Eddie Borden and his all-star cast of one “Sir” Frederick Courtney, ran second on applause honors, opening intermission. At the opening he has his “cast” doing “wop” dialect in the burglar bit, which gives a touch of surprise to the English dialect later. Like the preceding comedy turn there was mention of that tender subject in these parts – liquor. Borden admitted that “sunshine is so beautiful but moonshine is more substantial.”
Mabel Harper and Co. is a comedy skit next to closing, registered a big hit. Miss Harper is a clever but comedienne with an original style and she has a corking comedy routine which is effectively presented.
Man and woman presenting a comedy trifle, “A Question of Policy”. Entertaining throughout, keen appreciation, genuine laughs and good finish. Garden in five. 22 minutes.
16 minutes in one. Special drop. A country store, a Rube, and a woman. Some very fair comedy and a musical ending that went very big.
24 min. Special drop in One. “Back in Wellington.” as usual a big laughing hit.
Presenting “A Regular Business Man”. Mr. Fairbanks portrays the character of a young lawyer, who on account of his weak business ability—his stenographer and fiancée decide to resign—he begs for time—six months, three months and one month and finally an hour is granted, he gets busy and by good luck makes $50, 000 in an hour. The sketch is full of good bright up-to-date lines, with many laughs, exceptionally clever and well played. Twenty-two minutes, full stage. At every performances the two former Co-Stars Tom Wine and Douglas Fairbanks join hands, their appearance is the cause of spontaneous applause from all parts of the house, which necessitates both making genuine first night curtain speeches. The publicity given the two Co-Stars in all the papers has been tremendous with the result of S.R.O. at every performance.
Presenting “A Chip of the Old Block” by Byron Ongley. “The scene of this skit is laid at the Actors Fund Home an Staten Island, with Mr. Wise as an inmate who in his younger days was an old favorite old Bowery Tragedian and was about to become famous as a Tragic Star, grew fat and funny and was forced to take the comedy roles, the public not taking him seriously, ruined his life, he separated from his wide and become a cranky old man. After years travelling with medeocre [sic] companies, comes to the home to spend his declining years. His ray of hope is his son who he has not seen for many years and knows he is a leading man with a repertoire company. The boy notifies his Dad that is coming. The Father is excited, making preparations, but to the old man’s horror, when the boy arrives, he is fat as himself. A scene of comedy and pathos follows. The curtain falls with the old man gazing at the picture of his grand-son who he thinks will surely be a Tragedian.”
A splendid sketch, rather novel in construction, with good comedy and a wee bit of pathos. Received a rousing hand on the finish. Twenty-three minutes, full stage.
In the alleged comedy “Holding Out” rather a rough vehicle for a house of this kind. Some laughs, although scattered. Finished weak, full stage, 14 minutes.
Singing Comedy sketch, man and woman, comedy went pretty good, singing O.K. special set of scenery in two representing Gypsy Camp, lady dressed in Gypsy costume, 15 minutes, just got a fair hand at finish.
“The Parsonage.” 20 min. F.S. One of the best protean acts we have ever played. Held the audience all the way through, making a strong close.
