GHR 2. Drop in one. 18 mins. Young man impersonating a German comedian, in a political speech “A la Sam Bernard”. Every line a scream. He had the audience this afternoon following 34 minutes of music, therefore, scored a tremendous hit. He asked permission to work without his drop, which detracts from his act, and I fully agree with him.
2 shows, 24 min. full stage. Did not seem to go so strong as last week, as he made few changes in his impersonations, and these of people whom he has presented during prior engagements. Gens. Lee and Grant, and President Roosevelt, were the most appreciated.
YRR 2. Drop 2, 17 mins. Impersonator of celebrated composers. The audience today knew no more of the characters he impersonated than he does dancing a jig. His peculiar mannerisms of the various selections played, caught the house. We could not allow Hammerstein’s impersonation here, although he could add that to his selections in the other houses, where the act should go very strong.
“An Evening with Dickens”: – 30 min. F.S. 2 shows. On at 8:30. Assisted by Miss Tina Marshall. This is a very interesting and novel Vaudeville feature. Mr. Stevens is a thorough artist. From the time he entered, to advance applause, up to the close, he had the interest of the audience without any questions of doubt. Additional interest in his act is aroused by his making up on the stage and by his clever talk during this work. The impersonation of the various Dickens’ characters are one and all excellent. Each of them got a big hand, and the close was very flattering for a quiet act of this kind.
Famous Hungarian character actress. Opens the act with a little dialogue regarding her travels on a steamer. Gets a few laughs on some slang horse race expressions, then gives various imitations of English, French and German vocalists. Uses a man in the act as a dummy, who makes an attempt of piano playing which is carried on by the orchestra. Changes her costume to that of an officer wearing tights and does a Hungarian dance. She has good stage presence and a pleasing voice. She appeals to the foreign element. At this afternoon’s performance she did not go so well, but went much stronger to-night. 14 min. full stage.
Original Stories. 15 min in 1. 2 shows. Made an unqualified hit. His stories are new and delivered in a manner that shows that he is a genius in character studies. His selections included German, Irish and other dialect work, and all of it was faithful to the types he portrayed. He received big hands for each one of his stories, and an encore and curtain call at the close. Can hold down a much better place on the bill.
Assisted by Edith Conrad. Presenting “Things I Have Seen on the Stage.” Act consists of character impersonations by Willard Simms, who is very clever. Act is quite novel in its general tone and make-up? Edith Conrad makes a pleasing appearance and that lets her out. She has no voice and is not an actress. As an assistant she just about passes. Will arrange to give them a better place. 20 min-full stage (Closed in one about 5 min)
“They Dixey Boy,” an imitation of George Evans “The Honey Boy.” Copies his makeup, dress and business. The act went very well this afternoon, and held down this difficult spot without the least difficulty. In another year the act should be as good as George Evans. Drop in one. 12 min.
“Under the Third Degree”: 31 min. F.S. 2 shows. Got a big advance hand. The act includes the impersonations of no less than eight people, each one distinct and individual. Courtleigh surely shows himself a versatile and accurate character impersonator. He is well supported. Held the attention and interest right up to a very dramatic and thrilling close. There was a storm of applause at the finish. Not the slightest tinge of disappointment in Courtleigh’s making good a big name. I am sure it will do better with the evening audiences.
Character impersonator, making up in view of the audience. A very strong act for the three-show section. Always makes good here in a place on the early bill. Impersonations: Svengali, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and the old violinist in “Mistress Nell.” 5 mins. in one.
