This is an act that is really too good to open the show, but as the bill was reconstructed after he was booked, it was about the only thing possible. He gives splendid value and was a decided surprise to the audience when he showed them he was a man. He is one of the few acts that some agent has not boasted before now and really, I don’t see how he carries all of his trappings, electrician, etc. with all the salary gets. 10 Min. F.S.
Introduced by Loney Haskell. I was a little apprehensive as to how this act would go, but it gave very evident satisfaction; the dog worked pretty well at this first performance; I think it is quite remarkable myself, and I believe the thinking people will agree with me. Haskell’s presentation of the act adds considerably to it. 13 min. in two.
The operetta, reconstructed, was given its first performance in its new form at this house this afternoon; the first showing was rather shaky and didn’t get over well, but it was surprising how much better it went at the night performance, after a two hours’ rehearsal, following the matinee. The story is a good one; the music is quite attractive and the lyrics are good; scenery and costumes in Lasky’s best style; comedy gets over in good shape and the parts, with the exception of the principal man and woman, are well played. These two seem to fall short, both in acting and singing, but they are by no means bad, but when one considers how much more could be done with the music, it seems a pity not have the best. Lasky realizes this and says that he is going to change them as soon as possible. I don’t believe, however, that anyone needs to fear to play the act. Our very conservative Providence paper – “The Journal” – gave them a very good notice this morning. 35 min. F.S.
In a little sketch called “Nobody’s Kid;” the kid being a character similar to that of Fanny Usher, but not nearly so well played. Am sorry to say that the act as a whole is hardly fitted for the big time houses. 20 min. F.S.
Mr. Kelly came, saw, conquered. He tells Irish stories and his appearance, manner and voice suggest very strongly, Frank Fogarty. He lacks something of Fogarty’s assurance, but when he has been at the game as long as Fogarty has, he will equal him in all ways. Considering the difference in his salary, Kelly is the better buy of the two. He went very strongly indeed and can hold the position second to last with perfect satisfaction. 15 min. in one.
Ward is a local boy, who makes his first appearance in a prominent theatre with this engagement. He has shown more draught than any local performer that we ever had; practically the entire lower floor is sold for tonight to organizations, coming especially to see him. The sale for the entire week is large and it is indicted by the talk that he is responsible for the greater part of it. Aside from this, the act is very good. Of course, he made a hit here, but I think they would go well anywhere. 24 min. F.S.
Two men, one tall and thin, the other short and fat, whose appearance are ludicrous, but do not get their material over in a very good shape; I figured on them for 17 min; they say their act runs 14 – they did 10 – the audience would have been satisfied with half of that. Am sorry that I can’t recommend the act. In one.
Burlesque magician; while Mr. Clive got over very well, I was somewhat disappointed in his lack of new material; in fact, everything he did, he has done here before on two engagements. A number of reports along the line have said that has new material; if he has, we didn’t get it. 14 min. in one.
In their novelty singing, talking and dancing act in one, with special scenery, representing a bungalow. This is a very classy act, which went over in excellent shape. An act that the houses can afford to play and depend upon to make good. 16 min. in one.
Ventriloquial novelty, which they call “The Theatrical Agent.” The man is a fair ventriloquist and has some good comedy with his dummy, but the woman is decidedly excess; act is only fit for a very early spot at best in the big time. 17 min. open in three, close in one.
