The running order of the bill was pretty much switched after the matinee, when Mme. Albertina Rasch (New Acts) was moved from No. 2 to closing the show. This move was undoubtedly a wise one, for that Colonial gallery never would have let a classical solo dancer get by, and undoubtedly the Rasch act would have been fair game for them. There is one thing and that is that the switching worked to the switching worked to the advantage of the Mizzan Troupe, for the Arab aggregation won frequent applause with pyramid formations and tumbling.
Al Lydell and Carleton Macy in John J. McGowan’s “Old Cronies” enacted their irresistible “Old Cronies” next to closing. When the act first showed a season or more ago, it was predicted that the caricature characterizations of the men would endure in the big houses for many seasons, and that still holds good several new and hearty laughs were introduced, and that is about the only thing this act need from time to time.
Eddie Hefferman’s singing drew attention, especially, “Winds,” when the girls were most tastefully frocked. The choristers, by the way, are all good dancers and cleverly coached. There are some changes, notably the absence of the verse billing and perhaps its use. All is calculated to lend speed to the act and that attained. “This and That” is a novelty and is pretty sure of providing a pleasing feature anywhere.
The sparkling personality of Miss Tilton flashed throughout Mento Moore and Macklin Megley’s “Chameleon Revue.” Her songs were amusingly done and her mimicry drew giggles.
Miss Shone followed with her long drawn out semi-sketch and had a decidedly restless audience in front of her before finishing. Much cutting down and less loudness would benefit. Her China-girl number help her along more than anything else, due to the lyrics, mostly the “wisecrackin’” variety. The act ended fairly well, but 35 minutes too long to listen to a gal argue with her family over a beau.
Mel Klee got the second half under way, and this is a boy who at one time must have watched Al Herman work early, late and often. It’s the same kind of act that Herman did. Some of the material comes very close to the proverbial border. If Mr. Klee must depend on that and talking audience confidentially about other acts on the bill to pass, it’s too bad as he left the impression of being capable of doing something better.
Dolly Kay, next to closing had a great chance to tie things in a knot, following, 30 minutes of Hermine Shone. Everything was all set for her, but she failed to reach out and grab it. Up to 10:35, when Miss Kay came on, the show was woefully lacking in “pep,” and if someone were going to happen right then was the time. But, no, the young lady with a boy at the piano started off acceptably, after which came a decided let down, due mostly to the material. Also Miss Kay’s method of delivery could be improved, as her immediate conception borders in coarseness, and some smoothing of the edges would help considerably. Her one feeble attempt with a dialect number was poorly done and would have been better left alone. It seems safe to say Miss Kay would do well if she’d get away from the snapping if fingers and using the “sharpshooer’s” idea of hoofing, sticking to straight number, as the ability is there if used right.
Mlle. La Toy’s Models were doomed after that. Anything in the way of a dumb act couldn’t have survived at 11:30. They would have walked out on Barnum’s three rings. The turn deserved better treatment, for the still poses of the dogs are extremely pretty and the effects splendidly set out with clever lighting effects.
Billy Arlington with his four-act and its rough clowning got away with substantial hit opening the second half. The way the audience took to the talk and the discordant music was astonishing considering the decided liking they displayed for the politer offerings. The act occupied 24 minutes and took four bows at the getaway.
Timberg was right at home. The salesman song made a fair opening and from that he went to climax of applause in the dancing finale, a bit of stepping that belongs to the youngster and nobody else. Meanwhile the violin stuff got across emphatically.
