Lillian Shaw was hurt by having Miss Ford precede her, and though a tremendous favorite in this town, did not deliver with her usual knockout. She has replaced “I Love Him” with “Palesteena.” There was no question but that Miss Shaw would do much better on her evening show.
Margaret Ford, though in the deuce spot, showed ability like a next-to-close. She is out of the ordinary as a double voice singer, as both of her contralto and soprano notes are well near perfect. She brings back a reminder of Claire Rochester in her prime.
The Nagfys, a man and a woman, with a special set, showing the interior of hades, with the man dressed as Mephisto. They do some sensational electric and fire tricks. It’s been a long time since a novelty act of this nature has played the big time, and in the showmanship style that it was presented, this act should play a long, healthy route. They have a novelty that will cause an audience to talk and will bring many repeaters of non-believers. The man is a good showman, while the female member, though only acting as an assistant, makes a very nice appearance.
Blossom Seeley and Benny Fields, assisted by Sam Miller and Gene Cass, followed, and suffered accordingly. Miss Seeley has always had a certain niche in the hearts of the vaudeville goers as a syncopated songstress. She was an excellent coon shouter, but why try to get away from this? She has built herself a production and she has Benny Fields, but Blossom of old, isn’t. And if it were not for Fields working up her numbers and his own specialty, it would be no act at all.
Santos and Hayes Revue appeared next, and when they walked out there was no doubt who drew the crowds in. They were one howl after another, followed by “ohs” and “ahs” of astonishment at the drapings [sic] and costuming. With a few more dollars spent and the act lengthened out it could be Broadway production.
[Fradkin and Miss Jean Tell] were followed by Babcock and Dolly, which looked like an old time ollo act. The man tries hard for comedy with some risky neck falls that throws the dust in the audience’s face, while Dolly tries hard but vainly to burlesque a French soubrette. She does make two changes with gowns that brought a gasp.
Stanley and Birnes, introducing themselves with a neat, up-to-date song with a patter for a chorus, danced their way into a well sized hit, and should have fourth position, and Babcock and Dolly, who held this spot, moved up or even off, which would have helped considerable.
John P. Medbury, local author, registered another hit through his latest play, “Hitched Up,” this week’s offering by Will King Co. King is a wealthy bachelor, Ikey Leachinskey, a victim of amnesia, and while under on of these spells is married, but when again himself cannot recall his wife. Lew Dunbar as Mike, his friend, finally discovers Ikey’s wife, who proves to be a widow with about ten children, all piling into Papa Ike’s room as the curtain drops. Reece Gardner as E. Pluribus Unum does a dope fiend who is anxious to sell his flea farm and uses real dollars as his business cards.
Robb and Whitman, a mixed team in “one,” were the comedy hit. Dressed as school kids they brought laughs throughout. The girl is attractive and cute and has a pleasing voice, while the male member knocked out a hit with original schoolboy stuff.
Although billed to appear, Harry Bolaski, so-called “master mind” in the local liquor scandal, who was found guilty of violating the prohibition laws, cancelled temporarily on account of the court’s finding.
