“A Gymnastic Display without an Equal.” Billing may be a little exaggerated but there is no question of this man and woman presenting an opening act that would satisfy any audience in the country. The woman, in her lifting on the rings, is particularly good, while the dislocation work of the man is interesting. Act received good applause all the way through. Garden in 3. Time 8 min.
“The Inebriated Swell on the Wire.” Never having seen Robledillo I cannot draw comparisons. Maximo is a clean cut looking young chap who works fast on the slack wire and gets some good comedy. Would really make a better opening act than in his present spot but managed to close the show in good shape and held the audience. Garden in 4. Time 9 min.
Singing comedians. One man working straight, the other as a German. Act is rather old-fashioned and would have gone much better earlier in the bill if I had a spot where they could be fitted in. At that, following the big laughing hit of the Cafe del Bowery they got their songs and pater over in good shape and were most acceptable to the audience. Street in 1. Time 18 min.
In “He Tried to be Nice.” This was the first performance of the sketch and both Abeles and his wife were rather nervous. The story is interesting and deals with a man who reads an article in the morning paper on “how to be happy though married” and determines to put some of the suggestions into practice. He sends for flowers, silk stockings and candy for his wife and is so terrible polite at breakfast that she suspects that he has committed an offence of some sort and is taking this method of squaring himself. In its present form the act is altogether too long and should be cut way down. When this is done Abeles will have a comedy sketch that should be a feature on an bill. C.D.Fcy in 3. Time 28 min.
To avoid argument with Mrs. DeHaven managers are cautioned to feature Gibson as strongly a the Sextette. Unfortunately I did not receive the billing until late and got Gibson’s name as Shields. Hence, several unpleasant interviews with the lady who owns the act. I consider this act the best Mrs. DeHaven has ever put over in vaudeville and the act will be a big feature novelty of any program. The girls are gingery in their work, look well and are dressed better than any girl act in the business. Usually “girl” acts look well but that is about all. This one delivers the good and I would be glad to play any more than can halfway approach this one. Gibson is a good light comedian and his singing and dancing are features in themselves. Own cut drop, with house garden backing, full stage. 22 min. close in 1, 6 min.
Blackface comedy. Man and woman. Act a trifle slow at the beginning but warms up in good shape and proved one of the big laughing hits of the bill. Rawls is an excellent blackface comedian and gets his stuff over in good shape while his partner makes an excellent feeder. Would go well in this spot on any bill. C.D.Fcy in 3, 16 min; close in 1, 9 min.
The Dancer and the Dude. Man and woman in an act that is distinctively English. The man is a rather tiresome comedian, the toe dancing of the woman being the real feature of the act. Pleased but mildly. Open in 1, 3 min, own drop; then to full stage with scene reversed, 9 min; close in 1, 8 min.
Club maniacs. Four men in a fast club juggling act. Not in the class with the Mowatts or even the Juggling Bannons, but a most acceptable offering nevertheless and can open a big show or close a small one in good shape. The men look well, attired in white sweaters, trimmed with blue, and dark trousers. They have several new stunts that I have never seen before and act is one that should satisfy all managers. Garden in 4. Time 8 min.
“The Girl From Missouri.” As two of the characters in earlier acts were using a rube girl make-up considerable of the edge was taken off Miss St. Claire before she got started. Her opening song and her patter caught the house, however, and she finished strong and took several bows. A good act for any bill. Street in 1. Time 11 min.
As “Choliostro, the Master of Mysteries.” Mrs. Hermann, attired in a rather striking costume of black, embroidered tights and a flowing cape, presented some new novelties in the magic line, giving a performance that was interesting throughout. Her illusions were well done and her small magic caught the house. The patriotic finish with the American flag and one of her company holding a pocket flash lamp and dressed up as the Goddess of Liberty, naturally received vociferous applause from our very patriotic audience. Own set in 4. Time 20 min.
