20 minutes in one. Plush drapery. Miss Cunningham touched the high-water mark of the show, as far as “class” was concerned. Sang four original songs by Jean C. Havez, all good, and registered one of the biggest applause hits of the show. Introduces considerable comedy, while her personality appeals to the audience.
19 minutes in one. Rotunda drop. High-class musical act, with piano, cello and violin. These men have the right idea for vaudeville. Open with classical selections, each doing a solo turn, and wind up with some great “rag” playing with variations. The audience was loath to let them go. In fact, a solid hit.
In a sketch by May Tully called “Mary’s Ankle.” The principal value to us in this act is the fact that Mr. Overman was one of the leading men of the Albee Stock Company, and of course, is strong for that reason. However, it is a good sketch, well played as a whole, but to take it off and make it into a three act play, as is contemplated, is sheer folly in my mind, as the thing is not sufficiently original nor has it enough body to go as a three act play. If it continues in vaudeville, they should be made to discontinue carrying the set they are now using. It is very poor looking affair and very cumbersome. Because of it they must carry an extra man, and this brings the price to the theatres up $75.00 which might be saved as easily as not. We can give them much better sets in any of our houses. 26 minutes. Full stage.
Miss Bonconi scored the biggest hit of any similar act we have ever played. She is an excellent violinist who played semi-classical music entirely, but of a kind that is enjoyed by all. I never saw an audience held so quietly since I have been in the business. She has a most charming personality also, and no one can make a mistake in playing this act and featuring it. She makes good with the musical people and pleases the others as well. 18 minutes in one.
Mr. Norcross is the famous old minstrel interlocutor and bass singer. He was put on the bill principally because of the fact that he is the oldest living Elk, and I figured correctly that he would draw some business. A very large Elk party has been arranged for him for one night this week. The act gets by, and with a little reconstruction will be thoroughly all right in an early spot. Any house that can see the value of the advertising and the draft because of the Elks et cetera would do well to play him. He works with a lady presenting a little skit introducing some songs, the lady singing a song in three voices. 22 minutes full stage.
30 min. He is doing about the same he has always done, with the exception of burlesquing the acts on the current week’s bill. He has a lot of good comedy talk and there is much of it that had to be eliminated. Got plenty of laughs and the singing in the act was up to its usual standard. The act registered a solid hit.
19 min. With Vivian and Genevieve Tobin. This playlet, which is one of the Washington Square Players series, can take its place among one of the real comedy gems of vaudeville. It is a splendidly written story around the unusual theme and the playing of two young artistes in the principal role made a firm impression upon the audience. The sketch will fit in most any vaudeville bill and make good on its merits. It was very well received.
15 min. Accompanied by Anatol Friedland. This young girl has considerable reputation as a musical comedy star. She sang several songs accompanied by Mr. Friedland at the piano and he played a medley of his own composition after her first number. She makes a very attractive appearance and has a pleasing voice. The act scored a good sized hit.
15 min. Man and woman in a singing, talking and comedy skit, “Town and Country.” Their material is a little light-waisted and handled rather slow but got some laughs and the act did fairly well, finishing with a song and dance.
9 minutes f.s. Special drapery. A crackerjack club juggling act with four men and one woman, working in pierrot costumes before a black ‘eye.’ Very fast act. Strong enough to close a show.
