Most of the stuff that he does is done by other magicians, and some of them are done better. The worst part of his act is that it’s impossible to understand what he’s talking about. He carries a lot of scenery, also 3 or 4 helpers, so that the act looks big from the front. Don’t think he draws any money. Time 28 minutes full stage.
In ‘A Night Out.’ He was fairly well received here yesterday afternoon and night, but did not go as well as expected. It wouldn’t hurt if he got some new stories, those that he told here yesterday are old chestnuts. He asked for full stage, but could work in 2; finished 6 minutes in one.
This is one of those awfully lively slap-stick quartettes which as a rule don’t satisfy these audiences, but these fellows sing pretty well and sing a better grade of music than most of the others and for that reason seemed to hold the audience in good shape. With the show seventeen minutes late the audience wanted still more after having seen twenty minutes, in one, 2 shows.
In ‘Aunt Louise’s Advice.’ This act should have been ‘Mr & Mrs. Howard Truesdell & Co.’ but on Friday of last week, Mrs. Truesdell was suddenly taken with appendicitis and I gave Mr. Truesdell permission to replace her with Anna Moreland, who gave a very satisfactory performance of the part and never having seen the other no-one would realize that there had been a substitute. While the act open a little quietly it finishes exceptionally strong and is one of the best comedy-dramatic sketches we have ever played. I should certainly advise sending it over the circuit and booking it for next season while it can be had at a reasonable price. 24 min. full stage 2 shows.
I don’t know of any female entertainer in the ‘varieties’ whom I would rather have than this girl. She has got lots of talent and ability and the audience quickly recognized it. I should like to book her for a return date for next season, at once, and should advice any house that hasn’t had her to do the same and she will easily bear repeating from one season to the other. 14 min. in one, 2 shows.
Rifle shots. I can’t for the life of me understand why these girls get the salary they do and are permitted to get by with two shows. They do the poorest act, of the kind, of any teams that we play; all the other doing three shows. They miss almost as many shots as they make. They are not attractive, in any sense, in the refined houses and carry much of the Burlesque manner with them from which they eminated [sic]. I never want to see them again at anything like the salary or for two shows. 18 min. full stage, 2 shows.
This is a local child about twelve years of age with a remarkably strong and high soprano voice. Excepting for training, one would think it was a cultivated vocalist singing. I got a special permit for her to play here which is out of the ordinary and if any house can do the same, makes a mighty good act for the three a day section. Could probably get her to go on the road for $40. 10 min. in one, 3 shows.
Combination of bars, trapeze and suspended, by man and woman with some rather poor comedy by the man. It is a very good three a day act to open the show and even second or third on the bill, it would do no harm. 10 min, full stage, 3 shows.
Consisting of two men, two women, and a little girl, presenting the sketch, ‘Jed Prouty’s Visit to Boston.’ This act is well known over the circuit, therefore discription [sic] is not necessary. The act is very pretty, with a little pathos and quaint humor being equally divided. While it did not make the impression on the finish as contemplated I fully believe it will draw the people. Full stage, two shows, 27 minutes.
Two young women in a vocal number, introducing character singing with a musical tablaux [sic]. They make good appearance, dress nicely and have elegant voices. Each number was well received and their singing novelty ‘The Derby Race,’ was strongly applauded. Drop in one, three shows, 16 minutes.
