In ‘The Markham Divorcee Case.” 3 people. Have been racking my brain since the matinee trying to discover what it was all about. It is supposed to be a dramatic sketch from the pen of Oliver White, who wrote “The Visitor.” Have been thinking seriously of offering a prize for the one suggesting the best solution of what the thing really is. In my opinion it is the worst apology for a dramatic sketch that has ever been perpetrated on an unsuspecting manager. Can see no possible hope for it anywhere. Moved from #5 spot. C.D.Fcy in 3. Time 14 min.
Skatorial Comedians. Two boys working in blackface, doing a little singing, talking and roller skating. Act is full of comedy and makes a most acceptable opening act and will go nicely anywhere. Carry two drops in 1 and 1 ½. Time 12 min.
Edwards has attempted to emulate the example set by Gertrude Hoffmann in giving vaudeville a novelty in the way of a production. He made the mistake of working last week in his single specialty instead of giving his undivided attention to perfecting his new act. After rehearsals lasting from 11 o’clock yesterday to 5 o’clock this morning the Revue was shown for the first time this afternoon. For a first performance the act moved fairly well but there were some extremely bad stage waits between the changing of scenes. To eliminate those waits Edwards has arranged to introduce a couple of encores in 1 so that scenes can be struck and the new act made. All of the Edwards song hits are introduced in the Revue and some mighty novel ideas are worked out. The “Jimmy Valentine” number went very big as did also the “Lucy Anna Lou” at the finish. There are 30 people in the act, making it Edward’s most pretentious and entertaining. The girls are pretty, sing and dance well and are handsomely costumed. When the cat smooths down a little it will be a genuine headline feature in the big town. Special set, full stage, 47 min. 14 min opening in 1.
The Chesterfield of Minstrology. Never saw this old-timer go better than he did today. His material is entertaining, his parodies are timely and he walked away with the applause honors of the show and had to beg off in a neat speech. Olio in 1. Time 18 min.
Sharp-shooters. Man and woman in a very entertaining sharp-shooting act that closed the first half in splendid shape. The applause was genuinely strong all through the act and act is one that can hold any spot on any bill and make good. Garden in 3. Time 15 min.
German comedians. This act went fairly well this afternoon, their dance at the finish being the feature of their act. Street in 2. Time 14 min.
Comedy sketch, “A Prevaricating Hero.” This is Val Trainor working with a new partner. The latter was very amateurish this afternoon, Trainor explaining that it was hr first performance and that she was nervous. Sketch is the same he has been using for several seasons with his wife. Ought to please on the small time but I question if the act would get over in the larger houses. Went only fair here. Parlor in 3. Time 15 min.
Eccentric Comedy Juggler. If all our opening acts this season makes good like this one there will be no cause for complaint. Pollard works fast, has a good routine of stuff, his comedy is quiet but effective and he got a big hand at the finish. C.D.Fcy in 4. Time 14 min. 3 min in 1.
40 minutes f.s. This new act of Loie Fuller’s put on for the first time to-day drew capacity houses and went very well for the first performances. The act is made up of novelties in the way of light effects, dances, Chinese music, and other features, most of which are made on the program which I am enclosing. The act, of course, needs tightening up, although this evening it went much better than it did this afternoon. There is ample opportunity for introducing new novelties. It certainly gave things a start here to-day and an advance sale for the weak. It would appear that all we need is the weather. Madam Chung is a little Chinese woman and although she does not have much to do in this play with the exception of a death scene, appears to be a remarkably clever actress, and has a winning personality. She got a reception on both appearances.
22 minutes f.s. This is a very clever man with burlesque music, using two boys from the audience. Kept things moving in great shape in this spot.
