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Comic sketches. “Cooch” dancing, contortion act, acrobats.
Dialog and singing.
Miner's "Bohemians."
It pulled a big house at the Murray Hill Tuesday night.
The opener is labelled "Fun in a Skinatarium" and revolves around a theme that has served burlesque for several years. It deals with the fugitive proprietor who encourages his comic assistant to masquerade as boss in order to elude the comical sheriff, the main story being continually interrupted by the inevitable numbers. A mild "cooch" was offered during one of these periods in the first section, with Belle Helene leading the melody, while the same principal, a limber individual offered a stronger version of the same classic in the olio. This was supported by a scenic display and a title, the latter being "The Devil's Bride," with the former representing an interior view of the devil's domicile. Helene's contortions, while never threatening the artistic records, were quite a treat in body movement. In fact, they corralled the olio's honors, although the Cycling Berlins, who opened, scored a meritorious mark. Marceline Montague was another olio specialty, Marceline's repertoire of ballads earning her several encores.
The principal list, aside from those mentioned, also included Ralph Watson, who essayed the role of a "sissy," with obvious results, while Al Berlin filled in with a tramp character. Chas. Reyela was prominent in sections, while Miss Montague, Helene and Anna Belmont measured up well. The afterpiece carried a view of a hotel interior, with the principals out-bidding the chorus for time and efforts, the best part of the show coming to the surface in this section. The girls run along the average of the Columbia's extended groups, with the production reaching expectations. Where burlesque of the rougher brand is appreciated, the "Bohemians" will satisfy the most skeptical.
Source:
Variety, 38:4 (03/26/1915)