Juliet Winston
This girl has a very good voice, sang three songs of which went very well. She dresses very neatly and looks very attractive on the stage. For about $50.00 and three shows she is all right. Went very well. 11 minutes in one.
“A Night With the Poets”.
ON at 8.40, 25 min, full stage. Second week. An entire change of poems and songs. This act has tremendous possibilities, which have not yet been fully realized. It could be made a feature well worth five or six hundred a week, for even in its present somewhat crude condition it pleases all who see it and creates much favorable comment. It certainly suits our audiences better than it does us, perhaps because they do not notice little slips in presentation that are apparent to us.
The Fadettes
On at 7.30, 60 min, full stage. This is the opening of their annual summer engagement at this house, with the big orchestra of forty pieces. Judging from the comments heard yesterday, this year’s organization is the best that Mrs. Nichols has ever led. Price considered, I do not believe there is a better feature in vaudeville today.
James & Prior
On at 6.26, 15 min, full stage. Two Western people who are doing an “introductory week” here for $80 and three shows. The act is a comedy sketch and contains a whole lot of laughs. James plays the character of an old sea captain. Miss Prior makes a most attractive stage appearance and is a good actress. I think that this act would be O.K. in every respect for the smaller houses, in the number two or three place, and would like to see them get some booking. I think they will accept $100. Would willingly give them a better position, if possible.
Haslam
Disrobing, Marvel. Young man of pleasing personality working full dress frees himself from a straight jacket while in a small cabinet changes from full dress to tights in a 15 inch tube and escapes from a straight jacket while under water in full view of the audience. Billed this man as an extra feature and he certainly held his own. The act is very nicely worked up. All of his various stunts were greatly appreciated and got big applause. Presume the act will get them talking during the week. While it conflicts alightly with Houdini on account of the straight jacket work, the difference is so great, that in the general tone and make up, I hardly think it would depreciate the value of “Houdini”. 28 minutes full stage.
Harry Crandall & Co.
In the comedy “Fun in a Grocery”. This is not a bad act by any means. While it was rather slow in some parts this afternoon presume a little faster work may develop it into a good comedy. Crandall portrays the German character in great shape. Scene is laid in a Grocery Store. It is on the style of Peck’s Bad Boy without a plot. It pleased and the jury sanctioned it by three curtain calls. 25 minutes full stage.
Mayme Gehrue & Co. in “June”.
There are four men in the act, and not one of them is an actor. The sketch is not worth the money. IF I had to pay it again, I would much rather have Miss Gehrue in a singing dancing specialty which is about all that she can do. She sings a couple of music publishers songs, among them “Idaho,” which had been sung here three times a week for the last ten weeks, and every man and woman that sings it has probably received $25.00 a week from the publisher. I never want this act again at the price. Spec. Set. Full Stage. 25 min
“The London Fire Brigade”.
28 Min. F.S. This act is a solid scream from start to finish. The riot of fun is of the English low-comedy order made familiar to Americans by Harry Tait and “The Night in London Music Hall.” It is far better, and much more pretentious. It consists of three scenes. Opening full stage, it goes to one, closing full stage. Much more of a laugh as the “Music Hall” comedy with none of its drunken vulgarity. A burlesque on firemens’ life, with very little semblance of a play, but the fourteen comedians infuse all the fun there is in it, and there is plenty. The audience enjoyed it thoroughly. A smashing good finish and three curtain calls. This act ought to make a national hit.
Moore & Countiss
22 Min. F.S. This is a typical play on an archaic theme. It is mainly Miss Countiss’ reputation made in Bijou stock here and the fiery swashbuckling finish of the play that saved it. The theme concerns the love-affairs of a nobleman and a young hero, both in love with a high-born woman. She is induced to enter a tavern where she meets and is wooed by the young man in a very spiritless manner. She repulses him, but promises to listen if he will prove his bravery. In order to test it herself she dons a man’s costume and goads him into a more spirited mood. She finds him suddenly changed to a good deal of a bravo and bully. His lordship enters with a friend at this point, and discovers that the young man’s companion is a woman. He first insults the latter, then discovers her identity. Thereupon follows a very thrilling duel in which the hero proves himself very much of a man and not at all a coward, and puts his rival and his rival’s friend to rout after overturning everything on the stage. Miss Countiss is very charming and pleasing actress, and favorable here. Although not strong in the masquerading role of a young man (so that this part seems devoid of sincerity and lacks the convincing note), nevertheless Mistress Betty Belmont discloses her identity and strength of the part gives the actress a better opportunity to display her talents, for she is certainly talented. Big applause at the close and two curtain calls, mainly on account of the swashbuckling duel. This is a case in which a play is written backward from a strong finish.
Dixie Serenaders
25 Min. F.S. close in 1. Four men and two women in this act. Opens with a plantation set. Closed in one, seven minutes. The performers forming a semi-circle in minstrel style. Two changes of costume. These are all good singers and dancers, and the two men are especially commendable in humor. This is a medley of the darkey specialties, and holds this spot on the bill in great shape. The sole work is fairly good, but the ensemble work is excellent. Strong applause. Entire satisfaction evident in all parts of the house.