2 shows, 12 min. in 3 – This is a sort of a living picture and physical culture exhibition combined. The man, assisted by Edna Tempest, gives posings in imitation of statuary, first, and the exhibits his muscular development in la Sandow. Then he performs some feats of strength, mainly in lifting the woman, who weighs 148 pounds. I is an excellent act and should be seen on the circuit.
2 shows, 12 min. full stage – Billed as “Vionna caricature dancers”, and easily one of the best acts of the kind we have had here for a long time. It bears no more comparison to such turns as DeForests than day does to night, for these foreigners are gracefulness personified, while those who seek to imitate them in this country are the reverse of that. This sort of act would go here for two weeks easily if I were able to hold it over.
Two real comedians. “The Georgia Minstrels”. These artists are well-known, though they have not played here in sometime, then act is good and went strong. It is unquestionably the funniest black face specialty before the public. Open in one, close full stage. Time: 38 minutes.
Sammy and Sarah series. “After School”. This sketch has been played here several times and seems now, to go stronger than ever. There are both very clever. Miss Carlisle is young, very petite and an exquisite dancer. Full stage, close in one. Time: 31 minutes.
Sketch, “A Gallery Goddess”. This is a new sketch at this house, and a good one. They are first class artists, and great favorites here, always make a hit. Miss Moore neat and dainty always. Full stage. Time 28 minutes.
Comedy Creation, “Duke and American Heiress” A good opening act. It is the first time here and went very good. Good eccentric dancing and comedy, finish very strong. Full stage, close in one. Time: 19 minutes.
MRR 2 – This is an act which I booked as an experiment in order to get something in the way of a novelty. It introduces Walthour and Kramer, the expert bicycle riders. Kramer first introduces an exhibition mile ride on the home trainer with the dial behind him indicating the distance. He is followed by Walthour who also does a mile. This part of the act is not especially interesting as everybody has seen it. In the finish a horse is introduced on the endless platform, similar to that used in “The Country Fair,” and ridden by Walthour. There is a half mile race with Walthour on the home-trainer. It is really quite an exciting bit, and I think it again in a day or two, and I would like to have the others see it too to determine its value as an advertising feature. It is booked in Brooklyn for next week, so that it could not follow on the circuit until the 7thof September at any rate. It is certainly a decided novelty and the finish is very exciting. 15 minutes, full stage.
MRR 2 – Mr. Aldrich has made several changes in his act since I saw him last. He opens with a series of quick changes which are made by some one pulling the clothing through the back scene which he carries. The changes are made on a dark stage and are almost instantaneous, a spot light being thrown on each character as he presents it. After this he does a little bit of crayon work, and then goes into his old tramp juggling act, which is about the same as ever, and he closes with an imitation of Ching Ling Foo. He went very strong this afternoon. 20 minutes, full stage.
GRR 3 – These people proved to be a genuine surprise to me at least. The act consists of four men—one of them made up as a Dutchman, another as a Hebrew, another as a “tough”, and another as an over-grown “kid”. I booked the act for three shows a day as an experiment, stipulating that is they went well we would send them over the circuit. There was so much heavy material that I was obliged to give them one of the strong places in the bill, and they practically made the hit of the show. It is an act that will go anywhere. 25 minutes, open in two and close with about 6 minutes in one.
YYH – This is another of Mr. Keith’s acts and it is safe to say that we have never seen marionettes in this country before. The general fitting up of the act is great—had a fine stage with a full set of scenery, and everything is first class order—strongly, and it is hardly possible to conceive how people can produce the effects that they do by the manipulation of strings. Every move made by these little figures is absolutely natural and life-like, and the audience were quick to appreciate this fact and were most hearty in their applause. The act is closed with a transformation feature which was very pretty and attractive. It is an exceptionally strong turn throughout. 24 minutes, full stage.
