I was very much pleased with Miss Doherty, as I thought she would be a little nervous on account of working alone. She sang three songs, and there is plenty of comedy in these songs. She keeps the audience laughing all the time. The act is somewhat on the order of Eva Tanguay, but of course it is not to be compared. Considering all this for about $100 she would be all right, and would make a big hit. Went big. 12 minutes in one.
A very clever impersonator. All of his characters are very good. I think he is the only man ever impersonated Queen Victoria, and he does it exceedingly well. Went very well. Consider it a very good act. 12 minutes, full stage. Two shows.
This is a very good act. A very clever whistler, and gives several imitations on different instruments, all of which were good. A very good act for about $60.00 and three shows and second on the bill. Went very well. 14 minutes in one. Three shows.
This Old-timer was quite a surprise to me for she still retains good voice and her comedy is just as pleasing as when she got the glad hand from the first governor of Michigan from the gallery of Detroit’s first theater. She sang three songs including T’row ‘em down McClusky,” and she went away strong. 14 min. in one.
This act was booked from St. Louis and as they close on Sunday night there, it is impossible to get to Cleveland before 3 o’clock, so I had to put them on next to closing the show. They certainly made good in this spot and I assure you it a very good musical act. Center door fancy, 18 minutes close in one, 7 Min.
ON at 2.59, 16 min, full stage. Russian Gipsy singers and dancers. The man is a fine-looking chap, while the woman is petite and pretty, rather saucy in type. Their costumes are gorgeous. They sing very well, the man’s rendering of “Love Me and the World is Mine” in his broken English winning much favor. They close with a very unique dance. They did not go as strongly as I hoped this afternoon, but possibly because the woman was ill and fainted about an hour before going on. I think they will be more successful tonight.
On at 2.45, 14 min, in 1. He has been the leading heavy man of the Castle Square Stock company for the past two or three seasons. He made a little dip into vaudeville some three or four years ago, playing a week or two in the West and a week at the Union Sq. He is a fine looking fellow and is thoroughly at ease on the stage. Has a good voice and enunciates very clearly. HE opens with a Dutch paraphrase on Barbara Freitchie, follows it with an imitation of Sothern reciting a speech from Hamlet, follows this with an imitation of Joseph Jefferson in a scene from Rip Van Winkle, and closes with a sort of burlesque imitation of Richard Mansfield conducting a rehearsal. All of his material is thoroughly high-class, perhaps a little too much so for universal success, but I certainly think that this man should be encouraged in his desire to become a regular vaudevillian, for we have few monologue entertainers with his ability, natural intelligence and ambition to make a success.
ON at 1.45, 60 min, full stage. Fourth week of their engagement. Have rather a pleasing program this week, including a ‘cello solo by Miss Skolnik, a recent addition to the orchestra, who is a mistress of her instrument. In fact, I cannot remember a female ‘cellist who is her equal. I fell compelled to repeat what I said last week: “It seems a pity that this organization can’t go over the Circuit forty strong, for I think it would be well worth the extra money to any house playing them, particularly those who are to have opposition”.
On at 2.41, 15 min, in 1. A young fellow who has made quite a reputation through his work with the Bank Officers’ Theatricals, an amateur show that has succeeded to the famous Cadets. I am pleased to state that Gardner made a pronounced success. He is easy in his manner, has a very agreeable personality, a good singing voice and considerable magnetism. His work is somewhat on the order of Sidney Grant. With proper material (that he is now using is fine for Boston, but might not go so well elsewhere) and some more experience, this boy will make good anywhere.
Compelled to take this act for the evening performance on account of an error in the criticism. It is very essential for all managers to secure the correct time of every act as it is generally a saving in the show. The sketch is the same as when presented before. The jury thought it funny and treated them kindly. Secured quite a number of good laughs throughout although they closed rather tame. They, however, filled the bill under the circumstances. 19 minutes full stage.
