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Singing.
A single woman of striking promise, getting over with a warming success despite a dozen handicaps, is this peculiar artist with the more peculiar name. The act was headlined and electric-lighted as "Nevada," with a question mark after it, leading the customers to believe that a female impersonator was about to be sprung. When Miss Nevada didn't take off a wig, there was some disappointment. In addition, Miss Nevada's material is atrociously arranged. But she has an appearance that should and undoubtedly will land her in a production. Her flaming auburn hair was not destined for small time, her fiery personality cannot be limited to the three a day, her stately, beautiful figure was not born to tread the boards of the continuous. In addition to these qualities Miss Nevada exhibits undoubted traces of showmanship. As far as material is concerned, the only element in her act which was compatible with her ability an professional promise were her gowns. They almost compensated for the defects in her numbers. They were flashing, beautiful creations, the kind that can be worn successfully only by flashing, beautiful women. Miss Nevada has a coloratura soprano of pure quality and nice range. Appearing first in a striking opera cape she sings a banal number explaining why she is in vaudeville, which isn't necessary. Then, with a change of costume, she offers a number based on Mendelssohn's Spring Song, entirely over the heads of the audience. Then a colorless blue number, minus comedy or point, and a finishing Cleopatra song with a beaded gown that would make Flo Ziegfeld himself at least lift his eyebrows. She belongs in a big production.
Source:
Variety, 53:12 (02/14/1919)