Variety (February 1916)

SHOW REVIEWS 19 i ■. i PALACE. It may have been uie combination of the RuU til. DeuuU and Ooorgo Nash nanwi on tno fataoe program wuicn urouaui tae aear-ca- paciiy atumtUuce Monday evening, a good vauuevllie anow was on view, it ran swuUy anu to a laugning conciualon with tne Charles Abearn oouieuy cycis turn. Mitts at. Dennis (Now Acta) closed the first part, giving tne program ttuuiclent oiaaa for a uozen bllla. Mr. rsaan ano Co. (New Acta) were second alter intermission, providing an entertaining moment In a playlet that bad and needed Mr. Naan's belplng band. Opening tne second part belle Blanche drew down tne applause bit of tne mgnt. wltn ber Imper- sonations, ranging from tboae singly done to tne group of theatrical etara at a baseball game. To top tbla off Mlas Blancne "did" Eva Tanguay and la entitled to tne credit of giving tne best vocal Imitation of Miss Tan- guay alnglng "I Don't Care" ever done upon tne stage. Her otbers were good or paaaaDle, wltn tne Frank Tlnney attempt considerable off In all details. Next to closing waa George MacFarlane, tnat likeable baritone who can sing wltn any of 'em, and Is now telling humorous stories for extra measure. Mr. MacFarlane's genial Rersonallty enters hanally on the story tell- lg end. The house liked him, so well he had to acknowledge real encores after going through a long list of song selections, to a piano accompaniment. It waa no sinecure after tbla nearly all- comedy ahow for the Abeam Company to put the laughing period to it, but they did. Charlie Abeam la still the van leader, far in ad- vance, for freak wheela that make laughs at first eight, and as for speed, there Isn't a turn In the show business with anything on It. Mr. Abeam might slow down on the speed, without damage to bis act. It seems a pity to place a laughing novelty such aa this la for the tag of a Palace ahow. Another comedy number, next to closing the nrst part, were 8am and Kitty Morton In their "Back to Where They Suited." New dialog caught new laugha with the former conversation aa funny as ever, whilst 8am Morton haa a new kink for funmaklng In a dancing Impersonation of Sousa leading hla band, done In the thorough manner thia fin- ished performer can do anything he goes after. Kitty Morton la still kittenish when It comes to stepping and the act got over Just right In the right apot. mm . Prevloualy had been "Diacontent" by Hugh Herbert, played by Clarence Oliver and George (or Georgle) Olp (or Opp). it Is a duolog In a set, with measured croes conversation, starting with "Discontent" the name of a bamlet, later changed to "Content" when Mr. Oliver decides he wants to remain there to marry Miss Opp (the "everything there Is" around the railroad station) : There Is no strength to the little thing, but its different and many In a vaudeville audience would scent philosophy in the writing. Maybe so, but the youth of the playing couple, with their delivery will account for a great deal of the mild success the piece meets with. Opening the show were Grossman's Enter- tainers, the Crosaman Banjophienda converted into a rag playing orchestra carrying three banjos, a drummer, vlollniate, planlste and trombonlste. A song and violin aolo are In- serted for quiet contrast to the concerted rag playing, though there Is a trap drummer ex- hibition while the violinists does her bit. The drummer is no less than little Estelle Churchill, she of the Boston Fadettes, and Estelle drums aa well as ever, throwing away atlcks and props one by one as she uses them, and doing It all without losing a pound. The finish of the Crossman act might be helped If someone on the stage would move about. It's rather hard to put over a swinging rag with everybody still. The act does quite well, haa some class, and could have fitted Into "No. 8" spot at the Palace. Ben Welch. "No. 2," did his usual, but re- fused an encore, probably having but scant time to make his position at the Colonial. Mr. Welch could dispense with the story of the Hebrews attempting to defraud creditors by going to Canada. It's not in good taste and certainly Is one of the classification any He- brew could and might reasonably object to. Mum. AMERICAN ROOF. In the six turns with songs out of the nine sets In all on the American Roof the first half, but only three Mother" and one "Dad" songs were sung. The "mothers" were "M-O-T-H-E-R," "What a Beautiful Mother You'd Make" and "She's Good Enough to Vote With You." All the "mothers" got over, per- haps because the show didn't have a Ford "gag" In It anywhere. How the bunch missed "My Mother's Rosary" Is up to Max Wlnslow to explain. "Give Credit to Your Dad" was the flrat of the bunch to show and It sort of set a pace for the otbers. but the family attendance on the Roof Just loved the home lyrics to death all the evening. And after that a couple of the acts had a racetrack recitation apiece. Tbe first turn. "The Handicap Girls," did one sounding much like that formerly used by Eddie Clark when he had a racetrack "girl act" something like this one In setting, only ever so much bet- ter otherwise. Tbe other act, Kingsbury snd Munson, pulled "Ladybird" to win and "Lady- bfrd'Taround tbe orchestra-track, carried by •ifflfTfRlW' ha " been winn,n g 'or years. 'tnky'HHow ran through In a light manner with this style of turn, without a serious aketch displayed. Tbe applause bit and also the laughing honors went to Dave Ferguson he capturing both by his "cissy" "Charge o' tbe Light Brigade" next to closing. Mr. Fer guson has about all new talk preceding this with a couple of new songs. His "mlxet' Jury" story is open to debate. The house muffed "When Norah Built the Ark," his opening number. Another turn that might have accom- plished a good deal with a better method and less unrefined material were Emma O'Nell and James Gallagher. The turn Is not neces- sarily too rdugh for tbe small time that likes it. The "Providing" number, however, should go out. and It's hardly necessary anywhere for Miss O'Nell to cover her nose with her hand as she exclslms "O'Nell!" with the hope of a laugh following. The "not-married-to- each-other" line belongs to Belle Ashlyn of Gould and Ashlyn, now abroad. Mr. Gal- lagher tinkers around an upright piano and Miss O'Nell sings most of the songs- They had two of the "mothers" In their act (Remick's and Shapiro's). Closing the first part were "The Handicap Girls," the turn formerly playing as "The Betting Bettys." A change In title has not aided It. As a "girl act" it hasn't 30 cents worth of material. The six chorus girls look nice because of their neatness and sllmneaa, while the costuming for them Is much the best thing there. It was one of the two boys In this turn who did the racetrack recitation. A dance by the other was their best Joint contribution in any way. The first young man were full evening dress while selling racetrack tickets In the afternoon. Zowle! Second after intermission, following O'Nell and Oallagher, were Nellie Kingsbury and Roscoe E. Munson In "The Devil In Posses- sion." a two-people aklt In C. D. F. Skits like these used to flood Pastor's when the western turns came east to show. It's the duckey wife who turns on her lording husband by giv- ing him a dose of what she thinks he will like, winding up with a tough poise while smoking a cigarette. There must be a mil- lion of those scripts around. It depends often on how they are played. Kingsbury and Mun- son were given a pretty Important position In the second half. Reed Brothers did some bar work "No. 8." entering In straight dress of a kind that sur- prised when they stripped to tights. The bouse seemed to like them. Owing to work- ing on the high bar a person seated way In the rear could not see what they did. Just before, "No. 2," were Bauer and Saunders, a "sister act," who opened with "Tbe Mandy Lee," did the "Dad" song and Included a sin- gle singing a "Yiddish" number. Tbe girls need a lot of ginger to hold tbem on the best of the smsll time. One act opened the show and another closed It Attendance fair, weath- er fine. 8ime. JEFFERSON. The Jefferson Is celebrating its anniversary this week, and as usual tbe house Is sll decor- ated with banners and flags for tbe special occasion. For this week a ten-act bill Is being offered besides a special feature. The at- tendance will no doubt break tbe house record If It continues throughout tbe week ss It was Monday, for at the matinee tbe sale of tickets stopped at 2 o'clock and for the evening show the huge orchestra was filled to the last row. The show proved satisfactory to the large gathering, something that seldom occurs with a special bill of this kind, but the management might get hold of the cussing going on In this house. If the act did not sing, they would slam a couple of swear words across the foot- lights snd vice versa. This should be stopped immediately, for among that crowd of 14th streeters perhaps a few decent minded people can be found, and why lose tboae few wben a bunch of youngsters In the gallery continually yell out their remarks, snnoytng tbe better class of patrons seated on the lower floor. This also disturbs the acts, but then tbey could be blamed for this with all the cussing they are doing every day. The bill ran mostly to singing and comedy, this always being enjoyed in this neighbor- hood. De Renzo snd LaDue opened tbe show with some fast aerial work, both working fast throughout their stay. A swinging breakaway towards the orchestra brought them a good round of applause for a closer. The boys might clean up their suits. Eugene Ls Blsnc did not get much In the following spot, al- though the telegram brought a few laugha. Her closing number was a little flash, different from the remainder of ber work, the audience appeared to like It. Miss La Blsnc did a better act when flrat working around New York, at which time she did less In the way of comedy snd really more entertaining. Anns Wardell and Co. presented a skit full of comedy, Tbe young fellow ss tbe busband does not quite put his points across. The act can still go s bit. for the comedy Is sure fire for the smsll time. Mayrae Remington and her picks went through their work In fsat order, tbe singing snd dancing breaking In for Its applause. The picks worked hard snd the 14th streeters liked them, for the singing and dancing cannot help but be enjoyed. "Louisville" went across very well, getting some good applause. Cesser Rtvnli did bis quick changes to tbe audience's delight, his skit practlcslly remain- ing the same, after which be completed bis atay with a couple of impersonations of grest composers, psat snd present. A weekly pic- torial was followed by Theo. Ham berg and Co., who presented their msgic work to passing results. His msgic routine is nothing out of the ordinary, slthough tbey did not catch his idea at this house. Tbe other member of the company, a womsn, assists tbe man In bis work, coming to tbe front with a pretty Irish ballad as s aolo that was well received. KM/nbeth Cutty appeared to be a bit classy for iMs house, nevertheless tbey appreciated her work, especially after she sang "Wonder- ful Mother." Outside of breaking a string during her whlppoor-will number, she went through her numbers in fsat time, being well received throughout. A "girl set" of consider- able worth, "Springtime," was next apd did very well. The act runa along the asusl rou- tine, but In this case some clever girls and boys have been picked. They appear to be carrying entirely too much confidence, spoil- ing their efforts considerably by working In that way. Tbe -nance." Hebrew comedian and one of the girls especially show this style. While the act carries Its fsults. It Is a good one and should find plenty of work. Tbe songs were "Rocky Road to Dublin." "Old Apple Tree." with "Mother's Rosary" standing out. Suber's and Keefe were next-to-closing with their comedy going over very well, although they were placed pretty far down on the bill. These boys could easily frame a splendid turn, were tbey to use some talk worth while with a couple of songs to go with It. The Sli Olivers closed tbe ahow and held tbe majority seated. A straight acrobatic turn with plenty of speed would no doubt set tbem more than the com- edy they are stalling with at p r ese n t ORPHEUM. The Orpbeum show as It stands tbla week threatens on advance Indlcatlona to create a new house record with Mclntyre and Heath and Jamie Kelly (new acts) on the program, the former national favorites, while Kelly la tremendously popular In Brooklyn. Monday night a Democratic organisation oc- cupied the orchestra floor, or moot of it. and tbe balance of the week promisee to see prac- tically every prominent club In Queens repre- sented In large numbers at the house. The show supporting the famous minstrel comics Is nicely arranged with comedy pre- dominating, a flash of class showing here and there to properly proportion the variety. The headllners were In the second portion, second after Intermission, and worked to a continuous string of solid laugha. The turn ls broken up In tne center to allow a full stage finale where the comedy reaches Its extreme height In value and returna. Just what Mclntyre and Heath mean to a vaudeville bill was clearly demonstrated with the entrance of the succeeding act, Harry Tlghe and Sylvia Jason. Tlghe labored strenuously for fully Ave minutes before the sudlence fully realised his presence and then his turn was half completed before he attained his stride. The Tlghe offering Is undoubtedly tbe beet be has ever had, cleverly built and strictly original In every "bit," number and gesture. Tlghe might consistently eliminate a few of the earlier "prop" laugha, saving them for the latter section where they seem appropriate. Miss Jason makes a splendid foil for Tlghe's light comedy and handles her vocal assignments In excellent manner. Under ordinary circumstances and advantageously placed. Tlghe and Jason will walk away any- where and even handicapped at the Orpbeum tbey corralled second best with the headllners living up to their reputation. E. Meriam's Swiss Canine Actora opened with a genuinely entertaining production, ar- ranged entirely away from tbe conventional dog villages, etc, with three distinct scenes. Tbe dogs wear shoes as well as clothes, one doing a "lame dog" while walking on his rear feet, a rather unique and difficult bit. Tbe act works through a story tbst provides Interest and can classify with the best In Its line. White and Clayton held second position and were an early hit with their eccentric dancing and pantomimic comedy, the former standing out with the best ever seen around this re- gion. Tbe smaller shows a number of new steps and tbe turn, as a whole standa out aa a decidedly good two-msn act. Herbert Clifton opened the second hslf with his repertoire of Impersonations, unchanged In order alnce his Colonial engagement, and he scored heavily. William Morris and Co. In "Mrs. Temple's Telegram," closing Intermission, corralled the usual amount of laughs. Ameta closed the show with her mirror dancing, the offering holding tbe house seated to a man. Ameta Is somewhat away from the ususl line of dancers, the mirror effect (original with Ameta) giving the specialty an added value. Her finale, a sort of butterfly arrangement, is exceedingly good snd earned her a bow at the final curtain, something un- usual In vaudeville for a turn finishing tho bill. Beatrice Morell and Co. ((New Acts). Wynn. colonFal From a standpoint of genuine variety one cannot consistently commend tbe Colonial show this week, for It lscks the usual comedy punch essential to a successful big time pro- gram, although this is more tbe fault of tbs individual turns tbsn tbe booker, for a few of tboae present, apparently booked for their comedy claims, fell somewhat abort of ex- pectations. Two dancing acts In succession In the flrat portion of the bill did not help things, while another (Norton and Lee) sched- uled to sppear In tbe second section with- drew, msklng possible tbe addition of Lloyd and Biitt (New Acts), who did much to bold up tbe abow with their comedy specialty. "Tbe Passion Play of Wsshlngton Squsre" ls the big feature of tbe week, the duet role being acted by Alma Tell, wltb the original company In support. Mlas Tell has Improved wonderfully since bor Royal engagement and manages to provide tbst distinctly different surprise at tbe finale which brings this play- let somewhat above the average. Her work throughout Is commendable In every form and can be favorably contrasted now wltb ber pred- ecessor who created the part. The Colonial audience liked tbe skit and voiced their ap- proval wltb applause aplenty. Maude Fesly snd Co. wss also present with a sketch, this one called "The Turn of tbe Tide," In which tbe author, Hugh Herbert, has gone somewhat strong a duolog style. There is no "kick" to the affair and beyond a series of philosophical speeches and uninteresting sltustlons, the story tells little. The scenic portion Is up to tbe stands rd and really de- serves a better accompaniment Miss Fealy Is thoroughly capable, but if shs is consider- ing an extended, stay in vaudeville* it be- hooves her to look around for sometning more suitable than uie present piece. I'aul Cordon opened with his alack wire specialty, a teature of which la his dasslmg speed. Gordon works witn a reckless oou- buence and provides plenty of thrills In \>M swinging. He wisely eliminates all the sim- pler teats, conuning his eiiorts to leature tricks. He scored nicely. The Mosconl Brothera held the second position with their dancing turn, constructed away from the con- ventional style and cleverly executed. They were well applauded. Rlgga and Wltchle fol- lowed wltb their dancing routine, the alnglng in which ls close to Intolerable. They puiled a hit solely on their ability as dancers and deserved it. Ben Welch preceded the feature act the second period being opened by Frits and Lucy Bruch, who earned second honors of the even- ing. Mlgnon followed Lloyd and Brltt and quali- fied for the spot without any apparent enort, her impression of Blossom Beeley earning the greatest returns. Henrietta De Berrls closed with her statue turn holding the house In for the finale. Wynn. PROSPECT. Approximately 18 mouths old and the Pros- pect is having Eva Tanguay aa its headliner this week for the first time. The house Tuesday evening easily held the biggest at- tendance for that night In an ordinary week alnce the start of ita career. Tanguay waa responsible for the attendance, many coming from all parts of the town to see tbe comedienne. This waa clearly demon- strated by the numerous people In the audi- ence remarking what a fine theatre the Pros- pect waa. The customary picture opener was omitted tbla week with the film dosing the show In- stead. Martin's Four Roses started. It ls a dancing act with four girls, all of whom have probably bad sxperlsnos In the Berlin Mad- caps or acta of that order. At present It la not up to big time requirements and the cos- tuming is bad. The featured dancer appears In a dirty pink dress. After this ineffective opening Koxy La Rocca started quietly but continued at a faat gait, going over as one of the evening's hits at the finish. Lough- lin's Canines, "No. 8," scored many laugha with the roulette wheel finale proving a scream. The Misses Ligbtner and Alexander following the dog act in their song routine. The present combination does not seem as strong as the former Llghtnsr and Jordan "sister act," although much of the material has still been retained. Tbe audlenoe liked thia trio. The first of the two family squabbls sketch- es of the evening entitled "Tbs Recoil," wan presented by Claire Vlnoent and Co. It la a docldedly silly affair but two or three little turns In It will make It Interesting. Wolile Gilbert missed an opportunity to plug hla "Dream Olrl" number by not having tbla act used It at the finish, for much of the talk hinges around a dream girl for whom the hus- band ls going to leave hla wife. Thia not closed the first half. Edwin George with his juggling and kid- ding opened Intermission and secured bis cus- tomary laughs. James Leonard and Co., pro- (rammed, did not appear, being replaced by Ir. and Mrs. Norman Phillips In the second man and wife aketch of the bill. This couple have an amusing vehicle, but the No. 2-after- intermiaaion apot and tbe fact that there waa another aketch on similar lines ahead on the bill, did not make It especially eaay for the Phillips' Tuesday night. Tanguay, next to cloalng, was easily the big attraction. She daisied them with her cos- tume creations and captivated them wltb her songs. The Five Ststues cloaed wltb a neat arranged poelng routine. PR0CT0R'S~5*TH STREET. Quite some eutertsinment was derived from the snow at Proctor's 58th Street Tuesday night. It was a good small time show. The attendance aa ususl held Its own. The Winsome Harmoulats were the first to appear, their music delighting the audience. Although tbey play too loud upon tbe brass Instruments, It Is tbe usual wsy of musical turns on tbe small time. The girls present a neat turn, but mar It with a bit of unneces- sary playing from one of tbe lower stage boxes. This should be done sway with, for It ls unneceaaary for tbe girl to leave tbe stage wben practically the same thing could be csrrled out next to ber partner, who Is left alone In the dsrk while the spot Is upon tbe one In tbe box. Oeorge Yoemsn got a couple of laughs wltb bis monolog. His rsadlng of telegrams follows Nat Wills' style, and con- cluded tbe turn. A weekly pictorial was followed by the song festival, sfter which csme tbe Lester Trio, who preaented a comedy sketch. This trio have s splendid comedy offering, wltb enough of It thrown In throughout to keep tbem laughing from start to finish. A more appro- priate billing might be used. Sbsw and Cul- bane appear to be a new two-man combina- tion, tbe boys sbowlng this In their work. The shorter one should take more pains with his delivery, though It may be lack of stsge experience. "Everybody" still retains Ita In- teresting parts. Tbe sketch appeared to grow upon his sudlence. Msraball and Trible proved an entertaining colored turn, the comedy es- pecially going very well. Tbe smaller boy appears to have an eaay task Impersonating a "winch," and the talk, although running along the usual lines of other colored tesms, galna Kb purpose. Tbe Seebacka closed the show with bag punching, the woman putting In a little com- edy wltb a dummy. Some clever work la sbowq, w