Sarah Padden, scheduled for seventh, appeared third in Ann Irish’s work. “The Cheap Woman.” When the turn opened some weeks ago it carried a special set which seems to have been shelved. “The Cheap Woman” shows Miss Padden in a new sort of role in vaudeville. It is a far cry from the indelible characterization she created in “The Clod.” The new turn no doubt appeals more to the feminine, but in it there is not the power of the old playlet nor the opportunity for Miss Padden. Her present support is Betty Brooks and Henry English.
“Summertime” which Lewis & Gordon are presenting with Lorin Baker, is funny. Its line are filled with flashes of more than average humor and some are truthfully salient. The central character, the abused husband, reminds one of the plays which have been built around Ernest Truex. Nevertheless Mr. Baker acquits himself creditably, emphasizing the knowledge that goes with high comedy.
Jean Granese, next to closing, in her first song was somewhat out-voiced by an orchestra that seemed not only in her number, but with the others inclined to play entirely too loud. As it was the comedy antics of the two “wop” comedians before they reached the platform were sufficient to forget what transpired. The turn was cumulative in fun-making, and the efforts of the trio combined were received with entire satisfaction.
Following intermission and the “Topics,” which handed a laugh, Cliff Nazaro and Darling Sisters settled a restless audience, but were over with the first introductory song of the small fellow. He shows throughout the influence of Al Jolson, not only in his songs, but in the rest of the delivery, and a curious pathos in his voice in the second number drew the audience to him. On top of that the harmonizing which followed by the girls made for a sweet moment. Altogether they were exceptional for this spot, and while the conductor waited for prefect silence for the act to continue a ragged applause forced another bow on the part of the trio.
Opening, Black and Swan went away with more than the usual hospitality extended an opening number. Their dances are good, although they are far from showing anything unique. Bu they tool four bows on merited applause.
Diamond and Brennan, who followed, passed under the wire on the strength of Diamond’s dancing. The comedy is weak to the point of being flat and the little cutting down that has been done evidently failed as the necessary remedy. Rewriting might be of more assistance. Now the efforts of both are going to waste in so far as the conversation used in concerned.
Anderson and Graves received a reception on their “set,” managing to play it up for enough interest to see them through, but showed a weak finish with the intermediate “wife and hubby” crossfire not being substantial enough to continue the initial attention.
Camilla’s Birds followed Kinograms, and gave the show an auspicious start that failed to hold on until quite some time later. Emma Stephens recited short introductory phrases to her songs and sang five to some friends out front who were most appreciative and brought her back for an encore, with flowers going over the lights. Miss Stephens presented an especially pleasing appearance and is routining [sic] more smoothly than heretofore.
Al and Fannie Stedman stepped out next to closing and put on the “crucial moment effect.” With their clowning, singing and bit of dancing they were away from the word and never showed a let-up until a short speech, including a laugh, quieted the throng in front long enough to have some one pull the lights. It was a nice bit of work the two young members of the family did, and they set themselves in right with the neighborhood for a return date at any time. A great kidding act that was seriously means nothing but is a whale when it comes to comedy.
“Taxie,” a canine thespian, opened the show in a routine of cued stunts that told a complete little story. A peculiar coincident attached to the act was the theatre management wouldn’t allow any one to walk down the aisles while the act was on the stage. It was a wise precaution and evidently taken to prevent distracting the attention of the animal.
