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The management gave the Arkaloff orchestra a full stage with a palace set. The costumes are of the stereotypical Russian kind, but very, very classy. According to the program, Vasily Diptzkow, of the Imperial house of Moscow, designed and made the costumes.
Some thought the orchestra was playing an Arkoloff, until further down
the program it was stated that L. Arkoloff was director. So the instrument naturally must be the balalaika.
Director Arkaloff leads the other thirteen from the stage, all the while playing himself. They rendered five selections on the balalaika, a sort of triangle mandolin. The act not only included songs, but a dance as well. Mr. V. Kasanchov is programmed as the dancer.
Each of the numbers was well played and incidentally applauded vigorously by the American house. The house made Kasanchov repeat his dance specialty.
This act has the stamp of genuineness all over it. It is safe to say that they have evidently come direct from Russia and are quite unprepared for the Majestic audience. However, this is not a reflection of their work; they have placed themselves in a new class, as far as Russian troupes go. The quartet number from "Rigoletto" seemed to take the lead; it should be used for the finale Arkaloff should provide his men with grease paint as it would improve things. Moreover, a little more rehearsing would help. Furthermore, the Russians are quite crude, lacking showmanship, but once they begin their work they hypnotize the audience. The balalaika is some instrument, and the Arkoloff bunch certainly knows how to play it.
Source:
Variety 24:4 (09/30/1911)