The first thing that this act needs is photographs. I received from Philadelphia, four of the toughest, cheap-looking, dirtiest pictures I ever saw. Mr. Hemans, who has charge of the act, came here yesterday, and I think the other houses on the circuit will get a little benefit of the calling down I gave him. This act will improve at every performance. As yet, they are not thoroughly up in military tactics. They are being rehearsed every day, and will no doubt be in much better shape before the week is out. This act is a great attraction for vaudeville at present, and went very gib [sic] yesterday. There are 17 Japs and 4 white people in the act, making 21 in all. Time of the act, 12 minutes, full stage.
In a comedy acrobatic act. This is the greatest laughing act in the show business today, without any exception. It is also a finished act. Everything that Rice does is done in an artistic manner. They scored one of the biggest hits yesterday made in the city since the palmy days of Ching Ling Foo. As for a distinct laughing number, we have never had anything like it before. Time of the act, 11 minutes full stage.
A novelty French dancing act. This is a good act of its kind, and is about in line with other acts of a similar nature. They do posing and pirouetting upon a pedestal, which is somewhat of a novelty. They carry two special drops, which gives the act quite a nice stage setting. The act was well received here yesterday. Time 9 minutes, full stage.
Acrobats. Their work is on the horizontal bar and a little of it of the comedy order. It is good act, though nothing out of the ordinary. However, it is much better than the usual run of the bar acts I played. There is more finish to it.
In a vocal novelty entitled ‘Christmas on Blackwell’s Island.’ This act has also been over the circuit and goes very well here. It is a novelty, though I believe the voices are not as good as when I heard them in Buffalo last summer. Evidently there has been some changes for the worst. Time 20 minutes in one.
In a sketch entitled, ‘Dooley & the Diamond.’ This act doesn’t go very well. About everything Mr. Girard does in this act he did in the old one, and Jessie Gardner is singing the same song she sang in the old act. Don’t think the act is as good as the other one and wouldn’t care to play it again. Time, 25 minutes full stage.
She is singing two new songs ending with her trademark ‘Belle of Avenue A.’ This woman is doing the best act she has ever done. Her two new songs are immense. Her second song in particular a big hit, and as good as ‘Belle of Avenue A.’ Time 10 minutes in one.
This is an act on the order of the Kleist Bros., not as good as that act, but will pass muster. I have played lots of musical acts that are not near as good as this one, still at the same time, it is kind of a novelty, and seems to please. It wouldn’t be strong enough to go down any further on the bill then No. 2. The act will no doubt. Time 12 minutes full stage.
The mysterious face. This is act has been on the circuit and I think comment on it is unnecessary. How the audience took it here this afternoon, I am not able to tell. When he got through with his act they seemed to wonder what it was all about. However, I think it made some impression. Pewitt has certainly great command of the English language. 6 minutes, full stage.
Operatic soprano; This lady had the appearance of being about 20 years of age; rather small in statue [sic]. She has a strong, powerful, melodious voice, in fact the best of all the singers we have had in the house this season. She was the hit of the bill and if you are a good singer, here is one place where they will give you credit for it. This girl is immense and will make a hit on any bill. 10 minutes in one.
