Blackface Monologue. 14 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 8:56. This man’s first appearance here, and was immense. He caught the crowd immediately, with the swing and dash of his work. All his songs got a good hand, and he was compelled to respond to three encores and four curtain calls, including a little speech, which was very neatly done. Johns proved himself very much all right.
On at 1.25, 14 min, in 1, 3 shows. Blackface parody singers and jokers. Their make-ups are neat, their parodies are new and uptodate, their delivery is good, being somewhat on the style of the Dillon Bros. Altogether this is a corking good act for from $80 to $100. Would make good on almost any bill in an early spot. Would recommend that time be given them if possible. Cut: “Nearer, My God to Thee” and “Dam family”. Change “You don’t give me no cocoa” to “You don’t give me cocoa.”
Buck and wing dancers. 13 min. in 1. 2 shows (should be 2). Blackface, making a good presentation in white suits. Do a little singing which is only fair, and a good deal of dancing which is much better. Received some advance applause because they are known to be Philadelphia boys. The various dances received good applause and the close was strong for that kind of an act. It must be said, however, that this is not better than a three-a-day act, and there is absolutely no justification for their demanding a place in the two-a-day section,. More than that, they caused a good deal of annoyance by demanding the cream spot on the bill and make themselves generally obnoxious by their kicks. They certainly entertain an opinion of the merits of their act, which is by no means justified. Two curtain calls, largely due to the insistence of their friends. Underworld and overpaid.
Minstrel men. One works straight, the other blackface. Made a strong kick for two shows. They have gone backwards since the last time. Just about got by to-day and only capable of opening the show. 12 min. in one, 3 shows.
2 shows, 19 min. in 1. Blackface singing, dancing and talking comedians. Before this act came many of the people went out, owing to the fact I believe, that they imagined there was nothing big in store for them, but they were greatly mistaken. Had considerable new material since they were last here, and went with laughter and applause throughout. One of the hits of the show much to my surprise. In spite of this, we will be obliged to move them up to give a sort of ‘retainer’ to the closing portion of the bill.
14 min. Blackface monologuist and parodist. Stuff is new and up-to-date. Good act for the early 2-a-day part of almost any bill.
Assisted by the Sharp Boys. Black face singing and dancing act, with special plantation scenery. While this is a good act it didn’t have a chance on earth following the Williams and Walker Glee Club. The two acts should never have been placed one to follow the other on any bill. They conflict and that does not express the half of it. In the night show I will split them by four acts. Leonard has a good act, one that would stand on its own merits on any bill, but he was unfortunate in being made to follow the best colored vocal act I ever heard. The dancing of the Sharp boys was liberally applauded. Special set in 4, close in one. 17 minutes.
This man works in blackface. Has a good voice, sings some very good parodies and received a few laughs for his monologue. Was a little strong-going down here for him. Would go to better advantage if on before 2:30 and 8:30 in the continuous houses. 15 min. in one.
Blackface Comedians. 18 min. in 1. 2 shows. This is essentially a gallery act. The songs are good. The dancing on the sanded mat is immense. The talk is coarse, even indecent at times. It will have to be cut considerably to suit our audiences. There were many laughs throughout this feature, and the close was strong. They received two curtain calls, but almost all the applause came from the gallery and balcony. The cuts which had to be made were particularly flagrant and offensive. By referring to cuts from Boston and New York, we find that they cut out several things, but their substitutions were even more vulgar and worse than the matter formerly eliminated. One or two things were actually not even fit to be in print. Nothing was changed on the bill as to time, as it was found to play off O.K.
“An Upheaval in Darktown” 18 min. in 1. 2 shows. Two men and a woman doing blackface. This act has been much improved since I saw it here some weeks ago, but still is rather coarse, and must be toned down considerably to suit our audience. The costuming is very acceptable, and the talk is lively, but inclined to be broad. There were a good many laughs and the finish was good. They will have to go further up the bill as they cannot properly hold down such an important place as this.
