Consisting of Sam Weston and his two girls. They have got the act in a great deal better shape that I have ever seen it before, and what music they play, they play very well. It isn’t a very strong comedy act, but is neatly dressed and very pleasing. Here in New York it goes especially strong because I think the average New Yorker realizes Sam’s infirmity (he being totally blind) and gives him full credit for not trying to make capital out of it. 25 minutes, open full stage, and close in one.
Miss Ayer is the daughter of the well known writer, Harriet Hubbard Ayer. She is a rather tall girl, and not particularly handsome. She has a very fair voice, but her enunciation is faulty. I put her on more for a trial than anything else, but she will hardly do for the circuit unless she rids herself of some particular mannerisms she has, which she has promised to do right away. 8 minutes in one.
Consisting of Mr. Smith, one other man, and a woman in an act called “A Friend in Need.” The act utilizes the idea of two drunken men about town, but is not specially offensive, the dialogue and situations are very broadly farsical [sic], and there isn’t a great deal of talent shown in the act, but it certainly got the laughs all right this afternoon, and I suppose it is useless to be too critical in this sort of weather. 17 minutes, full stage.
A man and a woman in a little act called “Magic in the Kitchen,” in which both performers are made up as kitchen domestics and incidentally introduce a few simple tricks in magic, using the kitchen utensils. It is a harmless little act and is all right for three-a-day. 16 minutes full stage. Can close if necessary.
A man and a woman in about the same comedy sketch that they have been doing for the last five or six years. They appear first in evening dress and the man changes to a farmed and the woman to an abnormally far women. They do well indeed for old-timers and the audience seemed to enjoy the act thoroughly. 23 minutes full stage.
Two men and a woman in a comedy sketch introducing some eccentric dancing by one of the men, a little trombone solo by the woman, and some very good eccentric comedy work by the other man. It is a might good three-show-a-day act and made a hit this afternoon, which I suppose will prohibit me from getting them to do three again. 18 minutes, open full stage, and close in one.
A couple of young girls who first appear in short dresses, rather neat makeup, and so a song with a little dancing. They then do a dance, playing their own accompaniment on violins and complete with the acrobatic work which is usually introduced by “sister” acts. It is a good act of its kind. 10 min. in one.
Two men in an acrobatic comedy act made up as Chinamen. So far as this house is concerned, they did a very good act indeed from a three-show-a-day standpoint, and pleased al the time they were on the stage. 10 minutes, full stage.
This performer got on very late this afternoon, as the show for various reasons was out of its time, consequently he found the audience somewhat thinned out and tired of laughing. He did very well, indeed, but had a very hard time of it up to the last song which got the audience in great shape, and enabled him to take five or six encores. When he gets on at the time he should be on, which will be at the night show and hereafter, he will do as well as he ever did in the house. 18 minutes in one.
Presenting Miss Burkhart’s latest sketch, “A Strenuous Daisy.” This act is unquestionably the best thing that Miss Burkhart has ever done. It gives her an opportunity in a field in which she has never ventured before, and the only trouble with her act is that her cast is not hardly strong enough for it. I think, however, that this will be rectified immediately. The man who plays the old man in the act is not good at all. He is somewhat stilted and mechanical and has rather an unpleasant voice. The old lady is better and will do all right, as she has a very good conception of her part. The young fellow, while not at all strong, is better than the old man, but the latter should be changed at once. 31 minutes, full stage.
