In the conceit ‘Going Abroad.’ This is one of the best and newest laughing acts out this season, and is strong enough for any place on the bill. There’s lots of slang in it, but it’s good enough to pass inspection any place. Mr. Leslie certainly understands how to use it. There’s also a little toe dancing done by Miss Maud Emery, which is very good. Time 22 minutes, with 3 minutes in one.
Most of the stuff that he does is done by other magicians, and some of them are done better. The worst part of his act is that it’s impossible to understand what he’s talking about. He carries a lot of scenery, also 3 or 4 helpers, so that the act looks big from the front. Don’t think he draws any money. Time 28 minutes full stage.
In ‘A Night Out.’ He was fairly well received here yesterday afternoon and night, but did not go as well as expected. It wouldn’t hurt if he got some new stories, those that he told here yesterday are old chestnuts. He asked for full stage, but could work in 2; finished 6 minutes in one.
This act is only going fair, and the criticism in the newspapers were not of the best. The singing of the quintette as the finish in one was the best part of the act. Their music arrangement is not made to fit the working of the pictures, and it seems wherever they’ve played they’ve had trouble more or less. It’s utterly impossible for the orchestra and those working the props to keep time with the motion of the pictures. The act needs a thorough going ever before it gets in first-class shape. Time 24 minutes in two, closing 7 minutes in one.
No criticism necessary. There is no doubt whatever but what his characters are not known very well through this section. The afternoon audience didn’t appreciate him at all, in fact, they couldn’t see his stuff. In the evening, however, he went much better. He’s been the best advertised head-liner that ever appeared in this city and how much business we’ll do remains to be seen. He is using 5 songs, and is doing 25 minutes.
The Creation of Woman from Nothing. This is a facsimile of the act that has been at Hammerstein’s for the past three or four months. The act is a very good one, and is certainly mystifying. Mr. Heineman, the party who owns the act is here, but he has a man that introduces the act who is more suitable for a dime museum than a first class vaudeville house. I insisted on Heineman making the announcements himself, which gave more tone to the act. With the other party doing it, just killed it. Time 8 minutes full stage.
In a comedy, novelty and acrobatic act ‘In Africa.’ Outside of a few little things which are a trifle coarse and rough, and which I had cut out, this has the makings of a very good act. The comedy situations in it are very good. The acrobatic stuff of the woman is far above the average. With a few changes it would be good for any place on any bill. Time 15 minutes, full stage, special set.
‘The ventriloquist and the Dancing Doll.’ This act is going very well here with us this week. It’s got a good place on the bill, which has helped quite a little. The act is nothing out of the ordinary, and not as good as Trovello, from a ventriloquial stand point. The dancing doll is a little novelty. Mr. Colby opens in one about 8 minutes, and closes in full stage 20 minutes all told. CDF.
Presenting ‘The Liar.’ I’m not getting very much out of this act, as I’m obliged to open the show with it. However, it was full of slang phrases, such as ‘slob’, ‘hell’, ‘damn’, etc. This title ‘The Liar’ and the character, a drunken man, is, to my notion, enough to condemn it. I don’t care to play it again. Time 20 minutes, full stage, CDF.
In a comedy skit entitled ‘The Sign Painter.’ This is a novelty act, and rather a good one. First time it’s played this house, and made quite a hit. They open up with quite a little dialogue, and finish with some singing and dancing and some character imitations, which go very big. They work entirely in one. Time 16 minutes.
