16 Mins.; Full (Special). A one-act Scotch comedy playlet with three male characters and a woman. The sketch will stand featuring on the small time. The woman is a very clever little actress and the men carry the interest nicely. The talk at the opening might be cut somewhat and the action speeded a little.
8 Mins.; One. The usual two-man dancing team. At the Columbia Sunday one of the boys was so nervous it was easily observed from the front. The team was unfortunate in the selection of a tailor in ordering their dress clothes. Whoever built their suits cheated in the length of the swallow tails .The boys need to rehearse the routine when the finished product is on hand they should do for small time.
14 Mins; One (Special Drop). A clever mixed team, possessed of good voices, presenting a neat little skit that fitted nicely. The talk is snappy and the act offers legitimate opportunity for the introduction of several Irish ballads. It is the former Walter Gaurthuce act, and got enough applause to warrant a couple of bows at the finish.
“Jimmie Pinkerton’s First Case.” 20 Mins; Full (Special Set). “Jimmie Pinkerton’s First Case” is presented by Eddie Hart, with the assistance of a woman. The act is good comedy. The speed in playing might be thrown up a notch or two for better laugh results. As it is now, the act will do nicely as a filler in on almost any bill.
10 Mins.; One. Edna Whistler is a mighty good looking girl, who has a pretty voice, some very handsome gowns, personality and the ability to put a song over. But at present she is handicapped by a poor song routine. Her opening number gives her a handicap that she has to work hard to overcome later. Other numbers seem unsuited to her. “Flower Garden Ball,” which she is using to close is a little old but considerably better fitted to the young woman’s talent, and this number together with her stunning appearance puts her turn over nicely. With proper songs Miss Whistler should do nicely in an early spot on the big time.
12 Mins.; Full (Special Set). “Almost a Millionaire.” The Usher Trio have an act that will do for laughing purposes on the small time. The set shows the interior of the office of Buttercake & Co., a mail order firm. The two men in the act are clerk and office boy. The girl enters as a young heiress and precedes seemingly to place an order for several thousand dollar’s worth of goods. She has the clerk figure the cost for her and then thanks him, stating it was an example that had been handed to her at school. The trio do a few minutes in “one” at the opening that is not necessary. The principal comedy is furnished by the office boy. It could be improved upon.
9 Mins.; One. Florence Rayfield is a little “single” that will do for an early spot on the small time bills. She has a small parlor voice with a nasal twang and a cabaret manner of working.
18 Mins.; One. Tommy Van and the Ward Girls are presenting a three-act that will develop into a corking novelty turn for the small time. It has a novelty opening with the girls seated in the audience. Mr. Van comes on as a single (which his billing would indicate) and offers an imitation of Raymond Hitchcock. At its completion he starts to announce his next imitation, when he is interrupted by a girl’s laugh from the audience. A bit of cross-fire follows, and the girls come on the stage. Some comedy talk follows. The girls look cute at the opening, but after making a change the blonde dresses her hair in a fashion to make her look much taller than the brunet and detracts from the harmony. Her gown might also be changed. The act was easily the hit of the ball Tuesday night.
10 Mins.; Full. An act of this sort is a ghost of the past. There are few left who can remember so far into the past and the one that discovered it should receive a degree as an archeologist. Al Debre is a colored performer. He plays a number of bugle calls at the opening; this is followed by a musket drill, and for the close he does a Lancashire clog.
16 Mins.; Full. A big flash turn for the small time, Miss Swan has gathered seven good looking girls who can play and dress well. The octet comprises strings, brass and a drummer. A feature number to give the drummer an opportunity is not accepted for its full worth. Throughout the entire turn there seems to be a lack of ginger that would put the fact over as a riot. A turn of this sort should be the hit of any small time bill, – properly managed and with the proper routine of numbers; but at the 58th street house Tuesday night it had to be content with second honors.
