Europe’s Greatest Queen of Equipoise. This was a very pretty little opening act, and should make good anywhere. Her finish hanging on a strap by her teeth, which revolves is certainly thrilling. A very good little act. Palace 10 minutes.
On at 8.34, 22 min; set made in 2, but it is so elaborate that it might as well be full stage, when it comes to economizing time in making the setting and clearing. This act did not make the hit that I hoped it would. It seems lacking in action and comedy. The idea is novel, however. Miss McKenzie and Mr. Shannon both sing very well, and their “company”, in the person of the boy who plays the bootblack, is clever. I see no reason why this act will not develop and become worth the money we are paying for it. As I have said before, I think it needs faster action and more humor.
On at 8.11, 11 min, full stage. I have never seen “Sport” Zeno connected with a poor act. He has been with several good ones, but this is the best thing I think he has ever presented. HE has two assistants, a man working in a clown make-up, who is a very good comedian, and a girl who is remarkably pretty and shapely, as well as being a very fine performer. The act gets away from the ordinary casting acts, in that they use a swinging trapeze. The work of the comedian and the girl on the tramplin is as good as I have ever seen. The act could be used as a closing act anywhere.
On at 7.58, 13 min, in 1; 3 shows. Here is another find. Miss Clark is a very attractive little soubrette when made up, and is assisted by tow neat, trim-looking young fellows. Their singing is above the average and their dancing is very good indeed. The act is about on part with that of Knight Bros. & Sawtelle. They should be blanketed, if they have not already signed for another season in burlesque, and can be booked for $150 to $175. I will find about this later, and will notify the Booking Office.
On at 7.22, 11 min, in 1; 3 shows. This man is a find, being much better than many of the monologue entertainers to whom we are paying a hundred and a quarter and more. He is very versatile, having a good voice, dancing capitally and doing some very clever bits of mimicry. I think that he can fill the number two or three spot almost anywhere. Would advise that something be done with him for next season, as he is one of the kind of people who will help bring down the cost of some of the bills that we have got to put in if we have opposition. Will surely make good in the smaller houses.
On at 7.10; open in 1, 7 min, full stage, 5 min, 12 min in all; can close in 2 or 3 min. in 1, if necessary. 2 shows. Blackface eccentric dancers and singers. The less said about the singing, the better. Neff is a great dancer and with a proper partner would make a very big hit, but Miller is excess baggage. Had to move this act up the bill after the afternoon show, for they did not hold their original spot. Their songs and sayings were more adapted to burlesque than vaudeville; was obliged to make several cuts. But, give Neff a proper partner and he would be heard from.
“Girl Act.” 15 minutes, X. X. ON at 9.40. This act was a positive hit from the very start, and works up to a splendid finish, with 3 curtain calls. It opens in 1-1/2, with a pretty interior, with the six girls in pantalette costumes, stepping out of a tasty drop. Sprightly songs and dances follow. Then comes the Modist’s Emporium scene, the girls slipping out of smaple costumes, hanging on the wall. More pretty songs, and then the act proceeds to the full-stage finish, which is a garden act and literally a bower of blossoms. The girls take their seats in the chairs, strapping themselves in. Nellie Florede sits in the swing, attired in a natty man’s suit. The rocking-chair song is very catchy, while the girls make complete backward revolution in the chairs, which are lighted by incandescent lamps. The effect is very novel and beautiful. One of the best finishes to a girl-act ever seen in Vaudeville. It will be talked about for the balance of the week, and carries out my predictions of the success of the act when I saw it in Wilmingon some weeks ago, since which time it is immensely improved.
European Comedy Acrobats. 8 minutes in 1. ON at 9.32. This is a very good act, and valuable as a novelty in 1. Both men work eccentric, and use a chair, table and a mat. There is a good deal of comedy in the act, and some skillful tricks. Many laughs throughout and closed well.
“The Roller Skating Comedians.” 12 minutes, F.S. On at 7.10. This makes a very good opener. The comedy is good an the roller-skating is very expert. They carry their own drops, which adds a little to the interest of the act. One works straight and the other tramp comedy. Good applause throughout and a strong finish for an opener.
“My Brother’s Reception.” 15 minutes in 3. On at 6.45. A rather amusing sketch of the rougher comedy order, treading on a case of mistaken identity and the usual simulations of insanity, to get al augh. Just about passes with a critical audience like ours.
