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17 Mins.; Full Stage. This manikin act, often confused with another act, and reviewed erroneously as such, is brand new in every particular, from the stage settings to the routine, and from subject matter to manipulation. The miniature theatre whereon the puppets dance, prance and cavort is handsomely set with a glittering background and has rich plush curtains and proscenium decorations. The act opens with persons entering the stage boxes to witness the performance of the manikins. When the curtain goes up a boy announcer comes on, and after displaying a card, runs off kicking the card, a good laugh. Then follows a neat little travesty on the modern society dance, admirably executed. “Mutt and Jeff,” next, alternate as tall and short men with ludicrous effect. Texas Nell, who performs after the circus manner on a horse, and puts him through his paces with all the aplomb of the real thing, is another novel feature. The act closes with the “Baseball Rag,” in which players representing famous teams come out for some very funny antics on the diamond. In this last bit the manikins are made to sing and talk, and this adds to the effectiveness. It is one of the neatest acts of its kind on the boards and is manipulated in a manner to please the most exacting. Closing the show at the Empress, it held the audience to the close, and was especially pleasing to the children.
Source:
Variety, Volume XXXVI, no.8, October 24, 1914