This act was a distinct surprise to me as I had been led to believe it was somewhat inclined to be bad. Miss Rossi and Mr. Paula both have good voices, their offering is novel, and that aided to the Countess’ beauty, makes the act decidedly well worth playing. 16 min, open in 3, close in 1, 2 shows.
An ordinary instrumental act consisting of four men. Nothing especially worthy of attention but they managed to get by and were not bad by any means. Their time was at least consumed without tiring any one. The French Horn solo won considerable applause. This player has some style in playing and gets good tome. 13 minutes olio.
Soubrette & gymnast. She opens with a dance that is fairly well done then goes to trapeze and performs a number of stunts that win considerable applause for her. She makes a nice appearance and got away very well. She uses a pretty setting which adds materially to her work. No fault can be found, especially for an opener. 10 minutes special set.
This act calls for the billing to read ’17 Human Flags – 17.’ As there are but 12 girls in the act I refused to bill as instructed. While the act is a very good one I am of the opinion that it has depreciated a great deal since its last presentation here. Mr. Bryan’s successor is fully as good as the original but the girls do not present as wholesome an appearance, and there are but very few of the original girls in the act. I am of the opinion that their season in burlesque has had a bad effect on their discipline. 15 min, FS. Open in one about 3 minutes.
Presenting ‘The Fifth Commandment.’ Mr. Steger has retained the same company as last season which shows his good sense for he would find it hard to replace W.H. Pascoe and John Romano. Helen Mar Wilcox is almost too old for the part of the daughter but she interprets her lines delightfully. The act was a big hit at both the afternoon and evening performance. 26 min. FS.
Drawing on blackened glass the lines reflected in heroic manner on canvas. One of the best acts vaudeville can boast of. Mr. Levy is not only an artist of rare talent but his novel method of displaying it is highly entertaining. He has vein of comedy that is both clever and in very good taste. 14 min, FS.
Five men dressed as English army officers, Solo and ensemble singing, and piano playing. Singing is better than the average, and piano playing is away above the average. A novel and entertaining act. 15 min. FS, Can close in one about one-and-a-half minutes.
Military Hercules. 20 min, FS, 2 shows. On at 10:40. This is certainly a great closing feature. Conchas not only does some remarkable feats of strength and skill, but the whole setting of the act is unique and pleases the audience from the first. He performs about the same feats that he did previously, but the comedy of his man is greatly improved, and wins constant laughter. This is a great relief to the regulation strong-man act. Conchas will draw strong this week, particularly with the German element. Big finish.
Comedienne. 16 min. in 1. Open F.S. On at 9:16. 2 shows. This English singer certainly lives up to her billing. She is all daintiness and charm. It took the audience a little time to appreciate her, so they expected something more spectacular and of the Music Hall order; but after the second song, she had them strong and carried them through to a very fine close, with four curtain calls. Each one of the songs was full appreciated. She will be one of the most talked – about women in Phils. Before week is out.
‘Female Impersonator.’ 12 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 8:37. In some respects this is a remarkable act. Tacianu has a voice of remarkable range, or rather two ranges that of strong, deep baritone and a high soprano. Some of his high notes are very clear and beautiful, and the lower register has also remarkable depth. At the finish, when he takes off his wig, there was a big laugh and two curtain calls. As an impersonator, this man is not in Eltinge’s class, but as a vocal freak he is certainly an entertaining novelty.
