Variety (February 1921)

Friday, February 25, 1981 SHOW REVIEWS I 21 COOAR Mid WORDELL. Talk, Songs and Dances. 14 Mina.1 Ona (Special Drop). £3rd St Mixed doublo with the girl doing » •Tuba" characterisation. A spe- cial drop of rural post office, stamp window, etc., carried. The girl la (ha postmaster's daughter and the man an actor. Ha Is garbed conventionally; she in ec- centric dress and hat. He calls for his mall, the start of ft. crossfire duolog of released gaga, leading up to, "How would you like to go on the stage?" He monologs and sings comedy song while she changes to knee length black and white costume. The song doesn't get much. She followed with a lyrical number con- taining an interpolation of imita- tions of banjo and phonograph, fol- lowed by mild *dance to her own mouth organ accompaniment. ▲ double song and rube barn dance with a double comedy song before the house drop concluded a light small time turn. The girl's dialect Is way off and the male Isn't the tvpe attempted. Just passed in No. 2 t*t this house. Con. = PALACE. KEE TOM FOUR Song*. 10 Mine. One. American Roof. A quartet costumed in native Chinese attire which nevertheless didn't prevent the tenor from burst- ing forth in a solo with an Irish bal- lad, while other "pop" melodies filled out the remainder of the schedule. Tho boys sing well together with the possessor of the high range, vocally standing out from associates. Delivering six numbers that held a yodeling song for a finish, the "Pour" threatened to tie proceed- ings up, but refused an encore in favor of numerous bows. All take their turn at warbling singly, though the tenor is the only The lines were up tor standees when the doors opened Tuesday evening (Washington's Birthday), and the limit permitted for non- coupon holders was passed by t o'clock. It was a real holiday crowd. They laughed at the "old boys," both in the "topics" film and spoken gags, showing the familiar material to be the best—sometimes. It was not one of those bills that run off with a bang. The hits were spotty and there was weakness here cmS. there. - But it was an Interest- ing bill, topped by vaudeville's star of character song stories, Irene Franklin (New Acts), who reoently returned to vaudeville with Burton Green at the piano. Miss Franklin was a delight, closing intermission for the kind of applause that is al- most homage. With the lights up and the curtain finally run down, she tripped from the entrance to offer thanks. Recent seasons have not aeen much of Miss Franklin in the two- a-day. About a year ago she ap- peared at the Palace with George Fairman at the piano. Mr. Green's appearance this week is his first at the house in four years. And he surely helped. "His favorite come- dienne" had several things to sav about him. One was that he wore well. She blamed it on golf, which she called "hoof and mouth disease" —hoofing about the links during the day and talking about it in the evening. For perhaps the first time in the history of the Palace one player ap- peared as the feature of two differ- ent acts. That odd distinction fell to the latest vaudeville recruit, Wil- liam Kent. The comic appeared at the Colonial last week in his own little comedy, which he called "A Bit of Atmosphere." ■ The Palace changed it to "Shivers," the turr. be- ing suddenly inserted Monday. The Weldonas, who closed the bill, left the show after the matinee, their equipment going out of com- mission during the performance, and the curtain being rung down. It was intended to double a turn from one of the other theatres, but that failed of achievement, because of the condition of the streets follow- soldier rhyme, that toft hit the tar- get Donald Kerr and "His Lady Friends" came third with "Handle with Care," his new dance and song revue. The turn was produced by Lawrence Schwab, and Sammy Lee staged the dances. Kerr's "lady friends" are dancers, though they cannot sing. He was funny when he told them not to sing so loud at the start, and they never did warble louder. Action started with the Broadway duet. A two-glri numncr has been inserted where a solo was tried, last week- and jhe, tap <Ja,nce of the girl Quartet at the close has been extended., Kerr climaxed with a "legmania" step and drew down themselves speechless had they wanted to pull the usual oratorical "thank you" thing. A crap game crammed with laughs and a double dancing finish were the high lights. Ryan and Bronson, second, went very big for the spot, singing a wide variety of singles and doublea It's a two-man singing and piano com- bination, with ability, class and poise. Jack Ryan did a little ditty, a parody on "Mary," which took a fall out of Governor Miller on his reported 8-cent fare stand. It was a panic at the Colonial. If Jack ever, sings. .that parody . in Brwkr lyn those B. R. T. straphangers will want to elect him the next Mayor. Juliet, closing the first half, pulled healthy returns. down a huge hit with her' imita —— tinnu TIiako'ii nnthlnrr onruK ll The Wilson Brothers—"Go out yodled and clowned to surprising efTect on fourth. If they have changed a line of the routine in the last ten years it was not evident. One of two song numbers is more up to date. The Wilsons didn't seem to need anything new. The whistle lions. There's nothing surer in vaudeville apparently, especially when they're done as Juliet does them. Among the list was Tan- guay. Miss Tanguay appearing later In the show, proved that imi- tation was pretty close, even to the little slide accompanying "I Don't and ordering plus the salute and J care." Foy, Barrymore, Bernard, yodeling got them all they aimed . Mann. Ulrich, Bayes .Lauder. Cohan, for. The coppers' uniforms are new. I etcL a n wen t over for heavv re- Also they drew a basketful of laughs. Bernard and Garry, two young cork singers of popular songs, did nicely on No. 2. One of thera does a clever Jazz clarinet imitation, used to effect with "Down in Chinatown." They did best, however, with a num- ber that provided for imitations of Eddie Leonard, Cantor. Belle Baker, and Jolson. Sylvia Loyal with her poodle, wire and flock of c*ovea made a sight opening that was rewarded. "The Kid," Charlie Chaplin's new comedy picture, was advertised as an extra attraction next week, in addition to the regular bill. the*. COLONIAL. etc., all went over for heavy re turns. There were loud calls for Jolson and Eddie Leonard, but Juliet evidently didn't hear them. Tom Swift and Mar: Kelley, pre- ceding Eve Tanguay. made 'em laugh—also made 'era weep a little. This was where Miss Kelley tells Mr. Swift she understands his shal- lowness. They had been laughing their heads off a moment before, but the lace handkerchiefs did a heavvy business when she reached the se- rious portion of the turn. That's art, bringing 'em from laughs to one to render a complete ditty, and the routine is mapped out to ac- In « Sunday's blizzard. Kent was In ceptably mix up the "live" lyrics the 8how as the 8tar of with those which contain not so much speed but are more conducive .to harmony. They'll score in any of the Loew theatres. DALY, MACK and DALEY. Roller Skating. 10 Mine. Full Stage (Special). Colonial. Two men and a woman in routine of roller skating. One of the men straight, the other in comedy make- up. Comic is an acrobat as well as a skater, doing some neat ground tumbling, while on the rollers. He also executes a buck and wing dance on skates. Straight does good routine of tricks, including pivots, whirls and the more difficult forma- tions. Straight and woman do usual double stuff, including nock whirl, straight pivoting with woman's arms clasped about neck. Special set, bjue cyo. Closing at the Colonial the turn did nicely. They can open or close and put it over in the big time houses. Bett. HARRIS and HOLLEY. 8ongs, Talk and Dances. 15 Mins.; One. Greeley Square. Two colored men in routine of characteristic songs, dances and comedy. Opening with talk while seated on bench in white spot, taller chap follows with "Sweet Mamma," soloed effectively. Partner does soft shoe dance, featured with well executed eccentric steps, next. More talk and team doubles "Mammy." Another double "Aunt Jemima" with both dancing for closing. The talk holds considerable new matter, and is bright and entertaining. Excel- lent small timers, who kept their batting average around .300 all the time they occupied the platform. No. 2 at the Greeley Square Tues- day night. Veil. .■~."- . .. in ■ — ■ MORELY and MACK. Songs and Piano* 12 Mins.; One. American. A new sister combination, one girl at tho piano, with the songs for the most part duetted. For one song the pianist had in- terpolations of comedy lyrics which brought laughs. The girls har- monised on the chorus of the next number. The pianist announced and sang a number she said she wrote. It was "As They Keep Get- ting Older, They Keep Getting Bolder." a lyric about the girls. For the closer they had a medley arrangement devised to lyrics ami hooked on to a blues; It won them an encore, which was a mamm> song. Good for threc-a-day. Ib'e. dock's "Bubbles," having been rather quickly inserted in that act over the week end*. He was asked to go on in "Shivers," and closed the Bhow with it. Tuesday it was decided to retain Kent in both acta instead of doubling an act from another house. • "Bubbles'* (New Acts) opened in- termission. It was switched to clos- ing Tuesday matinee, but because of protest was placed in its original spot at the night performance, with Kent doing his "Shivers" in the final spot. There is no doubt that Kent is best in his own act. It shows him in a style of comedy that best fits him. Perhaps two d-* n peo- ple walked out from the orchestra the balance staying and "getting their money's worth." for Kent in- jected enough laughter to balance what was missing before. The show was over at 11.16, which speaks for itself and the success of doubling Kent in the same show. Two hits came after intermission —Franklyn, Charles and Co., and Robert Emmett Keane. It was the former's first shot at the Palace audience. Spotted seventh, they opened in their usual tepid way, but wound up with the entire house ap- plauding. It's the surprise of the well done acrobatics that turns the trick. The Apache dance got the laughs. Then the hand-to-hand work landed the wallop. The girl in the turn was listened to politely. She has a sweet voice, and "Gian- nina Mia" was well suited to her. The number is short and newly in- serted, aiding in speeding the turn. Keane started his quarter of an hour just that much before 1,1 o'clock, opening with a Spanish "bull throwing" comedy lyric. He has nothing really new in his routine, but that he gets R across with such fine results proves his finish as an artist. No one paid attention to his comment in prelude to the English baseball game story,' that the ser- geant-umpire knew as much about the game as Judge Landis. The story itself started a 100 per cent, laughter into action. At one point Keane spied a restless auditor and said: "It's a very short act, mister.** His prelude to Kipling's "British Soldier" included the statement that he was Irish but loved Kipling. They liked" the recitation*,' cleverly- tfwe, and he won his encore, a Scotch FRANKLYN and BRANNIGAN. Songs. 13 Mins.; One. Columbia (Feb. 20). Two husky males in evening elothes with a novelty opening. Doffing straw hats and hanging them on a "tall boy." they make the preliminary motions of the usual acrobatic turn. This is followed by a double song, then a blues. A solo prologed with a comedy song title and then a com- edy da nee with a ballad solo by the other member was" good for hearty applause through the delivery. The harmonising and solo work passed nicely, turn averaging a* a good second spotter for the thrice daily bills. CO*. Imitations,, blackface comedians song p lugger working from a bal- cony box, harmonica playing, soft- shoe dancing, rathskeller piano and sing! ag turn, acrobats—and Eva Tanguay. That's vaudeville, old- fashioned vaudeville to be sure, minus "revues," with a stage full of choristers trying to act like prin- cipals, minus pretensions to musical comedy and minus all of the trans- parent effort to be what it isn't, with a jaxs band in the Nat Naxar- ro, Jr., act to lend a likeable sea- soning of modernity, and plenty of silken dresses to furnish "class." And they just ate it up at the Colonial Monday night, song plug- ging and all. which proves pretty conclusively that after all it*s vaudeville they want in vaudeville houses, regardless ■ of costume shows, near-musical comedy revues and the rest of the "novelties" that vaudeville has suffered from in the last few years. The show was switched about somewhat Monday night, Toto and Avey and O'Nell, programmed for opening and second after intermis- sion, respectively, changing places with Net Naxarro, Jr., and Swift and Kelly, the latter moving down into second part and Toto and Avey and O'Nell taking third and fourth spbta Monday night was the eve of Washington's Birthday. The house was slightly short of capacity. Both the holiday eve aod Miss Tanguay probably figured very largely in the draw. It's the same Tanguay, voice, mannerisms, personality, costumes and individuality, but with new ma- terial containing an up-to-the-min- ute note. Her announcement card was greeted with friendly applause, which swelled into a "reception" when she entered. She dh six numbers, Including the immortal "I Don't Care," showed an array of costumes that were as unique as they were dazzling, and after being presented with a floral bouquet pulled a neat little "speech" of thanks in rhyme. Teddy Wald- man, a jazz harmonica player, as- sisted with a collection of nifty "blues," while Miss Tanguay was changing. -Waldman worked from the right balcony box, and "goaled" 'em twice. The lad can certainly gargle the street corner saxophone. Tanguay didn't stop the show, but she was a man-sized hit next to closing and entertained every mo- ment she was on. A couple of turns previously, a male singer with a corking voice, working from the left balcony box in the Nat Nazaxro act, knocked the Colonlalites silly with "Mammy." Nat playing a 'cello obbligato and the jazz band assisting from the stog-*. They could*'* get en'-uarh- of the box worker, and he had to do "Rosie:" That's a pretty good score f'o: the boxes for one night. The Nazarro act runs like a twin six. It's full of entertainment, spe- cialties following eaeh other with machine-gun rapidity. Nat Nazar- ro. Jr., said he was 17. The kid's a wonder, dancing like a demon, play- ing the 'cello with expression and technique and making his own aet. Viola May, a clever little daneer, landed an individual score, with some unusual ankle and knee work. The jazzlsts play well and keep tlie music subdued. That's something worthy of praise for a jazz band. The aet, opening the second half, Was a 'wow" of the first water. Avey and O'Nell, fourth, just paralysed 'em. .lust two natural blackface comics, with the brightest of material. legitimate oomedy methods and great dancing feet. The Colonial went to them to a man, and they could hu\ I talked is an artiste by accomplishing It. A novel and clever little skit this Swift and Kelley turn "Gum Drops." with a wealth of human nature in it and an appeal that reaches the last row in the gallery. Toto, the clown, third, scored a whale of a hit with bis difficult con- tortions and acrobatics. The com- edy brought laughs, too. Toto plays a small fiddle like the one Grock used when over here, but merely makes it incidental. The contor- tion trick of stowing himself into a tiny bed hardly two feet in length, the Pavlowa travesty and an acro- batic dance for an encore all brought home the applause bacon. Louise and Mitchell opened with acrobatics. It's a mixed double, the woman acting as understander for some nifty hand-to-hand stuff. She has a good sense of comedy that could be developed into a big asset for the turn. Both good acrobats, they did excellently for the initial spot. Daley, Mack and Daley (New Acts) closed. Bell. funny idea we 1 ! worked out. In gro- tesque "boobish" get up they open as "Mulligan and Mulliga " from the West, and follow up with three howlingly funny knockabout dances. The "King Charles Bros. Chasing Bubbles" was a yell w..h the "Gladiators" fighting a dancirg duel, using ash can covers fur shields, another. The real hard hoofing at the finish topped off a riotous 16 minutes. The assistant who telephones the description of the dances to headquur teres looked as though he had the utmost con- tempt for the Volstead amendment on • Tooaday > nfgfoti • * * ' " ' Ella Shields, the EngMah male Impersonator, followed, offering four characters with appropriate songs. They were in order a swell, a "bobby." a shabby dandy and a "middy" from the English navy. Her costumes were faultless and her delivery was aiso. They thawed ou: slowly at the Riverside, but she had them hooked by the time she reached her last number, and L t > encore with a ballad. Tho visitor was up against a touch proposition at this house, where proba' 'y nine- tenths of her auditors had never seen the originals of her characteri- zations and missed many of the shadings. The English slang of the lyrics also confused, as "potty** for crazy In one song. She might try Americanizing where it is p> sslb'.e without losing her individuality. Kramer and Boyle waltzed en using "Bubbles** In imitation of the De Haven and Nice turn. This pair have developed remarkably, Kra- mer having arrived at the point where he continually ad libs kidding "walk outs,'* etc., without offense tears, and Miss Kelley proved she j and making It screamingly funny. Boyle Is an ideal foil and is dress- ing the part a la Flnchley. They broke In several new gags and doubled "Mammy," with Boyle still sticking to "Broadway Rose** for his solo. The Four Readings closed and held them remarkably well consid- ering the hour. Their finishing trick apparatus helped hold, for many remained out of curiosity after lamping the shoot at the back of the stage. It Is a flashy e*o*«r, being a /.'belly" slide down the shoot to a hand to hand which Is built up by the understander having a great struggle to raise the top mounter to an upright position' after the catch. / Con. JEFFERSON RIVERSIDE. The last half of the current week bill at the Riverside contains .aoet of the punch and runs away with the show through the presence of two strong comedy teams in ~>e Haven and Nice and Kramer and Boyle. The first half of the bill was vaudeville enough, but the .comedy punch was lacking, and when all the reviews and sight acts have wended their way to the store- house, the boys that can deliver the guffaw propellers will remain in demand. Aside from this slight digression it was a corking show and the house held a capacity holiday at- tendance when the Sterlings opened with a somewhat different skating and skate hoofing routine. The ath- letes gave the show a nice start. Schichtl's Royal Marionettes were second. It Is one of the best me- chanical acts In the show business, the operation of the little figures and t&e other mechanical illusions being handled flawlessly. Ida May Chadwick and Her Dad *were moved up from one rung below to the third spot, with Grace Nelson moving down a peg. The Chadwicks got most with their dancing. Miss Chadwick still retaining her laurels as one of the best female steppers now appearing. The comedy efforts passed and the opening, with Miss Chadwick dressed In the height of fashion, later switching to her "rube" character, helped. The danc- ing finish got them considerable applause. Grace Nelson In an excellent re* - ertoire of near classical and popu- lar songs offered a wisely selected assortment of songs for vaudeville. The prima donna looked immense in a gold evening gown, and is car- rying a finished musician in Earle Browne at Ihe piano. For aireiicoi s she introduced Con Conrad the song writer and Bang his latest. "Dream of Your Smile," with Con- rad at the piano. Sho was an un- qualified success and seems to have stepped into the niche vacated by chilson-Ohrman. Riggs and Wit ! ' . super dancers, closed the first half. The dancing turn carries a leader who does two violin solos between changes. T' s lengthens the act out considerably and it might be advisable io drop one dance, finishing with the "Vag- abond" duo. Zaeh of the dancing productions is backed by an appro- priate set, the last, depicting n < «^ tl-; in Italy, receiving appliuse r n appearance. The trrpsiehorenn team are art- ists and will be welcomed iti vaudeville ts long as they <:»re to remain After the "Topics'* I >e TT.ivon • d Nice stirred up the first reii excite- men! with their "Follies of 1T76," a Considerable shifting In the run- ning order of the Jefferson's bill marked the Monday evening per- formance, with one substitution. Swift and Kelley, who covered for Ruth Roye, reported In the second week of an indisposition due to ton- silitis. The bill Monday matinee stood: Adelaide Herman to open, followed by Russell and Devitt, Johannes Joseffson with the Icelandic Co. to follow, Frank Gaby next to closing first half, with "The. Eyes of Buddha," in No. 5, before the inter- mission. George M. Rosener opened the second half, "Indoor Sports," in No. 2, Wilson Brothers next to closing the show, and Padden and Irwin finishing. The evening still held Madame Hermann in No. 1. Frank Gaby was put up in No. 2. George M. Rosener in No. 3. with Swift and Kelley holding No. 4, "The Eyes of Buddha" remaining sta- tionary in closing first half. Rus- sell and Devitt opened the second half, following "Topics," "Indoor Sports" did not change from No. 2 in the second half, the Wilson Brothers also remaining in next to closing, while Joseffson and Co. closed the show. Padden and Irwin did not appear in the evening, the bill with Joseffson in the finale holding eight acts in all. The No. 2 spot for Gaby in place of No. 4 was explained in the necessity of meeting a private enter- tainment on time. He was sched- uled to open second half beginning Wednesday afternoon. Russell and Devitt were to resume their original position on the program. In that event the latter team would be shifted to No. 2 again, and It is highly probable that the first half would be strengthened mate- rially for an applause hit, which it needed. As the team exhibited Monday night they cleaned up everything in sight and were fore- runners of a bill which, due to tho manner in which it was changed, was stronger in the second half in applause and laughs than the flr«t half. Russell and Devitt work ith a nonchalance that is the more en- gaging because of the contrast it o.ftrs to thc.lr acrobatics and flap- ping. The hit of the evening were the Wilson Brothers, who, next to clos- ing, were a combination of song, yodeling, "nut" stuff, and ad lib. comedy. With the exception of "The Eyes of Buddha." the/ wero on the stage for the greatest length of time. When the Joseffson turn came on the audience was intact and re- mained Heated until every flash had eanght on. The turn billed as "rjllma'B Marvel of the Frozen North," has something Unique in the form of gymnastics. It offers something akin to the Japanese Jiu- Jltsu, vet distinguished from by the spplication of a fool <l"fenso in- stead of the singular application of both hinds. The act is swift mov- ing. .itmI the pace set by Joseffson ami iiis three assistants Is admirable in th<- sustain* i Interest. The Kye« «»f Huddh »." holding Uic ssost in display el any turn.