Zelaya
Zelaya, the South American piano player, was next-to-closing, and held it down with ease. He opens with a classical selection, after which he gives a lecture in psychology, and when he jazzes the popular numbers he just couldn’t miss.
Street Urchin
[New Act] Violinist, 12 mins.; one. (Oct.28). Boy who looks 12 but probably around 18 enters playing semi-classical number on violin, the music preceding his appearance. Is dressed in ragged garb and absence of makeup gives his pale, wistful appearance which aids in sympathetic appeal.
Plays another number straight then sings a ballad in a sweet baritone, closing with a song and a violin accompaniment at same time. More than made good opening second half of roof bill.
The Pesci Duo
The Pesci Duo ushered in the second half and had they been in the spot held by Willing and Jordan would have, more than likely, held up the entertainment. They came very close to doing as much anyway, the boys efforts on the harp being responsible. A very close second to one of the Marx Brother in playing the instrument, the chances being that he’ll run even with the latter if he keeps going.
The Six Musical Nosses
The Six Musical Nosses, headlining, walloped over a substantial hit with brass and instrumental selections. The Nosses broke in in the old continuous days some 22 years ago or thereabouts. There were five then. The present turn contains three of the originals. Quite a record for any act. A string trio with a freak violin, cello de gamba (small cello) and viola stood out among the various numbers. Herald trumpets, cornets, trombones and a saxophone quintet also figure in an entertaining series of medleys. A good old standard musical turn, the Nosses, which has stood the test of time exceedingly well.
Monsieur Herbert
Mons. Herbert opened the bill in “two” with a table set for dinner, this being his musical paraphernalia in disguise. These instruments have the bell sound and far from being the sweetest music, but Monsieur works hard and gets by with a good hand.
Wilton Sisters
12 Mins.; One. Two little misses. Appearance decidedly sisterish. One girl plays the piano and the other the violin. Both sing with piano girl displaying better voice. Typical kid act. Popular numbers got the usual results although the applause at the finish gave evidence of home sympathy. Precocity of youth. Ever a jewel valuable asset with the Wiltons.
Ben Bernie
The house again proved that when Ben Bernie, who followed Miss Carus and was next to closing, went through his most enjoyable act. Mr. Bernie talked his was along until time to play the fiddle once more, when he asked the audience to pick up their airs. After playing a couple Mr. Bernie stopped, to talk again it seemed, but someone somewhere hollered, “Keep on playing,” and Mr. Bernie did. Bernie has a pleasing stage presence that sends his talk across far stronger than it really is. He’s a kidder, besides, with the violin and thinks more of a laugh apparently than he does of a good notice in the Musical Courier. That’s what made him a talking violinist. Some have danced while playing a violin. That’s awkward. Others just play the violin. That’s musical. Bernie just holds the violin and talks. That’s salary.
Cosica and Verdi
Cosica and Verdi, next to closing, pulling down the best returns in this section with violin and violin and cello doubles. The size of the met looked to be a heavy handicap for getting over with the soft strains of the stringed instruments, but the team overcame this obstacle surprisingly. They did the regulation pop and operatic numbers, mixing in a bit of mild comedy here and there and finishing strongly with “Love Nest.” This brought them back for a jazzy medley, including “Dardanella,” which apparently is just becoming popular in the baby carriage borough.
Sam Hearn
The rube monolog by Sam Hearn landed without a bump, making the violin bit at the finish unnecessary for this one particular performance, but which nevertheless did detect from that which had gone before. Mr. Hearn’s political speech showed somewhat of a similarity to that offered by Lew Dockstader, but either is certain as Nov. 2 isn’t so far away.
Banjo Trio
13 Mins.; One. Two men and a woman. The former do the banjo strumming while the woman plays rather lackadaisically upon a guitar-shaped instrument. The men play mechanically and should not take their work too seriously. Act best in pop houses.