On at 3.55, 18 min, full stage. Playing George Ade’s comediette, ‘The Mayor and the Manicure.’ It is written in Ade’s best vein and is full of clever lines. Mr. Jepson has a part that is one of the best pieces of character work I have ever seen done in vaudeville. His supporting company is thoroughly competent. If things were so that we were hustling for acts, we would fall over each other trying to book this one. It made thoroughly good today and is bound to be talked about.
On at 2.20, 23 min, full stage. Playing their well known sketch, ‘Suppressing the Press,’ one of the best in vaudeville. Every time I see it I regret that two extremely clever people could not have it, for, while Mr. and Mrs. Hughes get away with it, still they do not make all the subtle points count, as would thorough artists. But after all is said and done, they must receive credit for making a hit today, as well as on previous visits.
On at 1.57, 18 min full stage, 5 min close in 1; 23 min in all. Montgomery is an extremely good pianologist and dancer, while Miss Moore is bright and attractive, wears good clothes, sings quite well and is a fine dancer. Together they make a capital pair of entertainers. They made a substantial hit on their first appearance in this house this afternoon. I think it might improve the act to trim out some of the extraneous matter and bring the time down to about 18 min. However, the audience liked them every minute they were on this afternoon, and they closed strongly.
Man and woman hand balancing, the woman doing the understanding. She is really marvel, the ease with which she balances a man who weighs at least 160lbs. is most remarkable. She is a magnificent specimen of womanhood and will, no doubt, attract the men in marge number. 8 min. full stage, 2 shows.
I have never heard more spontaneous or greater applause given any act than was given this on the finale. It is an act that is bound to draw money. Already it is the talk of the town. In spite of this I want to say that the act could be materially improved by much less talk (that amounts to little) and much more singing which amounts to a great deal, because they have the voices to do it. I can’t understand why they continue the act in its present shape when it could easily improved so greatly. However it will draw the money and there is no lick coming. 32 min. full stage, 2 shows.
Two men and a woman, in a little sketch in which they make up as children. It is a very good little act from a 3-a-day standpoint and made good in this position thoroughly. 20 min. using their own scenery opening in 2, closing 1, 3 shows.
On at 4.30. This is our special for the children, taking the place of the Christmas trees that we had in the lobbies in former years. It starts with about 7 min. of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ film, showing that picture up to the time Santa goes down the chimney. Then the curtain goes up on a special set, with Santa in the act of coming in the fireplace. The scene is an interior, with a flight of stairs of the right, and a beautifully decorated tree on the left. As Santa makes his entrance the door at the head of the stairs opens and two little kids in pajamas come down the stairs, followed by the rest of the family. They group themselves about the stage, and then ‘Little Hip’ makes his entrance, to act as assistant to Santa Claus. During the showing of the picture all children in the audience under the age of 12 who desire presents are formed in line, and when everything is in readiness they are marched down the aisle and onto the stage, where their presents are delivered to them. A prettier sight than the little folks cannot be imagined. This feature is said to excel anything we have ever had at Christmas time.
On at 2.07, 13 min, full stage. This act did very well for us today, better than I expected from reports I had read. While it is not a great act, still it is out of the ordinary and it thoroughly entertaining. The showy military uniforms make a very pleasing innovation. If their singing was a little better they would rank very much higher.
On at 1:50, 5 min full stage, 12 min close in 1; 17 min in all; 3 shows. This is one of the handiest acts I know of, for, if necessary, it can work entirely in 1. ‘Don’ is a remarkably pretty pony and is worked capitally by his trainer. At the price, $125, this act should never have an idle moment, for it will draw enough children in any town it plays to pay its salary twice over.
3 men, 1 woman, 1 male assistant. F.S. Palace. Time 15. A great wire act with many exclusive features. The Holloways ride bicycles, turn hand springs and cake walk on the wire. They have many other skillful tricks which are highly appreciated by the audience. A very strong act.
