3 shows, 11 min. in 1. English character comedienne making several changes of costume. Quite a clever girl, somewhat different from the usual act of this kind. Not thoroughly understood by our patrons, but got considerable applause at the finish. Good act for the 3-a-day section.
Comedy Prima Donna. 20 min in 1. Got big advance applause. Woman has a charming personality and is stunningly gowned. She sang three numbers, each one of which got a big hand. Songs were well selected and fetchingly rendered. Three encores. This act has made one of the strongest hits of any act in one of this class that we have had for a long time. Boys in the gallery whistled a low refrain to one of her songs, but instead of disconcerting her, it had quite the contrary effect and she encouraged it. She is a sure winner with this house.
‘A Night in Venice.’ 14 min, FS, closing in 1. Two men and a woman, in Venetian costume. They arrive in a gondola singing ‘Santa Lucia’ making a fine showing from the first. Their musical work is right up to the standard, and every one of their numbers got splendid applause from all parts of the house. The woman’s dancing does not add much to the act, but for straight songs the trio can hold any audience a reasonable length of time. Regard it as a valuable Vaudeville attraction and much needed on our bill this week.
‘Man Who Makes Long Stories Short.’ 14 min. in 1. Works blackface soldier make-up. This man is of the rapid-fire order of entertainers, one objection being that he talks so rapidly that his meaning is not always perfectly understood. His chief trouble is the number of vulgarisms he allows to slip in, which will have to be cut out. The laughter was constant, however, some of it uproarous [sic] that he was compelled to wait until there was quiet before he could continue. This man is a real genius in his way, and very valuable for such a place on the bill if he will only keep within the bounds of propriety. He finished with immense applause, and received two curtain calls.
This act was a disappointment. He has no business getting half the money does. He caries [sic] 5 men, who do little else than run about the stage, and get in each others way. The clown is tiresome. Berzac’s Animal act has this one beaten five miles. The act today was streched [sic] out to thirty minutes, which is altogether too long, and the finish was very weak ——— so week, in fact that there was hardly a ripple of applause. He should discharge four of his men, and cut his salary of $200.00. FS, 30 min.
Vocalist. The lady used very poor judgment in her selections today, an [sic] consequently the act was somewhat of a disappointment. She attempted to translate four of the popular English sings in German, and they did not take. If she would stick to her operatic work, and let the popular stuff alone, I am convinced she would go much better. 10 min, drop in one.
2 men and a woman, offering an act that is without sense, rhyme, or reason. There is some singing, some dancing, some comedy, and some talking. It is a disjointed affair, and could not be named. The balcony and gallery thought it immense. Those in the orchestra and boxes did not care much for it. I am Anxious to see what they will do with the night audience. CUT OUT – ‘What the Hell.’ And ‘I’m an Indian Jew.’ 23 min, pal in 4, close in one.
All things considered this is the lightest act on the bill. It just barely escapes being in the three a day class. I never could see ‘Fleurette,’ Fortune’s singing is fair and the audience were thoroughly satisfied to let them go when they finished. 18 min, closing in one, 2 shows.
With dogs and monkeys. This act is somewhat crude, but being presented by a little girl, very nice appearance, it makes an especially good three a day offering, and I should advise playing it in that section over the circuit. Would be all right to open the show in the other houses. 15 min. full stage, 2 shows.
Garden, carrying scaling wall. 12 min. This act is going very good with us. They are well drilled and work very fast during the entire act. Aside from the opening, which introduces the Zouaves’ singing. I think it is as good as any act of the kind we have ever played. To cut the singing I think would improve the act.
