2 shows, 25 min, open full stage, close in 1. First time here for this couple in an alleged comedy, singing and dancing act, without title, so far as we know. This is probably the first opportunity that they felt it themselves, and Ford, stating that he had a cold, desired to cancel, which he was allowed to do without regret. The dancing is all right, but the balance of the act was not good enough for a place in the 3-show section. They may do on Broadway, but they won’t go in Boston.
2 shows, 27 min, full stage. Appearing in sketch called ‘A Pressing Matter,’ which he did before. It is slow in the opening and he has been requested to cut out at least five minutes. There are many sentences in the dialogue that might be termed suggestive by those who are looking for that sort of thing, the audience laughed at them just the same. Miss Billlings, who supports Mr. Dickson, is an improvement in Miss McEwan. A new sketch will be necessary to insure another engagement here.
3 shows, 14 min, open in 3, close in . In acrobatic comedy and dancing specialties. It is an excellent turn for the 3-show section, and Mr. Woods’ wooden show dancing is better than that of the much advertised John Ford, who is lower down of the bill. If anything happened to the latter, I should have no hesitation in placing Mr. Wood in his place.
12 min. Water Landscape in 5. We understand this woman has three acts. Number one, which she is giving here; number two, where the cart and dogs are used; and number three, the best of all, in which the posing in the back drop is done. They were all given with the Barnum show, but on one week engagements, the simplest of three acts is presented. One of the Three Avolos is travelling with Miss Gerard as her husband or manager. She also has a French horse trainer, who claims to have trained horses for the Czar of Russia. This gentleman has two assistants. The number one act that she gave us to-day consists entirely of high school riding. She used two horses, working one at a time. They do they cake-walk, the waltz, and other fancy evolutions. The act went exceptionally well, and was applauded throughout, with curtain calls at the finish. The horses are well trained, and work without balking. The act made a real hit.
Man and woman, in a comedy sketch ‘A Horse on Hogan.’ Sketch has little action, and depends entirely and clever and catchy dialogue. It is a mistaken identity affair, without any action, and wholly talk. Went very well, with laughs. Good act, but doubt if it is as strong as Gardiner & Vincent’s.
He gave us in the first part of his act, practically the same material that he offered last season, but he concludes with the song, ‘The Maiden and the Jay’ in which he is assisted by a partner. Although he got on extremely late this afternoon the show running over time he went very strongly. 15 min in one, 2 shows.
This girl was accepted by the audiences much better than I thought she would be. She has a very nice voice, although not great in any sense; but she has a most pleasing personality and very naïve manner, which she brings out to the fullest extent, in her little ‘Red Ridinghood’ song. 13 min in one, 2 shows.
Tramp comedian and juggler although his juggling does not apply for a great deal. He made one of the laughing hits of the show and in all the good things that have been said about him in other Houses, I fully coincide with. 15 min, open full stage, very short close in one, 2 shows.
Eccentric acrobatic dancing act. Well there is no doubt as to the ability of these two people but I cannot see them at the salary they are getting. The got their greatest applause on their entrance which shows that they are drawing us some money on the strength of their Rogers Brother’s reputation, but I don’t believe it would be advisable to play them again at that salary. They do not make good for it. 10 min, open full stage, about 1-1/2 in one, 2 shows.
These rough quartettes cannot be relied upon for much in this house. The coarse atmosphere which pervades the act is not appreciated by our audiences. Their comedy is decidedly forced, but in this case the singing is better than usual. If I didn’t need the time in one so badly and could place them earlier on the bill, they would be all right but they are hardly suited to the place I am obliged to give them, however it should be rated as a fairly good three a day act.
