Two young women do a fair act which would be much better appreciated in a burlesque house than in a Keith’s vaudeville establishment. They are decidedly coarse in their manner and such applause and laughter as they got today was principally from the upper part of the house. It isn’t an act that I would want to repeat altho they get by fairly well. 18 min. in 1, 2 shows.
At times Mr. Chinko is an exceptionally good juggler, at other times he is as bad as he can be good, because of the way he drops things around on the stage. He also has an ugly disposition which shows through work. I think a good spanking would make him a much better performer. Taking the act all in all, it can only be classed as fair. 10 min, full stage, 2 shows.
The first part of Miss Ronca’s act fell decidedly, but she managed to pull up at the finish with her ‘Dixie’ and patriotic music; not because any part of her playing was good but because of the roll of her eyes and gyrations of her body. From the standpoint of a musician, Miss Ronca is exceptionally bad as a violinist. If Mr. Mascgani should hear her play his Intermezzo I think he would have her arrested, but she catches to get away all right, but I hate to hand her the money. 12 min. in 1, 3 shows. I don’t care to use her in Southbridge or Norwich.
On at 3:52, 25 min; one song in 1, one song in 1 ½, two songs in 1. Undoubtedly the chief factor in drawing a capacity house this afternoon. Was not in good voice, owing to a cold, and inclined to be huffy, owing to the fact that we again refused to allow her to sing “Man, Man, Man”; also because I have advertised this as her farewell engagement in Boston. I do not feel I am taking any chances in making the last statement, for I do not think she should ever be worth anything like her present salary to us again. However, from our advance sales we have every reason to expect one of the very biggest week of the season.
On at 3:29, 23 min, full stage; special set. This act proved the truth of the statement I made about a year ago: “A feature act for any bill”. The most intelligent horse that has ever been exhibited, put through her aces by a thorough showman. I find that Trixie pleases our most blasé patrons, as well as being a tremendous favourite with the women and children. Trixie sails for Europe next week, but I understand from Mr. Barnes that the act will be available for this country next season.
On at 2:19, 17 min, in 1. This act, as usual, scored strongly, although they have brought very little new material. Murphy is certainly one of the funniest coons in shows business, a particularly good eccentric dancer, while Frances wears good costumes and makes an acceptable foil.
On at 2.36, 18 min, full stage, special set. Second week of the ‘Monster Mysteryist.’ Duplicated his last week’s hit today. A sure-enough feature for any theatre. His illusions will cause a lot of talk. His wife, Jeanne Fransioli, who works with him, makes a most attractive stage appearance stage appearance, being pretty and graceful and wearing magnificent costumes.
On at 1.59, 20 min, full stage; special set. Playing a little sketch called ‘The Last of the Troupe.’ The sketch is simply a skeleton and amounts to very little. Coombs has a corking good baritone voice, while Miss Stone is bright, lively and pretty. Capable of holding a good place in the smaller houses; all right for number two almost anywhere.
22 young women and Caroline B. Nichols, conductor. Time 40. Dressed in white the Fadettes present an uncommonly pleasing picture as the curtain goes up. As everybody known their playing is wonderful and not about the average theatre-goer’s appreciation. Even the dramatic critics stood up and applauded “The Star Spangled Banner” which breaks all previous records for Cleveland.
(Attractive girls) Open in 4, some special props such as school room desk, etc. Time 26. Close in 1. The audience simply screamed from start to finish during this act. The fun is clear cut and genuine being a school room travesty. Leech’s eccentric dancing takes well. The girls are real singers.
