Comedy Juggler. Le Dent is carrying a lot of junk and is now opening in two and doing a short close in. His material is good and gets plenty of laughs throughout. Just a good opening act. Own drop in 2. Close in 1, 2 min. Time 9 min.
Twelve men in as sloppy a looking exhibition as I have ever seen the days when burlesque was at its worst. Slap-stick comedy predominates all through and nothing had been overlooked. Ahearn ought to contribute the services of his old act for a week for nothing to square himself for foisting this act on us in its present shape. The act has really good possibilities but there is too much of a sameness to it at the present time. A good trick rider should be introduced, the makeup of some of the “comedians” should be cleaned up and then the act should hide away out of town for a few weeks to get it in proper shape before showing to a regular audience. Special set in 4. Time 10 min.
“The Irish Queen.” All question of the advisability of making her the feature of the bill was immediately dissipated when the cards showing her name were displayed. It is the first time the announcement cards ever got a round of applause in this house and when Miss Cline walked out on the stage she received such a hearty welcome that must have made her feel she was among old friends. Better still her stuff went over in great shape and there is no question of her drawing money during the week. Her act is the best I have ever seen her do and I believe she will prove a pleasing drawing card in any house in the country. Olio in 1. Time 25 min.
“Jim Grantley’s Wife.” Opening the second half this act scored a hit with the audience. It is bright and clever and particularly well played, Miss Bardine making an imposing looking picture. It is a trifle dramatic but the comedy is skilfully blended and the finish is a distinct surprise. This act ought to go with any audience in the country. I want to compliment Miss Bardine for the manner in which she dresses her character, her gown this afternoon calling forth many expressions of admiration form the feminine portion of the house. Fcy. In 3. Time 15 min.
This is the English comedian, later of “Our Miss Gibbs.” He did not seem to know what to do this afternoon. It was his vaudeville debut and after each song would rush off the stage and inquire what he was going to do next. At that his act seemed to please the audience and when he gets his material working a little better and will have an act that should be worth while. Some of his songs could be improved upon and he should do more of hiss eccentric dancing. Garden in 2. Time 20 min.
Supposed to be a comedy sketch with good reports from Camden and Wilmington. About the most tiresome lot of slush I have ever listened to. Midgely has not “come back” and his partner will never make an actress. C.D.Fcy in 3. Close in 1, 4 min.
A very clever dog novelty, in fact, one of the cleverest dogs I have ever seen on a stage. Rather too quiet to open the show with. Act got a lot of laughs and good applause at the finish. Olio in 1. Time 15 min.
Two men and a woman in a comedy pantomime, “The Broken Mirror.” Scene interior of a German army officer’s room. The officer enters in an intoxicated condition. He retires to another room and during his absence the maid and the officer’s valet break a standing mirror. Presently the officer returns in shirtsleeves and approaches the mirror. The valet hastily dresses to look like the officer and both reach the mirror at the same time. The valet makes every move the officer makes fooling him into believing he is looking at the mirror. The sketch ends when the officer is satisfied the mirror is alright. There is quite a little comedy brought out at the mirror. It is a fair opening act. C.D.F. 12 min.
Two men and two women in the comedy satire, “The Dancing Missionary.” Scene a jungle, on a cannibal island. Missionary finds the tribe is presided overby [sic] a white woman as queen. The cannibals intend to kill the missionary when the queen saves him. He gets in to her favor by dancing. His dances also win the cannibals and the act closes with the missionary, queen and cannibals all dancing together. Terry’s dancing is the only feature of the act. F.S. special scenery, 17 min in one 3 min. time of act 20 min.
Man and a woman in a singing and whistling specialty. The woman, neatly dressed sing several songs while the man whistles several imitations of birds and animals. The scenery, a lake shore at night time with stars and moon shining was pretty. Act went fair in this position, but belief it would improve if placed in No. 2 spot F.S. 20 min.
