Miss Mayhew was a big hit this afternoon. She is the best singer of comic songs I have ever heard, and consider a big improvement on her sketch, and would advise all managers to take the act in one instead of her act in full stage. 14 minutes in one.
This is one of the best Sister acts in the business. Both very pretty girls, costumes are very pretty, and they both have very good voices. This act is sure to make a hit in any of our houses. Went big. 13 minutes in one.
English Comedians. I was very much pleased with this act. I though they would fall down in this house as in all the rest of the houses, but they held the audience down here. They have some very good material, and this seems to be the kind of audience they want. 14 minutes in one.
This is a very good act. Plenty of comedy all the way through. Miss Taylor and Mr. Grattan are both very clever. The only bad part in the act is their support. The man is not very good, and the woman is not good, and I have spoken to Miss Taylor, and she told me she will change her support. 29 minutes, full stage.
Colored singers and dancers. These two people do a very fair act. The man is not a bad comedian, but the woman has a good voice. They make a very neat appearance on the stage. A good three a day act. Went very well. 13 minutes in one. Three shows.
Six girls and one young man, the latter carried for the purpose of opening in one with a song. As we did not need an opening in one the man was used just for a moment as chauffeur. The act is better if used this way. This is one of the best dressed acts we ever played, and it is thoroughly and decidedly pleasing. 30 min, FS.
Notwithstanding the poor delivery of Auger, and the ‘fierce’ acting of Sylvia Hearne, this is a corking good act, particularly for our matinee audiences. The lilliputs are all right, and the act itself is a big novelty as the contrast in the size of the Auger and the lilliputs is so great as to almost create a sensation. 24 min. FS.
Grand opera, five men and one woman. Opera by Stanislaus Stange and Julian Edwards own set in three – ARGUMENT- The scene is laid out in the house of a Tory farmer, who with his Tory neighbors is plotting to kill Washington on whose head is a reward of 5000 [pounds] ($25,000) Marian, the daughter returns from a visit to her brother, who is a solider in the American army. Washington enters seeking shelter from the storm, and is invited to stay by Manheim. After Washington retires, the Tories throw dice to see who will slay the Father of His Country. Marion overhears and retires to the room supposed to be occupied by Washington. To her father falls the killing of Washington. He ascends to the room occupied by Marion and thinking the occupant is Washington stabs her with his hunting knife. As the Tories are preparing to flee to the British lines Washington appears unharmed, thanks them and leaves. Manheim then discovers he has killed his own daughter. For the big cities this act will be a tremendous drawing card I think. In a small city like this with, of course a small musical element, it is a rather risky production but I positive that with the story, fine music and excellent singing it will be a good drawing card for me. I think a two week’s stand in the big houses would be advisable.
On at 4.02, 28 min, full stage. This act did not make the great big hit I anticipated this afternoon, but I think, nevertheless, it will cause a whole lot of talk and will make good during its engagement. It looked to me today as though the audience expected more singing. It seems a pity to hear but four numbers sung, only the finale bringing out the full strength of the company. I think our evening audiences will appreciate this feature much more than those at matinees. I certainly do not feel that I can use it as a closing feature a second week, although I think it policy to play it two weeks to get full value out of it.
On at 2.07, 17 min, in 1. They attempted their new act here today without notifying anybody. I supposed it was understood they were to do their old act, the one I saw at 125th St. some three weeks ago and the one I expected today. They have been instructed to do their old act the rest of this week. I think they will get by with that. My opinion of this team is that it is worth about $100 and three shows. The costume that one of them wore this afternoon for her final song out-held anything in the Anna Hold shows, being composed of green stockings, flesh tights and little else. She will not wear it again in Boston.
