In a character comedy singing playlet “Happy’s Million”. Carry their own drop in one representing a scene in Tonapah. Morrow impersonates a cowboy, his old character, an does it well, while the woman portrays the character of a quakeress and just gets by as she never took any prizes for singing therefor her speaking voice is bad. Morrow introduces his specialty The story is that of a cowboy, lost heavily at faro, meets the quakeress and proposes. Uses a midget on the finish as a cupid, who swings across stage attached to the man and woman by colored ribbons, same idea as in their old act. The audience did not enthuse. At the evening performance it went a trifle better but I doubt if it will be acceptable. 16 minutes in one.
Two young ladies who do a little singing and dancing and a few imitations. Pleasing appearance, nicely costumed. One of the women is quite a comedienne, gives an impersonation of Elfie Fay and an old maid character, on the style of the Elionore Sisters and scored heavily. The other works straight with pleasing voice and is a clever dancer. An excellent act. Big applause and three bows. Fully capable of holding a better place. 17 minutes full stage.
3/m 1/w. In the dramatic play “Compromised” by Louis Vance author of “The Brass Bowl.” I take pleasure in saying this is the greatest and most intense dramatic sketch presented here this season. It holds the audience spellbound, with a grand-stand climax. Mr. Hawtrey is excellent, the woman, very, very clever. Received big applause on the finish and with several curtain calls. The story:- Husband called by telephone to New York on business. Partner sailing for Europe next morning. (Rideout) former husband appears to black-mail wife. He had cause himself to be reported killed in railroad wreck seven years previously. She promised to find money next day by 4 o’clock. He goes. Few hours elapse. Thief breaks in. Disturbed at safe by telephone hides behind screen. Husband at station. Wife disturbed, comes down, (Rideout) former husband returns, takes revolver from her and makes her answer telephone. Then demands money at once. (He has been drinking) She refuses to tell him combination of safe lock and tells him the second husband would never believe his story. He produces copy of marriage record. She snatches it from him and burns it. He struggles with her. In course of struggle screen is knocked over and thief revealed. Rideout, former husband and thief fire simultaneously and (Rideout) former husband is killed. She enables thief to escape and on return of husband explains matters by falling into his arms and stating she has shot and killed a burglar. 25 Minutes full stage.
Compelled to take this act for the evening performance on account of an error in the criticism. It is very essential for all managers to secure the correct time of every act as it is generally a saving in the show. The sketch is the same as when presented before. The jury thought it funny and treated them kindly. Secured quite a number of good laughs throughout although they closed rather tame. They, however, filled the bill under the circumstances. 19 minutes full stage.
Disrobing, Marvel. Young man of pleasing personality working full dress frees himself from a straight jacket while in a small cabinet changes from full dress to tights in a 15 inch tube and escapes from a straight jacket while under water in full view of the audience. Billed this man as an extra feature and he certainly held his own. The act is very nicely worked up. All of his various stunts were greatly appreciated and got big applause. Presume the act will get them talking during the week. While it conflicts alightly with Houdini on account of the straight jacket work, the difference is so great, that in the general tone and make up, I hardly think it would depreciate the value of “Houdini”. 28 minutes full stage.
In the comedy “Fun in a Grocery”. This is not a bad act by any means. While it was rather slow in some parts this afternoon presume a little faster work may develop it into a good comedy. Crandall portrays the German character in great shape. Scene is laid in a Grocery Store. It is on the style of Peck’s Bad Boy without a plot. It pleased and the jury sanctioned it by three curtain calls. 25 minutes full stage.
Assisted by Ida Lewis and Thomas M. Hunter. Presenting the alleged one-act farce “Fads and Fancies” by Milton Nobles. Regret to say this was a disasterous failure, no life, action or business. All talk and that hardly laudable. The audience twisted and turned and finally took a recess during this intermission. Will arrange for their old act “Why Walker Reformed”.
Presenting a character sketch entitled “Just Kids”. Boy and Girl giving impersonations of Rogers Brothers, Trixie Friganza Montgomery and Stone, Richard Carle, etc. Both clever children, above the age limit, well known in Harlem and a good financial proposition. Doubt if it would be much better than a three-a-day in other cities. Big ovation on their entrance and tremendous applause on their finish with five bows. 15 minutes full stage and about 3 minutes in one.
Musical Comedy. The men are, Steely of Steeley, Doty and Coe, and Edwards of the Four Emperors of Music. Edwards works in black face while Steeley is the straight man. Both are excellent musicians while Steeleys’ vocal work is very good. The comedy end secured some laughs while the music pleased. The act is really too good for an opener. Will probably make a change to night. One hundred and fifty dollars at the most would be about right. 18 minutes full stage can close in one.
4/m 3 eccentric and 1 straight. Carry their own drop representing the ocean and make their entrance in a boat. Comedy is a little crude although they secured some few laughs. Voices are not much although they got away with the singing and managed to secure good applause. At the price the set is thoroughly all right. 14 minutes full stage.
