Location:
Theater:
Date:
This man’s name should be spelled Bernar. He bills himself the Great Bernar, King of Marionettes. The act is also called Bernar’s fantastic fantouches. This act was a great surprise. I consider the act better than Jewell’s or Holden’s. While the man comes out and announces that he will work the act alone, from the standpoint of the audience no one would know but that half a dozen people were working theme. The stage setting is clean and well arranged. The boxes contain figures that work and a complete orchestra, with the musical director working throughout the act as in Jewell’s act. This man presents a regular vaudeville show. The first number is a foot-juggler, who uses a barrel similar to the Japanese. The second artist is a magician, who accomplishes some really wonderful tricks, the best I have ever seen. The third number is an equilibrist and juggler. The fourth is two musical clowns with sleigh bells on their hands and feet, who play a tune in conjunction with the orchestra, and do it nicely. The next number is an equestrienne on a horse. The performance closes with a ballet of six girls with their costumes full of electric lights as in Harndin’s Ballett. I would consider the act excellent. I believe it can hold down any spot on any bill, and from this afternoon’s performance I would prefer it to any manikin act I have ever played. F.S. Special set. 13 min.
Source:
University of Iowa, Keith-Albee Vaudeville Collection, Manager Reports, 30 April 1906 – 4 February 1907