A good quartet, dressed as soldiers, sing old soldiers’ favorites in the pauses of war stories told by a man dressed as a Civil war veteran. While the stories are told battle scenes are depicted by a series of back cloths. Interesting and patriotic enough to be useful. It appears a later edition of old soldier fiddlers.
15 Mins.; One. The Crescent Quartet equally mixed, having voices above the average found in small time vaudeville. Mostly operatic selections starting with the “Sexette from Lucia” are sung. They handle this very well for a fine start. The contralto did a solo that went over with a bang. The dressing is so far superior to the average operatic quartet it deserves mention. The men wear evening dress that looks as if it were made for them, while the two women have attractive gowns which look spic and span. It is an act that should make the big time on ability and appearance.
[New Act] Songs, 11 mins; one. Entering as a “single,” doing a number with the two boys starting an argument with an auditor in the third row that ends with first one going on the other side of the lights, shortly followed by the other, who does his share at the piano.
The men use an Italian dialect and get some humor out of the speech and mannerisms, but the strength of the act rests with the first boy to leave the audience, due to his voice. Three numbers, the boy mentioned doubling with the girl for two.
Miss Granese made one change and has a nice appearance, also singing acceptably with her partner as well. The turn did nicely at the Broadway, No. 3.
The Wintergarden Four also won a hit with excellent harmony singing in familiar quartet selection.
Foley and O’Neal, who just finished a 12-week engagement at the Wintergarden Café, received a reception. This makes the fourth time this season for the boys at this house. They sang their way into the hearts of the audience and it seemed as if the patrons could not get enough of them. Here is a big time act that would make good on any bill.
Elsie Pilcer and Dudley Douglas haven’t been here for a long time, but found a welcome. Miss Pilcer still sticks to her wonderful headdresses, with Douglas introducing her rhyme and songs. Douglas’ number, a parody on “Oh, What a Pal Was Mary,” takes the act out its class caliber.
18 Mins.; Full Stage. Ralph Dunbar, he of lyceum and Chautauqua fame, sponsored the Salon Singers in vaudeville, the turn having just reached New York after an extended tour of the Orpheum Circuit in the west. It carries three men and two women, one of the male members accompanying on the piano. Two quartet numbers, one at either end of the repertoire are filled in with five solos, each member having an opportunity to exhibit his or her individual ability. A comparison in this division would not be exactly the proper thing. Suffice to say the entire quintet acquitted themselves finely, combining to offer one of the most artistic straight singing specialties the big time uncovered some seasons.
15 Mins.; One. Florence and Lillian would be enough. Nobody would stand for the inferred “sister stuff” after a single look at them. After that the girls want to hie themselves to a couple of publishing houses and get new songs, then get someone to arrange for them a routine, and they will, with the aid of some work, evolve a “sister act” that will go right over the small time like a race-horse. The girls are dressing nicely, have good voices, look well, and it seems indeed a shame that they were not properly advised before breaking in. The taller has a rare voice for vaudeville, outside of the regular prima donnas, and the little girl looks, as though she might be a possibility as a comedienne. Just at present she is working straight and it is handicap. A few weeks with some one who could tell them what to do and pick their material would make the girls a contender for better time. They look fresh, and vaudeville is always ready to welcome new faces, if you can back them up with talent, which these girls seem to have.
10 Mins.; Two. These two girls announce themselves as appearing in “A Professional Tryout.” They sing published numbers and work in “two” with a couple of dresses hanging on the back wall of a supposed dressing-room. The stout girl is on the June Mills type and puts her songs over in much the same manager. Her partner is a slim person, and sings rather listlessly. The big girl has a change to put the turn over, but title might as well go out, for it is useless. They just sing, that’s all.
Edler Sisters (New Acts) opened and Orr and Hagar were second. The latter team showed a pretty collection of scenic accessories, caught some attention with Miss Hagar’s singing and considerably more with her costume array. The finish is bridal number, with scenery and lyrics suggesting it is propaganda for a certain brand of California oranges. The act pleased without starting anything.
