After writing me that he would open in one, Gould came in this morning, and said that Miss Suratt would not allow him to do so. Consequently, we had a five minute wait in this spot. Some of their jokes were a little bit raw for a Cleveland audience. The act went quite well. We have an opposition of the entire bunch of Gibson girls at the Opera House. C.D.F. in three Close in one. 23 minutes.
This young lady gave several imitations, and closed much stronger than she opened. One of her imitations was of Alice Lloyd who played at the Opera House last week. The singing at the close really carried the act. Drop in one, 16 Minutes.
It was some time before the boys could get at the audience. I really don’t believe that President Roosevelt could walk on the stage and “make good” after the Paul McAllister riot. They finally got them, however. While they did not make a tremendous hit, they negotiated the place in fairly good shape. 21 min.
Presenting – “The System of Dr. Tarr.” 7 men and 1 woman. When Mr. McAllister made his appearance, the applause was deafening. The comedy is well known, as it has been presented in one of our other theatres. His company is excellent. Mr. McAllister’s impersonation of Dr. Tarr was perfect. Received five curtain calls with a cry of speech from all parts of the house. He made a short address, thanking them, etc., and he was then compelled to take several more bows. From the way he went this afternoon, I presume at this evenings performance it will be a riot. The best part of the house is sold out for the night and all the boxes are decorated for the occasion.
TO-NIGHT this man’s appearance caused the greatest demonstration I ever saw which lasted a full ten minutes. They allowed him to proceed with his comedy and on the finish a speech was necessary. He spoke for about five minutes and was then compelled to take several bows. Avery & Hart made their appearance and had to go off. Mr. McAllister again appeared, made another short speech, but this failed to stop the riot, and finally, McAllister, Avery & Hart did a cake walk, which made the applause all the stronger. Mr. McAllister then quieted the crowed with another little speech introducing Avery & Hart. They, at his suggestion, allowed the colored comedians to work. The balance of the show went on uninterrupted. 36 minutes.
This little girl has greatly improved. She caught the crowed from the start-off. Gives imitations of Anna Held, Marie Dressler, Alice Lloyd, finishing with an imitation of Geo. M. Cohan. She left htem wanting more. 9 min. in one
This act has greatly improved. Nicely costumed and make an elegant appearance. The physical culture poses are excellent. They received quite a big applause for their equilibristic work. 13 min.-full stage
This act is one I put on on the spur of the moment, owing to the fact that Girard and Gardner refused to open the show and cancelled. Pope has a very clever dog which is well trained and which made quite a distinct hit. In fact the act proved unexpectedly good and seemed to please every one who saw it. While there is nothing strikingly new about the work, it is all well done and during the presentation it received several merited rounds of applause. 12 minutes C.D.F.
Big hit. This young woman has a beautiful high soprano voice on the Edith Helena order, but is younger and much prettier and dresses better. Her violin imitation is just as good as Helena’s, and she was easily the hit of the show up to this point. She certainly ought to be looked after at once. I gave her a trial performance here some time ago, but no notice has been taken. 12 minutes in one.
On at 5.23, 12 min, full stage; 3 shows. Mother and daughter in a little sketch which does not amount to much, but serves to show that the girl is rather clever and will make an excellent performer, with proper coaching. As it is now, she does a “Sis Hopkins” character fairly well, plays the piano and dances at the same time, and is a good wooden-shoe dancer, but she is inclined to be a little boisterous.
On at 3.52, 22 min, in 1. Wills went very well this afternoon, but not as well as he did before he left after vaudeville for musical comedy, some five years ago. He shows good sense in buying the best new material that he can find. He verges very closely on the ground of suggestiveness at times, but he has a way of getting away with stuff that, in the hands of any other performer, would leave a stain.
