“Mumming Birds.” 30 in. F.S. 2 sows. This is a stage within a stage comedy feature on the regulation British style of humor. There is a good deal in it that is rather coarse in its spirit of fun, but the majority of the audience seemed to think it was a tremendous scream. There is certainly enough diversity about it to hold anybody’s attention. It comprises the oum? Male quartette and the Music Hall singer, the fake “Terrible Turk”, etc. The mixing in of the supposed audience in the boxes is irresistibly funny. This is such a new kind of fun for our audience that I am anxious to see how it will take with the evening audiences. If laughter and applause is any criterion, they certainly approved of the sketch mightily to-day, for although it was one of the hottest days of the year, the crowd forgot everything.
Singing, talking and dancing comedians. 14 min. In 1. 3 shows. Two men, one working eccentric and the other straight. The best work was the dancing, both on the low platform and on the mat, but after the dancing of John Rich is did not get the hand it deserved. The dancing imitation of the railroad train went very well, and there was good applause. Held down this place.
3 shows, 13 min. In 1- “Real coon” comedians, singers and dancers introducing their rag time shadow dance. Went much better than when we had them here a year ago but hardly strong enough to hold down this spot. Will move them up for the night show.
Dealers in harmony and fun. 18 min. In 1. 2 shows. Three man working comedy, and one straight. They sing very well, and their comedy is spontaneous and good. There were many laughs for their fun. Their quartette singing is very much better than their solo work. Passes muster very well for this place.
Singing Comedians. 20 min. in 1. 2 shows. Four men, one working German comedy, one Buster Brown, one Irish comedy and one mock tragedian. Carry their own drop. These people have act improved since they were here last and their act is practically the same. The singing is weak and some of the comedy is far below the standard. However, they received a good many laughs. Went off to very good hand.
“The Taming of the Beast” 21 min F.S. 2 shows. Four people in the cast. The theme of the act is not a pleasant one and at times borders on the risqué. It deals with the son of a rich man infatuated with an adventuress, who finally wins over the old men by her witchery. There is a lot of “go” in it, but it appeals to the gallery rather than to the orchestra, and the cuts were imperative. In fact, the whole act should be guardedly toned down. Many laughs throughout, and finish after rousing good song was satisfactory. It will be transposed on the evening bill. Never want to play this act again at this house, as it does not appeal to the class of people who are our patrons.
English comedian. This young woman did fairly well considering she sang three old songs, but does each one in a different character. Alright for an early place. 15 min. in one.
2 shows, 16 min, open in 3, close in 1. In a bit of comic opera which they call “The Pearl and the Lobster” TreDenick opens up in ludicrous feminine costume and Miss Farm is a pretty and tastefully costumed young woman. They both have excellent voices and I believe the act just falls short of being a good one for the figure. A little more comedy by TreDenick and it would be an excellent vehicle of the sort.
“The New Janitor” 17 min. F.S. 3 shows. Man and woman, one working straight and other eccentric Irishman. Man got a laugh from the start, and the comedy work of the little face kept up a running fire of fun clean to the end. In fact, this feature was quite a surprise. It won the audience completely. Francis is a born comedian and should have a better vehicle. The woman makes a very pleasing presentation and sings very well. Francis was the whole thing, however, and won big hand. He deserved to go down the line.
Character monologue. This is the second time here for Miss Reimer, and while she is undoubtedly a good character woman in the legitimate, her work does not seem to especially appeal to vaudeville audience. While she held the attention fairly well, she aroused no enthusiasm, only a few laughs, and scarcely any applause up to the finish when she introduced her laughing song, which she does very well indeed, and which won hearty applause.
