On at 1.38, 16 min full stage, close in 1, 2 min, 18 min in all, 3 shows. Man and woman in a little sketch which simply serves to introduce them in several songs. Sperry does a tough boy very well, while Miss Ray is pretty, sings well and dresses very neatly. They are making their close in 1 this week as a favor, and is unquestionably handicaps them. I think the act would get by all right at number two or three in the smaller cities. It is thoroughly O.K. for the continuous houses.
29 min, FS, 2 shows. On at 8:49. This is one of the most professional and literally ship-shape acts of ambitious kind that we have ever played. In fact, it is as good as Jerome K. Jerome’s short story wherein the workmanship is just as brilliant as if it were a long novel. The rise of the curtain displaying one of the most novel scenes ever seen in Vaudeville, gets a good hand and starts the houseboat adrift in good shape. The characters do exactly the opposite from what the audience expects and there is a surprise and a paugh [sic] at every turn. There is not a weak character in the cast and if the string of amusing episodes were to run out to a two hour length, I am sure that the audience would not tire. The man who plays the part of the Englishman, and the lisping ‘fluffy ruffles’ are irresistible, and the illuminations at the finish were a triumph of stage craft and got rousing big hand. The Morning Telegraph was right when it said this act was a model for Vaudeville features of this pretentious order. I see nothing but long continued prosperity for it and the people represented. There seems to be poor management in this act. The paraphernalia did not arrive in the city until after eight o’clock Monday morning, and did not get to the theatre until 12:30. In consequence there was great confusion and delay putting it on. More than that, there should have been a leader to give a first performance a good send off, as has been the case with other musical acts of like proportions. The consequence was that the afternoon performance went unevenly, and the finish which would have been a spectacular display, was a fizzle. The evening performance went O.K.
Tramp comedian. 18 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 8:10. This man got them strong at first, then proceed to lose them, only to gain them and lose them alternately but finally managed to bring up to a good finish, with encore and two curtain calls. The act on the whole made good in this spot on the bill, but could not hold a stronger place, such a place as the money he is receiving would justify. His line of material is good, much of it new, and well delivered; but for the money he is receiving he should put up a stronger act that could hold a better spot. Press very favorable to him this morning.
Song, 12 min. in 1, 3 shows. On at 7:18. Two boys and a girl. These three little people sing the conventional songs exceptionally well. They should have a new line of material when they would do even better. They have good voices. They could hold any spot in the three-a-day section. This act was quite a surprise for merit, and even in the supper show got fine hand for their work.
30 min. F.S. 2 Shows On at 7:50. Second week. Strong advance hand of welcome. Bigger hit than ever. Entire change of program, some of the selections even more difficult and brilliant than before. No discounting the fact that this is from every standpoint a grand Vaudeville feature. Applause immense after each number with two encores, and several curtain calls.
3 min, FS, 2 shows. On at 7:30. This is a very good animal act. York has five trained terriers. Differs from any animal act in that the works with the dogs and they work with him rather than being worked by him. Every time he turns a somersault or does a high jump, one or others of the dogs imitates him perfectly. York and his wife play leap frog, and then two of the dogs in a most amusing manner imitate them. The dogs do not seem to fear their master of the whip. Closing feat gives a lively finish to the act. Good hand.
Coons. In one, 21 minutes. These are two very good coons who are evidently a bit new to the vaudeville business, yet they have some great material which goes big. One member of the team is a very funny fellow and has one of the best singing voices I have ever heard. The act is entirely too long and could be shortened five or ten minutes to advantage.
Man and woman (colored) in hoop act called ‘Hoopland.’ A very good act of its kind especially the early part of same. The last half of the act is given to the hoops representing people and doing a pantomime. The work is all very good but nothing starting and to my way of thinking the finish is weak. The act went very nicely however and was far from a frost. They deserve credit for getting by at all, this town being from the home of Everhart and the Young Bros. People here think that no one can roll hoops with these boys.
Lady Orchestra: 35 min. F.S. 2 shows. On at 8:20. Twenty-two performers and the leaders. Little need be said about the welcome Mrs. Nichols and her orchestra received, for Philadelphians are very fond of good music, and the Fadettes certainly give them the best. Some of the selections were more ambitious than she ever played here before, but she seems to have the orchestra in perfect control. Received rousing hand after each selection. Will surely draw strong this week. Closing hand after the Grand American Fantasia was a whirlwind with two curtain calls and an extra number.
Col. Voc. & Dance: 15 min. in 1. 2 shows. On at 8:05. This is a good coloured act in one. The woman makes three changes of costume. Johnson is an excellent eccentric dancer and infuses the ginger into the act. The woman sings very well and dances likewise, but her particular claim to applause is that she is a swell dresser. Each one of their songs got good hand. Close, which included some excellent eccentric dancing, was good. Have gone back since they played here before. They try to imitate white people too much.
