, an excellent closing number. /ate.