Variety (May 1918)

16 SHOW REVIEWS RIVERSIDE. Monday bring tho first warm day thus far this year may have been why attendance was markedly off ut night. The rear half down- stairs was sparely tenanted. About hair way back a gap was noticeable. That wan because a party of 50 "Anzacs" (Austra- lians) «oldi«Ts, who aro visiting the city, were Invited quests, but failed to turn up. The bill was a light affair but entertain- ing after it hit its stride. There were three single women present. All did well. A slight program shift was made at night, Bwlti-hing Catherine C. Huyward and the bill- board stars from closing to opening Intermis- sion. This moved the other three turns In the second section down one position. There was a punch to the finish of both por- tions Oi tho bill. Helen Ware closing Inter- mission and Herman Timberg'a production ending the proceedings. Miss Ware (head- lined) was moved into the show after a change in booking that first had Chrlatie MacDonald billed to appear In a new turn. The stirring ■appeal of Miss Wares playing In the one- character playlet. "The Eternal Barrier, was accorded the attention of the entire house, and in spite of the lighter attendance It won as big a reward as its premier at the ite lace last week, the star again being called In front of the curtain. , , _ Timberg'a turn is a "young musical com- edy." as he bills it. That he gathered the quintet of good looking misses who In addi- tion to appearance and liveliness can play violins, is un accomplishment In Itself. The military feature of the "It's the Same Good- bye" number is backgrounded, for It Is the girls who put the number over. Timberg scored In his agile stepping, mostly of the near-the-floor variety, and the act pulled healthy appreciation. Lydla Harry did very well on fourth, bhe might bring the picture verse of her "vaude- ville dream" number up to date, and her bill- ing calls for a repertoire of songs which she hai apparently discarded. A card announcing the widow bit was shown, but Miss Barry eliminated It—maybe because of the tempera- ture. She Rave a ballad at the finish, and It took her off to returns etrong enough for en- coring. . . Nina Payne, with odd costumes, curious set- tings and a pair of remarkably educated arms danced her way to large favor second after Intermission. Hers Is a dancing routine quite out of the ordinary. Miss Payne was on the bill at the Riverside several weeks ago when tho NaVy Jazz Hand flashed a sensational ap- pearance, but left the show after the matinee then, because of the bill's length. Jlnimle Watts and Co.. following her, looked something like a burlesque on the Payne turn but "A Treat in Travesty" won out on Its own merits, the toe "dancing" of Watts being especially funny. The two acts fit so well that they should be coupled similarly elsewhere. The billiardlsts* turn, the proceeds from which are devoted to patriotic purposes, is a quiet novelty. Albert Cutler still handles the turn nnd announces the various trick shots. Miss Hay ward was In good form. Instead of Maurice Daly, the new youthful cue wizard, Walker Cochran, made his appearance, and he sure "showed something." Mrs. Cene Hughes nnd Co. were third with "Gowns." which went fairly, considering the weak support. Frank Ward with a novelty single was s«cond, and liked. Blllle Potter, nnd Erne Hartwell opened the show with their stunts and neat acrobatics. Ibee. ROYAL. The current Royal program contains but seven acts, the most likely reason being tho presence of the Joseph Howard's Mutual Re- vue It was placed to close the evening and from a general entertaining standpoint easily secured the applause hit of the evening. Attendance was somewhat light, usually the outcome of Monday evening, but to make mat- ters wor«e, the sudden arrival of warm weather nlso appeared to have its effect. How- ever. It was not as bad as anticipated by the management, and when the bill got under way a fairly good house was noticeable. Nothing around opening caused any real commotion until Jimmy Hu^oy. assisted by William Worsley, nppeared in the "No. 4" position, encountering little difficulty In pro- curing gratifying laughs nnd applause to war- rant him departing the early winner of the evening. Notwithstanding numerous of his "gngs" were rather softly spoken, the auditors seemed to gain the humor through his antics, consequently Hussey nppeared to continually report to it, the outcome practically compell- ing him to offer a short speech before de- parting. McDevitt. Kelly nnd Lucy. In tho preceding spot, caused an outburst of appre- ciation at Intervals, but failed to keep up a continuous run. especially around opening. It was the dancing more than anything else that proved satisfying. Greene and Parker were placed entirely too early to derive the real fruit of their offering, the "No. 2" spot seemingly proving detri- mental to their opening dialog. Fortunately they gradually Impressed with their proceed- In? talk, with a double ditty tapping things sufficiently well to gain a standing even against the odds confronting them. The Lovolos were programed to open, but were replaced by Hessye Clifford In "Art Impressions." Miss Clifford is prettily surrounded by numerous colr.rful >tcr« opt icons, the pleasing effect aid- ing In holdinu attention, something n "sight" art Is really Intended for. Therefore It ful- filled its purpose nicely. .Iran Adair, assisted by n company of four, pr«-iTit<d "Macule Taylor— Waitress." Just prier to lnt« mission. Little consideration was given the early section, mainly through tho dialog and action neither appearing to enrry any weicht in the production at tho time. Tho piece, however, gradually Increased, aided considerably by the working up of a reconcili- ation between mother and son, the entire story hinging upon that particular point. The set- ting is immense, being realistic as possible, even to the carrying of a Ford automobile set In the centre. During intermission a 4- ininute man spoke. Little Billy opened the second half in ex- cellent fashion, getting a reception upon his entrance that assured him a safe passago throughout the remainder of his specialty. Hilly has not changed his offering to any ex- tent, but the bits retained cannot possibly fall in any house. His closing dance number af- forded the patrons unusual pleasure, and they did not hesitate to express their appreciation with an outburst of applause that called for a number of well-earned bows. The Howard Revue then showed, the early numbers securing a few encores, being helped fc.mcwhat by the extreme gowns worn by Miss Clark. They would undoubtedly prove moro attractive were her hair worn up instead of braided, for the hats especially look as though they were made to be worn that way. The auditors remained intnet, with Howard securing continuous receptions with his vari- out popular song successes. AMERICAN ROOF. It seemed coincidental that with the regis- tration of the hottest May sixth In the history or New York, the show on the American Roof was about as exciting as the weather. What appeared as the forerunner of a sizzling hot summer seemed to have Its effect on the show to all appearnnces. Lloyd and McArdle (New Acts) opened with the Four Roses doing fairly well In the second position. The latter have practically the same routine that became familiarly known when tho "rosebud types" of dancing-acrobatic girls first landed on these shores from the other side. Thornton and Thornton caused Inter- mittent laughter with their opening conversa- tion, with the finale bringing them up strong for encores through an unexpected comedy twist that Is surefire. As they are harmon- ising on grand opera strains, a little dog, carried by the male Thornton, yawns a few times and then breaks Into several howls that sounds strangely discordant with the voice register. Jackson nnd Wnhl were well received and this combination show some excellent team- work. One song used by Dorothy Wnhl is a "blue boy" nnd as such, was received with acclaim on the Roof. The act did very well on a bill that already had gone knee-deep in vocal waters and which surged and seethed nil the more as the bill progressed. The Max- well Quintet turned loose another flood of songs nnd dished up some old Jokes a la minstrelsy which gnined a fow more friends. Two sections of the turn stand out. with little etee hanging on the borders to commend It. After Intermission appeared Arllne Dell (New Acts). Arthur Havel and Co. were a refreshing treat with their comedy sketch which had a song or two that didn't go amiss, notwithstanding the flow ahead. Carson and Willard seemed lost without their special drops, the comedians Inserting a little bit with n hlnckboard demonstration of the "Lib- erty bond that Jack bought," which made an impression, hut was n weak sister compared with the results their "1SM7" painted layout might have obtained. Their first song will have to be changed somewhat, now that the Third Liberty Ijohu drive is finished. The Winton Brothers haven't a flashy routine, hut what they do is ne'atly done and of a pleasing calibre. When the Pathe pictures were shown and there as big as lif«< was the group of Pershing troopers who had received the French cross of honor, the familiar smiling likeness of the big vnudevillian. Corporal Mllo H. Plant was easily discerned In the top row of heroes. Mark. HAMILTON. Sergt. Arthur Guy Empcy's "Over the Top" picture and the Dancing Contest were the main reasons for the big attendance at the Hamilton Monday niuht. The show for the first half which was cut down to five nets owing to the special features wan nothing ex- ceptional nnd Just passed alone quietly. James and James. In the acrobatic rehearsnl, opened nnd gave the bill a nice start. The boys worked with plenty of snap, got n good number of laughs for their comedy riz/llng, and scored a well-earned hit. "Liege." or Nnte Lelpslg. the card manlnulator. had the audience guessing with his tricks. Grace Cameron working In "two." with a special drop to represent a millinery shop, did four character number-. Miss Cameron has a girl working "straight." as the owner of the shop. Mis' Cameron enters In different characters to purchase hats. Each- bit has a pone to ac- company it. Her best is the final number. The turn seems too long and another "straight" worker might nld it. Tho Hearst- Pnthe News Pictorial Intercepted and was fol- lowed by Ed and Lottie Ford. The couple are good dancers, but waste too much time before getting down t» business. The team carries three spoclnl drops, which look good, but even these will not help them nlong unless more "pep" Is added and one or two songs dropped. Brcwnlng and Dawson closed nnd scored, hut Dallns had to be depended upon to get the men a couple of encores. The Dancing Con- test and the feature rounded out the bill, clos- ing nt 11.10. The fad, otherwise known as Country Store Night, was tried at a number of other the- atres, but died like all other things, except at the Harlem Opera House. Mr. O'Donncll has the right Idea in con- tinuing this throughout the summer months. It will undoubtedly help along business. The show for the first half was a good one. The Three Bobs with their dog furnished the comedy, scored In the opening position. The men work hard and have a fast routine of club juggling tricks, which should land them ati opening spot on the big time bills. Jose- phine Sabel, in black evening gown, started slowly but finished strong with a melody of old-time airs, which she announced she had sung lit) years ago. Miss Sabel also added to her applause by Inviting the audience to Join in the choruses, and for an encore sang the French anthem. Mr. nnd Mrs. Norman Phillips in a comedy playlet by Hugh Herbert scored on the good work of the young couple. The old man's part is also well handled. The sketch at present Is a little draggy at the beginning, but otherwise all right. A Mack Scnnett com- edy and the drawing for prizes split the bill in two, and waa followed by Weber and Red- nor. The couple are clever little dancers, make an exceptionally neat appearance and know how to use a strong number. Mr. Weber's solo dnnces are nicely done, as Is nis partner's song. "Follow the Boys." Miss Rcdnor makes three changes, looking stun- ning in all. Both finish with a "Jazz" dance which sent them over strongly. Jack George nnd Co. got good returns for their comedy singing and talking skit. The black parson's bit done by Mr. Georgo was well liked and tho couple closed with har- mony singing, which sent them over. Those French Girls closed and held 'em in. SHOWS LAST HALF. FIFTH AVENUE. The heavy downpour of rain undoubtedly affected business last Friday night, although along toward nine o'clock, when It moderated, tho house began to fill up comfortably, if not to capacity. The Liberty Loan solicitors had a compara- tively easy time of It, through making a drive for subscriptions of small denomina- tions, counting on securing a larger aggre- Miite In tlil» manner. Mabel Burke, who is permanently domiciled nt the theatre, where she renders popular songs Illustrated by mov- ing pictures, checked every bid, and it was announced she represented an unrevealed client who would match every subscription made. The total for the evening was $17.. r >o0, making the gross for the Fifth Avenue up to and including Friday night, $.V20.ir>0. Through the audience and onto the stage marched a company of marines reinforced by three Aus- tralians. Andrew Mack brought on the child h.» uses in his net and the kiddle did a cute dance to the tune of "Dnrktown Belle." She then went through the audience soliciting subscriptions. Allied flags were auctioned off. and so on. The majority of those pres- ent seemed to feel that it was expected of them to buy just one more bond. The Four Nelsons, hoop rollers and dlabolo iwir!»rs, have some original manipulations* and offer a fast turn with no stalling. They made a lively opening number. Chnrles Mradley (New Acts). Henry B. Toomer and Co. In a "hick" back stage playlet by Aaron Hoffman, was well liked. It Is well written nnd well played. Andrew Mack, with Jack Malloy at the piano, alternates his singing with Irish stories, and for an encore announces a patriotic song written by himself. "Grab n Gun and Show the Hun America Made n Man." the verses in recitative and a singing chorus. Very effective. Adrian, blackface comedian with nn em- phatic delivery nnd good enunciation, em- ploys a lot of Henry Lewis' discarded ma- terinl. devoting the major portion of his timo on. the stage to utilizing "stage hands" in overalls for perpetrating a lot of "impromptu" entertainment. He probably carries two or three of them, one of them springing a sur- prise by rendering a ballad first In baritone voice nnd then as a soprano. The net is al- ways a riot In the three-a-day. Pernio ami Maker, two boys, violinist nnd lano nccordeonist. have developed an effect- w act of humorous crosstalk nnd comedy Improvisations, etc. The Misse< "'halfontc. n dainty team of gills, with elaborate scenic equipment, offer ancient, modern, eccentric and too dancing. P.arrlng their vocal efforts they would lit nicely into a production. Join. ft HARLEM OPERA HOUSE. Business fell off n bit Tuesday nlcht. owing to the chariL'o In the weather, and might have been smaller K the evening bad nn special feature. Tuesday Is Oriental night when 2." prizes nre distributed to holders of lucky numbers, obtained when purchasing tickets. AMERICAN ROOF. As a whole the last half last week loomed up typically pop time, with one act of "wrisley workers" doing some stuff that has been soon repeatedly In the bicker houses. There was a Liberty Loan period that had Eddie Foyer making a red hot speech that was hacked up by an American army officer making nn earnest appeal for the folks out Trent to buy bonds. Mannger Potsdam nlso got Into the running, nnd a satisfactory total was stacked up for the evening (Thursday). The Robinson Duo. xylophonlsts, opened and held attention with their routine. Nixon and Sans (New Acts) were followed by the Three Harashlma Japs, who did acrobatic routine gracefully. Huzzoll and Parker have Improved noticeably In their work, although they still hang on some of their first routine tbat could be eliminated. Those Five Girls ec.uld stand a lot of Improvement, there now being a noticeable sameness of numbers. I.argay and Rneo did well with their vocal turn, although the woman could omit that eaekledy laueh which she uses Intermittently, ml Isn't n 1 f'i'iny as she Imagines. The man ha« n splendid voice, anil of pleasing range. "His Lucky Day," with the cast changed since last seen In the neighborhood, got along farily well with its crooky theme, although its entire aspect suggested "small time." Hall and Guilda closed with a dancing rou- tine that relied more on individual numbers than anything else to sustain favor, although a series of spins, with the woman being whirled by the man, brought them the biggest returns. Mark. HAMILTON. Although the bill for the second half was one of the best seen at the house in some time, attendance was below the regular Friday night crowd. The Liberty Loan subscription wus limited to 4.~» minutes, which seemed like a short intermission, and not only had the show over In nice time, but also left the patrons In a mood to appreciate the acts following thi* delay. The Sccbacks opened with their bag punch- ing exhibition. They could Improve by go- ing into action more quickly. Their try for comedy at the opening drags the act. Frank Gerard, or Frank Melzel (billed as a Wlz- zard of the Violin), did nicely second, but he Is not what the program calls him. There is nothing exceptional in his present reper- toire to warrant better than an early spot on the big small time bills. Jos. E. Bernard and Co. in "Who Is He?" hung up a solid hit. Following the Semi-Weekly News pic- torial nnd snle of bonds the American Com- edy Four cleaned up in a way all their own. The act. not as good as it formerly was, still continues to score strongly on the small tune. Emma Francis and Her Aranlans in songs, dances and acrobatics passed, and would have done better closing. Cardo and NolJ. corking singers, found trouble follow- ing the quartet. "The Seal of Silence," film, brought the evening to a close. HARLEM OPERA HOUSE. An appreciative house was in Friday night of last week for a rather good bill. Down- stairs business was excellent, but a trifle off upstairs, the Liberty Loan drive accounting for that. The. Harlem Opera House was one of the leaders in getting subscriptions, due to the splendid work on the part of Sol Levoy, who was doing duty In three houses on the L. L. The house went close to the $500,000 mark—a great record for a pop theatre. Several hits were earned with Tom and Stasia Moore and Harry Hlnes in the van. I he Moores. with their brogue, gags and songs were good, and the house could not get enough. Hlnes. next to closing, cavorted about with his mixture oT "nance" and inti- mate stuff, Harry being Just as sure in scor- ing Hurt. Johnston and Co., who preceded Hlnes wlih "Bluff," their musical skit, scored. Burt's brand of fun and bis dancing provided the turns strength. Lerner, Ward and Briscoe were third. The names on the back drop are an odd mixture, and the presence of "Ban Schafer" among the songbirds Is a laugh to the wise ones. Doth the men In the act ap- pear In need of fresher footgear. "Lucia " Mtng as a novelty, send them off to a nice hand. "Jazzland Follies" (New Acts) closed the show. Conrad and Mayo (New Acts) were fourth. Tho Three Carsons with banjos and accordions opened the show. ibec ENTERTAINERS' EXPERIENCE. (Continued from page T>) Shells were dropping around the l tenches on an exact range, but did no material damage in his vicinity. When they returned at night, Mr. Walker said, they had to select a cer- tain time when the roads were not being shelled. It is the order of things at the front to shell the road at night by both armies to prevent supplies being brought up. Mr. Walker mentioned the observa- tion balloons called "sausages." He said one observer brought down a map giving every detail of the Ger- man lines within view. Mr. Walker mentioned the incident of General Sie- bert having entered a cottage near ihe front, a German observer noticing the staff of officers. Within a few minutes after the general and staff almost immediately departed the cottage was wrecked by German shells. It will be a luxury abroad now, Mr. Walker believes, for entertainers com- pared to his lot in the early days of the American invasion over there. 'T.ut to any one of a sporting and philosophical disposition a trip to France as an entertainer is going to be a pleasure," he added. France was Mr. Walker's second ex- perience as a war entertainer. In '97, at the second Matabelc action in South Africa, he entertained the English M>ldiers. .Mr. Walker is an English- man by birth. He has been over here lor several years and was stopped from enlisting through his age—48.