Variety (January 1922)

VARIETY'S CHICAGO OFFICE > 8 Cfjicago STATE-LAKE THEATRE BUILDING Friday, January 27, 1922 1 CHICAGO VAUDEVILLE SHOWS APOLLO, CHICAGO Chicago, Jan. 23. A last minute shift in this unit show with the taking out of **• bill of Brerulel ami Bert ami the sub- Btltution of Cieeolini in their place sort of throws the first part of the entertainment out of kilter, making it most slow and listless. This por- tion of the show was void of any real comedy, the only element be- ing the Mel Hurnes, and there was not enough of the comedy element in their offering to carry this portion of the entertainment over. The lasr part of the bill fared much better with the "heavy artillery," Tayloi Holmes and Billy McDermott, car- rying that portion over with flying colors. With the exception of Hetty King, Taylor Holmes and the Musi- cal Johnstons, the entiro bill are repeaters, making their second lap Within a few months at this hou-e. What success the first part of the bill had can easily be attributed i<j a small blond youth, Alex Hyde, the orchestra leader of this unit. Hyde wielded his baton in master- ful fashion and practically carried the Johnstons over through his work. He also proved a salvation for Cie- eolini and Miss King as well, and again coming in most handy for McDermott. A man like this should not be relegated to traveling, as vaudeville leaders of his type are few and far between, and it seems that he would be a more valuable asset in a permanent post than hav- ing him touring. Hetty King, who headlined this show, was on to close the Artt part. Following Cieeolini the road was none to smooth for the Engli:h male impersonator. Miss King is not known in these parts, and noth- ing was done to make her so in ad- vance, so on her appearance theie was not a stir of applause Sunday night. This, however, did not deter her, for she started in with her rou- tine of songs ami as her work pro- gressed her impression with the audience became more favorable, enabling her to acquit herself in capital fashion. Her catalog of offerings consisted of four numbers, with a change of costume for each, the first being the naval cadet, then the man about town followed by the sailor and concluded with a Scotch number. Taylor Holmes really proved to be the bigger attraction here than the headliner, demonstrating thai fact by a solid round of applause accorded hirn on his entrance. Holmes was here last summer at t'.e Cort theatre, across the street from this house, in "Smooth as Silk," and Is accredited with a high- class Chicago following. Evidently a good portion of them were in the house Sunday night. Just why Holmes has alt united EUGENE COX SCENERY 1734 Ogden Ave. Phone: SEELEY 3801. CHICAGO ASK ERNEST EVANS vaudeville cannot be conceived. He is offering what he terms a charac- teristic monolog, which probably he assembled on short notice. Never- theless, he gets away from the reg- ular routine of monologists and of- fers a most wholesome and worthy routine of talk, song and recitations, all of the character nature. His opening is a bit crude, but work will no doubt permit him to link this portion of his offering in better fashion, and then he will have what can be termed a "100 per cent, plus" vaudeville vehicle which he can sell whenever he has a mind to. His rendition of Kipling's "Boots" proved to be the piece de resistance of the evening, and the house was carried away with it. It brought forth spontaneous applause, which lasted for several minutes, stopping the show. In a curtain specel* Holmes explained that he was sim- ply exhausted after the recitation and therefore could "say no more." Opening the show was Fred Rogers, who is styled "As the Go Get 'Km Kid," a colored singer and dancer. His billing is a most proper one for an opening act, for Rogers can go and get 'em with his dancing, but he endeavors to devote a bit too much of his time to a song. Rogers is a dancer, but not a singer or monologist. and vdrro he to do a straight "hoofln*" turn he would stand out more prominently. Next came the Musical Johnstons, two men, very adept players of the xylophones. They have a conven- tional routine which they present in good fashion, Mr. and Mrs. Mel Burno appeared in the comedy sketch, "On the Sleeping Porch." Mel Burns is most resourceful in assembling new material and gags for his act. Since last here he has eight or nine new* gags which went over in splendid fashion. With the action based on a "tippler," and a Sunday night audience having the "bull staring them in the *face." but not knowing how to get him, there was plenty of enjoyment obtained from the act. Cieeolini, the grand opera tenor, had a repertoire of four songs, two in Italian and two in English. He managed to get them over in good style, but it appeared that his voice is just a bit off, probably due to a cold. His rendition of "Out of the Shadows" and "Your Eyes Told Me So" made a more favorable impres- sion than the operatic numbers. Opening the second part of the proceedings Billy McDermott. "Only Survivor of Coxey's Army," started things off at a rapid gait. McDer- mott is well known here and was accorded a reception on his entrance. He started in with his hobo stories and mugging, had the crowd in fine fettle, fed them his toreador trav- esty, and concluded with his or- chestra conduction, scoring second best to Holmes on the evening. Next came Ernest Evans and YOUR CHILDREN nerd not be rarrled with, yon on Jump*. Send for FRKE CATALOGS of V. S. Private School*. AMERICAN SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION 15K» Masonic Tcmp!<\ CHICAGO; or 1102 Times Building, NEW YORK. YOU'VE TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST "THE 13th CHAIR" "PETE" Soteros Next Door to Colonial Theatre. 30 W. RANDOLPH ST., CHICAGO THE FOLLOWING 1IEADLIXEK9 ATE HERE LAST WEEK:— BOOSTERS FOR STEAKS Milton. Berger. "Hank" Shnplro, Willie Berber, Nnt Kalrhelm, Lurry Comer, Kenny and Hollift, Owen Martin, Tommy Swift, Babe Ruth and Wellington Crosa dCME 5CENIC rtRTI5T STUDIOS COMPLETE STAGE EQUIPMENT SUITE 3<»—36 W. RANDOLPH STREET OPPOSITE APOLLO and WOODS THEATRES PHONE CENTRAL 4.V.8 CHICAGO OUR LAST SPECIAL OFFER OF THE SEASON SATEEN DROP 21 x 48 lined, flrppro».ff><l, provided with Webbing tfrouimetaj tie linos, pork ft at th« bottom Complete, Ready to Uso $95.00 Cash SI 10.00 on time. pa>ul»1e S00.OO with order balance in b weekly puyntentn of $10.00 each Good only till February 10, 1922 Mail your order with deposit stating color denircd—do it now Girls, seven of them, in his singinp and musical skit, "Wedding Bella," which was well relished. Closing the show, following Taylor Holmes, were tho Pickfords, with their com- edy juggling turn. Even though seen here before they managed to hold the customers in very well to the finish of their act Loop. PALACE, CHICAGO Chicago, Jan. 25. Opening tho show were George and May L.e Fevre in a dancing nov- elty, "12 Oclock at the Masque Ball." This couple have a good dance routine and get it over in ac- ceptable fashion. Next were Ann Butler and Hal Parker in the com- edy skit, "Don't Make Me Laugh." Dan Husso, the orchestra leader of the theatre, got a good many hearty and wholesome laughs doing straight for Miss Butler and helped the turn considerably. ••Xreying" it was Don Alfonso Zelaya, who offered his music and philosophy on music. Zelaya is a remarkably good showman as well as pianist. After presenting his "Waltz Dramatic," Zelaya delivered a eulogy on the "Psychology of Jazz," which proved to be a stellar factor of his offering, so much so that it qualifies him to tread on the boards of the bigger houses. In his eulogy he narrated the fact that 60 per cent, of tho performers were of such a frame of mind that they resorted to the "humdrum" jazz to carry them along, while the smaller percentage tried to submit the artistic and flopped badly as a re- sult. He stated : that music was vibratory, affecting the brain and spine and not the hearing. Then he told that it was his purpose to up- lift good music and therefore would only render it. This he did with four selections and after being re- peatedly called upon to "encore," played his conception of "Jazz," which seemed to carry him over in great fashion. Following him was Moore and Megley's protege, Corinne Tilton, with her "Chameleon Revue." Miss Tilton and her crew have been seen hereabouts on many prior occasions and seem to be as favorably re- ceived as heretofore. Weaver Brothers found them-* selves in the "slot" following the Tilton revue, which ran close to 30 minutes. But these rural type mu- sicians with their peculiar instru- ments had no difficulty in stepping out a »d "goaling," for this they did and did well, registering the first legitimate hit of the show by stop- ping it. Following them was Pearl Regay with Ward De Wolfe and a quin- tet of jazz harmonists who style themselves "Tho Royal Versatile Five." Just to what extent the versatility of the musicians is does not seem obvious. In the harmony line they just clear the barrier. As for dancing, they might just as well sit and hold their instruments. They would appear more natural. Miss Regay seems to bo departing from the dance and turning toward vocalization. Were it for one num- ber or two, it would bo most ac- ceptable. But tho patrons have known Miss Regay as a dancer and would like to see her step around a bit more and vocalize less. De Wolfe proves to be a good aid. He has a good appearance, can tickle the ivories, sing and dance. This act ran 31 minutes Monday night, drag- ging considerably in spots. It might be easy to overcome this by Miss Regay stopping around a bit more and she and De Wolfe vocalizing a bit less. If this were done the im- pression with the audience might be a bit better. Jack Rose In the next to closing spot, coming on at 10.35, did not have much of a task In corraling the audience. Jack started off on "high" and kept stepping along at that pace throughout. Rose has achieved the distinction of polishing his of- fering up and giving it that touch of finesse which is relished in tho high-class vaudeville theatres. His "bit" of leading the orchestra seems to go as strong as ever. It seemed as though the folks could not get enough of Rose and Jimmy Oteiger, his accomplice, for at 11.05 he stopped the show cold and the audi- ence were still insisting on Jack coming out and "clownin*" some more. But Jack in a speech showed good showmanship by calling tho attention of tho audience to the lateness of tho hour and the fact that still another act was to appear. Closing tho show were Leonard Gautiw's "Canine Bricklayers," wl o managed to stem the passing throng considerably. BERT KELLY'S 431 Rush Street, Chicago S Blocks from State-Lake. Theatre. 2 Minutes from Loop. IN THE HEART OF THE ARTISTS' COLONY Announces the Arrival of "YELLOW" NUNEZ Componor of "Livery StaWo Blurs* World'* CJreatCHt Jazz Clarinet iht* Direct from New York City. Dance in the Red Lantern Room from 9 p. m. on. , dim: in darn room. $1.00 Table d'Hote Dinner STATE-LAKE, CHICAGO Chicago, Jan. 25. This house still sets the attend- ance records of Chicago. It keeps gving at a consistent and steady gait, playing to practical capacity at all performances, week in and week out, regardless of bills or weather conditions. It is an institution which has been established and is known to give more entertainment for mod- crato prices than any house in this section of tho country. The shows here are always of standard r caliber, with a few names of headline merit being used on each bill. For the current program Henry Santrey and his band are given the stellar honors, with Harry and Anna Seymour occupying second position. Santrey, a corking good showman, is always out to improve and var.- his act. Thero is never a time that he appears in a local theatre that Santrey does not introduco some marked change In his repertoire of music and song. For the present bill he has new lighting effects, songs and musical selections. They give the turn a crisp, wholesome and in- viting appearance, so much so that 31 minutes of running time was taken up, and had Santrey desired t-j continue for an indefinite period he might have done so. At this show, however. Miss Seymour did not appear with him, due to a cold. The Seymours, who preceded Santrey, had things all their own way with the singing and dancing of Harry, the mimicry of Anna, and the dialog of the pal.'. Miss Seymour had the audience in spasms of laughter during her endeavors at mimicking Grace La Rue and Ig- nore Ulric. and kept them in that frame of mind throughout the turn. Open.ng the show were Davis and Pelle, with a consistent and spec- tacular routine of hand balancing feats. They got the show off to a good start, which was upheld by L''dell and Gibson, female imper- sonators. These boys are exception- ally good and registered well. Next was Billy Miller and Co. in Harry Holman's former comedy sketch, "Adam Killjoy." Miller and his two aids seem to accomplish as much with this vehicle as Holman did, with respect to the comedy end. They plau^the sketch for all it is worth ana get everything possible for their endeavors. Following Santrey were Stagpole and Spier in the next to closing spot. Stagpole is a superb dancer, contor- tionist arid acrobat and performs many thrilling feats in dancing and contortion. His partner is just in- cidental, but the man's work is suffi- cient to carry her along. They reg- istered well. Johnn/ Ford and His Dancers were in the closing spot. The Ford turn is a classic. Ford has arranged a routine which is most appealing and hits over like a house afire. Not alone is the dancing of himself, one male and two female assistants en- ticing, but the costuming and scenic investitures are as well. For the closing scene Ford uses a pianist who opens with a solo and plays the accompaniment for the finishing number. Ford has a turn which is deserving of big house showing and will always fare well in them. Felix Adler and Gautier's "Toy Shop" wero not seen at this per- formance. Loop. BIALT0, CHICAGO Chicago, Jan. 25 Five years ago this week the door, of the Rialto theatre were opened to the public. At that time thu house was the only vaudeville the atre on State street. The building of this theatre, at the south end of the business district, was a strateiria movo, as it gets the wave of pedes" trlans and public who pass the the- atre before getting a chance to visit others. Today the Rialto stands al- most alone in the extreme south end of the business district. The house has been doing very good business. The bill arranged for the celebra- tion was excellent entertainment The house filled slowly, and toward the middle of the bill a good-sized attendance was on hand. J, rj Nugent headlined. J. c. carried with him all of the witticisms that big time r.idiences heard. He is a monologist of unusual caliber, one who can talk entertainingly. The last three minutes of Nugent's time was given over to extemporaneous humor on any subjects the audience asked for. The Roof Garden Trio followed the pictures. The big feature in the turn has been and still is the work of the pantomime comedian. The other man and woman stalled and filled in with song and talk. Hilton Sis- ters were all upset, due to things not being just right, and showed their anger, in fact spoke of it above stage whispers. The girls work be- fore a beautiful drop in one, with a canopy hanging over the piano. They choose raggy and novelty numbers for their entertainment, singing them in a cabaret, coon- shouting style. Some of their num- bers are old popular ones, with spe- cially written verses and choruses. Swift and Daley returned with their vehicle, which always starts laugh- ter and applause. Swift has thought up a novelty of tuning automobile horns, extracting harmony from them. He has other horns scattered about his person, which he uses for comedy purposes. Lubin and Lewis handle their cross-fire talk welL Lubin, in blackface, enters on a dimly lighted stage with a live chicken, and as he gets toward the exit there are shots off stage. Lewis then comes on for his "Knot Hole'* gag. What seemed missing was the dancing of Lubin. His hoofing is a big standby. Lester Bernard and Co., in "George Washington Cohan," Aaron Hoffman's skit, were next. The original principal in this vehi- cle was Harry Green. This cast acted their parts well, with the act going over to four curtains. Nelson and Madison sent home a solid hiu_ The old man, as a messenger, got" them from the start. J. C. Nugent came next and let the "Story Book Revue" close the show a little he- hind schedule. The revue is differ- (Continued on Page 9) Tkt Shop of Original Modes ^->| iENNETTJ* t M C O N »OM*TtO W <^ 2nd Floor Keener Building 3 Nor tU Wabash Ave. CHICAGO WRAPS. 8CITS, FROCKS and Q2*. Ten Per Cent. Dlneonnt to the Theatrical Profession. UNIVERSAL SCENIC ARTIST STUDIOS, Inc. "The Choice Studios of the Select Scenic Buyer" OUR LATEST SCOOP COMMISSIONED TO SUPPLY THE SCENERY FOR RICHARDS ••'• iE WIZA' ! ^DUCTiO $. IIND BROS. 626 State Lake Bldg. CHICAGO Phone Dearborn 1776 I,. P. I. \K>k\. M«r. Art Direetor Supreme Entertainment—DANCING. After the Theatre, Viait This "THIS 8IDE OF PARIS" MOULIN ROUGE CAFE ALBERT DOUCHE. Mnnarr^r THE LEADING CAFE AND RESTAURANT IN CHICAGO Spaghetti and Ravioli our Specialty. Service a la carte All ilou r, • THE DANSANT DAILY Table dc hotc from C to !». High class entertainment ami dancing till clofing time. TWO BEAUTIFUL DANCE FLOORS 416 SOUTH WABASH AYKNCE HAIUUSON ISM LH.iMiK OF RATES: Sliml*-. without hnth... JftN.OO and Double, without llnth . . *lo..»o and NIiikIin with llnth flO.nOand, Double, with Hath ... .*14.00 and *HI.OOl<>ee rehearsal hnll. WE SOLICIT YOUR PATRONAGE Thoroughly modern fn.oONewly furnished. 041 BETTER THAN THE BEST SHOW IN TOWN FRED MANN'S jRAINBO GARDENS FRI ARQ INN "LAND OF BOHEMIA" jS i W lllltlj SI f 1^ Where CJood Fe'.lown Get Together. ^ ••••»W A**** Restaurant Service Re*er*»lIon Phone a la Carte. Wabash 86l» WABASH and VAN BUREN Special table d'hote dinner at all hours ST. REGIS HOTELS MARION 516 N. Clark Street CHICAGO 505 W. Madison St. PROFESSIONAL WEEKLY RATES "'convenient to all fhrnlrca. LARK at LAWRENCE "miik V\ isi Hh, i< • u . 11. •«. t r ,i Co n11 n u ou s D,i nc i ny — Vaudtvi.JI*- iMiiitur Tiitntrit.il Nit.- i i it) Friday.