Sketch ‘At the Threshold.’ Mr. Keenan, a man and a woman. Rather a dramatic offering, but the best act Mr. Keenan has ever presented in vaudeville. Rather serious for a hot day, but the act held the closet attention, and every line proved interesting. A very good act. Cut out: ‘Damn generous.’ 12 mins. Fancy in 3.
Assisted by woman, in the farce ‘Mr. & Mrs. Nagg.’ First appearance, received a big lot of advance applause. The idea is that of a nagging married couple. Donnelly is a clever comedian. The business in the act don’t amount too much, the success depends solely on the lines, some of which are funny and laughable in spots. This being the first presentation I believe the act will improve daily. Twenty-three minutes, full stage, two shows.
With her Arabian Whirlwinds. Singing, dancing and a little acrobatic work. The boys are clever and received big applause all through their acrobatic work. Miss Francis dancing went big. They all work fast, full of ginger. Received a lot of applause on the finish. Nine minutes full stage, two shows.
Singing comedy. Received a big lot of advance applause. Van Alstyne scored big hit with his piano playing. Louise Henry is only a fair singer, looks attractive and being the ‘Sal Skinner Gal’ lets her out. They received quite a number of laughs in spots, but closed very weak. Twenty-three minutes in two, two shows.
Blackface monologue and songs. Received advance applause on his entrance. Personality seems to be the keynote of his great success. The same stuff in other hands would fall flat. There is no question about his ability to ‘make good,’ but there are a number of acts that can turn the trick at less money, and it would seem that this man is getting all the money he is worth, especially when one considers that a dress suit case constitutes his ‘excess’ baggage and he has no ‘company’ to pay. This is his third trip here in ten months. A very good at. Probably the applause hit of the show. 30 mins in one.
Presenting for the second time here their latest sketch, ‘Paris.’ In other hands the sketch might prove suggestive in spots. To the broad-minded patron, it’s a good, hearty laugh, although I believe we received a sharp letter from a Quaker deacon the last time the sketch was presented here. A very good act. White’s cleverness in the character he portrays is really remarkable. 29 mins. Fancy in 3.
Violinist. I was told he worked as a ‘rube’ and that there was some comedy in the act. The fact is, he works straight, dresses straight and plays three classical selections. There is no comedy in the act and this is too late a spot for straight violin playing in one. From a musical standpoint he may be very clever performer, but straight violinists in one do not make an awful hit here 2.40. 11 min in one.
Opened in one with a sort of a ‘Sal Skinner Girl’ specialty, which was below par. Then went to full stage and attempted Geo. Austin’s work, but she can’t get away with it in Austin’s style. No real harm for an early spot in the three-show division. Cut out: bustle in disrobing act. 15 min. Open in one. Garden.
Two men, singing, and talking act, entitled ‘Casey’s Visit.’ The vocalist can’t sing, and the comedian has a queer idea of comedy. It’s a ‘refined’ act, because they wear opera crush hats and tuxedo coats. The laughing song the comedian sings is the only good thing in the act. Cut out: ‘Wouldn’t give a damn $2,000,000.’ ‘Hell gate’ and ‘Cold feet’ stories. 15 mins in one.
These boys have a very good act, and made good at both performances yesterday. The act is entitled ‘Scenes in a Café,’ and they have been using an interior, but I got them to change to an exterior, so as to give them more room. The act went much better. They admitted themselves that they could work to better advantage. There’s no talking to the act at all, and it’s full comedy and good acrobatic. I’m closing the show with them, and they’re going big. Time 13 minutes full stages.
