One of the best big acts we have ever played. The girls, ten in number, are well trained, the scenic investiture is fine, and on the whole it exceeded our expectations and scored a magnificent hit. The minstrel first-part runs 22 minutes, and the closing at full stage with two watermelon girls runs 5 minutes.
Billed as comediennes. One working straight and the other grotesque. The one working straight can not sing. She tries, but that is near as she gets. Girl doing the comedy carries the act. She received the laughs and they were frequent and hearty. Act ended much better than it started. Drapery in one. 20 minutes.
Two men and a woman in a sketch entitled, ‘The Awakening of Toys.’ An acrobatic comedy sketch well known on the circuit. A good act for children. The act has improved since I last saw it. Work seemed finished and received frequent applause. Very good act for this house. Special drapery in 3. 1 minutes.
Vocalist billed as a singing comedienne. The young lady possesses a very deep voice. Neatly gowned and has quite a winning way, but did not seem to make a great impression on the audience this afternoon although I can see no reason why she should not go well. However, the applause was lacking and the majority of the audience were reading their programs. A good act for the money, but evidently not strong enough for this position in this house. She worked hard and deserved applause. Drapery in one. 12 minutes.
24 minutes, full stage, interior in ‘A Yankee’s Love for Dixie.’ I cannot say that I like their sketch. It is not near as good as the old act. The work of Mrs. Crane, however, it is very good as any I have ever heard. The act, however, is going very well owing to our having lots of comedy before and after.
15 minutes. Full stage, interior. ‘The Greatest of Jugglers.’ This is undoubtedly the best act of the kind I have ever seen. He has caused more talk in Pittsburgh than any act that has ever appeared in vaudeville here. Our business has been very big. Would like to play him a return this season. Would advise any one who has him booked to make him the headliner.
Refined musical act. 18 minutes, full stage. Can close in one. This act looks well and both are good musicians, yet there is so much sameness to the act that it does not go big with our patrons. If they were getting about $50.00 less they would be getting all the act is worth.
Piano playing, singing and some talking. 18 minutes, full stage. The act is not a good one. The piano playing of Mr. Crawford is the worst I ever saw and I have never seen any one on the stage who acted as much like an amateur. He wore his street clothes on the stage which, by the way, were not good. I feel sure that if Crawford had a partner who could do something he would be able to put a good act together but as the act stands now, I would not care to recommend it to any one at any figure.
4 men and a woman. Act consists of singing, dancing, imitations and Baton Juggling. Catlin’s Chinese Impersonations are very good and went exceptionally well. The singing does not amount to much. Just about got by on the dancing. Baton Juggling is excellent. Strongest part of the act. Presume they are breaking the act in here. This place is entirely too strong for them. Will have to move them up earlier. 14 min, full stage , 2 shows.
Juggler. First American Appearance. The first part of this man’s work is very ordinary, but finally gets them on his billiard-table and ball work. Uses the billiard-table to shoot the balls and catches them in pockets adjusted to his coat. Also shoots revolvers attached to his head and plays musical instruments. Quite novel. Greatly appreciated. 13 min, full stage, 2 shows.
