14 min. FS. Open and close in 1. Owing to the fact that we were very shy on comedy, much to our surprise, this act went immensely. It is no the act for this place on the bill, however, and it will have to be shifted. The acrobatic part is good, and the absurdity of the difficult feats being done by the aid of a wire from the flies, got the crowd in spite of the fact that it had been done here by the same people many times before. Passed off much better than we expected, and the laughter and applause were frequent with a big hand at the close.
‘A Timely Awakening.’ 23 min. FS. This is a very brightly written and acceptable little play. The idea is that of a husband who goes to sleep and imagines his wife turning tables on him as a rounder and a sport. ‘The timely awakening’ brings him to a sense of his shortcomings. The act was very well received, and the laughs were frequent. There was also good applause at the finish. O.K. for this place on the bill.
‘In Alaska.’ 25 min, FS. Rather serious and pathetic little playlet of life in the Klondike. A miner who has sheltered wandering soldier, advertise for a wife. She comes in the person of a young soldier’s wife who long believed him dead. There is a happy ending and considerable humor throughout the piece. It seemed to hold the interest of the audience very well. The action is swift enough and the plot consistent, the pathetic ending brought a good strong hand, and curtain call. Carry their own scenery, the interior of a Klondike cabin, etc.
Comedy trick bicyclists. 12 min, FS, 3 shows. One working straight, the other eccentric. Pretty fair, but they have done the same thing before. Some of their tricks got a good hand. Fell rather short of expectations, particularly in the comedy, which was forced fun, and not spontaneous. Does not belong in the 2-a-day class.
N.B. These people were booked for three shows, but flashed contract for two – am error in making out the contract, evidently. They played two shows, since were were [sic] in no great need of material.
Famous cellist. Received some advance applause, and is sure to please all the music lovers. However, Cleveland is not a musical town, and this feature as the only head-line act will not draw one cent during the week. Up to this point the show has been very weak, and I doubt very much if this man can overcome the short comings of those that precede him. Very good act. Drop in one. 11 min.
2 men and a woman. From indications this afternoon, this is a greatly over-rated act. They cannot sing for sour apples, and their comedy is bad. The dancing carries the act, and they did get applause on this portion of their [sic] work. They seem to impress the audience as having an exalted opinion of their ability, and were it not for their dancing, this fact would land them up in the opening spot on the bill. 16 min, full stage.
One of the most artistic and sightly [sic] acts on the vaudeville stage. Gould is far better than Charley Ross and Miss Suratt is quite superior to Mabel Fenton. Miss Suratt’s gowns are magnificent and she presents a brilliant appearance. The act was received with great enthusiasm. 14 min, FS, 5 min in one.
2 men and a woman. In a singing and talking comedy. Woman makes a very nice appearance. One of the men portrays the character of a German, while the other works straight. Act consists of rapid fire singing and talking. Material is all good. They secured many laughs and negotiated this spot in great shape. Will move them down to take the Mitchells’ place to-night, who failed to cause any great excitement. 14 min. in one – shows.
A woman of very pleasing appearance presenting a wire act, a little on the style of Caicedo. Opens in one about two minutes dancing on a wooden spade and then gives a neat exhibition on the wire. Act is nothing sensational, merely a pleasing little wire act for the early two-show section. Carries a young man for an assistant, who secured quite a number of laughs for his comedy work and a little applause for his acrobatic stunts. One hundred would be about right for the act. 12min. (Open in one about 2 min.) – 2 shows.
2 young ladies. In a singing and dancing number, wearing magnificent costumes. Their voices are decidedly off-color. Best part of the act is the dancing and that is only fair. I was in hopes that they would win out on their costumes and dancing to-day, but the Jury failed to agreed with me. We will, therefore, have to ‘bury’ them. 10 min. in one, 2 shows.
