On at 1.59, 17 min full stage, 6 min close in 1, 23 min in all. Not the Quaker City Four of the old days by any means. Their singing is not up to the old standard, and they have cut out all instrumental work except Ernst’s guitar-playing. John Healy has incorporated his monologue almost bodily into the act and he succeeds in getting a number of laughs. Would hardly stand a better spot than one or two in the big houses, would probably get by at three or four in the smaller. Of course, the lengthy of time they do is a point in their favor, also the fact of their closing in 1.
2 shows, 13 min. in 1. Three men and a woman. Good vocalists, but I believe of they gave us less of the heavy selections, it would be much to their advantage. All of their songs were encored, however, but not to the pitch they should be. Their last selection carried them off to a good hand and it was a life saver.
2 working straight and two eccentrics. This is one of the few quartets that have a fairly good blending of voices. Their singing is thoroughly alright. The comedy end of it just about got by. Alright for an early place. 11 min in one – 2 shows.
2 shows, 12 min. In 1- Four men, two eccentric, harmony singers, dancers and comedians. The vocal work of these chaps is quite good, and as with most acts of the sort here, went very well. There is very little comedy to the act. It was my understanding that these people were to do three show but today they pulled out a contract calling for two shows. I mentioned the fact to them that I thought it should be three shows and they consented to do the third turn, so I am of the opinion it was a mistake.
This is the team that used to do the barbershop act. John Healy is now with them, doing the comedy. While the act is a welcome change from the old act, I doubt if it is as good. The close in one, in which Healy does the greater part of his old monologue, is the best part of the act. The black smith show does not amount to much. Closed to a good hand. 27 min. Full stage. Close in one.
Musical Blacksmiths: 24 min. F.S. close in 1. 3 shows. Three men, working blacksmith, one working blackface. Their singing is very true and shows good training. Selections were not particularly mew, but they were well sung to good applause. The close in one, including a “Coon” sermon by John Healey, got a good many laughs. The finish was flattering.
Four men, singing act, entitled “Christmas on the Island.” Special prison scene drop in one. Act reported on by New York last week. Only three of the men sing. Their voices are only fair. Much of the talk should be cut out and re-arranged. The holiday audience applauded everything, and gave this act three curtains and an encore. The idea is novel, but the work could be greatly improved. 24 mins. Spec. drop in one.
MHR 2. In a vocal novelty entitled “Christmas on Blackwell’s Island.” They carry their own drop with represents three of the performers in cells, and the biggest part of the work is done with them behinds the bars. The fourth performer is on the outside. They all have magnificent voices; in fact, I consider it about the best singing act that we have played for some time. They were rather unfortunate in their place on the bill this afternoon as it was a little too late for them, but that will be remedied on the night show. I don’t think that there is any question but that the act, at the price we are paying for it and considering the element of novelty which it introduces, will be a success all over the circuit. 23 minutes in two.
2 shows, 19 min. in 1. Excellent vocalists, but the Hebrew comedian is a good deal of a “shine”. Their ensemble and straight solos were all encored.
2 shows, 17 min. A mixed quartet of excellent vocalists, who were probably, next to the Fadettes, the applause winners of the show.
