A man and a woman in a singing and talking act, in which the man makes up as a dude and the woman acts as a sort of foil to his supposed comedy. The man is not a particularly bright comedian, and it required a man of a little more than average ability to impersonate a dude with any degree of success. But the woman shows considerable vivacity, and they manage to get away with the act without giving offense. 17 minutes in one.
A comedy sketch called “A Thief in the Night.” As every body understands, Wilmer is not much of an actor, but he has the faculty of writing sketches which are funny in themselves and the lines and situations of which are bound to cause laughter. He went very good indeed this afternoon. His finish being a hit. 19 minutes, full stage.
A man and a woman in a somewhat unique act which introduces acrobatic work, a little juggling, and a little double bicycle riding. They are both neatly dressed, and while not an especially strong act, it makes a very acceptable offering.
Musical comedy act. One of these men is made up straight, and the other is an eccentric. They are Australians and there is a trifle of the English style of humor about the act; still, the come nearer to being genuinely funny than any foreign act of this kind that we have ever played and they went very strong this afternoon. 20 minutes, open full stage and close in one.
This is a “coon” act introducing three women and two men, and certainly made a great hit here this afternoon. The act is dressed very well indeed and possesses considerable merit. It is, however, somewhat coarser than many of the colored acts we have played, but after some suggested changes have been adopted I have no question but that it will be a very good act. It is full of life and keeps the attention of the audience from the start to the finish. 25 minutes, full stage. Can close in one if necessary.
A man and woman in a sketch, the principal feature of which is the man’s imitations, which are very good indeed and are introduced in a somewhat novel manner. The sketch itself is of no particular strength, but the man is quite a good mimic and gets away with the imitations all right. 18 minutes, open full stage, and close in one.
This fellow was born without arms and he does painting while holding the brush in his mouth. Considering his misfortune, he does very good work indeed, and, while I am not exactly clear at to whether the act will be suited for vaudeville or not, he certainly interested our audience this afternoon. I shall want to see him again, however, before deciding as to his adaptability for vaudeville. 18 minutes; can work entirely in two if necessary.
A man and a woman in a comedy sketch. This is one of those acts in which while there is not a great deal of solid merit, it is still nice to hold the interest of the audience for fifteen minutes, and from a three-show-a-day stand point it is all right in an early part of the show. 15 minutes, full stage, and close with about three minutes in one.
15 min. open in 1 go to full stage and close in 1 – This team of blackface comedians does a little singing, some talking and dancing, and a trifle of work on a swinging trapeze, and at the same time strive to be funny. They have a fair act judged from the old 3-per-day standard.
13 min. in 1 – First time here of this actress as a monologue comedienne. She was always bad as an actress and never made an impression in this house, and in this new role is very little better. Some of her stories were too pointed for use here and we were obliged to cut them, even though they went in Philadelphia and Portland.
