I was obliged to move Mr. Lee or Mr. Foo, whichever it is, up to this spot because he “fell down” in the afternoon show. Played the first time, because of the novelty, this act makes good. It is not good for a repeat, at least in Providence. 13 Min. in 1, 2 shows.
Mr. Bruno was available, at small money, and I needed a little more time and put him in. Regardless of this, Mr. Bruno made a hit. To my mind he is one of the best, if not the very best, dialectitian on the vaudeville stage. Some of his stories were old, some were new, which applies to most monologuists. In the early 2-a-day spot he gets away all right and could be depended upon, I think, up to nine o’clock. Should advice securing him while he may be had cheap. 12 Min. in 1, 2 shows.
On at 4.27, 7 min, full stage. One of the finds of the season in the acrobatic line. Two men and a pretty girl in a sensational display of dental stunts. One of the men hangs by his knees from a trapeze, and all of the stunts are done on pieces of apparatus held in his teeth. His companions do a lot of their work while holding on by their teeth. Their stuff is so novel, and they went so well this afternoon, that we have considered it wise to give them a spot in the heart of the bill in the re-arrangement made for the balance of the week. At $175 this act is a positive bargain.
On at 4.07, 20 min, in 1. Wills fell far short of achieving the big hit that he has been accustomed to make in this house heretofore. This may have been due partly to the fact that he was in bad voice and also to as cold a bunch of Bostonians as I have seen gathered together in many days, the worst “show-us” bunch that we have had on a Monday afternoon this season.
On at 3.42, 25 min, full stage. Presenting “Skinny’s Finish”, for the first time in three years at this house. Did not come up to our expectations this afternoon, for we hoped that it had been so long since they had played the original sketch here that it would seem like a new offering, but it fell rather flat, so much that we felt obliged to move it up several numbers on the bill tonight. Miss Williams is undeniably clever, but she needed a new vehicle in which she can be made the whole thing, for Tucker is by no means entitled to the same prominence that she is. It would help this sketch if his song and imitations were omitted.
(3-minute wait, occasioned to complete their set.) On at 2.58, 17 min, full stage. A very good novelty gymnastic act which could be improved by cutting out some of the extraneous matter. It seems to me that they now try to do too much. Bobby Pandour’s posing at the finish is quite effective, as he has a superb physique. He told me that the act would run much quicker tonight and would blend better, so we are awaiting this evening’s show before doing any pruning.
On at 2.04, 9 min, full stage; special set. While he is an artist, and one of the best female impersonators we have ever played, still I do not think that it would be wise to play him again for two or three seasons. The novelty of his act has worn off; and the surprise at the finish is anticipated by nine-tenths of the audience. However, in cities where he has never been seen, he could be made a headliner and would make good.
On at 1.42, 11 min, full stage, 3 shows. One of the best 3-show sets we play. Can hold a good spot, number three or four, in any of the smaller houses. His impersonations are very well done. He has added some new ones since here last, notably Denman Thompson as “Josh Whitcomb”.
Big advance applause, but not as strong as Cissie’s reception. Gave impersonations of Eddie Foy, Anna Held, George M. Cohan, “Merry Widow”, Eva Tanguay, Harry Lauder, and Adeline Genee, each of which is very well done and applauded by the jury. While she is a rough karat alongside of Loftus, she certainly held her own and went as strong as before. Twenty-three Minutes Full Stage.
The pantomime part of this act, “Hoopland”, died the awful death. The juggling which is fairly well done, saved them. Entirely too much money. Nine Minutes Full Stage.
