A musical comedy sketch, 33 minutes, special set. About 17 minutes. This act is well costumed, the music is fair and the comedy is passable. However, the act has not the punch of Kathryn Osterman’s vehicle and was not received as well. A musical director, in the form of a young woman attired as a nurse, is carried. She seems unable to keep time with baton and our orchestra was forced to direct its attention to our own director. The two principals, Clark & Bergman are a very clever team, due in part to the fact that everyone else in the sketch is held down pretty closely to ‘hurrah’s’ and they are continuously thrown in the limelight. Bergman devoted the time after the show to telling us what a splendid actor he was, and what must and what must not be done to keep him from walking off the stage. He demanded to see all contracts pertaining to the act, and was, of course disappointed. He then announced his intention of quitting, as he assured us that he and not “The Trained Nurse” was the drawing card. Our advertising has not changed. (Indianapolis)
Sketch “The Regular.” 25 minutes, open in one, close in interior full stage. A very well written and well acted piece in which Nugent is again seen as the sporty gentleman who longs for the domestic fireside. There’s plenty of comedy in the sketch and it went over big. (Toledo)
A dancing novelty. A sextette, three men and three girls, working 12 minutes in four. As a dancing act this is a good number, but as a singing act it will not go. Aside from this the act is novel, well put together and the audience seemed to appreciate their work. (Chicago)
The “Court Violinist to the King of Spain.” An accomplished violinist who omits all didos, but who plays the violin in a masterful manner. He renders very difficult numbers with the greatest ease. He acquired the attention at the very beginning of his act and held it to the finish, strictly on his merit. Finished strong, taking several bows. Olio in 1, 13 min. (Toledo)
Man and woman, offering “A New Idea.” Woman appeared at opening and makes announcement of absence of partner, also that she will demonstrate hypnotism. Call for subjects, two of which are “plants,” the other, the male member of team. The act evolves into a very clever “imitation” offering, consisting of work, a la Harry Gilfoil. Held attention throughout, gaining liberal laughter and scoring a strong finish. Olio in 1, 16 min. (Toledo)
Man and woman in “The Act from Toyland.” Soap bubbles, boomerang throwing, diablo, work. Excellent novelty act. Made very favorable impression all the way through. Good finish. Garden in 5, 11 minutes. (Scranton, Pa.)
22 min in one. Advance applause. Mr. McCay has certainly got the goods in this new act of his. It is really the most novel and interesting cartoon acts that we have ever played and is brilliantly original. Held the interest of the audience from start to finish and the close was immense.
In “And They Lived Happy Ever After.” 12 min F.S. This is a novel act in which a melodramatic novel is supposed to be read by the author and acted in burlesque pantomime by the rest of the cast. Full of surprises and a good many laughs. Closed well after the mock dramatic finish.
Man and woman – bicycle act. 9 min F.S. Nearly all the work is done on an old-fashioned high wheel bicycle and unicycle tricks on a wagon wheel, concluding with the man riding down a flight of stops on a single wheel with the woman on his shoulders. Only a fair act. With the exception of Joe Jackson and the Chas. Ahoarn Troupe, the people here are tired of bicycle acts and start to leave the house as soon as the curtain goes up on a bicycle. Open next week – then Cleveland.
Man and woman – singing and dancing; both black face. 11 min in one, won drop. This team was substituted for Kene & Green. The man does some good dancing. Nothing especially noteworthy, but went good. Open to Jan. 6th – then New York .
