With a company of 11 people, including good quartet of singers. James Whitcomb Riley’s poems “Good Bye Jim”, “That Old Sweetheart of Mine,” etc., are delivered by a bookworm, seated in a well appointed library, and they are illustrated by living pictures at the back. The act as a whole is a mighty good one, and would prove one of the most interesting and valuable of the big acts in vaudeville if Mr. Homan would expend a little money in securing an elocutionist to recite the poems. As it was the act was received here very well indeed. 24 min. FS.
On at 3.39, 12 min, full stage. Miss O’Neil appears as Lady MacBeth in the sleepwalking scene from ‘Macbeth,’ one of the greatest of her characterizations. Boston considers a great tragedienne, and she certainly plays this scene superbly. This is a return engagement for her in this house the present season. In cities where she has not already appeared, it seems to me that ‘The Jewess’ is much the stronger vehicle for her.
On at 3.08, 17 min full stage, 2 min close in1; 19 min in all. Repeated the hit they made when here last season. Miss Gillette is a very handsome woman, sings well and wears tights for the finish in so charming a way that there can be no possible exception taken. MacFarlane has a fine baritone voice and knows how to use it. About the only criticism that can be made on the act is that it is about three hundred dollars overpaid. At three hundred it would be thoroughly O.K.
On at 1.37, 13 min, in 1. Did fairly well today, although nowhere near as strong as on his first appearance last season, and it looks as though the novelty has worn off. His talk seemed a little tiresome, so we have chopped it all out but the announcements of his songs.
On 3:31, 17 min, in 1. He seems to improve every time he comes here. Presented an entirely new batch of material. His automobile monologue is full of bright points, while his parody-melody of Victor Herbert’s popular airs won him much hearty applause. He held this hard spot with great credit.
Only need repeat the previous criticism. This woman is the greatest artist in the profession today. Her reception was tremendous and she was compelled to bow for quite a while before they would allow her to sing. Every seat in the house including the box chairs were sold at both performances before the doors opened with four rows standing on both floors. The sale is tremendous all week and promises to be a record breaker. Miss Tanguay sang seven songs with a recitation on the finish. Compelled to take six bows and make three speecheswith [sic] the audience yelling from all parts of the house. Twenty minutes in one.
Assisted by Mai Sturgia Walker. Clive works in full dress while the woman makes a very neat appearance. Does a few tricks in magic with the assistance of a boy in the audience. Manages to scor [sic] some good strong laughs. Fully capable of holding a better position. Fifteen minutes in two. Can work in one.
The stage has never had a better seal act than this. The six fine specimens work like trained dogs, and the riding seal whirling a lighted torch is a decided sensation. This would be a very good headline act for most any theatre.
Three young women and three young men. Patriotic dancing act, in beautiful colonial costumes. Unquestionably one of the best vaudeville acts we have ever had. The act was a tremendous hit even exceeding that of the Four Fords. However, none of the men can be compared to Max Ford as a dancer. 13 min. with their own plush.
In “For Love’s Sweet Sake.” Same excellent support as last season. Thompson is falling rapidly having lost over 50 pounds since last in Detroit. His work has lost a great deal of its strength, but still the playlet was a great hit. Would there more like it, and more actors like the Thompson of old. 25 min. FS.
