Comedy Acrobatic Cyclists. One of the best comedy bicycle acts I have ever played and it seems a shame to have to open the show with them. The straight man does some difficult stuff while his partner is way ahead of any others I have seen working with a bicycle act in the way of comedy. They carry a lot of paraphernalia, some of which they were unable to use here. This act really ought to be down in the middle of the bill or closing the show. As a result of their position they start the show off in gingery fashion and won more solid applause from our “show-me” Monday crowd than any opening act we have ever had in the house. Wood in 4. Time 15 min.
The Italian Street Musicians. The biggest applause hit ever in the house. Audience simply could not get enough of these two boys. Time 18 min.
In “The Baby.” This is the star of “Mother” in a comedy-dramatic sketch that grips one and has the necessary punch to make it land. Scene is laid in the reception room of a foundling asylum. Miss Dunn plays the part of a German mother who is forced to leave her baby for adoption. She returns soon after to claim the child but the authorities refuse to give it up. Her emotional pleading induces the young doctor to break the rules of the establishment and the curtain falls on a big laugh. Although the story is serious the comedy is skilfully blended and a laugh comes just as the audience is on the verge of tears. Miss Dunn is to be complimented for the magnificent setting she has given her act and she also deserves praise for the excellence of her supporting company. In my opinion the act would be a welcome feature on any program. Special act in 3. Time 17 min.
The Chitty-Chats. A very good act for this spot and went over exceedingly well. DeNoyer has discarded the tramp make-up and now has an act that is clean and enjoyable throughout. Out to do well on any bill in this spot. Street in 1. Time 19 min.
Singing comedienne. Don’t know whether the preceding act put a damper on this one but she got a bad start this afternoon. She is a very pretty girl with a good singing voice and a nice personality and good looking clothes. Was a little long in making her changes at the matinee and the holiday crowd got uneasy. Went much better at night. Olio in 1. Time 12 min.
“The Joy Riders.” Had it not been for the fact that I was an act short this act would have received a blue slip after the matinee. Without exception it is the worst apology for an acrobatic act that has ever been foisted upon the office. It has one redeeming feature. It lasts but seven minutes. Wood in 4. Time 7 min.
Equestrienne Fantasie. A beautiful costumed and well mounted equestrian act with a handsome white horse, a pony and a dog. Closed the show in excellent shape and held the audience to the finish. Garden in 4. Time 12 min.
In “Nifty Nonsense.” This act proved a sure fire hit this afternoon and repeated again tonight and should prove a welcome feature in vaudeville. Gaston carries the burden of the act and his songs and eccentric manoeuvers got over in splendid shape. C.D.Fcy in 3. 4 min close in 1. Time 22 min.
A Couple of Friends. At last Val Trainor seems to have got something worthy of consideration. I confess I was rather in doubt about his ability to land here today after his horrible effort earlier in the season with a woman partner. He has a capable comedian now as a partner and properly placed ought to make good in an early spot on a big bill and could go down on a small bill. They went as well as anything on the bill today. Street in 1. Time 18 min.
This is the sketch written by Homer Miles on a rush order for the three children—Lambert Dickinson and Viola and Leonie Flugrath, who appeared here last summer with our stock company. The children went on this afternoon after five rehearsals and scored one of the unquestioned hits of the bill—not because they were here last summer but because they had a good vehicle and played it well. Although the sketch was intended merely as a Christmas week extra feature I consider the act good enough to be played anywhere where children can play. The story of the sketch is good, full of bright comedy lines and there is a little touch of heart interest. The fact that it is played almost entirely by children should make it a novelty on any bill. The youngsters are assisted by Miss Virginia Russell, who plays the mother of one the children. Kitchen in 3. Time 16 min.
