Two men. Send in their billing and were programmed to play a modern travesty entitled, ‘The Stock Bonkers.’ They did not play it. I do not know the name of the sketch they did play. It seemed to be a military affair with both men dressed as army officers. They did a lot of talking and some shooting. One of the men did not know his lines and made a dozen bad breaks, got his words and sentences twisted up and missed his cues. I intend to find out why Cleveland should be chosen to break in a new sketch. CDF in 3. 14 minutes.
Vocalist. Three selections, not exceptionally well chosen. Applause by courtesy. Cleveland audiences seem to care little for straight singing in a lively vaudeville show unless the artiste is tricky and works on the style of Mabel McKinley she stands little chance a great deal of applause. Miss Bloodgood’s selection were all sleepy, dreamy affairs and every one read their programs. Drop in one. 8 minutes.
Three men. Well known comedy acrobatic act. This act was booked to clase [sic] the show but owing to the fact that Keno, Welsh & Montrose played in burlesque here two weeks ago and that the acts and names of the acts are similar I was compelled to close with the four Welsons and put this act in their place. It is a good lively act and capable of closing the show in fine shape. Garden in 5. 9 minutes.
This man’s name should be spelled Bernar. He bills himself the Great Bernar, King of Marionettes. The act is also called Bernar’s fantastic fantouches. This act was a great surprise. I consider the act better than Jewell’s or Holden’s. While the man comes out and announces that he will work the act alone, from the standpoint of the audience no one would know but that half a dozen people were working theme. The stage setting is clean and well arranged. The boxes contain figures that work and a complete orchestra, with the musical director working throughout the act as in Jewell’s act. This man presents a regular vaudeville show. The first number is a foot-juggler, who uses a barrel similar to the Japanese. The second artist is a magician, who accomplishes some really wonderful tricks, the best I have ever seen. The third number is an equilibrist and juggler. The fourth is two musical clowns with sleigh bells on their hands and feet, who play a tune in conjunction with the orchestra, and do it nicely. The next number is an equestrienne on a horse. The performance closes with a ballet of six girls with their costumes full of electric lights as in Harndin’s Ballett. I would consider the act excellent. I believe it can hold down any spot on any bill, and from this afternoon’s performance I would prefer it to any manikin act I have ever played. F.S. Special set. 13 min.
A regular ‘thriller.’ One of those affairs that makes your blood tingle. A whole lot of American flag, the Star Spangled Banner and patriotism of all varieties. Barnes opens in one with a character song and the act then goes to full stage with 12 girls who form the human flags. An interesting and entertaining novelty. The act went with tremendous applause. Opens in one, then full stage. 20 minutes.
In a new act entitled, ‘A Chinese Idyl.’ Opens in one with a song by Miss Gassman and a song by one of the pickaninies. This section of the act lacks life. Act then goes to special full stage set carried by Miss Gassman and the ‘Chinese Idyl’ is presented. This consists of Miss Gassman and two pickaninies dressed as Chinese, doing a singing and dancing act. Just about strong enough for this spot. Open in one, special set in 5. 15 minutes.
Van Alstyne is the author of “Cheyenne”, “Navajo”, “In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree”, etc. He offers a little trick piano playing while Miss Henry does some character work. The work of both of them is excellent. Their act was probably the hit of the show from an artistic stand-point. The audience seemed to greatly appreciate Miss Henry’s character work. Open F.S. close in one. 20 minutes.
The company is young Miss Emily Barry, the sketch ‘The Boy next Door,’ doing practically the same as the offering they had last year. Felix does about the same style of work also Miss Barry. With a holiday crowd today the act went quite well. CDF in 3. 23 minutes.
18 minutes, opening in one 4 minutes, closing full stage. Mr. Bryan has a very novel idea in which he introduces President Roosevelt, The Mikado, Uncle Sam and Russian Army officer, also 13 girls and 2 men who make many changes forming flags of different countries. This act gets as much applause as any act we have ever played.
Interior. 16 minutes. Can open in two, closing in one. This act is going very good – Jennie Yeamans doing practically the same line of work she did in her single specialty, assisted by her mother who introduces the song and dance she did 30 years ago. The act is more than making good, and I feel sure that the age of Mrs. Yeamans will create quite a little talk, which may possibly help our business.
