YYH. Blackface monologue. Norworth is always strong in this house, and he went very nicely this afternoon. I can understand, however, how he would fall down to a certain extent in the middle of a bill in Philadelphia, as his stuff is all a little bit “fly”. The gambler’s song which was such a frost in Philadelphia went very strong here this afternoon, but that of course, was to be expected. He certainly is very good here. 15 minutes in one.
2 men, one white face and one black face, but the former blackens up for close. In 1. Time 11. Singing and talking. Very good, bright and refreshing.
“The Blue Grass Boys”. A very excellent singing, talking and comedy act. One straight, the other black face, with a change to both black-face. Straight man proved very acceptable and the comedian is really funny from head to foot. Almost everything he said and did was good for a laugh. Their method is moderately quiet but they get their stuff over in a telling manner and were easily the hit of the bill up to this point.
3 shows, 18 mins., full stage. In an old black face, which I do not consider as clever or funny as the “Git on de Band Wagon” sketch. Their old time methods do not go with the public any more, although they may appeal strongly to those in the profession.
Blackface comedians. This act always goes very well in this house, but it will hardly ever be anything beyond a good act for early part of the show. The comedian is quite unctuous in a blundering way, and got quite a number of laughs. 13 minutes in one.
2 shows. 20 min. in one. Blackface musical comedian. Did not go so strong as he has during previous engagements, due, I think, to the fact that his opening was made with moss-covered jokes. He got considerable applause for his banjo playing, and, of course, finished with the bells, making a hit.
2 men. In 1. Both black face, one comedy. Time 9. Songs and comedy fair. Dancing very good.
On at 2:08, 12 minutes in 1. This black face team started out very slow, in fact, they failed to get a good gait until near the end when some dancing livened things up a bit.
17 min. F.S., close in one. Well known comedy musical act. Two men work straight, one blackface. The comedy is good and the musical work up to the standard. The close in one with the musical pipes was particularly well applauded and won an encore.
Went well. Comedy skit for two men, entitled “Dr. Knott.” One man works straight and the other in black face. Most of the dialogue is old (new to this generation) but it is well put over and wins lots of laughs. Act is very reminiscent of some of the old “nigger acts” yet it went with lots of life. Full stage. Time 15 minutes.
