“A case of Arson” – (Protean) – 20 min. F.S. 2 shows. On at 8:40. With all deference to Mr. De Vries as an artist, it must be admitted that William Courtleigh, when he stole De Vries’ thunder, infused into it a lot of his own precious lightning. His work was an artistic success in a way, and received respectful attention throughout and some applause. The finish was fair, with two curtain calls, but he did not make the impressive hit that was expected of him. More than that, De Vrie’s support in the persons of the magistrate and the usher were much weaker than by Courtleigh’s. The most lamentable falling-off however, is in swiftness of action as well as strong differentiation of the characters. In this regard Courtleigh seemed to have him beaten by a mile. De Vries is somewhat handicapped by his dialect. As a protean feature R.A. Roberts has it all over De Vries. As an ordinary two-a-day right-thirty act it would get by, but as a loud-trumpeted, heavily-billed topliner, De Vries is a distinct fall-down
Voc. & Com. – 17 min. in 1. Close in 2. 2 shows. On at 8:23. Mainly burlesque on Vesta Victoria. The costuming of this act is very grotesque and the travesty on Victoria’s songs are amusing, but by no means a scream, owing doubtless to the fact that Victoria was here only last week and the songs are not changed in any way from the original except in the last song where “Waiting at the Church” was sung in German. This was a hit. Good applause at the finish with curtain call. Something of a disappointment to our audience and went up the line after the first performance. At the night performance they were almost a hit in their new position on the bill.
On at 7.11, 12 min, in 1; 3 shows. She makes a pleasing stage appearance, but her voice is far from agreeable. Her imitation of Jimmie Russel and a Dutch comedian are bad. She closes with an imitation of a girl in a department store that is pretty good, but not good enough to make me wish to play the act again.
The Bathing Girl. The act caused a decided sensation. The girl is pretty and does a little bit of everything, and the dwarf and colored boy who assists her are very funny. The woman’s daring change to full dress and various wheel stunts make a terrific hit. This set will certainly help business. 15 minutes, full stage. Special Scenery.
Man and two women in a very good musical act that went well. The man’s imitation of a cello on a one stringed Violin and a new electrical bell machine, all got big hands- also the girl’s song. Very good value for the money I am paying them. 16 minutes, full stage. Four minutes close in one.
To say that this man is clever would be putting it mildly. His making up in view of the audience for Lackaye, Mansfield, Warfield and old soldier and his imitations all got big applause. Valuable act. 14 minutes in one. Three shows.
This man, who also comes from the N.Y. Hippodrome, does some of the most sensational aerial bicycle stunts ever seen in this section, and if he gets through the week without breaking his neck the theater will have something to be thankful for. 20 min. FS.
Burlesque ballads and dancing. He was received quite well, but whether it was for the reason that he is a Detroit man, or for the reason that his material pleased I am unable to judge. 16 min. in one.
Presenting the one-act comedy, entitled: “Car Two-Stateroom One.” Quite a novel act. Well represented. Free from any suggestiveness as reported in other criticisms. Secured quite a number of scattered laughs. Held the attention of the audience throughout and they sanctioned it as being thoroughly first-class. Big hit. Closed with three curtain calls. 29 min. full stage-special
Came here with new scenery, costumes and musical selections, and scored as big as formerly. This is a real cameo among musical acts, and of course went big. 17 min. FS. 5 in one.
