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Artistic lighting effects help out in the general effect. Mr. Johnson works in his old style, first as an old negro “uncle” and afterward in the very much dressed up minstrel “coon” fashion.
The Pan-American Four, a capable male quartet, give a solid backing to the singing ensembles and have several neat dances, besides a quantity of off-stage singing that fits in nicely in the quiet tone of the offering.
The opening scene shows a pretty moonlight setting with the negro quarters of a Louisiana plantation in the old days. A special drop in one shows the Memphis levee ad gives the quartet opportunity to fill in with their singing for a change of scene to the Bayou Techie. Some good dancing by the whole company is introduced here as an incidental to a new song “The Big Swamp Bogie Man,” which is nicely worked up.
There are no startling voices in the company, although a good average obtains, and the dozen members have been drilled to a high degree of skill in their dancing. The finish in one could be handled better, with faster dancing and a neater exit. There are roughness which may be laid to the account of the newness of the offering, but the act is bound to please.
Source:
Variety 5:4 (05/25/1907)