20 min. full stage – in a black and white face specialty, called Wireless Telephone”, which scored a laughing hit, notwithstanding the material was practically the same as that used by Simmons and White on many previous occasions. I think Lewis one of the funniest blackface men in the business, and he carries the act.
One act comedy, “Paris.” Their second appearance in this act, this season. It is a worthy successor of “Dickey.” And a great hit here. Mr. White and Miss Stuart are first class in everything they do. The act has improved wonderfully, since last here, and is one of the best in Vaudeville to-day. Much praise must be given to Miss Taylor, though her part is small, yet she looks and acts it to perfection. They are too well known to require details. Full stage. Time 27 minutes.
Monologist, with a “sing-song” voice. This woman has a good appearance, and can tell stories in an interesting way. She succeeded in entertaining the audience after a fashion, but made no phenomenal hit. However, she was well received.
2 shows – 15 min. – spec. set in 5 – Illusionist. The act was repeatedly rehearsed, and went very smoothly, with the exception of one of two “kinks”. One of the balloons bursted; and the fountain trick started before he was ready for it. Thurston has six illusions that are excellent. When worked properly they will surpass anything that I have ever seen from a mystifying point of view. As the act stands now, the action is slow, and, I believe, the only solution is to introduce a number of smaller tricks – such as “growing flowers, etc., and sand-wich in between the “big” illusions. This could easily be accomplished, and it would inject into the act that life and action which it now lacks. Thurston is naturally a little slow and methodical in his movements, but his assistants could be depended on to create this action by bringing in and carrying out the necessary paraphernalia to perform the tricks. If sufficient time was given to the act, I am sure that it could be made the very best of the kind in the business.
17 min. in 2 – Crayon artist, who does exceedingly clever work, two of his drawings in particular being good enough to bear closer scrutiny than they can possibly receive in a theatre. He had a good arrangement of music and held the audience wonderfully well at the close of the afternoon show. In the evening he was one of the hits of the show, and recalled a couple of times. It is the sort of act that is wasted in a small place in a show.
20 min. in 1 – Had a lot of new talk and songs, and made good in a difficult place in the bill. His hit was made with a topic song at the finish, for which he received several recalls. Personally, I think hom [sic] coarse and suggestive and occasionally have complains about him, but he goes big with the large majority, and there is no way of “cutting” him unless it is to drop him out altogether. I think we can do without him for a while.
10 min. in 2 – Leaving out of consideration the high note she manages to strike in singing “Last Rose of Summer” this woman has no particular claim to extra consideration as a vocalist, and she was completely overshadowed by Miss Taylor. Madame Helena’s voice is thin and metallic, without a warm note in it, and her imitation on the violin was almost “dinky”. I had no trouble with her Manager whatever. He has been around here with a subdued manner all day. I might say that she was exploited more than she will make good for, however.
18 min. open full stage, close in 1 – Although this team did not present a single “stunt” that was new, I do not believe that they ever received more applause or created more laughter in this house. In fact, their encore proved to be the laughing hit of the show.
16 min. in 1 – Colored man and woman, singing the regulation “coon” ballads. They are just good enough for a 3 turn spot in the bill, although they have improved much since I first employed them, at the time of the White Rat strike.
20 min. full stage – Even from the old 3-a-day standpoint this is a poor act, judging from the fact that the woman is absolutely of no account, as she can neither sing nor act. Armstrong is a better comedian than his brother (of Armstrong and Wright) but is only fair, at that.
