“The Cracker Jacks”

The act seems to be an example of those who are of the opinion that burlesque has been running away with itself and desire more "good old fashioned" burlesques with less musical comedy.

Bob Manchester's burlesque has two distinct pieces with an olio of four acts between. The opener is termed "A Trial Marriage," a theme of mistaken identity between twin brothers, alike only in appearance. The brothers are played by Johnny Jess and Johnny Williams. The burlesque is a rewritten version of "Dr. Dippy's Sanitarium." Mr. Jess is ably assisted by Mr. Williams and Chas. Ascott. The other players include Ruby Leoni, Mollie Williams, Ascott and Eddie, and the Three Beau Brummels (Johnny Williams, Johnny Jess and Harvey Brooks) helped out by Miss Leoni and two chorus girls. The Heuman Trio closed the vaudeville section with their bicycle offering.

The piece must have been new to the Columbia audience. They simply screamed at the familiar business, not surprising either, for it is still funny as Williams, Jess and Ascott handled it.

While there is nothing startling original in the act, the principals put over the act. The act does not compare to others at the house, in terms of production. However, "The Cracker Jacks" does not hold back the entertainment. Manchester has a corking good show which has nothing to fear from the biggest of the production shows. The act has changed slightly from last season.

Variety 24:7 (10/21/1911)