The Mudtown Minstrels. Probably the hit of the show. Every newspaper in town has published cartoons of the act. The critics here seem to think that it is the greatest act in vaudeville. My opinion was that the audience could only understand it in spots. Liberal applause. 19 minutes, drapery in 1.
Two men and a woman. Talking and singing act. The woman doesn’t do much, One man works straight, and the other comedian. The comedy is good, and so is the singing, and the act held down this spot in good shape. This act played the Lyric Theatre here this season, but I doubt if many of our people saw it there. The act is thoroughly all right for the house, and I would be glad to play it again next season. Drop in one. 16 min.
The applause hit of the show. There are nine girls, and they can all sing and all dance. All of their numbers were liberally applauded, and the finish of their act was very strong. A very good act for this house. Open with Minstrel Maids, drop in three; then to Watermelon Girls, with special drop in five. 25 min.
The young miss of nine years entertaining with singing, dancing, and whistling. The music, songs and the pony for the “Cheyenne Song” furnished by Remich Music house New York. The young lady did very well. She received liberal encores, and closed strong. A very good act for the money. 17 min. Open in one, go to F.S. close in one.
Two men and two women. Sketch “The Taming of the Beast.” In the first place cut “get out of the way you pot-wrestler.” For this house this act cannot be considered with other first class sketches that appear here regular. The theme of the sketch is anything but refined, the acting is poor and the epithets hurled at father, son, servant, and finances are not exactly suitable to our class or attractions. Mr. Kiernan may be a good actor, but he does not show it in this sketch. I would not care to play it again, and I shiver when I think what the newspapers will do to it tomorrow morning. C.D.F. in 3. 20 min.
I had these people billed as fifteen colored comedians, singers and dancers. In the first place there are not fifteen, but ten, to continue in error, they are not comedians, and they can’t sing. Their dancing is excellent, in fact it is the whole act. Their opening was weak, and scores in the audience left the theatre. Their rapid-fire dancing at the finish is the only thing that carries the act. It is not the Sunny South of a year ago by any means. Special set. F.S. 18 min.
In “Paris”. This act is well known in all the Keith houses. About the time the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, and the Quakers and William Penn settled in Philadelphia, the Shakers discovered the Western Reserve, which is now Cleveland. The three sects have similar views, and none of them agree that “Paris” is suitable for a Keith house. There were letters of complaint received when the act was presented here last year, and I know similar letters that were received in Philadelphia. However, the act today was a scream; I have never seen it go better. Clayton White, Marie Stuart and Miss D’Arcy were all at their best, and the handled the cold frosty audience in a manner that made the Monday afternoon ranks sit-up and take notice. The applause at the close of the act was hearty and sincere. C.D.F. in 3. 33 min.
Boy and girl. Singing and dancing specialties. The singing is very bad. The boy’s dancing and the girls too-dancing carry the set. The boy appears to have grown “fresh” at least that is the way he appears from the audience. Act is just fair for this house. Drop in one. 7 min.
Knockabout comedy acrobats. The two brothers of the original team assisted by a third man. They have a lot of new stuff, and the act has greatly improved. A very good act, strong enough in this house to close the show. I would like to have them again next season. Gar. 4. 10 min
I had this lady billed to present her “Wonderful Troupe of trained animals.” The billing is misleading. Miss Traney carries with her, a pony and three dogs. She makes her entrance in a flower wagon similar to the one used by Helene Gerard in the Barnum and Bailey Circus. The pony is unhitched, and she balances the wagon on her chin. Miss Traney then does a novelty juggling act with plates, flower-baskets, and Champagne bottles. At this work she is very clever, and I consider her the most graceful woman juggler I have ever seen. Three small trained dogs are then introduced. The act closes with Miss Traney riding in the flowercart behind the pony, while dogs jump through hoops attached to the pony’s forelegs. The act is a good one from beginning to end. Gar. In four. 11 min.
