Two men, Irish comedy, a woman ‘straight,’ introducing a dance. The act evidently pleased the audience and I think it is a fairly good comedy sketch. Hardly think it worth quite what we are paying it, but that is no different than a thousand other acts. 20 min, full stage, 2 shows.
English comedienne. This girl is quite clever, but I question (considering her from an important standpoint) as to whether she was understood by the audience, her English style of comedy being somewhat foreign to them. She went fairly well however and there is no fault to be found. Thoroughly all right from the three a day standpoint. 12 min in one, 3 shows.
2 shows, 16 min, open in 3, close in1. Well-known ventiloquil [sic] comedian, who has been commented upon from the other houses. It is some time since we have had a ventriloquil [sic] comedian, and as a consequence together with the fact that he has very bright material, this man went exceedingly well in this spot today. By comparison, he is not up to Reynard for this house. Cut story about the young lady from Cincinnati who is to occupy the room next to him and ‘Come on with me.’
14 min, FS, 2 shows. One of the prettiest girl-acts we have had. There are eight girls besides Miss Barsch. All make fine appearance in Japanese costume. The girls are pretty and the two changes of costume all that could be desired of such an act. Miss Barsch herself is very stunning girl, with a personality which took from the start. She sings with good taste and quite won the house. In fact, the last feature, ‘the witches’ dance’ with Miss Barsch’s singing, was recalled five times. The audience seemed never to tire of it. ‘Isle of Spice’ advertising helped much.
In ‘The Terrible Judge.’ 19 min, FS, close in 1. 2 shows. Strong advance applause for both, showing that to return old favorites is at times most judicious. This is an old act with an entirely new line of goods, and is immense. It went big from start to the close. The applause and laughter was at times almost at the shouting point. The imitations of the Chinaman, Irishman, German Professor, etc. were splendidly done, as well as the songs. The close was in one. At the second recall Ward made a little impromptu speech which brought down the house.
In ‘Regan’s Luck.’ 18 min. in 3. 3 shows. Sketch of the East Side New York. Irishman supposed to be left some money and purchases a lot of goods on the strength of it, only to find themselves victims of a practical joke. There was very little humor in it, and the pathos at the close did not hit the audience very hard. The laughs were very few and the hand at the finish was not very encouraging. It will be ‘buried’ tonight.
Sketch ‘The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’ Midgley uses the very same setting that he used in his old act, ‘After School.’ He is discovered lying on the rustic bench, as in the old act. Sarah has been away for six years, and has ‘Growed’ up. Of course, she had to grow up, because Miss Quinn is a much larger girl than Miss Carlisle. While Sarah was away she was having her voice cultivated, which gave her an opportunity to return and sing a great deal. She makes the most of this opportunity to return and sing a great deal. Sammy is the same kid as before.
There is very little dialogue in the new act, and less comedy. In fact there are not four good laughs in the whole act. However, Midgley will probably remedy this, for the act is very crude, and there are lots of rough spots to be taken out. There is no reason why it cannot be made as good an act as the old one. Miss Quinn has an excellent voice, but Midgley’s vocal efforts have not improved. I think there is altogether to [sic] much singing in the act. Midgely’s hold has always been comedy, and if he will stick to that and let Miss Quinn do the singing, it will greatly improve the act. The finish is rather weak, but I suppose that it will take two or three weeks to get that act in shape. FS, 17 min.
This act was somewhat of a disappointment. It may be that from his billing I expected too much. The child (about 7 years old) is the best thing in the act. The doll piano playing was bad, and the two girls who sing, should be doing something else. The Idea of the act is good, but it does not work out well. The work they attempt seems to just fall short of being what it should be. The scenery and costumes are very pretty, but they do not save the act.
This organization of one man and 9 women nicely costumed in a series of songs, special marches with electrical effects, etc. Make three changes of costume. First, that of the electric crickets with special electrical effects forming a very neat picture, Second, that of the Japanese Girls and the Third, that of Soldiers. At the finish of the act, showing the pictures of Lincoln, McKinley, Roosevelt, etc. spelling the names on the knapsacks which the girls carried. Quite a novel idea. It is as good as any girl act of this character we ever had. Received a fairly good hand at the finish. 21 min, full stage.
Pianologuiste. This woman is one of New York’s leading drawing-room entertainers and is a valuable attraction for this house. She recites her songs playing her own accompaniment, which appeals to the better classes. She has a pleasing personality with great delivery, and although lame, the applause was purely for her work and not on account on the affliction. Compelled to take several bows. 8 min in two – can work in one – two shows.
