In his character creation “Baron Sands”. His act is composed entirely of imitations. He opens with a song to introduce his character, and with a little talk which is nicely done he leads up to his imitations which are, no doubt, familiar to everybody. His finish in one, which is about 7 minutes, is the strongest part of his act. This act no doubt creates a lot of talk. 17 minutes.
Comedy bicycle act which is, no doubt, familiar to every house on the circuit. They are doing practically the same line of stuff that they have always done. It went well here although there is nothing great about the act. It pleases and that is all. 15 minutes, full stage.
In a comedy called “The Days of ‘49”. Outside of the act being a trifle long, running about 35 minutes, it is a good act. They carry a special set of scenery which it a little away from the usual run of stuff. The comedy part at the first is a little slow and draggy but towards the finish they get quite a few laughs. I believe that after the act has been cut down a little and Mr. Nobles tells me it is his intention to trim off about 7 more minutes, it will make a big improvement. However, as it is now the act is much above the average of the best sketches in the business. It was well received here.
Mimic and vocal comedienne. This act is hardly strong enough for Cleveland; in fact the act is poor. She was unmercifully roasted by the newspapers, one of them stating that the act was the worst ever seen in Cleveland. 10 minutes in one.
Two boys on the revolving ladder. This is a pretty good act. They open in two with some acrobatic stunts and then work on the revolving ladder suspended in the middle of the stage. Their stuff is nothing out of the ordinary but it is nicely done and seems to please. 12 minutes.
3 men and one woman. Patriotic sketch entitled ‘Tactics.’ This is one of the best sketches I have ever seen in this theatre, excepting none. It received tremendous applause, and took five curtain calls. I want to play the act again next season, for it will bear repeating. For Cleveland, I would rather have this sketch, than either Hilliard, Bergere, or Rose Stahl. It made a pernounced [sic] hit. CDF in 3. 24 min.
Boy Vocalist. This is the boy whom John D. Rockefeller became interested after hearing him sing in his church here. Mr. Rockefeller wanted to send the boy away and give him a musical education. The boys mother was obstinate, and would not let him go. He has an excellent voice – a very high tenor, and can use it to good advantage. I put him in place of Louise Dresser. He went exceptionally well, and received a great deal of applause. This is a mighty good act for the circuit for $60.00 and 3 shows to start on. It is a new face, and the boy is sure to make good. 12 min. drop in one.
Ventriloquist. Works in a CDF representing a Hotel Office and carries his own scenery. He launched more objectional [sic] stuff than I have heard any other performer use in the house this season. Such phrases as ‘Go to Hell’ and ‘Oh Good God,’ with the exception of a number of these cuts, the act is all right. The mechanical effect of the marching soldiers went very well. Good act. 18 min. Close in one.
Gave instructions of Evie Green, Ellen Terry, Leslie Carter, and Digby Bell. She is as far behind Cissy Loftus, that she will never be able to catch up. The best was an imitation of digby Bell, which received deserved applause. She could never be a headline feature in Cleveland in 100 years. She managed to do 10 min, which included an encore in one, not sufficient to make a set and causedathree [sic] minutes wait in the show. CDF in 3, close in one. 10 min.
Musical Novelty. Two men, one working straight, the other is a German comedian. These people carry a special set representing a flower garden and use the different flowers as their instruments. They also do some straight musical stuff. A very clever novelty musical act. 16 min. Full stage, Close in one, Four Min. doing Comedy and giving imitation of a German band on cornets.
