Variety (November 1921)

VARIETY'S CHICAGO OPFICE Chicago STATE-LAKE THEATRE BUILDING Friday, November 11, 1021 CHICAGO VAUDEVILLE SHOWS MAJESTIC, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. t. With a name like Eddie Foy in ths lights variety patrons of yester- year were out in force Monday night to five him a most enthusiastic and sincere ovation. Foy had six mem- ber* of his younger generation, ranging from Charlie to Eddie, Jr Also Josephine Victor, a recruit from the legitimate; Horace Goldin. playing a return date within three weeks with his "Sawing a Woman," and In all there was a slam-hang and sure-fire show from start to finish, with the house only holding a little over two-thirds capacity on the lower floor. Wilfrid Du Bols, with his classy Juggling novelty, started the show off with a hound. His routine is executed in a clean, snappy and sin- eere manner, without any attempts to work in comedy points through •misses." Du Bols starts right out with juggling a tennis racket and balls, then'does a balancing of the balls as well as bounding them up several times from his forehead. From this point on his feats appear more difficult, and he concludes the turn with a hall self-propelled circ- ling around a hoop mounted on a billiard cue which he has balanced on his forehead. The unusual happen- ed for an opening turn, when Du Bois completed his performance. He stopped the show cold. The regular first-nighters looked at each other In amazement, but it was a fact— { Dn Bois held the curtain on Ray- mond and Schram. "A Syncopated Cocktail" was of- fered by the male duo, and their "cocktail" was also accepted, for the folks liked their style of work and their songs, too. Next in line was Goldin with his Illusion. Goldin went through his usual prelimi- naries, speeding his repartee and working considerably more than in the past appearance, and repeated bis success of a few weeks ago here. Chester Spencer and Lola Wil- liams scored the first comedy hit of the bill with their nonsensical cross- fire and singing concoction, "Putting It Over." The way was paved by them for Eddie Foy and his offsprings, who offered the travesty, "The Foy Fun Revue." Fun there was. and Eddie and his entire brood supplied it. More comedy was saturated around by Ellnore and Williams. Finding the house in good humor when she made her initial appear- ance. Miss Ellnore "tore loose" and told everything she knew in the line | of gags. Williams obliged as her "foil" and with several song num- bers as well. Their endeavors placed them with their predecessors. "Juliet and Romeo," a gem of a satirical sketch in four scenes, per- mitted Miss Victor to wend her way into the hearts of the Majestic pa- trons. The sketch Is a novelty and of a type which will always appeal to class or mass audience. It has that essence of pathos and actuality which teach a moral to stage char- acfer and laymen alike on its preachment of "professional jeal- ousy." The supporting cast play in superb fashion, and from impres- sions they help Miss Victor to make EUGENE COX SCENERY 1734 Off den Ave. Phone Seeley SsOl CHICAGO Auk: KRNE8T EVANS her offering one of the most desir- able of the season. Next to closing were See and Aus- tin, with their farcical routine of songs, talk and dance. Dave See. who was last seen hereabouts in a small-time offering, "An Heir for a Night," proved to be a sensation with his grotesque and clownlike antics. He thoroughly understands comedy value, and gets all there is possible to be gotten from his en- deavors. His mind-reading bit toward the close is very, very funny, and at its conclusion encore and encore were demanded. For their flni.sh the team use a "cat and dog" fight which is a capital climax for the turn, which really scored the hit of the show. Austin is a very fitting straight for See and enables him to get his "gags'* and bits over throughout. They also carry a pretty and charming lassie, who is unprogramed. The girl does two scenes with the men, and is an asset too. The Rektors with their hand- to-hand balancing closed the show. Loop. APOLLO, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 9. The effects of a poor show last week were quite evident Monday afternoon. There was hardly half a house on the lower floor to acclaim what developed to be a mighty good entertainment. This bill Is not what can be qualified as an all-around big time program, but it has a num- ber of names, surrounded by acts of meritorious calibre, making it one of the best hills in this house since the inauguration of the Shubert vaudeville policy. Charles Richman Is rightly en- titled to the headline honors. The presentation of George Ade's com- edy sketch, "Nettie," by Richman, and his associate players is superb. Even though this Ade product is not new it will always prove Interesting in vaudeville and make a worthy asset to any bill with Mr. Richman. George Ade was present at this per- formance and more than delighted with the performance. Leona La Mar, "The Girl with the Thousand Eyes," seemed to be able to peer into the past and future of the audience in a most successful manner. From the conversation heard about the house after the per- formance it seems quite likely that she will prove to be a strong busi- ness-getter this week, despite she has played all three of the Orpheum Circuit houses in the "loop" during the past year. Her most recent ap- pearance was at the State-Lake last summer. Rather a co-lhcidental fact was the appearance of two similar type acts on the bill. Clark and Arcaro and Orth and Cody. Both women take the French type of characteri- zation, with the Orth and Cody turn being on In the fourth position, and the Clark and Arcaro act third after intermission. The latter turn was a bold-over from last week, and probably the similarity in type of the women was not taken into consideration. How- ever, this slmlarty had no bearing whatever on the manifestation of approbation on the part of the au- dience. The Orth and Cody act, billed as "Codec and Orth." came out and brought the first portion of the bill to "life." Their fast work with the humorous "quips" and low comedy knockabout feats accomplished by Mies Cody awakened the house from the lethargic demeanor it had been in and received hearty response for the endeavors of this couple. The business in which Miss Cody tosses Orth about and around after the song. If You'll Only Marry Me," proved to be a most capital climax for this worthy comedy offering. Opening the show were Mme. Everest's monkeys. Made a capital opening turn, and it was presented In splendid fashion. Next were Rosaline Harris and Pauline Sant- ley, comely misses, who dispensed a pleasing repertoire of syncopated melodies. The girls make an at- tractive appearance and render their numbers in an acceptable fashion. Neither has a strong voice, but they are pleasing and blend nicely. On in the trey spot were Masters and Kraft, with what they describe as a Symbolic Satiro on Legomania, entitled "On with the Dance." The idea of the offering is a very novel one, and gives the boys a chance to rest between dances. Marguerite Farrell has a well chosen repertoire of songs. Miss Farrell is an attractive-looking brunet, radiates with personality, has a more than pleasing voice, and displays a most gorgeous array of costumes, changing for each song. In the next to closing Bpot was Harry Hines with "The*£8th Variety." Some of his variety is mighty good and other portions quite repellent. Two blue stories were told in se- quence and left a nauseous taste with the audience. The impression he left with the audience seemed to be negative Monday afternoon. It is more than likely that the offensive gags will be expunged during his future performances at this house, for the management here seems to be rather strict regarding risque material and actions. Novello Broth- ers, comedy acrobats and musicians, closed the show. PAINTED SCENERY FABRICS ORIGINAL IDEAS PERFECTLY EXECUTED in MODERNISTIC STYLES policy of never selling the same design twice assures individuality. Our Art Department constantly developing new, daring and artistic designs. PLUSH, VELOUR, SILK, SATIN, GAUZE, SATEEN and NOVELTY MATERIALS THE FABRIC STUDIOS 1N«\ 177 North State Street (OPPOSITE STATE-LAKE THEATRE) CHICAGO Easy Payments Drops on Rental Our New and Modern Shops aiul Studios will oj>C/i November 15, Illl PALACE, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 9. A bill that was as near perfect as any vaudeville show could be, plus a favorite headllner, Gus Edwards, In the best revue he has ever had out, and one of the best big acts ever produced on the two-a-day. The proof of the bill was in a capacity matinee that has been missed at this house in the last six weeks. The regulars who might havo thought they wanted a change seem all to have drifted back to their first love, the Palace, and it was like a homecoming, everybody bowing and saying "hello" with a guilty smile to each other. Even Frisco was In a box helping to clown with DeHa- ven and Nice. Gordon and Rica opened the show with some talk, songs and then go- ing into full for some bicycle riding. Paul Gordon, admitted by even tho other bicycle riders to be the best In the business, has given up most of his trick work and demotes his time to talk. His salary is the best criterion on whether the change was for the better or worse. "Sandy," a miniature Harry Lau- der, whom Gus Edwards presents, couldn't fail. His is a personality that gets over. The little chap does Scotch songs, a couple of animal imitations, another one of the bag- pipes, and then a repertoire of Lau- der's successes. But best of all is "Sandy's" smile and wink. Ethel Forde and Lester Sheehan, with Marion Forde, should switch their billing to read Marlon Forde, "assisted by." This little girl has everything to make her a dancing star, and if it were not for her ef- forts this act would have met with the same fate it did last year with- out her, when it was booed off the Palace stage. The best answer was when the individuals came back for bows there was practically no ap- plause until Miss Forde appeared. She has two solos and scored In both, the last solo an eccentric, acro- batic, contortion dance that remiflds at times of Pearl Regay. Without any Infringement It was the show stopper. If it is true that Lester Sheehan discovered and de- veloped this little dancer he can retire and rest on his laurels, be- cause his own dancing has dete- riorated Jack Benny came Into his own, spotted just right; not a gag or line was muffed. It only proved that position on some acts does count, and on Benny anything less than four spells disaster, which was proven in the last two times seen. He walked away with the laughing hit of the bill. Norton and Nichol- son are labeled just right. "A Dra- matic Cartoon." The act had no trouble in keeping up the pace and landed. Del raven and Nice made it three big wows in a row. Another act built for laughing purposes only, and although seen at this house sev- eral times had no troubo in repeat- ing to big applause. It was during this act that Frisco came to bat with some extra clowning. Gus Edwards and his "song rcvim of 1921" was all that was needed to round out a bill of p«'ifo«.t lhUi tain- ment. After the revue proper Ed- wards introduced sever.nl now find?, among them a sister team, the O'Connor Sisters, that looks "in"; also a solo c'^ntrif dMti«'»r. fhostM- Fredericks, who will m.'.ko the en si sit up and tako notice. All In all it was a larg<> afternoon for Mr. 1M J wards, which he seemed to r li 1 'fin much n.s the customers. -Rome and (Jaut came on ;ift' r :'. and were sacrificed to an out-^i.l . mob that were show satisfied. Th» > missed another comedy hit. Tie Cavana Duo played to empty seuts but did not feel bad, as supper h;xl to be got ready and the tahle s. r. and it was drawing near to 6 SO. The evening performance was switched, with Rome and Gaut coming on before Edwards, and the revue closed in one with time to spare to set the stage for the closing act. Loop. ■ ■ Illl I — ■- STATE-LAKE, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 9. Unaffected by weather, bills or competition, this house still lines the crowds up, besides keeping the lobby and sidewalk full of people who wait to get in, and sometimes wait for hours. Chicago got the edge on one of the most pretentious vaudeville offerings ever presented. The phenomena in this case Is "Frolicland," a miniature musical comedy offering; in fact, the present offering was a two-hour show given at the Auditorium for the police- men's benefit, and .was specially condensed to 30 minutes' running tir^e. Ernie Young is responsible and can consider this offering an- other feather in his hat. The cast, including chorus, numbers 35. Be- cause of Its length it closed the show. The curtains parted and showed a beautiful stage setting, with drapes and hangings. The stage was set like a fashion parade. First before the curtains were the Kate Simmons Ballet Octet and the chorus, who worked in unison and drew individual attention. The Dancing Taylors, who have ballroom styles of dancing all their own, found as much response in vaude- ville as they did when they hoofed at the Marigold here. Eddio Mat- thews whirlwinded through a three- minute routine. Matthews kicked a goal 'with his dancing. Like any extravaganza, no time was allowed for encores, and action was notice- able everywhere. Hazel Kirke shimmied herself over to a hit, while Pat Conway led the chorus in a peach of a number that is musical comedy from 3very angle. Frank Libusc and Mabel Walzer clowned about. They took up a little time which was well spent. Isabelle Mohr, a production songstress, led one of her musical comedy numbers and drew much admiration. In all, the act was a flash, somethlnp en- tirely different from the usual run. and Young has brought to vaude- ville faces not very often seen on Its stage. Vaudeville audiences are much inclined to show their appre- ciation to the fellow who's different. Klnco, as his billing says, is an, Interesting entertainer. He is a good start for any show. Then Dan- iels and Walters in "The Old Timer," a comedy act, were spotted a little early but did phenomenally well. Sam Mann and Co., two other men and one woman, found quick response to their sketch. The act was just moved a few blocks, at the Palace last week. Fenton and Fields followed the Mann sketch. They held up the following spot, and even though the lights were set, they had to come out and express their thanks. Fenton a» Fields were funny and that goes as far as the word will carry them. Fay and Florence Courtney, with their Ultra String Quintet, fed pop- ular songs in their own style, which means a style that seldom misses Its mark of creating a fracas. The I Quintet helped the Sisters, besides doing a few selections themselves. The ovation that Patrlcola received sounded like an encore. To follow the Courtney Sisters is a trick by Itself, but to follow them and make 3,000 people stand up and yell for you is another stunt. Adjectives have been Invented to JuBtly de- scribe the cyclonic success Patrlcola is making here this week. When he finished the applause was so voluminous the orchestra sounded like a toy piano. Irene Dclroy is not to be slighted. She took her whacks on the back with humorous reaction and did her bit in excellent manner. Patrlcola and Delroy »ra drawing cards with the State-Lak! crowds. "Frolicland" took up th last SO minutes of the show. Jack Osterman and Booth and Nina were not seen at this show. RIALTO, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. |. The momentum of the bill was at the tail end. The first four acts slipped from catching on, but on the average the eight acts showed better than what has been offered as entertainment for the past few weeks. The management has banked its box office draws upon "personal appearances" of film stars, and though the stars have not been offering any genuine en-. tertalnment, the crowds, at least small time crowds, have substan- tiated this policy by coming in mobs to see their "favorites." George Walsh showed this week. His press agent got plenty of space the week before his appearance, and in all his was the only name on the bill. Walsh was scheduled to close the show, possibly because . of the * sketch proceeding him, but was switched to next to closing, with the sketch, Charles Burkhardt and Co., holding the shut spot. A one-rceler. showing Walsh In his athletic manoeuvres, with au- thorities on his different stunts, vouching for his expertness In each sport, took up ten minutes. The last few feet of film show Walsh receiving a rub down, when he is interrupted by some one, who tells him he is expected at the theatre. He jumps into his clothes, and is seen running down the street minus his coat and tie. The last scene shows him running into the stage entrance of a theatre, and then George Walsh in the flesh steps onto the stage from the wings and speaks for four minutes. The big* gcr portion of his talk is in keeping physically fit Walsh spoko clearly and well. Lamb and Goodyear, man and woman, broke "the Ice" with their terpslchorean work before a eye in full. Prither and Wiley, another man and woman team, offered talk and harmony. Both carried the personality that marks individuality about their work and took them- selves off to three healthy bows. La Temple and Co. sold illusions. The handicap In the turn seemed to be In the announcer talking In a monotone and being care'ess in his enunciation. Victoria Trio, con* sistlng of three women, did not stick to any style of songs, singing those offered in low keys. Harmony was hard to detect The redeem* ing feature was the heavy set woman, doing parrot, rooster and chicken imitations. Otherwise nothing out of the ordinary marks the act From here on the show seemed to be a different one. Lyle and Emerson have a gem of an offer- ing. It has been seen before, yet Is handled In a much better fashion. Dialog and songs are nicely blended giving a musical comedy touch about the act The man Is suave, a showman, besides singing well. The woman feeds the lines to the man and her appearance and mannerisms (Continued on page 9) BECKER BROS, SCENIC STUDIO 2321 Wabash Ave., Chicago ALL KIND8 OF SCENERY Thone: VICTORY H6tf YOU'VE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST "THE 13th CHAIR" "PETE" Soteros Next Door to Colonisl Theatre 30 W. RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO THE FOLLOWING IIEADLINEHS ATE HERE LAST WEEK:— BOOSTERS FOR STEAKS Sam Mann. Julian JBHIage, Walter C. Kelly, Jimmy Lucas and Francln*, Al h< \«<>n. 1.11/al.iMi Hrlcf -Ml'ler »n • Murk, nn.l Zuhn and Dries. 18 EAST 22d STREET V- ike BLOOM'S-"™" IMID-NITE FROLIC - REVUE — FOUR DIFFERENT CHAPTER. '• ' '"'I*. I ! " '' M .<<I ( )i-.l|i. I Ml V \, I.HT— \\ Ml*» •!»»>. t omix im : n \ i \ c \ . > \< T« Vl Mitt KTV n \\< i.v- HAZEL RENE HATS — GOWNS — COSTUMES .10<l-:tos stale-Lake Building, Chicago Tel. Tent. ISO** 1M1 \T 1)1 111 OH! > Formerly ui«h II \/i:i. ttWOIs i hdifh srrlckt«nil BETTER THAN THE BEST SHOW IN TOWN FRED MANN'S RAINBO GARDENS CLARK at LAWRENCE. # Continuous Dane.ng—Vaudev.He. Frank WMtpfcal nn.l KuImIhi Offbeat**, Ani.il.ur Tli.ntrl.ul Mtr B«erS Friday.