“Everysailor”

Singing, female impersonation and a speech.

"Everysailor" is an allegorical musical comedy in miniature form with three programmed principals, the rest of the boys donning feminine -attire as choristers. Harry Armstrong is Everysailor and has the only male part in the piece. Harry Downing is Love and protects Everysailor from Passion, Naughty, etc. The act is framed for comedy results and the action transpires in a cafe. The awkward dancing of two of the choristers was accentuated by the grace of the balance, who handled themselves like exponents of the Savoy, Swan, Sheahan school. Armstrong is a likeable comic and in a "gob" suit pulled laughs with his eccentric delivery and comedy falls. Harry Downing grabbed all the feminine honors and was the only one to look in character. His entrance as far as mystifying the audience on the sex thing was crabbed by the billing and the author's prorogued speech in "One," but he can fool any bunch that is not forewarned. He has a double voice, and his falsetto notes are clear and robust This kid has a future as an impersonator and should be heard from. Somebody as Passion did a Vamp number with Armstrong that deserves mention, probably it was Patrick Ahearn. The Vamp clad in dead black with a phoney anchor tattooed on her decollete back, had a couple of falls in a dance double that were very funny. The choristers make three changes, the last being regulation bluejacket uniforms, at the finish. Philip Dunning precedes the act dressed as a Chief Petty Officer, he tells of President Wilson congratulating the boys after they had entertained him aboard the U. S. S. George Washington. This is unnecessary, the billing takes care of the kind applause thing. The act is a big flash for the big small time and with the President's connection billed should be a "draw" at present. Most of the service acts and shows run toward this female impersonation thing and makes one wonder if the Shuberts aren't glad the war is over.

Variety, 54:13 (05/23/1919)