In the same sketch ‘The Saintly Mr. Billings’ which he gave last year but which falls short this time because of poor support which last time was very good. He himself is not a very good actor and should have good people with his for that reason. The vehicle is an excellent one and is bound to please to a certain extent even in the hands of inferior people. 25 min. in three, 2 shows.
Vocalist and mimic. This woman is quite good, looks well and presents an exceptionally good three a day act. In fact, we have had many doing two shows not as good. I consider her getting just about the salary she is entitled to and to play her in the three a day section is thoroughly all right. I wouldn’t want to encourage doing any more for her than what is being done now, although she is quite good. 14 min. in one, 3 shows.
Rough knock about comedy which failed to make the impression looked for. They got a few mild laughs in spots but the comments I heard around were entirely against it. I wouldn’t consider it wise to send it further on the circuit considering the amount of money necessary to present it. 24 min. full stage, 2 shows.
Performer upon the accordion and foot organ and a decided artist. His act was listened to with most respectful attention and after sixteen minutes of playing the audience wanted more. I fail to see at what the Philadelphia audience laughed. Am afraid they are not very polite over there. 16 min, in one, 2 shows.
This act was good last year but fails this time because the audience once having seen the trick exposed know how they are done and the comedy element is lost. Had they given us a number of new tricks (were they ever so simple) the act would have been all right. As it is it is valueless for the above reasons. I wouldn’t want them again except with decided understanding that they had a number of new tricks. 18 min, open in three can close in one, 3 shows.
Four men. One dressed as a woman, one working as a tramp and two working straight. Again, the alleged comedy almost spoils the act. The act is not first-class, finished act by any means. It’s just about good – and that lets it out. Can’t touch the Four Lukens in any way. 11 min. Pal in 5.
As fresh as ever. Didn’t get a hand on her entrance, so she stopped and said: ‘what’s the matter, is there anyone here that knows me?’ However, she went fairly well after she got started – as she usually does – and her ‘jollying’ the orchestra extracted some laughs and won some applause. Good act. 15 mins, in one.
2 shows, 16 min in 1. Noted vocal comedienne, late of ‘Piff, Paff, Pouf.’ Before a crowded house this afternoon this artist (and the word is not misapplied in her case) scored a bigger hit than anyone doing her class of work within my memory in this theatre. On her ‘Dolly Dimples’ song she was encored and encored. Got a round of applause when she came on first which demonstrated that she was known, although I had no idea of it, personally, and in this particular house she is worth three Maggie Clines, as she gives ‘tone’ to our program that was lacking.
2 shows, 15 min. full stage. The audience held in well on this act, but the applause for the several dancers was decidedly scattered, and it is quite within the bounds of possibility that she has outlived her usefulness as a drawing card or one that can be out late in the bill.
2 shows, 20 min, open full stage, close in 1. Presenting their comedy, singing and musical specialty, ‘A Mischievous Brother,’ which is well-known to everyone on the circuit. The hit of the act is scored by young Fitzgibbon, whose comedy seems to appeal to the audiences, notwithstanding his appearance of freshness. Act did not go so well this afternoon but then nothing else did – but will make a big hit with the night audience, as it did before.
