Variety (April 1920)

82 f*r«-C»'»'A'. " ""^ FIFTH AVENUE. ^ (Continued from pasre >7) been offered In the latter act but It ap- pears that the chap dolnv It wav with the Sablnl and Ooodman aot until reoehtlr' Mostly the difference between the two turns lies In the "wop" being In an or- chestra seat Instead of the pit. Much laughter came through Pinto (also do- ing "wop") on the stage referring all of Boyle's Queries to the plant whose re- plies never failed. That feature of the turn at least Is fresh and stands out as the best In the act. Boyle showed a good voice with "Afghanistan" and "A Million Miles from Nowhere," 'the latter sung to the steel-string quitar played by Pinto who says his name Is "Chico.' Flnto uses the instrument lil<e a' real, Hawaiian and he/.looks much like One. The plant's' best laugb came when he asked Pinto to play "CaroIiUa Shoe- Bhlne." O'Rouke and Adelphl planted a good score ahead of the trio, number four (New Acts). Solly Ward, with Marlon Murray and Company, offered a comedy called "Babies" (New Acts) In number three spot and the act fared very well. Qertrude Graves was on second, display- ing a pleasing voice. She opened with "Tour Eyes Have Told Me So." used h^ Orace La Rue, and followed with "Won- ' derful Mother of Mine," dosing with an operatic medley. Miss Oraves^hlgn fln- Ish notes are olire fire aids.,' She dresses "one" with a piano but Angers the keys but for a few bars, starting the mother song. The Joe Thomar Sax-o-tette closed the show. One of the men dressing for com- edy gets very Httle results in that line. The playing of the sextet, both with the assorted brasses and saxaphones, is pleasing but not exceptional. Eva Hale, who features the turn, provided the punch of the turn and that comes at the finish after her "Jelly Roll" number. Miss Hale Is a shimmler of parts. She shakes her shoulders for further orders ' and has few peers. Hers was the stunt that started something. Peggy Brennan and Brother (New Acts) opened the show, nee. AMERICAN ROOF. It !s to be regretted many of the regular roof patrons are missing the (ex- cellent layout Jake Lubin has prepared for their edifloation, but Holy Week Is Holy Week with the Blghth avenue crowd, evidently, as a result ot which yawning gaps la the audience were very evident At that, things may not prove so bad for business, the inclement weather Monday probably postponing many prospective patrons' visits for some fairer day—or eve. IiB Follette and Co. are topping the program with Roltand and Ray sub-head- ing the layout. Of the two, an edge on the applause thing must be accorded the latter, which Is a distinct form of flat- tery, considering the fact the duo's style of working Is far from flashy as Is that of the Frenchy turn and a good deal more subdued sans the headllner*B hullabaloo and spirited pretense. '^ The Two White Steppers opened the vaudeville following a funny Sunshine comedy. The couple haye a ne(it dance., revue which Is materially enhanced by a ' swell wardrobe. As one deduces from the act's title, the color scheme runs entirely to the virgin color and the flnal result impresses with Its "class.** Johnson and Oane were exceptionally well received in the second spot, their material and abili- ties being deservant of a more choice po- sition. The miss is a brilliantly hned blonde and makes a natty appearance in her "copette" role as well as In evening dress. The boy is a seasoned comedian of the "wise cracking" school. . Mennetti and Sidelli (new) were hampered with a mishap towards the finish In their Melrose fall attempt when the secoud table slipped from Its Insecure position, the topmounter taking a ngsty fall. He was .not hurt, forced a smile and exited. 0 ' Rolland ahd Ray scored big with their song, talk and dance offering. I^a Fol- lette and Co. closed the first half with some more song and dancing, making the fourth of the five turns that comprise the first section to do the terpsi chore an thing. Miss lA FoIlette'B ditties ate of the Ffftnehy order in their Intimateness. run- ning to decided "blueness" at one point. She makes an excellent appearance. Her peraonallty is tnasrnetic, that being the only thing to distinguish her from her "company"—a dancing couple—who offer the usual waltz, fox trot and one-step solos at intermittent period. The latter number providefi an excellent finish to the turn. Miss La Follette simply coming out for the bows. Ethel Kellar and cniums, another couple, reopened after Intermission with a song and dance routine that pleased. Eddie Herron and Co. with their comedv playlet, "The Traveling Salesman." com- manded strict attention and earned con- tinuous laughs. The women comprise the' assisting cast and each Is fitted for their roles. It's excellent big time ma- terial. Harry Van Possen. in cork, next to closing, scored solid with his corking stories. Sutter and Dell closed to a three-quarter interested house with the olassy cycle routine they have heretofore offered on the big time. RIST STREET. In spite of the Inclement weather Monday few seats were vacant at the second show. The bill was supera- bundantly laugh provoking, Tloh in quality and la quantity up to the stand- ard number of oflerlngs^while the cine- ma feature, "Black Is white," was en- joyedk .. The electric lights featured William Seabury and Company, on In closing, spot preceding the picture. As an opener, Enos Frazere started the pace in applause honors punctuated ■ by vehement "Oo-hoos!" from the audi- ence as' the gymnastic form oscillated over the apron and almost touching the back drop. His feats are singular over a horisontal swinging bar, and in flnish- iqg, did so to crescendoes of applause. Palo and Palet were delayed in open- ing, the orchestra playing three intro- ductions to the customary one, probably due to the time taken up in cleaning the apparatus from the preceding act Once started their accordion duet playing with a variance and frequent change or musi- cal Instruments found them a winner In deuQe spot Running third, Rellam and O'Dare In reality did "chase the blues," with Kell- am pulling the Joke about the Jersey Ulierty lioan having passed on a dark house. From that minute on the house was receptive for the "nut"' stuff to fol- -low. and he ad - libed himself in his usual way over the stage while Miss O'Dare, looking lovely in a ballerina cos- thme, proved an adequate feeder. Her songs were given In a Voice unusually clear and resonant, a ]oy to anyone sit- ting as far back as Q-101, Took three bows at finish to less applause than at the start but getting bigger laughs. They must have been familiar with Harry Langdon and the funny automo- bile, for he got a reception In fourth spot even with the house dark and the drop illuminated by the avenue of lights much like the Baltimore Boulevard. The com- edy of Langdon's and the facial expres- sion is about on a par with Prank Cra- ven—both can say something without a facial muscle twitching, and register , mirth. The business of the automobile' and the supplemented gags plus the an- nexation of the liquor stored in the radi- ator Is evidence of priming and is in good taste. A strong finish. No abatement In the fun with Olenn and Jenkins on in next to closing. The act is studdrd with genuine negro hu- moj* and as purveyors of the darky gags in "WorklAg for the Railroad,'" they proved a favorite with this audience. Mr. Seabury. the Hope Sisters and the quartet of beautiful girls, all ornately gowned, dancing against the sumptuous background,.carried the honoi's in clos- ing. , Step. 58TH STREET. Bqual to ttpy bill iri this house since the first of the year in variety and quantity to this week's bill Is all dia- metrically opposed to any and-all form of blues. Oood business Tuesday night with Johnny Black and Miss Dardanella In the lights to draw them, as well as Cvtneron and Kennedy, Bayles and Patsy and Constance Talmadge In the feature, "In Search of A Sinner." ' Klnograms^ preceded the "Star" over- ture, with the Aerial Valentines in- novelty gymnastic fea^s .starting the vaudeville part of the'entertainment. Cy and (^ held deuce spot with the audi- ence responding to the "nut" stuff, the team finishing with applause. Eddie Glrard and Co., using full, stage, offered some stale gags and the business of ditting down on some fancy needle work with the needle doing injury to the police oflfloer got a rousing laugh and continued when it was pulled, albeit its being long played ot^t The woman sang "Af- gnanistan," In a costume much prettier than her voice, the decolette effect how- ever, carrying many admiring glances. The- turn finished strong with the busi- ness of the Indian making an entrance in the dark, but offset the- applause by the latter's eccentric bowing.' Tbe personal stuff between Bayles and Patsy, with tbe man poking fun at the rotund form of his female registered, the house coming down with a roar with the pair In a clinch at the extreme left, while from an upper box a too sedulous occupant watched the piece" of business. The latter's too sudden exit from- the box, however, gave suspicion of a plant, Johnny Black and Miss Dardanella were winners with the novelty stage curtain device, and the song, of course, got a big hand. The act closing with the chorus of the song fiashed on the screen satisfied them, while the house whistled itself to contentment. Cameron and Ken- nedy stopped the show In next to clos- ing. Billy Fern and Co., In next to clos- ing offered slap stick and . tumbling stunts far above the average closing act step. > JEFFERSON. B. S. Moss is giving his patrons down on 14th street considerable treat this week with his "spring festival" In reality , an addition of two acts to his regulation ' eight-act program. The house was packed Monday night with acarcely standing room. The bad weather did not keep ■ many away; If they had oome they would have b|td to stand In the back of the ' house. The''show began at 8 o'clock and it was 11.80 when half the house was streaming out The acts which went over big Included the Wyoming Trio, The Hu- man Vlctrola, Tabor and Qreene, Harmon and Washburn and McNally, Dlnus and , De Wolf.. The Harmon and Washburn turn with k little sprucing up here and there is almost ready for big time. They are a pair of great girl workers. \ Ward and Harris (New Acts) opened with banjo ahd guitar selections. It wa^ a good opening spot and the early' au- , dience <appreciatod their efforta ' Ward, the male member, admitted to playing the banjo for 20 years. His pretty part- ner plays splendidly. No. 2 was Hendry and Bradley (New Acts) billed as "variety dancers.'^ They did some good singing but the bulk of their work was dancing. Their Scotch endeavors got them a big hand. They are a clever pair, neat. looking and graceful. . ' » The Wyoming Trio (New Actb) c&me next with "pastimes on the ranch." There is plenty of pep to the act, es- pecially In the .case of the female mem- , ber. .She has■ a-corking pair of pipes and uses them to good effect A ranch ,drop. Is used which.fits Ita nicely. The 'cowboys pull a lot of good stuff with ropes. Entertainment came so swift that the audience had hardly time to recover from the preceding act's pleasure than they had to_vpontlnue laughing when Harmon and Washburn (New Acts) en- tranced to give them out in front "a harmonious melange In . song." ...The first named, a tall brunette, got in right ,wlth a plario moving stunt. They Inquired of one of the stage hands If he would inove a piano out for them. Ti which he replied: "What's the matter with you two canaries." This expression got a bundle .of laugha Miss Washburn pulls - a Dardanella shimmy while at the piano. "I'm on My w&jf to Cuba" was sung Capably by Miss Harmon. She can put over any kind of a song. She Is a > j natural artist Her partner is likewise nifty, Infcidentally a blonde. Great con- trast. "Was There Ever a Pal Like 'you" was put over nicely by Miss Wash- burn. They got so many encores that they had to come out and sing some more, winding up with "Ten Little Bottles on the Shelf." McNally, pinus and De Wolf, singing and danclnk afe .considerable steppers. The Moss Semi-Weekly News closed the first half. The Humafa VIctrola (New Acts) opened after the pictures. Two pretty, firls concealed in a wonderful big.vie-, rola, the Idea lifted-from "Frivolities."' Old songs, such as "Sweet Adeline," "Love Me and the World Is Mine," "Dear Old Pal of Mine," "Ton Stay In Tour Own Back Tai'd," etc., yrere offered. They got three curtain calls.' It is a ' very ^ood'actjand should be a big timer very soon. The victrola girls are Misses Oracia Forres and Alma King. Evans and Sidney (New- Acts), in a ?ainter's skit received mild applause, t needt revamping. No. 8 (New Acts) was Marty Collins' miniature musical comedy, - entitled "Sweet Sixteen." Jack Collins and Bert Morrlssey and six girls. Most of the talk is suggestive stuff Which can easily be eliminated. It's good enough for pop houses. ^ Xext to last were Tabor and Oreen<i. "Nobody Knows and Nobody Seems to Care" was rendered very well. This . pair are hard workers, both have good pipes, Greene can play the piano and taken all in all their endeavors should merit a good spot on the big time bills; They got four encores. The Four Bards, with some fine acrobatics, closed the vaudeville show. Dorothy Dalton In "BlacK. Is White" was the picture. " V - IN AND OUT. Joe Whitehead 'replaced Stephens' and Hollister at the State-Lake.(CSii- cago) Monday when the latter's bag- gage was delayed. Earl Benham and Cafrmel Myers are out of "The Magic Mdody" in Boston. The former has-joined the Ed. AVjrnrt Carnival and Miss Myers is gping into pictures. Emma Haig and jack Wal- dron have replaced them. BIRTHS. Mrs.'and Mrs. Harry Moore, Brook- lyn, March 23, daughter. Mrs. James J. Breckenridge, wife of theatrical attorney in Chicago, son. Mr. and Mris. George Oppel, -New York, March 24, son. The father is property man of the 81st St. Theatre. Mr. i»nd Mrs. Herbert Stothard, New York; March 28, daughter. The father composed the score of "Always You." PRODUCTION ENGAGEMENTS. Maudie Gray, for the Aborn Light Opera Company. CraONE DOUBLE TRAGEDY. Chicago, M9rch-31. The.cyclone which circled CSiie^o Sunday, shortly after^noon. caused t double tragedy in 'vaudeville. In the' destruction of th'e Grand Opera House, Elgin, Sam and Ada Beverly'were in- stantly killed when the collapse of the walls caught them in their.- dressiiiK room. The house was ruined beyond,' reconstruction and a new otle will he built on its site by the Thielen Circuit The Beverlys, man atid wife;'had . beetil the last to rehedrse of~a iiye-act. bill engaged for the day, booked by the W. V: M. A. The orchestra and the other performers had left the theatre for luncheon and no one was vifithin. except Beverly and his wife, unpacking, when the sudden gust crumpled'-.the building. Three hout-s later, a. f'ew-v minutes after word of the- tragic oc- currence had reached the yAKim'T of- .. fice in' Chicago, a telegram came at follows from Minneapolis: ' • "Please locate Sam and Ada Beverly - and inform that Beverly's father died this morning (Sunday). Erwin and Jfane Connolly, this week 9l the Majestic here, were booked for ;the day in El^in, but missed their tr4i^ and arrived too late for rehearsal, thus ' escaping the possibility of sharing ia . the disaster. The other acta were Musical Hunters, Billy Bowman, and /the Janets. All their baggage was destroyed. Prank Thielen ottered aqy iiecessary financial assistance to every-' one affected. B^ a strange -coincidence, the Grand, . Elgin, was the first house the Beverlys had ever played for the Association, and it was only because of this roiaail- ' tic attachment that they accepted ,the date, having canceled all other time. ^ SHOWS IN CHICAGO. _ , ^ Chliyigo, March Zi. -, Business sagged perceptibly from the terrlflo strain of turnaways at alnujst 5" th*, hoMoes which had obtained, despite Lent, until last week.'^ Satur- day proved as big as usual, but Sunday # 2jas not the usual rush performance. The week had been good but not great as receipts are nowadays reckoned. Two rainy nights cut In heavily., . ^«pear Me," with Grace Ia Rue and Hale Hamilton (Cort, 8th week)! TOe uffi'iiMot"' *• ""• * '•' *»"":■ • «cia«»ee» (Blaokstone, 18th week).. . Bending under the conditions, still mak- Oof "'°" '"^ house and attraction; $71- <<Tke Rained. Irftdy." Orace Ctoorse (Princess. 4th week). Wel^over llOioao, great business at tfils stand and for a ' , delicate entertainment, though several thousand oft the top takings on the run so far. . , " «Howdy, Folks'* (O)ympio, 4th week). r Remaining over its stop limit ($7,500). ' and likely to crawl over the top. This j house Is not the llvest on the local map, and the comedy appeals to the type of folks most ■attecteif by Lent and bad $8*000"' ^" '" "**' th® "noiBlne mob, ''See-Saw" (Colonial, 4th week). Never ' got started; under $8,000. •»/.""»»«; ^ "Rose of China" (La Salle, 4th week). , This solid hit, which went over $10,000 i?J,l-^W-. "7.'^®& bfeaJt'oK the house records, held tight except on the vory tough nights, and gleamed $18,700: Frank ♦fc?{?K^^..?t°.*w/?"* Richardson sharing the hit with tlte two real stars—the press agent and the scenery. »H'i?!*n,w"''J" ..■■*. "■"« (lllinlos, 2d week). The predominant money-getter of the day, with a huge ipatinee demand and heaVy buying that almost neutral- . izes all contrary curoumsUnees: $23,000.. 1,^^*^^**": ^'" (Woods. 4th week). 7ult y^.''"*.?2*„„^i'"°"^ winter Gandener slipped to $17,000, not much foT the house or for this type of presentaUon. The Watson Sisters credited with draw- ing what steady money It gets, rest oif the cast kidded by. critics and whole show belittled by general verdict. . ««Gnletle»," with Jack Norworth and Harry Watson (Qarrlok, 3d week). This Sii®*" .^.t"'*?'"* revue, next door, nfty IJfty with above; $16,000. - "Welcome, StranKer" (Cohan's Grana, 14th week). 'Still "way up in Its phe- nomenal fortune-making run. Slipped i?«li5'**"' ^'ter an unbroken string of ' $10,000 weeks, but is expected to pull lL^'*^.i*'°'* t° capacity, us the rain cost the difference. "Sometime," with Frank TInney (Stu- dehakor, 4th week). Heavily hit by the Elsie Janle success close by, but garnered $20,000. "The Golden.nny," with Patricia Col- llnge (Powers',, 1st week). Reviewed by some critics as a typical Colllnge success of the sweet order and by otnerS as a dose of specious theatrical pap, got $18,- 000 and seems popular,