“Opportunity” is the wonder-worker of the show business. Howland and Leach are an example. Of the many “society dancers” who have gained quick fame and fortune in the dance craze, this couple missed. When they were at Shanley’s before going to Europe, they were among the very best society dancers, and they are yet but they didn’t land. Just why, no one could tell. It was opportunity for the others, and the goddess passed up this couple. Maybe it was because they first danced in a restaurant-cabaret that did not have a ballroom floor. But the fact remains. Mr. Howland is of the Vernon Castle type, tall and graceful. Miss Leach is a pretty girl, bring looking, always smiling (not machine made) and dances well, besides doing some acrobatics. Howland and Leach also created a dance that has been copied and they possess enough class to drive the pretenders on the small time back to where they came from, if this team continues over the circuits. Howland and Leach have everything the others have, excepting the reputation and money, Why?
“Girls Will be Girls” (New Acts) closed the first half and though Florence Lorraine featured, kept the house sitting up with her Swedish servant girl bit, the running time, 20 minutes, could be cut down without doing material harm.
Harry Thorne Co. followed with a sketch and made it easier for the succeeding turn by scoring throughout with laughs. The audience immensely enjoyed the henpecked husband and the brow-beaten wife with the reverse twist at the finish which sent the act away with three or four curtains. One of the women stood out above the other three members and scored personally, most of the applause at the finish being directed her way.
Barton and Sparling (New Acts) took the show up to its highest velocity though being on a little early at that. The comedian was responsible, mostly through his voice and the ability to put over a song. The boys could have done more but doused the lights after one encore.
10 Mins.; Full Stage. With an excellent appearance, a sort of unique tango and some attractive costumes this turn runs along the groove of modern dancing specialities. The couple exhibit more than the average grace and to those who can arouse any self-interest in such vehicles, they will probably appeal. To the others, it’s the same old tango-hesitation-maxxixe thing with the aforesaid essentials more prominent than usual.
16 Mins.; One. An English chappie and a “straight” the latter with an unusual personality and a delivery that can hardly fail, offering a routine of good patter with a singing finale that dates back a bit too far for this particular specialty/ The comedy is well constructed for results and should carry the pair along without any trouble. A new closing number should be acquired.
9 Mins; Full Stage (Palace). A mixed couple dancing the modern steps and opening the show on the American Roof. Another craze on its last stage legs. This couple do as well as any of those who contest for cups in the dancing cabarets.
Sayce and Oren, a youthful pair, in the familiar society dances. They will fill in quietly in the pop houses.
15 Mins.; One. Hard working colored chaps. They talk, sing and dance. The shorter in exaggerated makeup sings “The Count of No Account,” a lively number. The taller man offers “Chicken Rag” with vocal by-play on the chorus. The team got some good laughs out of its patter. The “Dora Dean” song is an old boy, but it gives them a chance to parade around the floor gingerly. For an encore each does a dance in fast tempo which pleased the Roof regulars.
[New act] Songs and piano, 11 mins; one. The girls form a trio of soubrets and offer songs, some as solos, others as duets with piano accompaniments and the start and finish going as a trio number, with dance bits usually following the numbers. After the opening a duet proved a slow tempo offering. A kid number solo was colorless. A jazz more diverting. The turn closed with a Dixie number. The act is probably from the West, for while the songs are probably published numbers, most were unknown. The girls need a better selection and improvement might come with more attention to dancing. The simple novelty of a three-girl act seems hardly enough.
