Variety (November 1921)

f T 1 Ml VARIETY'S CHICAGO OFFICE Chicago STATE-LAKE THEATRE BUILDING Friday, November 18, 1921 CHICAGO VAUDEVILLE SHOWS MAJESTIC, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 16. Monday afternoon opened better than the past several weeks have averaged, owing to a bill that looked strong on the billed line-up. It didn't play so consistently, how- ever, for the first portion was woful and some of the expeeted show- stoppers proved weak. The first two acts were far be- neath Majestic standards. Pinkie, with Harold West and Pauline Har- ris, a small-sized man in chaps, singing nasally, and an over-sized girl in child's clothes, sang and danced and tried some amateurism rope twirling. Lowe, Feeley and Stella, two women and a man, made •em ait up with their drop, but that was their last as well as their first flash. The singing and dancing were barely of Pantages caliber. Dave Harris and his band came next and really opened the show. Harris has "acquired" something from Henry Santrey. something from Ted Lewis and the bass viol trick from the Five White Kuhns. He has chosen wisely and well, if choosing is wise or well, and has complied enough tried and certain material from these cinch successes to get over an applause hit. Jimmy Lucas and Francene found them tough. They worked like beavers finally got to them and finished well. Toto showed a few new effects and specialties. He ran long but sus- tained and finished all in from what is one of the most laborious singles in the game. Olsen and Johnson, famous here- abouts for tying up shows, are get- ting so far away from their original personalities that they are killing tlic splendid impression they made here last year, their big season. These boys started as a violinist APOLLO, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 16. A siniultaiii-oiia change—that of the opening day from Monday to Sunday and that of a great deal bet- ter variety program as well—were* responsible for a more than com- fortable attendance at this house on the matinee program and a sell-out on the ninht show. Nora Itayes was the headliner, and lived up to it. Miss Bayes occupied the rostrum fpr 40 minutes at the matinee. At the conclusion, and after she decided she had done all she was going to do. Miss Bayes made a speech In which she said that she had not played In vaudeville here for a good many years. She understood it was a question of money, as far as the other houses were concerned. "But you can see for yourself," she con- cluded, "the Shuberts have not let that enter Into the question." Miss Bayes Is assisted by Alan Edwards, with whom she indulges in a couple of numbers; George Rus80. a tenor, who dispenses some sentimental melody in grotesque and Oriental costume, and Dudley Wil- kinson at the piano. In her work with Edwards. Miss Bayes interpo- lates an avalanche of comedy "quips" and talk, which went over. Her solo efforts are mostly of the exclusive order, with a few of the popular numbers thrown in. The balance of the bill Is far above the average seen in this house. The last part could not be better select- ed, as besides Miss Bayes, Milo and the Klein Brothers give it plenty of momentum. The first portion lacks comedy, especially in the closing act, which appears improperly placed. Arturo Bernardi, the protean art- ist who occupies that spot, brings the first portion to a rather dull and ineffective ending with his long va- riety of protean delineations and and pianist, found they had comedy i impressions of musical conductors, veins and developed them for laughs i Bernardi has played practically find speed and entertainment. Now everything, big and small time, and they are straining to be "nuts," and they play it to death. They brought Lucas on and burst toy balloons and used stage hands and ran up and down aisles and descended to vul- garities and tooft liberties with the audience, and as a result they tor- tured a few giggles and a few re- luctant hands out of an audience which a few months ago, when they remained legitimate and remained on the right side of the foots, cheered them. This is an instance of super-ego. These boys should tone down, do more and clown less, and get '>ack to the excellent stand- ing that was theirs and rightfully theirs when they behaved like per- formers Instead of cut-ups. Valeska Suratt, with the best act she ever had in her life, doing the best work she ever did in her life I given this choice position docs not accomplish what is expected. A change of position with "In Ar- gentina." the South American me- lange of songs and dances fostered by Scibilia and Brooks, minht have been advantageous. There is noth- ing of "hair-raising" mettle in this act, but there is sufficient animation in it to enable it to qualify In the closing position of this portion of the bill. Harry Ormande helps greatly with his comedy talk, songs and eccentric dances, while the Spanish portion of the company— Elisa Uelirio. Boberto Meirano, Ma- tilde and Elvira and a quartet of musicians—contribute an abundance of sensational dancing, songs in Spanish and melodious numbers, which make the turn a pleasing one. Bob Nelson, sandwiched in be- for Miss Bayes, who appeared next. The Brothers Klein—Al and Harry —were in the next to shut spot. The boys found little trouble in follow- ing Miss Bayes—they Just started after the "mob" with their clowning and comedy talk and had easy sail- ing to the finish. The give-me-a- letter "business" went over big despite the fact that It wag done last week by Seed and Austin. Seed and Austin also had others of the Klein gags at the time, but this did not take the edge off any of them here. A hit was accredited the boys. Closing were Lipinski's canine en- tertainers, with their comedy acro- batics and tricks, programed as "Fun In Luna Park." The woman who works the canines assists them considerably toward making a good showing with her acYobatlc and ground tumbling stunts. For the first.time in quite a while at this house, the closing turn managed to hold about three-quarters In until the finish. Burt Sheppard. with his South American pastime of whip cracking and snapping, opened the show. Sheppard uses a woman assistant, who feigns fears In aiding him to perform his tricks. In the "deuce" spot were Hat tie Altboff and Sisters, who presented a series of comedy songs, which are entitled "Songs of the Day." Miss Althoff looks nice, wears attractive clothes and gets her songs over in good fashion. Sister acts as accompanist on the piano. In this position the girls made a good impression. m PALACE, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 16. There was not the big flash, nor the big names on the bill this week, but there was good consistent en- tertainment furnished by the bill In general, with a deluge of comedy effusing throughout. Marx Broth- ers and Co., Sallie Fisher and Co., and Bronson and Baldwin were in the lights out front and easily qual- There was was not applicable to the stunts. They might correct it. The team otherwise worked with ease. Billy Walsh, blackface, either in- tentionally or otherwise, did a coun- terfeit of Eddie Cantor. It was not very well done. Walsh told stories in between his songs, taking an encore that was not necessary. Some of the stories he told could stand severe censoring, while others were resurrected. Four Kings and Dad have selected a name which is foreign to their of- fering. Three girls and a young mnn sang und characterized songs. They open before a drop in "one" with slits In It. One of the girls sang a number about the fools who are marrying, and the curtain slit parted to show a biide and groom. Later the same girl, with the trio, sang "Daddy, Dear Old Daddy." The other slit in the curtain parted and showed a Dad at a fireside. The quartet surround hifn and go through a few extra choruses. Possibly this is the reason for the billing. The turn must be given credit for offer- ing a harmony act in a different way. The "dad" did nothing further than bow with the others when fin- ishing. The act pleased, but that was all. Roth and Slater gave a little relief from the foregoing In their swift- moving singing and talking act. They open before a bungalow drop in "one" with the woman coming on as a nurse, with a baby carriage. She meets a wop who's just arrived. Cross Are and the man sings a peach of a medley, sure-fire and clever. The nurse did a well-ren- dered whistling and yodeling bit. Roth and Slater have an act that audiences like. Hill and Rose, man and woman, just sang, displaying no unusual vocal ability nor any special talent. The man cross-fired with the wom- an, letting loose one blue gag that was told with one intention, and the crowd was ashamed to laugh. The ified for these honors. There was.f^ refers to women serving on a a switch In the bill when Sallie'Jury. Worth \V ay ten Four, four Fisher." who was -spotted for the, m ™, carried a lot of action about "show" position, objected to her spot, {«*"" clowning and singing Since and at the request of the manage- «?t seen .hey have Improved meas- " . r> „„.? »„j r*oi.i •;« »«>,« urably. Their indifference and col- (New Acts), sent in u hit that re- tween those two turns, turned on his verberated to the roof. "The White Way" is class, drama, humor, en- tertainment. Blackface Eddie Ross followed and murdered the regulars with his easy approach, his walloping wit and his inimitable banjoics. Fink's Mules closed a late bill and were forced to work to a fast moving au- dience. Loop. "ELI," the Jeweler TO THE PROFESSION Special Dlaconnt to Performers W1I10N IN CHICAGO State-Lake Theatre Bldar., Ground Floor personality "clutch" and let go with a deluge of catchy and entertaining songs that appeared to hit the spot. Nelson has a mannerism which In- gratiates him Into the hearts of his audience from the start, and he has no difficulty in keeping them Inter- ested. This was manifested in that at the conclusion of his 12 minutes of song he was enabled to stop the show for a full two minutes. He is accompanied at the piano by Her- bert Hewson. Milo as usual mystifies the audi- ence with the warbling off stage leading the house to believe that a gorgeously gowned vocalist will ap- pear. But when a tramp steps forth, this illusion is cast aside and the house just gasped. His mimicry, imitations, song and talk captivated and allowed him to be a good pilot r WHEN BUYING 1 SCENERY AND DRAPERY In Fabric*, Satin, Sateen, Velour, Plush, Velvet, Met aline, Metal and Gold Cloth FROM US REMEMBER IT IS NOT HOW MUCH IT IS? IT IS HOW GOOD IT IS? This is 11.o l.a'Is of all work done by us. The qunlitv and work in: i iisliip in i-arh piecf (if scenery eompleted by us, speaks of HOW COOO IT IS, and the long wear it gives. Among Our 1,000 Satisfied Customers 81DNEY and NORA KELLOGG MARIE FOSTER and CO. LOU ZAME and SISTER • BELL and DAY WOODS and HYLAND BENNETT and NOLAN JACK KING Till UK ISN'T A imiK C II Alt*. IS I OK Ol R SKUVK KS IN SI I'.- MITTINCi \ l'LATK OF YOt K IDKAs. (OMH IT AMI tiKT A< QIAINTKP. UNIVERSAL SCENIC ARTIST STUDIOS, he. I.. I*. I.ARSKN. M(.R , ART l>IRK< TOR STATK-I.AKK III.fM;.CHICAGO I'lion* DKARIIOHN 117(1 J DON'T FORGET! WE WILL TRUST YOU <&& ment Bronson and Bald in, who were to be No. 5, changed with her. The change of position did not give them the leverage they would have had in their original position, but with their hard work in their satirical offering by Jack La it they easily went over the hurdles and galloped home for the tenth Chi- cago time by a wide margin. The Four Marx Brothers have been changing their material about in their musical cocktail, "On the Balcony," so that one who had seen the original vehicle provided by Herman Timberg would hardly recognize it. Most of it is of the low comedy order, but it is the kind that Is sure for "wows," and, this quartet of entertainers had them "wowing" throughout Garcinetti Brothers in the initial spot showed acrobatics and hat throwing, which proved to be mild entertainment. Next was Bill Rob- inson, a "hoofer" who "hoofs" and knows how. Dancing In his "forte" and enabled him to almost tie up the show In this early spot. Howard and Bronson back again with "Visions of 1971" gave Jack Lalt two offerings In the big houses this week. Regardless how often this talented and versatile couple repeat with their "futuristic" satire* they will always find a receptive offering. It became quite evident from their position on the bill that they can qualify and make good anywhere and under any circum- stances. They have the goods and know how to deliver them. Jim MacWilllams, who plays the piano and "gabs" as well, had easy sailing with his turn in the fourth position. The house was In a most receptive mood when ho came on and liked him exceedingly well. Sallie Fisher In "The Choir Re- hearsal" is just as charming and exquisite in the role of Esmeralda Tucker as when she first appeared in it five years ago. Rolls and Royce worked hard and furiously in putting over their dance routine. There was hardly a step ever seen that this couple did not do, and for good measure they added many more that have not been soon or probably cannot be done by others. Closing were Mang and Snyder, with their risling routine and feats of strength. This duo need step aside for no one when it comes to qualify in their line. They man- aged to stem the passing throng, tiiid liolu 11 ii*aii in am.t/.i'rm til in trie aisles until the eonclu.-. n of the lege boy actions registered. Fitz- gerald and Can ell opened before a park drop in "one," showing tramps packing all over. They enter in hobo attire, start off with a medley of different songs with clever verses, Jabber a little, and sing again. Neither of them have voices, al- though the act is chuck full of ma- terial. The talk could be brought up to the standard of the patter verses, and they should try less for vocal distinction, making their of- fering more of a talk-a-logue. The act went very well. "Egyptian Fantasy," a revue act. closed the show. There arc connect- ing links between the different scenes and bits, and was well han- dled by the cast. It consists of six girls and two men in the act, with loads of scenery. L. Johnstone and Lillian Ziegler and Co. not seen at this show. LINCOLN, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 16. Inclement weather, economic con- ditions and various other alibis ad- vanced by theatres mean nothing as far as the patronage of this house is concerned. Its patrons are the "thrifty" class of Norwegians that patronize this house as reli- giously and regularly twice a week as- they do the butcher or baker daily. They Just come and come in droves, filling the house for two performances each, night. In the current bill there are no high spots or feature turns; it is Just a fair standard neighborhood bill, which is satisfying, but nothing to becoms ecstatic about. Opening the show the Maxwell Quintet appear In "At the Club." This act has been seen hereabouts a.-d through various p... .s of the country for a good many years, but manages to hold interest with the freshening up of material and re- plenishment of song from time to time. In the next spot were Velrna and Thelma Connor, two pretty and charming little your™- rs, who have qualified in vocalization unde- t u o tutelage of Gus Edwards. These "kiddles" are In the development stage, and when .hey mature should be a "find" for production. At pres- c i t.icy hav a routine of song which while well rendered by them not adaptable to their talents. Their opening number might be left as It Is, but the second song, which Is of similar type—ballad—! causes the offering to drag. In its place a livelier number might be substituted, so when the girls get to their next or final number they might have the audience sufficiently awakened to be responsive. Williams and Howard, who ap- peared in the "trey" spot, have line of sure-Are gags Which are* reminiscent of the Rice Brothers. They seem to possess a most reten- tive memory as well as being won- derfully versatile choosers of low comedy gags. "Dance Flashes." with Natalie Harrison, Castle Sisters and Smith Bros., was next. It Is a classical and eccentric dancing revue, ex- ecuted by the girls, with the se- quent numbers based on a song story by one of the Smith boys, with the other acting as accom- panist. The act is a novelty and flash for the neighborhood houses, but hardly adaptable for the big bills. Lew Wells, the monologlcal-sax- ophonist, was next to closing with his stories and musical specialties^ Lew had a difficult time following Williams and Howard, as these boys had about exhausted the audience of their interest in comedy stories, but his musical selections seemed to be a treat and carried him off to a good ovation. The Lazier Worth Duo, two men. with their feats of strength and hand balanc- ing have a marvelous routine. In some respects,It is similar to that of the Rath Brothers, while wirti the leaping feats it is in a class by itself. The art Is of the sensational order and one bound to hold the audience in on any bill it may be placed, big or small time. Loop. CHATEAU, CHICAGO Chicago, Nov. 16. Opening the show week the Leach La Qulnlan Trio, a rather preten- tious sensational slack wire nov- elty. Jwo rather voluptuous wom- en and a man comprise the turn, and their routine consists of iron jaw and feats of strength on the part of the women while the man is accomplishing numerous difficult feats on the slack wire which they are holding gripped between their teeth or suspended from their necks while they are dangling head down from the top of an apparatus. The entire routine is of a difficult na- ture and arranged in such order (Continued on page 9) btlKER BROS. 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