[New Act] Songs, dances and piano. 15 mins.; one. Two colored men in entertaining songs, dances and piano playing. The shorter does the singing and dancing, the other playing accompaniments on a baby grand. Both wear cork facial make-up.
The singer does a “wench” bit that is the goods. He also puts over a competent bit of soft shoe dancing, a department in which he shines.
The turn on its American Roof showing will add value to any small time bill, suitable particularly for the early section. The act went over very well, No. 4 on the Roof.
Henry and Adelaide, in “one and a half,” with a very pretty special set with electrical effects, though handicapped by opening the show, got all they wanted and a little more with their classy, neat song and dance offering. Adelaide made four very pretty changes in costume, while Henry makes a complete change in dress, dancing simultaneously, getting a good hand on same. Could have held a later spot.
Stanley and Birnes, introducing themselves with a neat, up-to-date song with a patter for a chorus, danced their way into a well sized hit, and should have fourth position, and Babcock and Dolly, who held this spot, moved up or even off, which would have helped considerable.
Edith Clasper and boys proved the class. With excellent dancing it went big. Miss Clasper is pretty, graceful and has an elaborate wardrobe. The two boys made a hit with interpolated songs.
Grace Hayes and Co. held down the “ace” position fairly well, all things considered, with better grade published numbers. An unbilled piano accompanist constitutes the “Co.” The Three Blighty Girls captioning their offering “rare bits of Scotch vaudeville,” concluded with an interesting song and dance routine, the clogging going the strongest. With intermission to follow at around 10 the trio kept them seated unto the last.
Jean Gordon Players, a novelty skit with songs and dances, proved another hit. It consists of two men and two women, all in Scotch dress, and has a slight plot, just enough to make it interesting. The straight man has a sweet tenor voice and when he sings he thrills the audience.
Paggie Dale with her two male assistants gave the evening a start with dancing ushered in by an introductory lyric sung by one of the boys at the piano, the other boy dancing with the girl. Usual as to routine until toward the end, when an acrobatic bit of stepping, in which the girl is handled by her partner, picked things up and sent the act away in much better shape. Lack of coherence with the boys down in the pit also tended to make the running seem ragged.
Virginia Lea Corbin headlines with a neat arrangement for a vaudeville appearance. The classy child displays some singing and dancing ability, but scores with fine pantomime in the skit and wears keen gowns.
By way of contrast there were Ed and Bertie Conrad, with an ultra-modern jazz singing and dancing turn, backed up with a stage full of satin drapes, colored “spots” and special song material. It made a real class turn, the production values being more noticeable through following the roughhouse quartet. Mr. Conrad cheapens his act, however, by resorting to mugging for comedy. It might be a good idea, too, to settle down to whatever dialect he is going to use and go to it. Monday night he seemed uncertain whether he was doing straight, Hebraic comic or darkey. The double numbers are especially well written and out over skillfully. The orchestrations are worthy of comment. Miss Conrad showed several pretty costumes and counted largely in the all around good impression registered.
12 Mins.; One and Full Stage. The Shentons, Australians, have something ab it different in the song and dance line with their dancing ability standing out considerably in advance of the vocal efforts. The turn consists of two men and a woman, the taller of the males doing practically all the singing, with the other couple dancing through the various choruses. The opening is a short introduction carrying an explanation of the ensuring work. It is followed by a Dutch number in costume, but for some reason or other the dialect is faulty, running a bit more to Scotch. AN Eskimo number is also added with an Indian song utilized for the finish. This is by far the best of the three and allows for some excellent dancing on a mat with moccasins worn. It brought the Shentons over to big applause and should guarantee their safe passage over here.
