“An Evening in the Hut.”

Violin playing, singing, yodeling.

"An Evening in the Hut" has no limitations as far as permitting men in uniform to show off their talents and versatility as entertainers - especially the boys who saw service either on land or sea or who were with the entertainment forces overseas. Vaudeville, however, requires a time limit. This turn forms one of the feature parts of the special Army-Navy bill at Keeney's Brooklyn this week. A stage reproduction of a hut is used, with the soldiers and sailors lolling about. The Navy was ably represented by Violini, violinist, of the Naval Reserves, and Harry Downing, who enlisted in the Navy July, 1917. Violini and Downing were in sailor garb. Violini played several numbers and put them over in regular style while Downing's voice, which ranges from a high falsetto to a lower robust range, went over with big credit with several songs, his yodeling selection being exceptionally well received. The Army was represented by Sergt. D. McKinney and Private Jim Buckley. McKinney is a composer as well as a clever musician and some of his newest writings were used. Buckley sang efficiently and effectively. His range is high and his tone clear and distinct. Ballads seem his forte. McKinney sang a new one, playing his own accompaniment, about "Prohibition" that had lyrics with a "punch," while another of his compositions, "The Boys From Brooklyn Town," sung first as a solo by Buckley, was used as a finale to the turn. Opening the act was Lonne Naase, singing comedienne, whose voice was in splendid condition; Miss Naase having been an overseas entertainer and who numbers Tuesday night were indicative of army selection. Her voice is voluminous and lustrous, her style running to a sort of coon-shouting nature that would permit her using a coon song or two suited to her voice. Miss Naase's work was a distinct feature of the turn. This act can remain as it is framed and obtain bookings or the individuals can go it alone, but the benefit of the war connection is unquestionably strongest on the line of stage arrangement presented in Brooklyn.

Variety, 53:13 (02/21/1919)