Three men; blackface, giving an old time minstrel performance, using their drop representing a big organization. The act is excellent for an early place. Their material although old was well receive [sic] they secured many laughs and it is a very acceptable three a day act. Drop in one, twenty-five, 3 shows.
Sketch ‘The Half Way House.’ A rural comedy affair written by Ezra Kendall. First time here. A very clever act, after the Cressy style. Went with laughs every line. A bully good act for this house – not a dull spot from beginning to end. 20 mins. Spec. Drop in 3.
This man is entitled to a world of credit for keeping the standard of his act and improving from season to season. This year he introduces a number of new tricks by the animals, some very handsome wardrobe and trappings, and an effective scene of his own. A very strong act. 18 minutes, full stage, 2 shows.
Although these two men are using the oldest of the old material, a great portion of it being the act formerly done by Monroe and Mack, ten years ago and the rest of it, jokes even older than that they manage to make quite a laughing hit although they close to no applause whatsoever. If they had some good material it would be a ‘dandy’ act as Mack is a really funny blackface comedian. The act is worth playing however. 10 min, in one, 2 shows.
‘A Lamb on Wall Street.’ Company consists of Guy Hastings and Helen Russell. Mr. Coote’s first appearance in this country in three years. First time he has presented this act in same length of time. It is an exceptionally good playlet and Mr. Coote is an excellent actor. His support is fair. The act went very strong. 2 min, FS.
This young woman was with the Bostonians for three seasons singing the leading contralto parts, with Mr. Bluebeard from the opening until the fire in Chicago playing the leading boy’s part. This season she was with the China Doll in New York, where she also at one sang the contralto part in Run Away Girl at Daly’s Theatre. Miss Rafter is a young woman of splendid appearance, has a magnificent voice, is making good here and drawing in a lot of money. Of course she is widely known in Buffalo as her home is in Dunkirk, 40 miles from here, where her father is the Episcopal minister. All in one 11 minutes.
The audience seemed to be thoroughly interested in this act and applauded their various tricks. They were hampered some, by one of the men being knocked out early in the act. It is very quiet and to my mind should be put on the bill in a reasonably early spot in order to get the benefit. 12 min, full stage, 2 shows.
Miss Havel being replaced by Miss Lawerence which is rather an improvement. This act never was strong in this house, and this time was no exception. They went well in spots, notably the telephone and typewriter scene and his tumbling at the finish, otherwise it dragged considerably. 23 min, full stage, 2 shows.
Italian musicians, accordian [sic] player and a little boy who plays the tamborine [sic] and mandolin and does a little dancing. The boy would get by but this man is awfully bad. As far as this house is concerned the act is only fit to open the show and could not be rated good even at that. 14 min, open in 3, close in one, 3 shows.
I was obliged to close this team on account of the fact that Miss Tyler didn’t arrive in time to open the show and I put on the stereopticon which Bissett & Scott refused to follow and they were very nasty about it to the stage manager and made no end of the holler even when I tried to get it. Although they tried to make some hock and bull explanation, they were very nasty in the whole matter.
