Variety (May 1925)

VARIETY -i:,"- NEW ACTS THIS WEEK Wednesd«y. May X 1925, CO-OPERATIVE SERVICE DEPT. Donald Tompkina and Ruth Lova. Kew Juvenile team, both about 17. but show enough now for an early spot on big time becauae likely, •ppeal to younger patrons. Caught on small time. . Ibee. Dave Schooler and Qirla. / Brilliant pianist wlUiiii special set of enough lllusionistic power to lend class to any bill. Needs condensing only to make it well rounded and Schooler's personal playing enough to lift it above^rdinary. JSkig. ARMAND VEC8EY and Ritz Carl- ton Hotel Orcheetra (10) 24 Mine., Full Stage Palace A composer, also a splendid vlo- Ilnlat of flne taste describes the playing leader, Armand Vecsey, who has a corking group of musi- cians comprising his Ritz Carlton hotel string orchestra. Joe Fejer, whose Hungarian orchestra scored in vaudeville, is presenting Vecsey at the Palace. After'a generous program taking up 17 minutes, Veceey encored twio* on the strength of the scor- ing. Playing his inatrument vir- tually throughout he attracted at- tention from the opening with a number by himself titled "Dorothy DiBon Walts." Followed "Homage to Victor Herbert," as nicely ar- ranged a selection from the late composer's works as heard since Herbert's death—and played^ su- perbly. Vecsey's violin solo was "The Swan" and the final programed number was made up of melodies from popular musical comedy hits. Including the inevitable "Indian Liove Call" from "Rose-Marie" and "Tea For Tw^o" from "Kb. No, Nanette." ^ ■ . There are five violins in the Vecsey 10-piece string orchestra, two pianos,,basso, cello and drums. One of the pianists frequently turns to the celest* (bell organ) an In- atnxment that fits In especially well with the Vecsey arrang«pients. This is a class orchestra. *" completely blgrh ff^de without plunging deep in the <f1as8lcal. That is why It landed at the Palace. Ihee. DAVE SCHOOLER and Girls, (3) Songs, Dancing and Instrumental 20 Mine.; Three (Special) 81st St. A picturesque stage setting and Dave Schooler's piano technique classifies this presentation as a "tone" act that but needs meager pruning to prepare it for a romp around the vaude houses. Accompanied by two girls, one cast as Public Opinion and the other as a Devil, the lines In the act are rWymed and, it must be said, not overly-strong. The theme seems to be that Schooler likes the classic, the Devil wants her music warmed up and the public repre- sentative wants to know what the pianist is going to do about it. Schooler solos twice, gathering aplenty in each instance for there are few equals to this boy on a keyboard in vaudeville and It's un- known if he has a peer under that specification. Peggy Hart and Estelle MacMeal are the feminine duo. Both make two costume changes while Schooler changes from period dr^se to tuxedo, fhtrl lighting of the act is also note- worthy. The act Inclines to longevity right now but weeding out should remedy that Impediment after which all Schooler has to do is play that pla no. ..•'■■:■. ^*tf' QCN. PISANO (2) "At the Qun Club" (Shooting) IS Mine.; Full Stage (Special) Slat St. • Probably a new act for this sharp- shooter who continues to be a wiz- ard with the small calitre rifles. The General is now having the way paved by a film reel showing him in action at a gun club on ILong Is- land. It la of short duration and confines itself to the target demon picking various objects out of the air. The act is now titled, "At the Oun Ctaib." The expert is assisted by Char- lotte Cochrane, nattily dressed in uniform. Besides handling the necessary props - Miss Cochrane steps forth for a song, not particu- larly eeaential, but of sufficient merit to be retained unless the need for conserving running time is great. Besides picking off objects from Sighting through mirrors, the rifle- man's most spectacular work lies in his lighting i».-id extinguishing '. matches while shooting from an aisle and the playing of "Suwanee River" on a special keyboard, dur- ing which the stage is darkened to enhance the flame spurts from the guns. The splitting of a card held i" in the hand of the assistant also k drew a good sized quota. I The act Is capable of playing any f vaudeville house and of the best of Its type. The set is the exterior of a small club house. Skig. PAUL PAULSEN 4 CO,. (2) Aerial Acrobatics 14 Mins.; Full American Roof Paulsen, assisted by two girls, contributes a snoppy routine of balancing and gymnastics on a sus- pended trapeze. Paulsen is the unders'tander with the girls alter-- nating on mounts. A Shoulder balance with the heftier of the two girls perched on the soles of his feet and Paulsen head down bal- ancing on shoulders with trapeze swinging brought a worthy hand as did his human sec-saw effect with Paulsen in the centre rung of a ladder balancing both girls while on bar and with hands free. A no grip head balance by Paulsen on the trapeze in motion provided a thrill finish that sent the turn away ■4o good returns. Ctot over neatly in close of this eight act bill and shapes up as vood act for the mediums, THE BERNICES (11) Instrumental IB M»ns.; Full Stage (Special) City All-feminine orchestras in vaude- ville are a rarity, as it seems that women have gone in for that type of professional work less than for almost any other. For this reason alone The Bernices will be welcome in most houses and in addition they give a very satisfactory musical turn. The 10 women look very well In handsome evening dresses, all siml- lar. They strike a very fair average in Appearance and youth with the chlcken^h looking drummer and one or two other real peaches. T-he leader Is at the piano, a bit stouter and more mature than the rest, but making up for it by her wizard- ry on the keys. The Instrumentation is piano, trombone, two trumpets, five saxes and drums, the latter doubling with banjo and one of the saxophonlsti with violin. Six numbers, the lest an encore, were played, half of them en masse and the others giving op- portunity for specialties. The sax section has an interlude, the cork- ing first trumpetess (if that's what you call her) does a sizzling hot bit and the girls even sing a little, not so well, but better than an average bunch of choristers would. A danc- er is introduced for Just one num- ber, and although she's cute, she is hardly necessary. One of the higher pitched saxo- phones sounds rather strained and shrill at times, but otherwise the playing is always pleasing to tbe ear if not exactly irresistible. In addition the girls know their vaude- ville and for the small-time they're a safe bet, particularly since thf number of siiallar aggregations in vaudeville can be counted on the fingers of one hand. TEXAS GUINAN anrf Her Mob. <1») with Texas Strollers (Band) 41 Mins.; Full Hippodrome Plenty of superlatives In <^ortnec- tion with this act. After the Gus Edwards' "presentation" credit, the first thing to hit the eye is the billing in connection with Texas Guinan that she is- "New York's most popular club." Follows the the plug, "direct from the world famous EJ Fey Club." Miss Ouinan's mob comprises Ruby Keeler, Alice Boulden, Peggy Shannon, Doris Wilson, Bernice Speer, Doris Vinton, Peggy Gilles- pie, Rule Portorfleld, Pauline Blair, Frank White, Sidney Hawkins, Joe Ross and the Texas Strollers, a Jazz sextet. In connection with the gals is the program reference that sounds like a pan at Zleggy, "glo- rious girls ivho don't need glorify- ing." As an act It's a paradox for vaudeville. For one thing, the lit- tle vocalizing Miss Quinan essays could Just as well be omitted. Her voice is not up to snuff and the idea eould be eliminated. Officiat- ing aj the mistress of ceremonies. Miss Guinan dtH)Ilcates her cafe role as at the El Fey where she knew everybody and everybody knew her. Continuing the cafe at- mosphere, the vaudevllle\ fans are constantly Invited by the breezy Texas to "give in" and award each specialist "a hand." The response is spotty and sometimes tepid al- though for tbe main good-natured. For vaudeville, in all cases, it's a departure. Miss Oulnan Invoking a reception for each of her Mob for no Justifiable reason. That it's a question of good-naturedly oblig- ing, is evidenced by the fact that when the specialties warranted it, the spontaneous returns far ex- ceeded the solicited applause. The idea may be okay for a cafe but it's a question if a cold-sober family audience fancies being aroused into an artificial frenzy CHARLES CHASE Comedy 11 Mins.; On« Hippodrome Mr. Chase Is In ridiculously misfit apparel. He remains on from start to finish, stressing his comedy through'out and changing pace in keeping with his billing of "a lit- tle of this and that." Fui^amen- tally he is a stepper; not Just an ordinary hoofer, but a comedian with rare knowledge of values. He varies his stuff with comedy by-play, featuring his cquat danc- ing, novelty bita such as prodticing a cigaret from a ridiculously ela- borate package^ fire eating, etc Mr. Chase may not be quite as new as Variety's files lead us to belie.ve In the absence of his record, liut in either case he is funn|r, pleas- ing and a big time prospect. « Abel. The act runs 41 iqinutes and could stand chopping through omit- ting the salvos and other requests. It's a satisfactory turn for its size, the girls looking very chic and chicken and featuring shiveree stepping, a cabaret heritage which lends some zest to a vaudeville program. Bernice Bpeer stopped the show and Doris Vinton, Alice Boulden, Ruby Keeler, Joe Roes and tbe tenor also came In for huge riices of appreciation. Miss Guinan does nothing her- self but the lntr<filucing. Jhe act ^yrq AND EWINQ in substance Is a succcMiion of »«- T.Ik, M>ng. and dancing dividual contributions with an an .♦. "_ LIEUT. FELIX FERDINANDO and Havana Orchestra (10) 21 Mine.: Three (Special Drapes) State This band or orchestra, the latter classification applicable through the use of kettle drums and combined reed and string instruments on some selections, due to the ability of the members to double in what is com- monly known as "brass and or- chestra," ' can go into anybody's theatre any oM time. And this goes right In the face of the fact that bands have deluged old Broadway. In the topical numbers there a quick shift from solo to ensembles, with first the brass or the reeds playing for direct hfcrmony and ef- fect There's comedy relief and perhaps one "bit" more than any other stood out like a beacon light. For an encore, "Carmen" was played. A tuba player came out with- his big horn and represented the bull while one of the other bandsmen acted as a toreaVor for one of the quicket, funniest "bits" by any of the leaders this season. What also proved an outstanding feature was the band's "Pinafore." All of the orchestra shows skill and versatility with different instru- ments but tbe pianist and drummer who remain at ihelr respect IVe sta- tions throughout. That tuba player is a whole show or band himself. Lieut. Ferdinando is a musician, with the violin and horn, but a leader who goes after results and gets them without tearing holes In the stage. As the band performed Monday night, it gives Al satisfaction all the way. Mark. CLIAS BRBESKIN (1) ^ Concert Violinist '] 12 Mina.; On* Hipped rom« Ellas Breeskin is • Russlon ron<% cert viollni^ of no mean standing, Tbe program notation anent big "first American appearance" prob* ably refers to his v|iudeville debut, as Mr. Breeskin has profcably been heard on the American platform before. His routine is all to the concert, but indubitably like^ He opened with the Wiemanski "Souvenir de Moscow," followed by Fritz Kreis« ler's "Caprice Vlenncio," a lighter number. Hubay's "Hejre Kati" completed his program, displaying his bow dexterity to the fullest. Mr. Breeskin lends a genteel touch to a class program and there is room for him In the better houses. Abel. FLORENCE CAST and Co. <5) Revua Full Stage (Special Set) Bedford, Brooklyn. Whether the Florence Cast name may be relied upon, here Is a flash act that can carry along the small time although as an act it's pretty bad. Miss Cast and five youthful boys compose it. They dance, all imita- tors wllh the girl slightly referring to the imitations without specify- ing. One of the boys appears to have practiced every step Herman Timberg ever created. The others' did others. One even played a ukulele. That made it a dance carnival in an attractive set, of conventional (ianctng, taking in Miss Cast's own toe-stepping if she wants it so called. Her dancing Is of the short- course school sort and she owns a phone booth voice. Tet this act closing the show pleased the Bedfordltes. The small time can and will play it because for six people it must be cheap. Those boys as chorus boys or dancers are only worth what they are getting and tl;e price must be a matter of bargaining, although you never can tell—maybe a pro- ducer put out and over this one. Bime. a;<i THREE GOLFERS Acrobatic 12 Mins.; Full Stage Columbia One of the best combinations of iU kind, and capable of holding a spot on a He time bill. The flash stunts include intricate tumbling taking off from a see saw. The mounters fly through the air, land- ing in a basket strapped to the shoulders to the understander. The finishing trick will lift them out of their chairs. Both mounters fly into a chair supported on a pole 10 feet high strapped to tbe under- stander. The act has improved 100 per cent since arriving from abroad and mak- ing a brief vaudeville appearance. Edba. 1 It's sure fire for vaudeville. (7^. ANYWHERE IN THE U. S. A. INOORPORA-nCO •rs Trmut BMg.—Hal. SSStf^"'* NEW YORK CITY: SSS W. 4Srd St.—ChifkertBg tOM ADVERTISING CURTAINS—DROPS—SCENERY ensemble dedicated to the U. 8. At- torney, "Oh, Mr. Buckner." which is more or less unfiatterlng to that I>adlocking official. The El Fey is one of the places that came under the bans, accepting a voluntary shut-down for a month. - Miss Guinan is Jtr^nsplanting her stuff to the Club Merits after thtit place, also accepting the same penalty as the El Fey. reopens. The El P*y. however, is featured because of Texas' past perform- ances, frhe being credited with "making" the place. She is of course under disadvan- tage before a multitude, lacking that Intimacy which distinguished her at the cafe. With the strong support, tbe act should shape up nicely if the price is "rlghf both ways. Abel. WALDA AND CO. (4) Dancing and Singing IS Mins.; Full SUge (Special) J City A conventional dancing "flash, although it does go to the bizarre and futuristic for its settings. Miss Walda shows talent far above the ordinary. • She does toe, Spanish and Jazz dances, scoring particu- larly because there is well-timed precision and unmistakable signs of careful training in her steps as well as grace and ease. The balance of the company in- cludes a man and two women danc- ers, capable but inconspicKious, and a girl soprano, who started the in- troduction almost weirdly, but im- proved In her specialties between the dauices. Some thread of a story is interwoven with the bluebird idea involved'but not clear, because the lyrics -irere unintelligible. The act opetas with a sort of prismatic stereoptlcan presentation on a scrim drop, not meaning any- thing in itself, but implanting a colorful effect that the turn strug- gles to retain. The costuming is not particularly pretentious l:-ut handsome and in good tast^. Sixth at the City, the act proved far from diih an4 Miss Waida's in- dividual efforts brought strong re- turns. IS Mins.; One American Roof This duo have evidently afttempt- ed to get away from th^ beaten path of negro comedy acts, but failed to Judge distance. The idea of a rough gentleman of color bull- dozing a copper of his own race may register heavy in some lawless sections, but will not get over in every neighlx>rhood. Had the repartee been funny and the delivery more gingery it might have gotten by, but the gags, of mostly released material, failed to click. \ At the opening the comic holds an Imaginary repartee with an off- stage spouse. He brags of being a bluecoat destroyer." The straight comes on garbed as a copper and listens in on the boasting. A boast- ful repartee ensues with the rough always having a shade on the cop- per. The latter finally floors him and lifts his cap with the van- quished one recognizing him as a pal and both go into a song and dance finish. Just about got over in pacemak- Ing for the second half and prin- cipally through the song and dance. There is an Idea in the act, but it needs better treatment. Edba. VIC PLANT and Co. (2) Comedy Skit One (Special Drop) Bedford, Brooklyn Vl« Plant in his Hebrew char- acter with a straight and a girl as a lay window model. It is in front of a lingerie shop. Plant and the straight play hokum to a finish in talk and continue it even more heavily when the window shade rolls up while the straight is speaking about "form," and the comedian sees in the window a girl in a combination. Unfortunately ar the Bedford the flret half the opening act held an athletic girl In a white union suit that made the young woni&n of the window look foolish. However, even with the Ihree people, the special drop and the burlesque comedy scheme through- out, the Plant turn, if it sticks, will stick on the small time. Sime. RICHARDSON and ADAIR Talk, Songs and Dancing 15 Mins.: One Grand O. H. Man and woman, former in character of old Grand Army Veteran. He enters singing "Buy a Flower," nothing t>eing recogniz- able but the title. This sounded far fetched for comedy results as all his following conversation was dis- tinct. The girl enters and cross-fire en- sues relative to his wares and his age. The conversation follows familiar channels, being of the "I' may l>e old but I have my moments" variety. Retiring to his bench he attempts to sit down. The comedy business of wobbling aged legs is identified with Al Lydell (Lydell and Maccy) as is also the business of trying to cross rheumatic^egs with the aid of /I cane. Seated he solo's "Genevieve" and the girl appears in costume as the spirit of his dream. They duet the number. He has an excellent sing- ing voice and the duet harmony la above board. More crossfire fol- lows, then the girl reappears In a fringed costume. He insists upon going to a dance with her and proves his agility and pep by Jazz- ing atid eccentric dancing to her pop Song solo. ' The act Is now small time due to the lack of originality in either idea or construction. The man is talented but needs material. Next to closing at this house they took one of the hits of the bill and should duplicate in any of the' smaller houses. Con. SMITH AND CANTOR Comedy, Piano and Songs 15 Mins; One Grand, O. H. Standard small time two man piano and singing combination. One wears Turkish costume for comedy with partner mostly at the piano wearing a tuxedo and a Tur- ban. The material consists of average comedy solos and doubles with a piano polo thrown In. Sonis cross- fire and nutting by the coiflpdian with a closing song composed of limerlck.s titled "Tick Took" put them away to generous returns at this house. Stalling for bows could be eliminated advantageously. The comic will develop but at present the turn Is for the small time only. Con,