Variety (April 1916)

SHOW REVIEWS 17 BARNUM AND BAILEY'S. Nothing very new or startling In this year* Barnum ft Bailey Circus, now at the Garden. The reason the Rlngllng Brothers have ao decreed is said to carry a story behind it According to sawdust lore a lean circus summer follows a good theatrical season. The season ending has been very good theatrically in big cities, theagh the interior towns didn't go wild over any legitimate attractions. This it would ap- pear 50-50 on the three-ring business dope, albeit wise show people seem agreed the com- ing summer is going to be a bummer for the well known tent combinations, and there is none better known than the B-B. Then again, It is said the Ringlings have despaired of securing enough "sensations" to endure They might pick up one here or there, but csuldn't follow it up the next season, and they are reported to have long since reached the conclusion it would be better for their ticket wagons to cultivate the public Into an evenly balanced aggregation than to breast an ex- pectancy each summer that means a winter of worry with no surety the "big novelty" or "thriller" may be located—and If so, located that it will fill the bill. Many agree with the Ringlings' theory, It that it Is, and In pursuance of which the circus at the Qarden appears to have been framed around. The show began with the regulation side show In the cafe. There were exhibited the Fat Girl, the Fat Boy. the Tatooed Man. the Tatooed Boy, a couple of giants and a giant- ess, a bewhlskered female. "Zip." the Cir- cassian Girl, a couple of midgets, a two- bodied man and a sword swallower and ao on. In the arena the band played till 8.08 In ring three concluding with a couple of song pluggers, one singing "Hello. Hawaii. How Are You?" and the other rendering "My Mother's Rosary" via finger whistling. From 8.08 the arena was given up to people walking across to their seats until 8.10, when Fred Bradna blew his whistle which was followed by a fanfare announcing the parade. Not a clown was In evidence until a number of acts had been shown, they making their first appearance at .8.37. The parade began with the freaks and then what is billed as a Persian Pageant, which consisted of a number of men and women in Oriental costume, some colored and some white, who passed in review clad In super's regalia more or less splendiferous. Some of the men merely wore three-quarter length klmonas with their modern trousers showing beneath. It was not an awe-inspiring spectacle. The first ring display consisted of one woman in each ring working five elephants through a very good routine, concluding with musical elephants occupying the centre ring for the finish. Then came the inevitable impersonations by the clowns of Henry Ford and William J. Bryan. From then on the show did not run ac- cording to program, though the public were none the wiser. Acts from one programed display were switched into others In such a manner It was well nigh Impossible to fol- low them closely enough to Identify them by name in order to comment on Individual work. A series of trapeze and ground acrobatic acts was next shown without any Individual billing, which included a man doing chair balancing on top of tables, a clown on a trapeze, a number of women flying through the air suspended by their teeth and con- cluding with butterfly stuff. Display No. 5 consisted of Madam Bradna in Ring 1 who did her showy horse, wagon, dogs, etc.; Miss Franks in Ring 2 in a very attractive high school turn; Monteith Hines in Ring 3 also in a skilful equine novelty. The platforms between the three rings were occupied during the five minutes of the dis- play by the Flllis Troupe with a man, woman and horse on each platform, the men riding the horses while the women danced some cakewalk steps. Apparently the horses kept time to the women, but the reverse, of course, really occurred. Display No. 6 was really a continuation of No. 5, for those who ap- peared in the former just gave Individual exhibitions about the arena on their way off. By this time the clowns were very much In evidence with various "props" consisting of motorcycles, "steamrollers," etc. Then the show Jumped to Display No. 13, which con- sisted of the Hackett-Lamont Troupe In Ring 3 with a routine of wire-walking ; Moran and Weiser with their hat throwing In Ring 2 James Teddy, a remarkable high and broad Jumper, billed as the holder of World's records, working on one of the platforms (and was held as a feature turn to finish his efforts after the others had left the arena) ; the Four Vuylstekcs, a quartet of contor- tionists and equilibrists in Ring 1, who did some clever back bends and concluded with a four combination that earned some of the meagre applause that was distributed through- out the evening. After this came bareback riding In the three rings occupied respectively by Fred Derrick, who did a back somersault from one horse to the back of another that was trail- ing behind: Orrln Davenport and Charles Seagrlst, who worked at opposite ends of the arena, each with a single horse. The Clown Fire Department filled In while preparations were being made for the showlne of "The Act Beautiful," which consists of 20 women employing set pieces, a couple of ponies and a horse all made up In white for a series of art poses on seven different platforms. The changes of pose were made by dropping In- dividual blue canton flannel cycloramas from above and hoisting them each time for the revealment of the pictures. From a sight standpoint this was by far the moat effective thing In the enow. Then followed four Chinese troupes of five each, some all men, another mixed, work- ( lng at the two end rings and the two plat- forms with the centre ring given over to Burton and Jones, man and woman boomerang throwers. It was evident that the latter act was played up for a feature, but seemingly did not dellvea. The strong point of the dis- play was the sliding on ropes, suspended by their queues, from the gallery to the arena by one of the members of each of the Chink troupes. Display No. 0 was conspicuous by its ab- sence. It was billed as a "Grotesquely Comi- cal Burlesque Riding Number." Displays No. 10 and 11 were combined. It was made up of Marcella'a Birds, which had a separate showing for a special stunt after the others had finished; Lady Alice and her Pets, made up of rats, cats, etc., also very interesting. (Both these women were ex- ceptionally well dressed In evening gowns.) Swain's Trained Rats and Cats; H. Rlttelly, doing a Blllie Reeves "drunk" atop of tables a la Bert Melrose; Four Comrades, comedy acrobats, and one or two other turns not easily Identified. Following this came a routine of animal acts, the only distinguishing turn being Pal- lenberg's Bears with their routine of tight rope walking, roller skating and bicycle rid- ing. Then the Wild West was chased Into the arena for lariat throwing, fancy riding, bucking broncos, etc Display No. 15 was made up of three perch acts (Rodriguez Brothers, Welsse Troupe and the Arleys). In addition there were a couple of trapexe acts, one doing a double head stand on revolving balls while pirouetting on a swinging trapeze. Display No. 16 was the featured riding num- ber, the Hannaford Family occupying the cen- tre ring, the Davenports In ring one and Bradna and Derrick In ring three. Display No. 17 was gymnastic and acrobatic, five acts being shown with Joe Dekoes Troupe standing out with a hand-to-hand rope Jump- ing stunt. Three clowns and a girl on each platform while the rigging was gotten ready for the aerlalists. Two sets of these were shown, the Siegrlst-SUbon Troupe and the Six Neapoli- tans. The show concluded with a few hippo- drome races and the entire entertainment at 10.40. PALACE. A rather unique and Impressive scene was enacted at the Palace Monday night, and while it was hardly apparent to everyone present, those accustomed to Monday night shows at that particular house easily under- stood, and, understanding, readily credited the principal with her proper share of credit. The Palace was top-heavy with top-hatted auditors who dropped In to help along the professional stage debut of Durant and Hawkesworth (New Acts), seemingly content to loll through a common vaudeville bill to demonstrate their loyalty to the Hotel Plaza "dawncers," evidently figuring on taking the "air" as soon &a the "dawncers" were through. However, the "dawncers" paraded through their repertoire and before any of the top- bats could locate their anchorage, Nan Hal- perln, next to closing, popped Into view and with a few lines of her opening number she cinched one of the greatest little achievements she will ever register. One single gent was bold enough to exit, but the balance remained and at the finale of her specialty she was unanimously voted by that gathering the clev- erest characteriste In modern vaudeville. Nan Halperin carries that Ideal combina- tion of material and natural God-given talent. She has the finesse of the finished characteriste and shines particularly in registering her In- dividual expressions. Wm. B. Frledlander, who supplied her numbers and attended to the construction of the Halperin vehicle, knows several single things about his work. Miss Halperin appears youthful and It is to be hoped she Is, for this girl carries a re- markable professional future with the "big money," but a short distance off. She fol- lowed Nora Bayes and several other singing numbers, and without attempting a comparison let It be said she outdistanced the entire ag- gregation, at the Palace this week, and Miss Halperln's second week there. The bill was somewhat switched about after the opening show, with Bob Albright moved down to fourth position, replacing Lyons and Yosco, who were delegated to hold the second spare. The dancers were also promoted In position, changing places with "The Man Without a Country" (New Acts), and this improved the running to a noticeable degree. Business was at its high mark, with the standee section over-dressed. The show ran without any depressing stops once the Al- bright turn appeared, although previous to that It carried comparatively little promise. Nederveld's Baboons opened with the cycling simians providing a seml-thrlll, the finale showing the pair In action around the minia- ture saucer track, lifting the turn out of the conventional channel. Lyons and Yosco were moved up to second spot after the first show, and at the evening frolic worked to a sullen, disinterested audi- ence. This couple might take advantage of their Palace experience to realize their actual strength. A little progresslveness should be Injected Into their routine occasionally. They eliminated the talk, but beyond mild applause after the harp solo the couple failed to reg- ister. Frances Nordstrom and William Plnkham Co. offered one of those dream affairs In sketch form, this one called "All Wrong" The principals apparently thought of tho title after the Initial production. It lagged per- oeptibly through the first six minutes, with one single laugh up to that period. Then with a few oomedy angles the skit jumped to a melodramatic point, concluding of oourse with the dream adjustment. Miss Nordstrom gave an excellent exhibition of some high and lofty ranting, but for big time this sketch will hardly qualify. Bob Albright gave the show Its Initial punch, having reconstructed his routine to consider- able advantage. Albright has wisely elimin- ated dialog and his accompanist has dropped the solo. The latter might have been retained, although the Palace position suggested its withdrawal. Mr. Albright is over and should easily make the route. He will measure up with the best acts of his particular specie in present-day vaudeville and looks like the best of the crop of western acts recently intro- duced around this section. Nora Bayes scored with her usual emphasis, adding a few new numbers to her routine for the third week and giving the women a flash at some aeV costumes. Ryan and Lee likewise came up to expectations, corralling the comedy hit of the show with little or no rouble. The closing position fell to the Jug- gling Normans, a capable quintet, but alter Miss Halperin. Had the Normans thrown their clubs at the audience they would not have exited with any more speed. Wynn. 20TH CENTURY MAIDS. It's a most remarkable show, this "20th Cen- tury Maids," at the Columbia this week, re- markable in the fact that while it is con- structed around practically all the aged "bits" acquainted with burlesque, It develops Into one of the beat comedy shows of the season,—all through the endeavors of one man, Jim Bar- ton, second comedian (for some unexplainable reason) to Harry Cooper, first comedian. The more you see of the second comedian (Barton) the more Is realized how unfunny the first comedian (Cooper) really Is. Aside from Mr. Barton, one could comfort- ably forget the "20th Century Maids." who might have been better labelled the "10th Cen- tury" on book form, but one could never forget this Barton chap, and since the space is limited he might as well get the type credit for his unique ability. Barton Is a sort of conglom- eration of Bilie Reeves and Charlie Chaplin, without a suggestion of either in make-up, working throughout as a tramp. His prime bit Is a "souse" staged In the first part as a side issue to a danceless Apache production, partic- ularly good because of the absence of that abominable dance. Mr. Barton showed In flashes prior to It, but his several minutes of panto in this bit cer- tified his ability. He Is not a "bumper" comic, but has all the facial contortions of a finished pantomimlst and handles the situations with a marked naturalness. But like all good burlesque comedians, he crimped his showing when after holding his audience In admiration bound for a lengthy period he began expectorating all over the stage and employing methods that were dis- gusting In the extreme. Notwithstanding this error Barton Is a find, a genuine comedy gem and will bear watching. The piece Is in the usual two parts, with the finale of the opener devoted to the Apache thing. This Is well staged and made to order for the Barton specialty. The various "bits" were Introduced, Interrupted by the usual num- bers, most of the latter being handled by Irene Chesleigh, May Cheslelgh, Julia De Kelty and Frank Leonard. Incidentally the Cheslelgh Sisters "olioed." Would rather bear May than Irene Cheslelgh at any time, but It couldn't be called a big afternoon to take in a Ches- lelgh vocal concert under any circumstances. May Is cute, fairly good looking and apparently knows the limitations of her voice. Irene Is not exactly cute and while not musical either, she shows a trace of ambition and is certainly willing. They were preceded In the olio by one of those burlesque quartets. Frank Leonard was tenor. His top ones need oiling. Frank looks good, though. The quartet kept the audlenoe from going wild during the change, but other- wise didn't arouse any Interest. Arthur Young played at a character and emulated Barton as best he could. The second part carried a pretty set and here Barton simply repeated the mark scored earlier. As a show Jim Barton Is worth the price. None of his support was ever In reaching dis- tance, but Barton can be depended upon to carry them through to a profitable year. Wynn. JEFFERSON. The Jefferson Is having a Spring Festival the current week. From appearances this meant little for the bouse had Its customary show run In Its usual way. the only notice- able change In the makeup of the house be- ing the flags which adorned both the Inside and out. Business was good Monday evening for the third show. Root and White, dancers, opened the show. If the boys had started with a danoe Instead of song they would have fared better, but the returns were satisfactory for the early spot. Sam Raskin's Royal Band (New Acts) fol- lowed the dancers. An unprogramed single woman followed, replacing Captain Jack George. The young woman was ace high on appearance but off on songs. Davis S. Hall and Co. In a detective sketch which has been offered around the small time for many moons failed to start any real enthusiasm owing to the Indifferent way the piece was played. A news pictorial with little real news In Its makeup next came up for notice. Rogers and Whalen (New Acts) tho second two man team of the evening followed the picture to but fair returns. The spot was rather late considering the strength of the turn. "Faslnatlng Flora" a "girl act" with six choristers and four principals showed lltt|e other than some fair costumes. The Juvenile should add a cutaway to his outfit as the present business suit Is not fitting. This chap has looks In his favor as well as a voice. Dressing up would help. The eugenue while lacking a voice looks demure and fits her part with the other woman handling the numbers satisfactorily. The Hebrew comedian's work gets few laughs. A magician can gener- ally get over at the Jefferson but one that talks fares rather poorly. That was the case with Jarrow. The film entertainment in addition to the news weekly consisted of a "Mutt and Jeff" cartoon comedy which opened the show with an abundance of laughs. cTr\\ Spring Festival at the City this week. Mon- day night it failed to draw the expected at- tendance. The lower floor was not entirely filled. The show did not prove over enter- taining. While a number of acts walked away with good honors, the majority suffered through the layout, although It seemed im- possible to place the bill any differently. A conflictlon between two acts In the second half (opera) did not tend to aid. Master Gabriel and Co. easily got first honors In the comedy line, although Qabe had no easy time of it. Rawls and Von Kaufman In the "No. 3" spot scored any number of laughs, but as often the case during a comedy act the finishing applause sounded weak. The couple Just had them at their mercy with talk revolving about "Mush." The Three Hashwaia Bros, ran through the usual Jap work in the opening spot, followed by Lyrico who did well enough In that posi- tion to pass along. Melanl Five (New Acts) closed the first part, after which a weekly pictorial was shown. Rives and Harrison secured some well earned applause, although the couple did not strike the 14th streeters fancy any too well. This couple should be identified with some- thing on a more entertaining basis than th« turn they are now offering. Mack and Vincent, Olga Degmonla and Co. (New Acts). FIFTH AVENUE. A big time show at popular prices was on tap at the Fifth Avenue Tuesday night, when an attendance that almost made the back wall bulge voiced Its opinion that way. Everything ran In a satisfactory way, the show Itself was run through In good style and a serial picture tlnished. Mabel Burke opened with an ill. song, while the Three Parshleys really held the "No. 1" spot with their musical offering. Flo and OUIe Walters, a pleasing "sister act," were next, doing songs and dances that got them some applause. Tate's "Fishing" kept them in good humor, and while the piece still retains many laugh- able situations, the main comedy part, the son, is in the hands of a player who loses a good deal through Inability to do Justice to It. It proved a hard position for Jamie Kelly to follow all of the comedy ; nevertheless he got a good deal out of his talk about the subway building, although Kelly Is far from the best in delivering "gags." Kelly has a novel special drop of a tunnel shaft. The turn needs bol- stering, either in some of the "gags" or songs, for Kelly passed rather lightly Tuesday night, and might have walked away with less only for a closing number that fits him well. After Elsie Williams and Co. (New Acts) Diero then gathered the applause hit of the evening with his accordion playing, going so far as to almost stop proceedings at the time. Whitfield and Ireland started them laughing at the drop of their curtain, which contains a number of rural signs, good enough to score, and while this started the act right they pro- ceeded to entertain with a well arranged chat- ter which kept the audience In a laughable mood, only to have some eccentric dancing close the turn to one of the hits of the evening. Dunbar's Salon Singers sang a number of popular numbers with a light operatic selection intermingled, also a closing number that should never have been taken. The act has appear- ance. Joe Welch was In the next spot with his Yiddish talk. Harry Vivian closed the show with sharp-shooting. HARLEM OPERA HOUSE. Tuesday night the show had the goods, but owing to numerous Interruptions, such as pic- tures, dance contest and III. song, it was not specially smooth running. The Harlem Is now offering a long bill for the money, starting promptly at 8 and lasting well after 11. William Lawrence and Co. In "Honor Thy Children" held first honors In the billing, but was placed rather early In the bill. Fox and Mayo, local favorites, fared well enough from their friends with a commonplace singing and piano act. The boys evidently do not call themselves a rathskeller act owing to the grand piano being used. "Honor Thy Chil- dren" followed the two boys after which a Tri- angle-Keystone scored many laughs. Next the dancing contest. In which approximately a dozen competed, also held Interest. These contests have gotten down to a real business- like basis and do not take up tho time they did and now are more agreeable. After these numerous Interruptions Lloyd and Whltehousc were called upon to get the show started again. The position was against them. The Hippodrome Four socured results with their vocalizing. The comedy Is so large- ly of the stereotyped variety that It has little weight. The Werner Amoros Co. closed the show In big time style.